Hi, guys! I'm really sorry for the late update, but school has been so pressuring lately. And I can't seem to find any time to write... Here's another prize for the patience you guys have with me. Hehe... btw, our volleyball championships in school are coming up (on Monday!) and we'll be competing for either the first or second place. We're sophomores competing with the seniors. Can you believe it? I can... because of the power of prayer. I mean, we all just trusted God. So wish us luck and pray for God to be with us!
I also would like to apologize for all the grammar errors or misspelled words this chapter might contain. I hope you guys will enjoy this!
Dusk and Dawn: Chapter 18
Frisson
BPOV
"Bella", Jess suddenly said while she was driving. "Who was that you were looking at? He looked hot." Hot. That's something new. I've never thought of that word.
"What are you talking about", maybe she wasn't talking about him.
"That cute guy in the lobby, duh"
"Guy?"
"Don't play coy with me, Bella. I've known you for four years and never have I seen you look at a guy that way", she sighed. "It's okay to admit you like him."
"I don't", I simply replied and looked out the window.
"I didn't mean it like that. I meant that it's okay for you to say he's cute."
I didn't say anything.
"And you know, he had an amazing crooked smile while he was on the phone."
Please don't talk about him anymore.
"He's way cute and talk about perfect", she kept blabbing. Blah, blah, blah. That's why I try to stay away. "I mean, did you see him clearly? He was so tall, and handsome."
"I get it, Jess", I replied.
"Do you know him?"
"No." Great, my voice just squeaked. Jessica said that she could always tell when I lied because my voice goes extremely high. Back in our first year of high school, I accidentally broke her favorite pen. When she suddenly asked me where it was, I told her that I haven't seen it, in the most high-pitched voice.
"What's his name?" she grinned widely.
"I don't know who he is", I squeaked.
"Right", she said sarcastically.
"Let me guess, he made you all stutters at the party, didn't he?"
"No", I squeaked again.
"Seriously, Bells. You can't fool me. You're beginning to sound like a mouse over there."
"He's the one I told you about", I sighed and noticed my voice was back to normal now. "The one from summer camp."
"Ohmygosh!" she gasped. "Edward Cullen, you mean?" She just mentioned his name. She didn't have to. "He's your ex-boyfriend."
I decided not to open my mouth anymore before something else might come out.
"Hey, I'll take him, if you don't want him back", she teased. I wanted to switch the topic since I already felt uncomfortable with discussing how 'perfect' Edward was.
"Why aren't you riding with Mike tonight?"
"He told me that he had to head to the hardware store. Something about his dad needing bigger pliers." She turned to the corner and we were finally nearing my house.
"Thanks Jess", I said before closing the door behind me. "I'm sorry for the trouble."
"It's cool", she smiled before starting her car and drove out.
I walked to the front porch, and digging for my keys in my bag. I finally got a grip of its silver, snowflake keychain and pulled my keys out. I opened the door to see Charlie watching a baseball game of the flat screen.
"Hey, Bells", he greeted and looked up at me.
"Hi, Dad", I replied and tried to keep myself from falling on my way up to my room. I finally got there in due time and dropped all my stuff on my bed before sitting on my chair. I breathed before taking the sandals out. My feet felt like they were bleeding once I freed them from those tights shoes.
I took out all the letters I've received from the colleges I applied for.
Princeton University
Dear Isabella Swan,
Congratulations. We are proud to welcome you to Princeton University. We hope for you to be joining us this year.
- Princeton University
Harvard University
Dear Ms. Swan,
Welcome to Harvard University. We at Harvard are impressed with your results and hope to be seeing you in our classes this year. Congratulations.
- Harvard University
UCLA
Dear Isabella,
Yes! Your application has been accepted and we would like to thank you for choosing the UCLA as a college option. Well done.
- UCLA Staff
Nobody at UCLA keeps score on who you are. They just want to see what you do.
I didn't see what was 'well done'. Was it that my application was acceptable or that fact that I've decided to consider NYU as to where I will be taking college courses? On account of that, I'm still flummoxed between the many courses colleges offer. I've always wanted to take up journalism but I doubt that writing books is a permanent job. Although, most of my friends are thinking of nursing, I don't think I'd want to work in a hospital. I honestly don't do that well in the sight of blood.
Mom said that she'd be okay with what I decide as long as I'm happy. But I think I should wonder of what college I need to get into first. I wanted a college not to far from Forks so that Charlie wouldn't have any trouble with visiting me once he plans to check with how I'm doing. I could also consider a college in Florida, near Mom.
Jessica suggested that we take NYU, because she got an acceptance letter from there, too. It would be great if I actually went to a university with someone I already knew. Angela said that she got a letter from Harvard and that she plans on taking Law. Either way, I'm left with a huge dilemma. I only have one summer to make up my decision.
*:o:*
"Morning, Mrs. Bryans", I greeted as I walked into her shop. Mrs. Bryans, who was in her forties, was in a large, navy blue dress that reached her ankles. It had sleeves that almost reached her wrist and she wore a turquoise scarf to complement it. Mrs. Bryans wore her large glasses and kept her blonde hair in a neat bun. She was wearing a large pendant, which she bought in India, during a business trip.
"Bella", she replied as she arranges figurines on her shelves. "You're shift isn't until half an hour", she reminded me.
"I know", I replied and sat behind the counter. "Is it okay if I stay here until my shift?" I meant to come early since I had nothing left to do back home. Her store didn't open until nine A.M.
"Sure, dear", she smiled sweetly and walked to the back. "Can you bring out the other box?" she walked in with a large, brown box.
"Sure", I replied and walked to the back. I found the last box; it was white and had 'Trinket Cove' on it, a fancy name that Mrs. Bryans decided to call her store. I walked over to her. "Where do you want it?"
"Just leave it beside the other one", she replied as she unpacked a lot of other things that looked rare and expensive. Although most of her items seem insurmountable, most girls, preferably Forks High School, if you count Jessica, love them. Mrs. Bryans sells a lot of charms, which Jessica seems to have collected. Lauren comes by once a week, not daily because she says that she wouldn't want to see me daily, but to see what other new things Mrs. Bryans has on display. I wasn't surprised since she always requested for me to show her our newest items.
"Wazz up", Jake walked in an hour later, with a voice that sounded like he was Jamaican. "Hi, Mrs. B", Jake smiled just as Mrs. Bryans walked in. "I brought snacks", he said while lifting the plastic he had. "Kung Paw Chicken from Jackie's", he added. He loved eating at Jackie's, which was a small Chinese diner.
"Good morning", Mrs. Bryans simply said and started putting price tags on the shelves.
"So", he turned to me. "You up for tonight?"
I looked at him, completely clueless. I'm usually the last person to ever find out about all these gathering the other guys plan.
"Jessica invited us over at her yacht for dinner. You in?"
"I guess", I replied unsurely since I still haven't clarified it with Charlie and that I still had to make sure he wasn't going to end up eating one of those 'TV dinners' he buys so much. He literally eats it in front of the TV.
APOV
Sigh. Emmett being such a brat again. Yes. I dare use the term 'brat' to describe my supercilious and juvenile brother. He doesn't like it when Rose prefers to watch 'The Bachelor' instead of watching 'Jojo's Circus' with him. He's trying to hog the remote.
"Rose", he wailed. "Please!!!" except Rose moves her arm away from him before he grabs the remote control.
"Be mature, Emmett", she replied. "Jojo's Circus is a toddler show! And you are far too old for it!"
"Come on", he pleaded. "I want to see Mr. Tickles blast himself off from a canon!"
She heaved a sigh. Edward walked in.
"Emmett, watch it in Alice's room." Emmett's eyes beamed with excitement and immediately pounced off the couch, leaving Rose with her program of choice. Wait. Alice's room? My room? I hadn't completely realized it until Edward started grinning at me.
"Edwaaaard", I shot him a beady-eyed glare. Don't get my wrong, Edward can be… maturely clever sometimes. But I really get irritated when he tries to mess with my stuff.
"Edward", I heard Rose softly say. "I think you should run now", she said to my brother who held his hands up in defense as he started backing away.
"Good idea", he nodded and instantly ran outside, with speed. I screamed, piercingly high and headed to Mom's garden. I didn't make a sound as I slowly checked where he would be hiding until I suddenly felt water being shot to my back. I turned around after hearing Edward chuckle.
The sprinklers were suddenly turned on as Emmett decided to join us. I had completely gotten my Purple Jimmy Choos soaked. Edward so owes me a new pair of shoes, not to mention a replacement for this Gucci watch that also got drenched.
"Don't be such a party pooper!" Emmett teased as he shot Edward with his own water gun. I huffed and walked into the house.
"Ms. Alice", Bridgette said in her British accent. "Would you like me to lay out your planned outfit on your bed?"
"Yes", I sighed. I was planning to wear that tomorrow and it took me three hours to put that ensemble together. Drat. I carefully walked up the stairs, trying not to slide with my soaked shoes. After changing into the Armani outfit I planned out, I walked to the garden. Emmett and Edward were laid down on the grass, looking exhausted. Rose was still watching her program, so I decided to watch it with her.
"Look at this guy, Alice", she said. "Isn't he the cutest one they've had on the show?"
I nodded my head. Lance Conner looked good in his black tuxedo and sideway hairstyle. It was a rose ceremony wherein three girls would have to be eliminated. I don't agree with these shows, that fact it that it's a common thing to expect the guy to propose to whoever's lucky in the end. I mean, they wouldn't know each other that much since he dated nearly each of the women. But I didn't see why the men were in such a rush to jump for an engagement. He could just ask the girl to be his girlfriend. Which reminds me, Edward still needs one.
The doorbell rang. Mom said that we were to expect a friend of hers to come. She decided to invite Jane, one of her high school friends who just moved to Forks. I actually like Jane. It's her flirt of a daughter, Liana, I loathe. Have you actually seen her gush over Edward? She makes his look like a piece of raw meat, which is such a disgusting sight.
"Good morning, Aunt Jane", I said politely after opening the door.
"Good morning, Alice", she replied and hugged me. I saw Liana behind her, she gave me a grin before she walked right pass us and into the house. I frankly don't remember myself inviting her in.
"You're shoes are cute", she complimented.
"I love your slash print silk neck scarf", I replied. "It's Blueberry, isn't it?"
"Yes. Thank you", she said as she headed inside to greet the others. I walked behind her only to find Liana gone. Of course she'd be with Edward, what was I thinking? I walked to the garden again. Edward and Emmett weren't done with their water war. They've taken their wet shirts off and been running around the garden. Liana was standing under the pavilion, watching, with a particular grin I didn't like.
After a while, Edward and Emmett decided to call it a tie and walked headed inside to change.
"Hi, Edward", Liana greeted with the most flirtatious voice she could put on as she clung to his arm. If I wasn't so discreetly keen, I could have said, "Stop trying to sniff my brother."
"Uh, Hi", he replied and followed Emmett upstairs.
"Alice", she said before walking off up the stairs.
"Hi", I muttered.
EPOV
I switched to into a new shirt when the door had suddenly burst open. Liana.
"Hi, Edward", she grinned widely, with a peculiar hint of excitement in her tone.
"Liana", I replied and walked her outside before she would start ransacking my room. "We should be downstairs", I managed to say and led her down the stairs. I looked at Alice, who was giving me a smug look. Mom just arrived and was in a busy conversation with Jane.
"Edward?" she called.
"Mom?"
"Could you please give Liana a tour around Forks?" she smiled earnestly. I couldn't say no when she starts making that expression. Fortunately, Liana had already made up her mind of clinging to my arm and it didn't seem like she had any intention of letting go.
"Great idea", she smiled. "I spotted a cute store I've seen earlier. Can you take me there?"
I nodded and saw Alice who had tilted her head away.
She made me take her to the amusement part, not to mention, ride that cheesy Ferris wheel with her. It's been about two hours since we've left the house and I badly wanted to go home.
"It's a really small, brown store called Trinket Cove", she said. Trinket Cove? Bella works there. Jacob told me she did. "Are you familiar with it?" I don't want Bella to see me with Liana. Not that it matters, but I just don't want her to jump to conclusions. She might think that I was going out with Liana.
"I'm afraid not", I replied.
"I know which way it is", she beamed. I could stall by turning her around in circles; she doesn't really know the roads well. But that would mean that I'd have to drive the car longer and be home late.
I pulled over, outside the Trinket Cove. "I'll wait here", I told her. I certainly didn't want Bella to see me. I know about this part time job she does, Jacob told me about it. "Just come back in the car when you're done."
"Don't be silly, Eddie", she pressed. "Let's get inside"
"I'm not Eddie", I replied.
"Then come on, Eddie", she smiled and walked out. I heaved a sigh. I always get myself into these sorts of messes. She pulled me towards the store.
"I need to get something from another store, Liana", I said without thinking. "I'll have to go get it."
"All right", she shrugged her shoulders and walked inside. Safe. I admit that I was having jitters. Another symptom of "Bella Paranoia", as Alice would like to call it, ever since I made her stop any means of communication with Bella two years ago, or "Bellaphobia", which is what Emmett prefers to call it.
I walked in a CD store and grabbed a few Debussy CDs for my car. I decided to quietly walk and stay in the car while Liana was doing her shopping. Putting the CD into the player, I looked in the store from a safe distance in my car. Bella was just behind the counter, busy with her computer.
A few minutes soon after, Liana finally walked out with two carrier bags and got inside.
"What'd you get?" she smiled.
"CDs", I replied. She took a hold of the stack and looked through them while I started the car. Her expression changed to the same expression girls have when they're disappointed to know that I prefer Debussy.
"I like Debussy", she grinned, and she wasn't that very good at lying.
I walked in the house at about five on the afternoon. Liana decided that she wanted to head home and unpack her things. Alice was wearing another outfit from before we left.
"Why aren't you ready, Edward?" she asked. I didn't know what she was talking about. She noticed my confused expression. "The First School's Out Party the mayor's holding?" I just looked at her. "The funds they collect are going to the children's corner."
"I've never heard of that, Alice", I honestly replied.
"You obviously have not read the fliers", she said. "Just get changed quickly because I am not going to be late."
"I never said I wanted to go", I said before walking up the stairs. I have no choice, since I'll be the only at home when they leave. After changing, I walked downstairs and to the door, with Alice following behind.
"Isn't Liana coming?" she inquired.
"You actually want to inviter her?" I looked at her.
"It is a public party, excluding entrance fees", she smiled. "Since it's so public, I guess she'll hear about it and come if she wants to."
I shrugged my shoulders and started the engine. "Where's the party?"
"Forks National Park", she replied curtly.
BPOV
"I can't believe we actually won this bet", Jessica gave Angela a high five.
"I know", Angela replied. "You can't refuse this anymore, Bella."
Sigh. I shouldn't have agreed to this bet in the first place. Jess is such a good persuader, convincing me that she was sure I'd win. I could have won if I picked the number twenty, my first choice, instead of twenty-six. She spun the handmade wheel she made and the number twenty-six should have been under the arrow when the wheel didn't stop and went to twenty instead. It was a chance for me to actually miss this summer party at Josh Ellenson's house. But seeing as how I lost, I have to go to the party.
"Right", I gave both of them a fake grin as they worked on my hair. Angela used a brush to put cherry-flavored mousse lipstick on my lips. Jessica was putting eye shadow on my eyelids.
"You have nice eyelids, Bella", Jess suddenly said and decided to add another color to my eyelids.
"I think they're your best feature", Angela complimented.
"Uh. Thanks", I replied.
After twenty minutes of pure torture, they were finally putting away all the cosmetics while I switched to a dress Angela bought for me to borrow.
About an hour later, I sat wearily on a stool, feeling dizzy. I couldn't see anything else except bright lights and hazy vision of people. I decided to take one more glass, it couldn't hurt, right? One more chug…
"Chug, chug, chug…" people around me began chanting. Did I really want to? I've already had four and I'm not feeling like myself. I suddenly felt light-headed, flamboyant and I felt like I would be seeing all the red wine I drank again.
"Chug, Bella!" I heard a hoarse voice, well, at least it sounded hoarse to me.
"Go, Bella!"
I suddenly tasted red wine in my mouth. Snap. I just finished another glass. Okay, I feel it coming back up.
"Bells?" I heard Jessica
"Are you alright?" came Angela's voice
I felt frail and faint. Everything went black…
*:o:*
I opened my eyes midway to see the floor under my feet moving. I felt my arms being stretched. It looked like someone was helping me out of the party.
"You've had too much to drink", Angela finally says after hearing me groan.
"I didn't know you could party like that Bella", Jess added.
"She doesn't", Angela said firmly.
"Well, she was suddenly dancing on the pool table, not to mention almost falling into the pool."
I was dancing… I am never going to any party again.
"We are definitely never going to take her to any party again."
"Agree", Jess said. I felt turns in my stomach and a piercing pain in my head.
"Hey, ladies", I heard an anonymous voice. I jerked my head to the side, two men were leaning against a car, in coats and beanie hats.
"You're friend looks like she could use some help", said one man as he walked toward us. "What do you guys say if we ask to help?" he smiled smugly at my direction.
"Don't mess, guys", Jess replied. "We'd really love to stay and chat", she walked me to her car. "But, we need to make sure she actually gets home."
"Then what would you say about us helping you", said the other man to Angela who was taken aback.
"I say", she said. "No. Simply, no."
"Don't worry miss", the first one added. His accent was like one of those gangsters-slash-rappers, like some people on TV. "We don't bite much", I felt his hand run up and down my right arm.
"Quit it", I heard myself say in composure.
"I think I better call Mike", Jess took her phone out.
"I say you don't", the man pushed her hand back into Jessica's purse.
The three of us were already walking backwards, with me as the unbalanced one. Jessica suddenly screamed.
"Oh my gosh!" I heard a quirky voice from a distance. For a moment, I though it was Alice who gasped. I squinted and looked. It was Alice. With Jasper. And Edward. "Jazz!"
"I'll go get the car", I heard a reply.
"Well?"
"What?" I heard Edward's voice.
"Well", Alice sighed exasperatingly, with a panic-stricken tone, "they're with two unknown men, and with someone drunk! Hello, Edward?"
Alice probably didn't recognize it was me. So I groaned from a splitting headache and kept my head down. I think I just hit my head to a car once Jess and Angela gasped. I suddenly heard sounds of punching, but I didn't bother to look up. I think I'm going to get a migraine. Was Edward beating up those two men?
Jessica gasped. "Edward Cullen!" Great.
"You're Edward Cullen? Oh my gosh!" Angela said while still holding my arm.
"Why do both of you know me?" I heard his velvet voice. He was probably panting from beating up those two men.
"This", I felt she was addressing me, "is Bella."
How was it? Are some of you confused? I'll explain a few things:
1) Bella got drunk and two gangsters had them surrounded.
2) For some reason... Bella did hit her head... (See why in the next chapter)
3) Edward didn't know it was Bella he was defending. Either way, I know he would still defend her if he knew it was she.
... so, I'll see you guys in next week's update (hopefully).
Send me a review... and I'll send you a reply. (That button is waiting!)
-Kar