Everyone's staring at me.
"Ouch." I mumbled as I accidentally bumped into a garbage can. I turned around one last time and met Edward's eyes as he backed away going the opposite direction. A corner of his mouth turned up in a half smile. From this distance, I couldn't be positive, but just before he turned around I could have sworn he had winked at me.
"Ouch!" I mumbled a second time, rubbing the spot on my arm I had just repeat offended by pinching.
This was impossible. Edward Cullen had sat at my table… on purpose? No. I must have hallucinated. There was no way…
But I knew, even as I tried so desperately to convince myself otherwise, that it was reality. I could feel the hundreds of curious and confused eyes scrutinizing me as I made my way toward my locker. All of them most likely thinking the same thing that I was; What's so special about her?
Nothing was special about me. There was nothing about me that could possibly be attractive to Edward Cullen. So, what was it, then? Was he getting volunteer hours for hanging out with me? Was I considered a charity case? Did he feel sorry for me? A dare? A bet?
No one was even attempting to hide their stares, either. Completely shameless, these people. I met several of their eyes as I stumbled through the hallways, and they didn't even make a show of looking away. They just kept on staring at me.
I made my way as quickly as I could to my locker. I was so flustered that it took me three tries to finally get the correct combination in and open it up, and even then, I made it half way down the hall before I realized I had grabbed the wrong books and had to start all over again. Despite my delays, I was still one of the first ones to make it into the classroom. Mr. Banner nodded and smiled at me as I entered and took my seat. Mr. Banner was one of my favorite teachers. He rarely called on me because he knew that even though I was almost sure to know the answer, I just didn't feel comfortable in the spotlight. I appreciated that.
Today, though, the spotlight was on me. People whispered as they walked in and took their seats, no doubt trying to decipher what on earth could have possessed Edward Cullen to sit with me of all people. I hid my blush behind my biology book, reading the weekend's assigned pages over for the third time just to distract myself. No matter how hard I tried, though, I couldn't drown out the steady hush of whispers. I finally gave up on trying to read and looked up at the clock to figure out how much more time I would have to spend in this prison when the click of heels signaled Tanya's entrance. The whispers died down immediately and my eyes fell on her. She was standing, poised, in the doorway. Her eyes were squinted into a glare and her glare was aimed directly at me. I felt my heart sputter as she began walking, not toward her seat, but towards mine.
She stopped right in front of my desk. I felt the heat rush to my face and I desperately hoped that my heart wasn't beating loud enough for her to hear.
"What game are you playing?" she growled.
I felt my mouth move, but I said nothing.
"Listen," she bent down and scowled at me, her heavily manicured eyebrows drawing together. "I don't know what universe you are living in, but here in normal land, Edward Cullen is mine. Stay the hell away from him. Got it?"
I gulped. I didn't respond. I tried not to look too scared, but judging from the pleased smirk on her face, I was failing. If I was just a little bit braver I would have told her off, but any kind of two-sided confrontation with Tanya was sure to glean me even more attention.
"Watch your back," she snarled, throwing me one last warning glare before flipping her hair and walking to her seat.
My fingers were white as I gripped the table. I steadied my breathing and watched as the many wide eyes that had been watching Tanya turned back to the person sitting next to them and the hushed whispers picked back up.
"Alright, alright," Mr. Banner took control of the class, his eyes darting between Tanya and I suspiciously. He had obviously noted the single sided confrontation. "Settle down. You need to flip to the lab procedures on page 452 and collect the tools you will need to perform the lab work. Once you are set up, come see me for your frog."
Shit, frog dissection.
If I wasn't feeling sick before, I certainly was now. I let my eyes flutter closed and tried to take a deep breath as I heard numerous chairs scraping against the tile floors as my classmates complied to Mr. Banner's instructions.
"Bella?"
My eyes flew open as I heard my name.
"Are you alright? You look sick." Mr. Banner was standing in front of my desk looking highly concerned, his brow pulled together in a taut line.
I would have opened my mouth to answer, but I was afraid I would vomit if I did so. I tried to make myself nod, but all that happened was a discreet shrug.
"Why don't you go down to the nurse's office. You can make up this lab on Friday after school."
I was about to argue and say that I would rather just get it over with now when I realized that having to make up a lab would give me a valid excuse to skip coffee with Edward. Tanya had made it quite clear that having anything more to do with him would not be in my best interest. Plus, if I were to attempt this lab in the middle of a crowded classroom, and my nausea got the better of me…. Well, hadn't I already been embarrassed enough today? Yes, Friday would work.
I nodded my head and collected my books, darting out of the classroom as quickly as I could.
It was much nicer to walk through the hallways without people staring at me like I was the new student again. I stared at my feet as I shuffled into the administrative office. I looked up to locate the door to the nurse's office. I had never been in there before.
"Bella?"
Damn it. Why were people talking to me today?
I recognized the voice moments after I heard it. My heart clenched as I looked up to meet Edward's eyes.
"What are you doing here?" he frowned in concern. I was about to ask the same thing when I realized that he must have been there to sign out for the day. Alice was right beside him, grinning at me.
"I… um…" I stammered. "Nurse." I pointed toward the nurse's door silently cursing myself for my monosyllabic cave-man speech.
Edward cocked his head slightly to the left quizzically, "Don't you feel well?"
"I… no. I'm sick." I replied, stumbling over my words again.
I forced a smile that probably came off as a grimace or a sign of mild constipation as I turned to enter the nurse's room, hearing him issue a quick "Feel better," from behind me.
It was just my luck. I found more embarrassment in my quest to avoid embarrassment. Typical Bella Swan.
I was too mentally exhausted to be embarrassed by telling the nurse why I was sick. She ordered me to lay down on the bench and she placed a cold cloth over my forehead.
"Do you think you will be up for your 6th hour class?" the kindly nurse asked.
I checked the clock. Forty minutes until this period would be over with. I'm sure nothing nausea provoking would be awaiting me in Advanced English 12. That was my favorite class of the day.
"Yes. I should be fine," I nodded.
She smiled at me and carried on filing papers and stamping some folders that cluttered her desk.
I closed my eyes and tried to relax. I desperately tried to think about something, anything other than Edward Cullen. My endeavor was entirely counterproductive, though, because as all things in life - when trying to avoid it, it only multiplied.
I knew that I shouldn't think about him, though. As ashamed as I was to admit it, even to myself, Tanya scared the shit out of me. She was a figure of power in hundred-dollar heels at this school. If she wanted to inflict embarrassment upon you, she could do it easily.
"If you're not there in Bio, Mr. Banner might make me partner with that loser who sits in the back. Do you know what that would do to my image? You're so lucky Mr. Banner let you switch lab partners this year, imagine if you had to be partnered with her."
I cringed as I overheard Tanya. It wasn't often that she referred to me in any way. She rarely looked past her designer shoes and nail beds enough to even notice me. She could make fun of me all she wanted, as long as it was from a distance. I doubted she even knew my name, but still… the comment hurt. I ignored her as best as I could and tuned their table out.
I pushed around a cherry tomato in my salad for several minutes, absently considering what I would make for supper that night until a raised voice caught my attention.
"Why do you insist on being such a bitch?" Edwards voice had a suddenly violent tone to it.
"Excuse me?" I heard Tanya retort coldly.
"Is there a specific reason why you insist on acting like a complete snob all the time, apart from the fact that you are one?"
"What the fuck is your problem?" she hissed.
"You are my problem," Edward growled viciously.
"Well then why don't you leave if you have such a problem with me?" she mocked. "Of course, where the hell would you go?"
"Is that a challenge?" I started to cringe as I listened to the defensive tone his voice took.
"Anything is a challenge for you." she jested. I was uncertain what point she was trying to make with that statement. Edward was far from 'challenged'.
The table fell silent, then. I wasn't intrigued by the silence until it had spread to the rest of the cafeteria. Slowly, I brought my gaze upward. Everyone was staring. I followed their gaze and felt my heart clench in my chest. Edward Cullen was walking toward me…
I felt the heat spring into my cheeks, likely turning them a vivid shade of red.
No, I must have been dreaming. Grudgingly, I rolled up the sleeve of my shirt and pinched myself, hard.
"Ouch." I mumbled, internally cursing as my dream theory was shattered. Realizing that I was in fact in reality, I felt suddenly ill.
Please don't let me throw up on Edward Cullen, please, please, please…
"Are you sure you're feeling alright honey?" The nurse abruptly drew me out of my reverie. "You still look a little pale."
Even thinking about it had made me sick with nerves again. How weak.
"No, I'm fine," I promised her.
"Okay, but if you are still feeling sick by in thirty minutes, I'm sending you straight home," she warned. I nodded my head once and closed my eyes again, seeking some kind of peace.
As soon as I closed my eyes, though, Edward's face swam before me. An imperfect recollection of perfection embodied in a single teenage boy. It was pathetic, really. I had never paid enough attention to consider him attractive before. Sure, I knew that every other girl in that school would die to go out with him, and those who had were legends, but I had never been that way. Maybe it was because I knew that it was useless to want something you could never have.
That was still true now, wasn't it? I could never have Edward Cullen. He couldn't possibly like me. I wouldn't believe that until he said it himself… and if that were ever to happen, I'm sure I would still harbor some pretty intense doubts.
I was too inexperienced to be able to identify what another, more typical teenage girl would consider as signs. I would continue to believe that this coffee -not date, I didn't want to even think the word date, that word implied other feelings and allowing myself to even consider such blasphemous things- would result in almost certain disappointment.
There was no possible way that Edward could like me. I was a freak.
"Because," his voice was like melted butter. I felt my mind wrap around the dulcet tones of his speech as he met my eyes with an intimidating sincerity. "I don't think you're a freak."
I felt the thousands of butterflies in my stomach heave a great sigh and I felt my shoulders drop a little as I bit my lip, contemplating how I could possibly respond to that. Before I could, though, the bell rang. I grabbed my tray instinctually and stood from the table.
"Listen," he said quickly. "I'm going on a camping trip right now. I'll be back on Friday. Are you free after school then?"
"Oh, umm…" Damn it. I was free. "Yeah… I'm-"
"Great! Coffee, then?"
"Oh, sure…" I choked out, incredulous. He was still serious about the coffee thing?
"Excellent, I'll see you Friday!" he grinned, dazzling me momentarily with his perfect smile.
"Yeah… er, bye," I stammered, still thoroughly confused as I headed toward the garbage can, trying really hard not to trip as I glanced back over my shoulder at his receding form.
"Isabella?"
I opened my eyes and squinted at the bright light.
"It's almost time for your next class," the nurse informed me, gently helping me to sit up on the bench. "How do you feel?"
"I'm fine, thanks." I stood and handed her the ice pack and washcloth, giving her a weak smile before stepping forward toward the door. Thankfully, my knees didn't give out on me and I made a convincing enough show of sturdiness so that she let me pass by her and out into the administration office without complaint. Mrs. Goff smiled at me as I walked by. I stole a glance at the clock and found that I had one minute before the bell would ring. The faster I could get to my locker now, the more stares I would avoid.
Hurriedly, I made it to my locker and managed to select the correct books and slam it shut just as the bell rang, issuing forth a surge of students that filled up the hallway like a dam. I slipped into my English class unnoticed and took my seat in the back of the room. Normally I liked my last two classes of the day… but I found myself far too distracted to pay much attention today, and instead awaited the final ticks of the clock and the last bell that would release the students.
EPOV
Her hair smelled like strawberries. I knew because among the heavy scent of coffee in the café, the slight breeze from the momentarily open door had blown her hair in just the right way for the fruit smell to break through the cloud of mochas and cappuccinos.
"I guess so," she said softly, catching her lower lip between her perfect white teeth.
What had I asked her again? I was distracted by her hair and had forgotten. Oh, right, I had asked her if she was excited to graduate.
"What are you going to study?" I continued.
"Oh… um, I'm not sure," she frowned.
I hadn't really heard what she said, though. I was too distracted by her full, perfect lips. Suddenly, an urge overwhelmed me. Before I knew what I was doing, I had leaned across the table and pressed my own lips over hers. She froze for a moment, but eventually, her tense shoulders relaxed and I felt her slide a hand up the back of my neck and tangle it in my hair…
…and then…
She slapped me.
"Ow!" I sat up quickly, my sleeping bag shrugging off of my shoulders. It only took me a second to realize that I had been dreaming. It was dark, but I still felt myself blush. I was dreaming of Bella Swan? No… worse, I was dreaming of kissing Bella Swan.
But I obviously wasn't dreaming anymore. I had been abruptly awoken by…
"Are you finished?" Alice's voice hissed from the darkness beside me.
I let my eyes adjust for a moment before whispering back, "Huh?"
"Any louder and you would have had all sorts of wildlife coming around looking for the source of the wounded animal noises." I could almost hear her roll her eyes as she said it.
"What?"
"Actually, I don't think they were animal noises… they might have been moans. It was hard to tell. Though, now that I think about it, they probably were moans because I'm pretty sure I heard you say Bella a couple of times."
"What!?" I repeated, much more urgently this time.
"Oh my God…" she groaned, realization hitting her. "You were having a wet dream, weren't you? UGH! My own brother, in the same tent as me! That's sick, Edward. I can't believe you."
"I wasn't having a… a what?" I frowned.
"A wet dream. Do you seriously not know what that is?"
"No, Alice.. I don't."
"Well to put it in terms you can understand," she whispered viciously. "It's when you ignore your penis for so long that it starts to plot its revenge on you."
"What the hell are you saying?" I hissed.
"You were dreaming about doing dirty things with Isabella Swan," she accused snappily.
"No I was not!" I defended myself. "I wasn't… it wasn't dirty."
"Then why were you moaning her name?"
"I was… we were just having coffee.."
"And you were moaning her name in the middle of a café? Was she perchance naked in this café? Or maybe she was under the table-"
"Alice!" I growled.
"Well then why were you moaning?" she repeated.
"Because I was kissing her," I finally groaned in defeat.
Alice was silent for a moment before scoffing, "Boy, when you dream you really go all out don't you?"
"Shut up, Alice."
"Awe," she crooned suddenly, "Edward's first kiss with his dream girl and it happens in dream. How fitting."
I slipped the pillow out from behind my back and swung it toward her face, muffling her next embarrassing comment and turning it into a "Hey! Asshole!" instead.
"You mocking me is in no way helping the situation." I mumbled.
"I have license to mock you. I was just woken up by my brother moaning a girl's name in his sleep and it wasn't even for good reason."
"What do you mean it wasn't for good reason," I questioned.
"I would have understood moaning like that if you were getting laid, although… I can't imagine how a virgin could have a convincing sex dream…"
"Alice!" I hissed again.
"I'm just saying, people don't usually moan like that over just a little kiss."
"Are you done picking on me yet?" I mumbled quietly.
"It's my job to pick on you."
"And it's my job to make your life difficult by telling Esme that you're the reason that her birth control patches mysteriously disappeared from her purse, but you don't see me doing that, do you?" I snapped.
"Point well taken," she replied quietly.
We fell silent for a moment and I was hopeful that the conversation was over, but Alice broke the silence again with a new topic.
"So where are you taking her tomorrow?"
Tomorrow. The word sent my stomach into a series of hazardous acrobatics.
"I'll probably end up taking her to that café on Third Street that you mentioned before," I sighed.
"Oh." Alice was quite a considerable amount more subdued now. It was a vast improvement from her usual obnoxious and energetic self. "You know, they do have really good cheesecake there," she continued. "Maybe I'll stop by there on my way back from school on Friday, too…"
"Fine!" I snapped quickly, causing Alice to jump a little in surprise. "I'll bring you home a damn piece of cheesecake." It was almost scary how well she could manipulate people. So much for subdued Alice.
"Raspberry, please," she grinned triumphantly.
"You're a pain in my ass," I growled.
"Yes, but you love me anyways," she sang, still smiling. "If you would stop making such a huge effort to ignore me and actually listen once and a while, you might be able to learn a thing or two from me."
"What could I possible learn from you?" I scoffed. "Apart from what shade of nail stuff looks best with each shirt I own."
"Oh please, you and I both know that I am far more experienced than you are."
"Oh, for the love of… No, Alice. If that's the advice you are trying to give me, I would much rather we talked about nail paint."
"Polish."
"Whatever!"
She was silent for a moment, but I knew better at this point to mistake her hesitation for submission. Sure enough, several seconds later, she retorted with a new round of excuses.
"Don't you want Bella to like you, though?"
"Of course I do, Alice, but that has nothing to do with-"
"Yes it does!" she insisted, bouncing a little in excitement. "Let's face it, Edward, the way you're going, you're never going to get laid."
"That's not what this is about, Alice," I ground out.
"What?"
"That's not my motivation for liking her."
"Of course not. Did I say that?" she snapped. "But you can't tell me that you haven't thought about it."
"I… again, Alice, that's not the point."
"My point is that you have been with a decent number of girls date wise. Certainly more than one would expect of a virgin."
"Why must every conversation center around that. Why can't we talk about bunnies or politics for God's sake?"
"Shut up, Ed, I'm not done," she scolded. "You've never been past second base with any of those girls. Is that because you just didn't want to or because you just suck at making out, I don't know. That's your business. What I'm saying is that… you want things with Bella to be different, right?"
"Right," I mumbled.
"Well then you obviously need to change your methods if you're ever going to have a chance with her."
"I don't have a chance with her anyways," I protested.
"Bullshit. You're Edward Cullen. You could have whoever you want… until you screw it up with your lack of make-out skills, but that's another matter entirely."
Even through the dark of the tent, I knew that she could see my open mouthed dumbfounded stare.
"What?" she shrugged, "I just tell it like it is."
"No you don't. You have never kissed me before, have you. Well, not like that, anyways. So you don't know how it is."
I couldn't believe I had just spoken those words. We were both silent for several seconds until we both crinkled our noses in disgust and muttered a single "Ew," before letting the point drop.
"Edward, I am your sister. I want you to be happy," she started again. "All I am offering is a few… you know, tips. I am a girl, you know. I know what girls want."
"Bella's not like most girls," I argued.
"That's an understatement," she mumbled. I shot her a warning glare and she lifted her hands in surrender, "I'm just saying…"
I turned my head back down towards the sleeping bag and pretended to be interested in it as Alice continued.
"Just… listen to her when she talks. Don't stare at her boobs. Don't compliment her if it's a lie, either. Girls can tell. Open doors for her, pull out chairs for her… Chivalry is not dead. Chivalry is sexy."
It was at that point that I stopped listening. I didn't need these tips. I already held open doors and avoided eye contact with boobs and all of the above.
Why was I so hopeless when it came to dating then?
Shit. Maybe I really did suck at making out…
Almost as if she had read my mind, "And when you kiss her, don't forget to swallow. There is nothing worse than a sloppy-"
"Alice," I cut her off. "This isn't what I need right now."
"You're right," she frowned. "Sex, then?" So, the first thing you need to remember is that-"
"Alice!" I groaned, clapping my hands over my ears.
"What?" she asked, confused.
"Out of every possible conversation in this world, this is the one I would like to have the least."
"Yeah, but… how are you going to know what the hell you are doing? You're too inexperienced to have a decent trial run. The last thing you want to do is put you-"
"No!" I half shouted, lunging to place my hand over Alice's mouth. "Just stop." I pleaded.
"Fine," she mumbled behind my hand while she rolled her eyes.
"Ouch!" I yelped, pulling my hand away from her mouth quickly. "You bit me."
"You put your hand there. And by the way, biting is not always a bad thing."
"I swear to God, Alice. I'm going to kick your little ass."
"Alright, alright, I'm done. If it makes you that uncomfortable I'll just ask Jazz to talk to you instead."
"No, Alice. Just… no. Look, I appreciate what you're trying to do in a very disturbing and weird way, but it's not necessary."
"That's what you think," she mumbled. "What time is it?"
I noticed as I grabbed for my cell phone that it was a considerable amount brighter now than when I had been abruptly awoken.
"Nearly seven," I informed her.
"Damn," she cursed. "Well I'm not going back to sleep now. Want to help me make mom and dad breakfast and start taking down camp?" she suggested.
"As long as the prior conversation is dropped completely," I allowed with a shrug.
"Fine. I won't bring it up again," she submitted grudgingly.
Making breakfast in the middle of the woods was definitely a difficult task. Alice started the fire while I retrieved the packet of bacon from the cooler. It was tradition that on the last morning of our camping trips we would have bacon and eggs before leaving for home. Our family camping trips were a tradition in themselves, but in Forks, the weather rarely allowed for them. Whenever there was a clear forecast for several days we would pack up and leave, weekend or not. With both of my parents being doctors, they were scarce at home, so they took every opportunity to spend "family bonding time" hiking and pitching camp in the many forests surrounding the Olympic Peninsula.
I grabbed the pan out of our camping bag and situated the bacon in it and held it over the fire, turning the individual slices of bacon over to make sure they were thoroughly cooked. Alice handed me several paper plates when the bacon was ready. I separated it into four neat piles as Alice took the pan and held it over the fire for me to crack eggs into it. Overall, it went alright. There was only one egg yolk casualty, which was a slight improvement from my usual results.
Esme and Carlisle climbed out of their tent just as Alice finished with the eggs and I finished taking down our tent.
"Now this is the way to wake up," my mother grinned, stretching her arms above her head. "A mountain top view of the sunrise and already prepared breakfast."
We all ate in silence as the sun made its way over the horizon and up into the sky. Carlisle, Esme, and Alice all made comments about the serenity of the moment, but even considering appreciating the sun's beauty made me think of Bella and how unappreciated her beauty was.
"Edward?"
I started and looked up at my mother who was now crouched down beside me. "What?" I recovered quickly."We're getting ready to leave. Are you all set to go?"
"Yeah," I nodded.
"Are you okay, baby?" she asked, concern lines creasing her forehead. "You seem distracted."
"Yeah, I'm fine," I nodded again, hopping to my feet.
She gave me a disbelieving smile and put her arm around my shoulder as we started back toward the rising smoke cloud of the recently extinguished fire.
The hike back to the vehicle was long, but somewhat peaceful. None of us really talked much, which was a huge feat for Alice. It was unfortunate, though, because it left me far too much time to think about Isabella Swan.
The ride back into Forks was relatively quiet too. Alice was texting Jasper the entire time and my mother and father were talking about work. I just stared out the window at the graying skies. The weather had been quite cooperative while we were camping. It only sprinkled lightly for a total of about 30 minutes the entire trip. Now, however, it looked like the rain clouds were getting ready to rear their ugly heads again.
I sat up once I heard my name called, "Yeah?" I looked around, startled to see that we were already at our driveway, stopped next to the mailbox.
"I've got the check from the insurance company here," my father said. "Are you up for car shopping today? There's still about four hours 'til the car dealerships close."
"Yeah, definitely!" I nodded my head vigorously. "I don't know how much longer I can stay sane driving with Alice.. OW."
"Al, quit beating up your brother," Esme sighed indifferently from the front seat like it was an everyday occurrence. "Gee, thanks ma," I rolled my eyes.
"Do you know what kind of car you want?" my dad asked as he pulled into the garage.
"A Volvo. I liked my other car. I was happy with it."
"You want a newer model?"
"Whatever model they have there."
"Well that's easy enough. We shouldn't have any problems. I'd say it's safe to assume you'll be driving your own vehicle to school tomorrow."
"There is a God," I sighed, dodging another one of Alice's fists and ducking out of the car quickly.
One of my favorite things about my father was that he was not a procrastinator. When there was something to be done, he got it done immediately. It only took 20 minutes for him to unpack the truck and hop into his Mercedes with me. Another 40 minutes later I was looking at my new car.
It was a Volvo C30. Not exactly like my previous car, but similar enough to appease me. It was the same color. Several years newer, though. It had a 6 disc changer and plenty of space. A sunroof, which my other car did not have. Bucket seats, power locks, climate control, navigation system, satellite radio. I would definitely have to thank Bella for having a truck that could completely destroy my old vehicle. This new car was so much cooler than I had expected. And it was only three thousand dollars more than what we had gotten back from insurance for my first car. I was extremely grateful that Carlisle was so generous. He didn't even flinch at the extra money.
"This is the one, then?" the pushy car salesman asked enthusiastically.
Carlisle and I looked at each other for a moment and both nodded.
"Great, I'll draw up the paperwork."
"Looks like you'll have a car for tomorrow morning," my father smiled, clapping me on the shoulder as we turned to walk into the building following the salesman.
"Harvey," a young woman in a business suit called out as we entered. "There's a boy here to talk to you about some parts… He said you were expecting him. I sent him to your office to wait."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Give me just one moment to take care of this young man and then I will get right with you," Harvey smiled.
When I heard the word office, I was expecting something akin to a cubicle with four walls or an actual room with a desk and swivel chair. Instead it was just a counter. No chairs, just standing space. Leaned up against the counter, waiting patiently, was a young boy who looked to be about 16 or 17. He was lean and discreetly muscular. He looked like a native from the reservation. He glanced at me once as we approached and cocked his head to the side thoughtfully before blinking away whatever speculation he had made and turning to address Harvey, who was now behind the desk.
"I'll be right with you in a moment Mr. Cullen," Harvey smiled, turning his attention on the native boy who had frozen at his words and turned slowly. His eyes seemed to darken exponentially and it looked like his muscles in his face had clenched.
He stared at me for a moment with such rage in his glare that it almost intimidated me. I was about to ask him what his problem was when the salesman addressed him and he snapped his gaze back to the front.
I shrugged it off and stuffed my hands into my pockets, patiently waiting. If there was anyone who deserved to be glaring in this situation, it was me. This boy who seemed to host some violent anger towards me was the only thing standing in the way of me and my new car.
Sensing my anxiety, Carlisle stepped in with some small talk.
"So, Alice mentioned something about you having a date tomorrow."
"Did she?"
She's dead.
"Indeed. Who's the girl?"
"I'm going to kill Alice," I muttered.
"Your sister was very excited for you. I don't think there's any reason you should murder her."
"She can't keep anything to herself."
"That's not true," he shook his head. "She wouldn't tell me the name of the girl."
"Wow, go Alice," I mumbled sarcastically.
Carlisle chuckled and jabbed his elbow lightly into my ribcage. "That was your cue to tell me what her name was, not make another crack at your sister."
I sighed and made a show of being seriously inconvenienced before finally saying "Bella Swan," under my breath.
"Isabella Swan?" he repeated for confirmation.
"Yes, but she prefers Bella."
"Chief Swan's daughter?"
"Yes."
"Whoa," he smiled slightly. "You'd better be careful with that one. Her dad has a gun," he winked.
"Dad, come on.." I scuffed my toe against the cheap rubber floor tiles. "It's not a date, anyway."
"What is it then?"
"It's a…" I hesitated for a moment, but stopped dead when I glanced back up at the native boy's piercing gaze yet again.
Carlisle followed my stare and frowned in confusion.
I was about to ask him if there was something he needed when Harvey cleared his throat. The boy spun around violently and accepted the envelope he was being offered.
"Thank you for the business, Mr. Black. Have a good evening," Harvey offered, to which the boy responded with an uncouth, "Hmmph," and rushed past us and out the door.
Black, what a fitting last name. He did seem rather dark as far as personality went.
"Well then," Carlisle and I returned out attention to Harvey as he addressed us. "Let's get you a car, son."
I was too annoyed at "Mr. Black's" behavior to allow myself to dwell on the fact that the salesman had just called me "son". Usually that annoyed me. The only person I wanted to call me son was my father. I hated when other people took the privilege without earning it. Had the salesman been present through my first steps, first words, and first days of school? Had he been there for me when I broke my head open jumping off of a roof? Had he imparted years worth of wisdom on me? No. The only person who could call me son was my father.
I was completely disconnected from what was going on until Carlisle beckoned me closer to the counter so that I could donate my signature to some of the papers. 30 minutes and half a forest worth of paperwork later, we were waiting in the front of the dealership for them to bring around my car.
"So, tell me more about Bella," Carlisle urged.
"Dad, come on… no," I protested, embarrassed.
"I just spent an extra 3 grand to get you a new car. The least you can do is tell me about this girl."
Damn it. I knew that would somehow come back to haunt me. I couldn't argue with that. He hadn't denied me anything today, so why should I deny him…
"What's there to tell?" I sighed in resignation.
"What's she like? What do you like about her? Do you think she likes you? Come on, give me something to work with here. I'm not around enough to invade your personal life to the extent that most parents get to. I've got a few moments to talk girls with my son; don't just leave me hanging here."
I sighed again and jammed my hands back into my pockets. I didn't know how to talk about this with my father. I had never really had anything like this to talk about before and it seemed so… awkward. I'm sure plenty of kids talked to their parents about stuff like this. That had just never been me….
"I… she's…" I scowled.
"You're blushing," my father chuckled.
"Shutup." I diverted my eyes.
He was silent for a moment before, "You really like her." It was an observation, not a question.
"Yes."
"She must be really special."
"She is," I nodded. "She's modest and humble and… she really has no idea how amazing she is."
"Do you?"
I nodded, "She's smart… and beautiful. But not beautiful in the obnoxious "look at me" kind of way. She's subtly beautiful. She could be one of the most popular girls in the school based just on her looks alone, but she doesn't care… so she doesn't try. She's content to sit in the back of the class and make observations rather than have the observations made about her. She smells like strawberries and her eyes are the most amazing shade of brown I've ever seen. She isn't superficial. She doesn't judge people. When I talked to her… I felt more myself than I've ever been able to feel in the presence of someone else. She makes me feel comfortable. It's like… it's like getting home after a long day and crawling into bed. You know? You just feel content… That's how she makes me feel. She makes me feel content. When I'm with her I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. I hardly know her though. I want to know her so much better than I do. I want her to know me. I don't know how she feels about me right now though. She likes to be unnoticed, so I'm nervous that that's going to make her stay away from me." I realized after I had said it all that none of it was meant to come out. I felt myself blush harder and I looked away.
Thankfully, Carlisle was a pro at handling situations like this. Instead of drawing further attention to my embarrassment, he nodded supportively and said, "Don't let this one get away. I've never seen you so serious about someone."
"I just don't know how to be close to her without making her uncomfortable."
"If she feels about you even a quarter of the way you feel for her, I'm sure a little bit of attention wouldn't deter her."
I nodded glumly. I was about to mention something else when my new, shiny, silver Volvo pulled around the corner. I couldn't help but smile. The young boy jumped out of the driver seat and held out the keys to me.
"See you at home," my father smiled, reaching into his pockets for his own keys.
"Yeah," I nodded, getting into my car.
"Oh, and Edward," he added, turning around to face me again.
"Yes?"
"Drive safe."
Hey guyssssss.
I was totally going to write this really elaborate fake chapter that had Bella finding a dog and naming it Nessie and then Jacob proclaiming his love for her and when he came over to discuss it he fell in love with her dog instead and then spring the April Fools on you in the end, but I totally lacked the time to write that out. Instead, you get the real chapter.
Practice safe interwebz surfing on this dastardly April Fools. I don't want nun mah bbz getting that crappy virus thing now. NO CONFICKER NONSENSE FOR JOO!
anywaysss,
I'm quite fond of reviews.
Also, some people pointed out that Alice seems a bit cold? IDK IDK! This was not my intention. I wanted the Alice Edward relationship to seem cutesy. But siblings fight and roll their eyes at each other and punch each other playfully, right? I HAVE SIBLINGS! IT'S WHAT WE DO! oh shit... we're just weird, aren't we...
anyways, yeah. That review thing. You should do itt.
also, Jill, Kaitlyn, Marlana, Stephanie and Sam... you are my life now. I love you all. You've kept me sane and stole my keys when I wanted to go to Volterra. For this I am eternally grateful.