A/N: I took my SATs today (my second and last shot --), hopefully my days will be less busy and I can update more often! Please read and review.
Stephanie Meyer owns all the characters, setting, etc.
Chapter Six: Friends
If someone had told me I'd be sharing a cumbersome shopping cart while browsing through the miscellany aisles of Fork's Market with Edward Cullen, I never would have believed it. The temperature was already cold being near the shelves stocked with yogurt, milk, cheese, and other perishable items. The fact that Edward's body was as frigid as a glacier did not mitigate the shivers coursing through my system.
For awhile we walked on in silence as we received stare after stare from fellow customers: Old ladies in hairnets, a little boy sucking a lollipop, a chatty group of pre-teen girls (of course, I already knew why they were staring), and even a guy from art class who pretended he didn't see us.
I cleared my throat.
"So," I tried my hardest to sound casual, "what were you doing here before anyway?"
"Errands," he replied back.
So he was going to play the one-word answer game; I needed to strategize.
"Look, you really don't need to watch me if you have other plans. I'm sure I can manage."
"Bella, don't be so melodramatic. I can't just leave you alone. What if you bumped your head during the accident and fell into a coma? Who exactly would be there to save you?"
"Edward, when I say I'm fine, I'm fine."
"That has yet to be proven," he said with a smile.
His smugness heated me up so bad.
"Um, I think I need these," I said when we reached the designated area for eggs and dairy items. I had the choice between standard, omega-3, vegetarian, and even vitamin-enhanced eggs. My hands were full as I peaked into each Styrofoam carton to make certain that none of the eggs were cracked. In doing so, my grasp faltered causing a light pink carton to drop from my arms.
I winced at the curse of being so clumsy and how I'd have to consequently pay for the damaged goods. Surprise met me when silence was all I heard, however, Edward soon began to laugh.
"Bella, we're not even in the kitchen yet and you're already trying to make omelets," he said. He had caught the carton before it reached the ground.
"Who are you, Edward Cullen?" I peered up at him through wrinkled eyes.
"Don't you mean what am I?" he said sternly as he put the carton of eggs back on the shelf.
"I… I don't understand what you mean," I said, and we walked again side by side, "Can't you tell me?"
"No, I've already told you I can't. It's more advisable you didn't know."
"Then why are you in this grocery store talking with me?"
At this, he paused. It appeared he didn't have an automated answer to this one.
"Well… you intrigue me."
I felt myself blush at this. No one has ever told me that I intrigued them.
"Please, Edward? I promise not to tell anyone you're little secret. I'm sure it's not all that bad," I said and he mulled over what I had offered him.
"And in turn, you will tell me yours?"
"Absolutely not," I said, quickly turning away from him.
"You can't just have it one way," he said, catching up to me although it was as if he never left, "it wouldn't be fair."
"How do you know I even have a secret?"
"Everyone has secrets, Bella," he said to me calmly and stared into my eyes, "but I can't figure out yours."
"It's not that kind of secret," I told him, trying not to let my voice crack, "it's not like I have an embarrassing affinity for a pop band or I robbed a bank. I can't even think about it without-"
"Yes, Bella?"
"It hurts me to think about it, Edward. It hurts me more than a thousand car crashes."
He nodded at me sensing the serious turn my mood took.
"I suppose it would be impolite of me to even take a guess, but can I ask you one thing? I promise I won't ask any more than you are willing to," he comprised.
"Um, I guess that's alright," I agreed.
"This secret of yours… do you think you will ever trust me enough to share it with me?"
"When I can get passed it myself, Edward, I will."
He smiled sadly; nodding as he put his hands in his pockets. My heart sank deep inside me. Edward wanted me to trust him. Having already rescued me from death, I knew I could already count on him to save my life, but I had to learn to trust myself first.
I needed tomato sauce, and we took a left into an aisle full of canned goods. Our conversation took on a lighter tone. We talked about Mr. Marx, how severe a punishment Mike Newton would receive for drinking and driving, and which brand of sauce out of the rows and rows the store offered would make a tastier meal.
"This one," Edward pointed within seconds to a medium-sized can of blood-red sauce.
"Are you sure? Do you cook?" I inquired warily.
"Not exactly," he said, "but the way it smells would go excellently with the rest of the ingredients in your cart."
"How can you tell?" I asked, wide-eyed.
"Keen senses," he shrugged off my astonishment, "it's inherited."
"Really, Edward, you aren't human," I said in jocularity.
"You wouldn't be too off with that assumption," he said with an austerity.
I laughed at what he said, but he stood there as unflinching as a mountain of steel and iron.
"You're joking, right?"
"Bella let me help you with that cart. It's getting heavy now," he said and pulled the brimming shopping cart away from me in one swift motion.
"No, Edward. I can handle it," I said, although I wasn't sure to which my statement was referring to. He sped ahead of me into the open space lined with baskets and stocking shelves teeming with fruits and vegetables. I strolled on behind him, trying to keep up.
"So if you aren't hu-"
Suddenly, Edward and I were face-to-face.
"Quiet, Bella," he said grinding his perfect teeth, "not in a public arena. We are trying to keep our secrets secret, are we not?"
His striking, angular face was so close to mine, I was sure he could hear me breathe. I glanced around and several customers were peeping over their shoulders to stare at the handsome, bronze-haired Greek statue and me, who fell entirely flat in physicality.
"Right," I said. I looked down, embarrassed by my tactlessness. I pulled out a crumbled piece of paper from my jacket pocket. It was the recipe.
"Garlic, onions, potatoes, celery, and carrots," I announced, "how about I take half and you-"
Without a moments delay, Edward disappeared from sight. I walked towards a small row of garlic tearing a plastic bag away from a roll on top of a post.
"No need, Bella," his icy voice crept up behind me. The coolness of his words gracing my bare neck, "I think we're ready to go."
I turned my back to face him. Everything we needed was in the cart, perfectly sealed inside plastic bags. I stood there with my mouth agape. Edward winked and smiled a crooked grin at me.
We waited on line for several minutes. I tapped my foot impatiently. I checked my watch it was 6:10. I hoped Charlie would take his time getting home from work. A mother and her child were in front of us. As the woman helped the cashier bag her items, the little boy perched in the small seat of the shopping cart peered curiously up at Edward and I. He was eating a bag of Count Chocula cereal from the box. I heard a low snicker come from Edward.
"Funny how humans objectify such a ruthless creature to something so mundane and insignificant for a cereal box gimmick," he said, a hint of morbidity in his laugh. It took me a moment to realize he was referring to the little boy's crunchy snack.
"Oh," I said, "so you're into vampires? Finally, I learn something about you other than the fact that you're the fastest person I've ever met."
"I wouldn't say I'm into them," he noted, "It's much more than that."
The way a smile crept almost wickedly yet seductively across his angelic face made me blush a deep red. I hadn't felt such a strong attraction to someone for the longest time. That part of me had become numb, and with Edward by my side it quickly began to awaken.
"I'm sorry, Bella. Did I say something wrong?" his countenance was sweet now.
"No, Edward." you're just too hot for me to handle, I thought and I pushed the arousal in the pit of my being out of mind.
Edward would not allow me to drive my truck home. He made me surrender my keys to him, I obliged when I realized I wasn't even able to walk properly out the store. He promised me he would deliver the Chevy to my house that very same night. Instead, he led me across the parking lot to the unmistakable shine of his silver Volvo.
He opened the car door for me just as he did before. He held my hand as I slid into the smooth leather seats, my heart pulsing with excitement that we'd be alone again. Once we were both in the car, Edward flipped on his radio. A classical piano piece filled the car's interior. The notes played smooth as glass and automatically made me feel drowsy.
"That's beautiful," I said as I closed my eyes; the flutter of my heart settling.
"It is," he said, but when I opened my eyes he was staring straight at me.
We drove on into the evening. The sky had gone several shades darker than it was before, but a small twinkle of light still cast the sky.
"Bella," he said my name like a song, "if we become friends, I want you to be aware what you may be getting yourself into."
"Of course I want that, Edward," I said with all honesty, "but what could possibly be so bad that we can't be friends?"
"My secret, Bella, remember that," he said with hesitation in every measure.
"I trust you, Edward," I said, "if I didn't would I be here letting you drive me home right now?"
He chuckled.
"You trust me already? Do you truly mean that?" he said.
"Yes. You don't have to tell me a thing until your ready. Our secrets, well, that's what we both have in common. We can sort of be like friends that help keep each other's secrets secret?"
"I'm dangerous, Bella," his tone became darker, "I'm capable of things you can't even-"
"I know, Edward," I assured him, "I figured as much. But you're a good person, too."
"Thank you"
"You're welcome, and I forgot to thank you for saving me today."
He nodded, and I admired his strong profile from where I sat.
When we arrived at Charlie's house, no later than ten minutes time, I was glad to see that the cruiser wasn't in the drive way. Edward helped me carry the groceries into the house, although he insisted that he could carry all the bags himself.
As we entered through the front door, again, I watched for his reaction. Edward's expression didn't change a wink as he walked into the Swan residence in his unfailingly suave gait. He set the items on the kitchen counter and even offered to help me put them away.
"Let's see," I heaved a sigh as I took out the crumpled recipe and placed it on the counter where Edward stood, "where to begin…"
"Why don't I take over?" Edward laughed lowly.
"I thought you didn't cook," I said annoyed that he was being smug again.
"I don't, but I'm sure I can manage," he said and took out the vegetables from their bags.
"Let me help at least," I offered, and before I knew it he was already washing and pealing the potatoes.
Our conversation, once again, turned into a light, happy tone. It was in these moments that I forgot how unbearable existing was in the last few weeks and months. When I was with Edward nothing else mattered. I was almost certain he didn't feel even remotely the same as I did about him, but I tried to keep my mind in terms of friendship. He looked like he might be enjoying my company as well. There were moments when his entire face would change from the serious, troubled man into a young, carefree boy. Most importantly, I felt completely safe and at ease when Edward was near me.
In half an hour the kitchen was filled with the most appetizing smell. The piquant blend of the vegetables and sauce created such a delectable aroma. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until my stomach began to lurch.
"Charlie will be home soon," I said.
"Is it time for me to leave?"
"Of course not," I said not wanting this night to ever come to an end, "won't you stay for dinner?"
"I really shouldn't," he said and my face fell.
"Will I see you at school tomorrow?" I asked trying not to sound as thirsty for his company as I felt.
"I promise, Bella," he smiled, his tall frame towering over me, "It would be my deepest honor if you, Bella Swan, would have lunch with me in the school cafeteria tomorrow?"
"Most certainly, Edward Cullen," I said feigning a posh accent and holding my hand out to him. He took my hand in jest, bowed, and kissed it.
"Tomorrow, then," he said as a sly smile played across his face. His features looked magnificent when they were accented with that unforgettable grin.
Charlie gobbled down the spaghetti as soon as I set a plate of it on the table.
"Wow, Bells," he said, his mouth half full, "this is delicious! Where'd you get the recipe?"
"Actually, Renee was the one who sent it to me."
"Hm, I thought it tasted familiar. Anyway, this is great, Bells! You need to cook more often around here!"
We finished the rest of the spaghetti by the end of dinner. I conveniently forgot to tell him about today's close call.
"Hey, Dad," I said, "do you think I can invite Edward Cullen to my party?"
He paused, leaving the fork, mid-way to his mouth, hanging.
"Edward Cullen?"
"You know… the guy who saved me."
"Yeah, yeah, I know Bells," he said his face distorting slightly, "it's just, that kid and his family are a bit strange, ya know? I mean, his dad's a great guy and all, but the rest of them…I don't know if you should be getting involved with him."
"But dad," I said annoyed that he thought so negatively about Edward, "he saved me that day, and he even helped me make this dinner-"
"He did what?" Charlie said putting down his fork, "Bella, were you two alone together in our house?"
"Dad, we're just friends. I'm finally making friends and meeting people that I like. Besides, you can trust him."
Charlie snorted and shook his head.
"You know what," he said, "do what you want. I'll let you find out for yourself how strange those Cullens are."
"Thanks, Dad," I said hopping out of my seat to hug him; A rush of energy surging through me.
"Alright, alright," Charlie groaned, and he pulled me away to look at me, "it's really nice seeing you this happy, Bells. It's been awhile."
That night I couldn't sleep, but it was only because I was too busy replaying my evening, my happy reality, over and over again in my mind.
A/N: So, be honest, how's my story playing out so far? Exciting? Boring? What would you like to see happen? (can't promise anything, but I'm interested in what you have to say) I know if you've already read Twilight the 'suspense factor' isn't as thrilling considering you know the deal already, but its sort of fun to try and re-create it. I know only a small audience reviews this, and I'm not exactly sure if people take the time to read my semi-long chapters, but I'm thankful for the several encouraging comments I've received so far. It's kind of hard to continue if people aren't reading, but I'll keep this going as long as its fun :D