I'm so sorry about the millenium between chapters. I got busy with finals and then over the summer the character voices went on vacation and I couldn't write. Fear not! The voices came back and so did the creative writing muses and all is well :-) Welcome twic_tion as my beta! She rocks my socks, and I rock hers when I beta her stuff :-p

**Anything Twilight related is owned by Stephenie Meyer

"To be early is to be on time

To be on time is to be too late

To be too late is to be left out!"

-LPHS Marching Rails

The rest of Saturday was a blur, most of Sunday too. Most of it was spent attempting to keep my mind off the whole Twilight thing, which obviously did not work at all. I couldn't even fiddle around on my guitar; while playing I thought to myself "Hmm, that would sound cool at the part in the book where Edward does this" or "Hey that sounds like an awesome interlude when Bella meets Carlisle" which drove me fucking nuts. I actually enjoyed thinking these things but did not really want to admit it to myself. It's a chick book, it's a chick book. I kept chanting in my head.

Before I knew it, Sunday night had rolled around. Lying on my bed finishing up a rough draft for Advanced Lit, my mind began wandering and landed on Amy. I started to think of the way she smiled on Friday when she looked at me, the way she blushed when she caught me glancing at her. A smile began to spread across my face, and then my pen was down and I was not even aware of Advanced Lit homework anymore. My imagination danced to "The Meadow" where it was just Amy and I, sitting in the grass and talking; much like Edward and Bella in Twilight when Edward revealed his true identity to Bella.

My trance was broken as my cell phone went off, "The Anthem" by Good Charlotte…the ring tone I had set for Amy last night, because we had sang that song in my car when I took her home Friday.

"Shit. Shit. Shit," I panicked. As if she knew what I was just thinking about. I almost threw the phone on the floor as I opened it, my heart beating so loud and hard it felt about to burst from my chest. "He-hello?"

"Carl? Are you okay? You're breathing really fast," Amy said, concerned.

"Oh, n-no I'm fine. The ring just surprised me that's all. Uh, so…what's up?" Smooth. Real smooth, jackass. Now she's going to think I'm afraid of my own phone ringing.

"Nothing really, just wanted to, um, call and see how your weekend was going I guess," there was a slight pause, I could hear in her voice that she was blushing. Weird, considering she was confident yesterday when she called me. "So…what are you doing tomorrow after school? I don't have to work so I figured maybe if you weren't busy we could, I dunno, go get a coffee or get a Halo rematch in or something."

Was I daydreaming still? Did Amy just ask me out? Isn't the guy supposed to do that? I was so confused, it took a minute for words to form. "Oh uh, I have band practice until four but after that I'm free." I surprised myself with that one, not one word fumbled over. "Did you want to meet before school tomorrow? I mean, we do have first hour together, and I'd like my five bucks up front if you don't mind," I chuckled trying to lighten the mood, and make it less awkward on myself.

"After your practice is fine, I can wait for you if you want," she laughed, "Well, I guess I do owe you. Meet me at my locker in the morning? I think mine is closer to class than yours."

"You don't have to wait for me, what are you going to do for an hour and a half after school? Go ahead and head home, I can pick you up from your house. Coffee shop first? You'll need your energy if you want a Halo rematch."

"Oh really? What makes you think I didn't just let you win last time?" she laughed. "If you insist, I'll go home after school. You remember how to get to my house?"

"Haha,yea right, there's no way you let me win by that big of a gap. I gave you a few kills anyway," I scoffed. "Oh, uh, yea I think I remember how to get to your house."

"I guess we'll have to wait until tomorrow to see then." Amy sounded very confident, but I knew it was a front. No one could beat me.

"Alright, well I'll see you before school at your locker. You better pay up, Bella." I froze as the word escaped my lips. I heard Amy gasp on the other line and there was a very awkward silence. I just fucking called her Bella. Why the hell did I say Bella? I felt my face flush scarlet as I scrambled for something to say but it seemed my brain had gone on vacation and I was screwed. It was Amy that broke the silence.

"Um…well…see you tomorrow." Before I could say bye I heard the click and the line went dead. Man did I fuck up. I shut my phone and rolled onto my back, staring up at the blue and green paint flecks on the white ceiling. I didn't know how long I had laid there until my mom came in.

"Is your homework finished, honey?"

I brought myself out of the trance and sat up. "Oh…uh not quite, mom. I kind of got a bit of writer's block. I just have to finish a paragraph then I'll go to bed."

"Alright, but it's after 11 so don't complain to me in the morning that you're tired. Good night, Carl." She walked over to kiss my forehead and give me a hug and saw Twilight sitting on my nightstand. "I didn't know you were reading that. When did you get it?" I looked over and saw the book.

"Oh, Aunt Sophie sent that to me for my birthday. I read it Friday night." Thoughts of Amy mixed with Bella's personality in the book, then on to my slip up earlier and I felt my face flush again and I felt a shiver of fear and embarrassment run through me. Apparently mom noticed because she got this worried look on her face and started feeling my forehead.

"Carl, are you okay? You look a bit under the weather. Have you felt like this all day?"

"I'm fine, mom, just a little warm in here. I'll turn my fan on before I go to bed." She didn't seem convinced. "I'm fine." She pursed her lips and shook her head. "Alright, if you say so. Good night, Carl."

"Good night, mom." I called after her as she walked down the hall. Falling back to look up at my ceiling, I let out a long sigh. What the hell did I just do? Did I completely ruin what Amy and I might have had? That was stupid, nothing had happened yet. And now, thanks to my brilliant ass, nothing will probably ever happen. I laid there mulling things over for who knows how long, the next thing I knew I was being shaken awake.

"Carlisle Anthony Lawson! Wake up, you're late for school. Why on earth did you not set your alarm? You're lucky I left your door open last night. Hurry up, get changed!" She walked out of my room and shut the door behind her. Fuck, I got so caught up in thinking about Amy and the shit I pulled on the phone that I must have just passed out. I quickly changed my clothes and scrambled to get all of my unfinished homework into my backpack. As I reached for my door handle I stopped dead. I was supposed to meet Amy before class. She probably thought I ditched her. Fan-fucking-tastic. One more strike against me. I doubt she will even talk to me, no matter how much I apologize.

"Carlisle, don't make me come in there again! I'm leaving in five minutes for work, you better be out the door before I am." I definitely did not want to test my mother's patience. She was usually laid back about most things but being late one was of those things that got on her nerves, especially when it could have been avoided. I practically ripped the door off the hinges as I ran to the kitchen and rifled through the cupboard. "Mom, where are the Pop-Tarts?"

"Second shelf behind the oatmeal. Three minutes," she warned as she put her earrings in. I grabbed a package of chocolate Pop-Tarts, dashed to the door, slipped on my shoes, and with a mouth full of food yelled, "Byemum, luffoo," as I closed the door.

I drove slightly over the speed limit, praying I didn't get pulled over. That would have just fucking made my day. My tires squealed as I pulled into a spot at the far end of the student parking lot. Running as fast as I could, I made my way into the building. Judging by the empty halls, the bell had already rang. Great. I ran to the office to get a pass.

"Mr. Lawson, I didn't expect to see you in the office. Do you have attendant duty today?" The secretary looked at me quizzically. I usually helped out in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, sometimes subbing for other students on different days. Considering it was Monday, it was no shock that she was taken by surprise.

"Oh no, Ms. Stewart. I, um, need a pass. I just got here and the bell already rang," I shifted my backpack further onto my shoulder and scratched the back of my neck. I could feel my face turning a slight shade of pink with embarrassment.

"Well this is a first, I think. Just be careful to not do it again. You know how Mr. Diresly is about tardiness." The principal was just as adamant about being on time as my mother.

"Yes, Ms. Stewart. Thank you." I smiled slightly as she handed me the pass. My heart pounded harder and harder in my chest as I walked to class. I sat next to Amy in this class. What is she going to say? Will she even say anything? My hand shook as I opened the door and walked into the classroom. I look up to discover we have a substitute teacher today; that means worksheets and goofing off.

"I was about to take attendance, you made it just in time. My name is Mr. Caddie, I'm subbing for Mrs. Kent today." I handed him my pass and made my way to my seat, trying to avoid looking at Amy. I glanced over as I took my seat next to her, she was focused straight ahead. Shit, she's going to ignore me all day. I fucking deserve it. The sub started calling out names from the class roster, I pulled out a pen and paper and began writing discretely.

-I'm so sorry for not meeting you this morning. I missed my alarm and was late for school. I feel so bad, please don't be angry with me. How can I make it up to you?

I slid the note over to Amy. She ignored it at first but slowly slid the paper farther in front on her. She took out a pen and started writing below what I wrote.

"Amy Johnston?" Amy froze as Mr. Caddie called her name. "Here" she said as she raised her hand. When Mr. Caddie looked back at the class roster Amy slid the paper back over to me.

-I waited for over half an hour for you. I thought you stood me up.

-I know, I'm sorry. Can I make it up to you after school? Or at lunch maybe?

I slid the paper back over for Amy to read and looked toward the chalkboard. I heard Amy start to scribble a reply right before the most embarrassing thing happened.

"Carlisle Lawson?" Mr. Caddie, being a substitute teacher, didn't know that I went by Carl and not my full name. As my name was read aloud all of the girls in the classroom except for Amy gasped and stared at me. I gulped and felt my face slowly turn from light pink to bright red. I slowly raised my hand then ran it through my hair. Big mistake. All the girls sighed and I stared at the floor. "I, uh, go by Carl, actually," my voice shook slightly. Mr. Caddie continued with roll but I could still feel all of the girls' eyes glued to me. I cursed that fucking book. Amy slid the paper back over to me and my heart fell slightly. She had tucked a five dollar bill under the note.

-Here, now the bet is settled. I'll see you after school.

Did that mean she was pissed or that she was just doing what we were supposed to do when we met up this morning? For the rest of the hour Amy and I sat in silence, neither of us knowing what to say to break it. I finished the worksheets quickly and filled the rest of the time looking over my sheet music for marching band. I hope it's not like this when we hang out after school.

Lunch time was a relief. I sat at my usual table in the corner with a bunch of other band kids. Amy had the same lunch period as me but I rarely saw her, she sat at different tables all the time. I was doing a pretty good job of pushing this morning to the back of my mind, especially when Mikey and Pugs started talking about the upcoming band competition. We were getting a little rowdy with the conversation but toned it down when we saw the lunch lady glaring at us. As we laughed it off, out of the corner of my eye I saw a few girls walking in our direction. I didn't glance long enough to notice who it was and pretended not to notice until I heard one of them clear her throat behind me.

"Oh hey, Dianna, Sherry, Jane," I addressed each one of Amy's friends with a nod and they smiled in response. I swallowed hard, my heart starting to pound in my chest. The rest of my table was exchanging looks from me to the girls and back.

"Amy wanted us to give this to you," Dianna held out her hand, revealing a folded piece of paper. I took it and shoved it in my pocket.

"Um, okay, thanks," I did my best to not look as nervous as I felt; I was failing miserably. The girls stood there for a minute before walking away. As soon as they were out of earshot, everyone that had witnessed the event was now erupting with questions.

"What was that all about?"

"Amy who?"

"Is that their numbers?"

"Aren't you gonna read the note?"

"You know you can breathe now, right?"

I tried to ignore them as I took the note out of my pocket and read it under the edge of the table.

Carl,

I was a little pissed earlier so I'm sorry I didn't talk to you at all in class. After you get done with marching band, just come to my house as planned. See you then.

~Amy

A smile started to spread across my face which got the guys riled up. I shoved the note back in my pocket and spent the rest of lunch dodging questions concerning the note, my relationship with Amy, and my masculinity.

* * *

Time could not go fast enough. I fidgeted all through my last classes of the day. I was asked to step in the hall to collect myself during world history because I was distracting Mrs. Hiles. I didn't care, I just wanted that last bell to ring so the only thing between Amy and I was marching band rehearsal. Practically running to the field, I dropped one of my drumsticks and stumbled before dropping my binder and other stick so I could steady myself and not fall on my drum. I sighed, took my drum off, picked up all my shit, and put my drum back on. I decided to do the smart thing and walk the rest of the way, running to the field wouldn't make rehearsal go by faster…although I wish it did today.

I practically ran my drum into every person as I jogged to the band room to put my stuff away and get to my car. As I searched my pockets for my keys I heard Pugs yell my name so I turn around to find him and Mikey making kissy faces at me and laughing. I flipped them off and got into my car, laughing.

It seemed there wasn't a person that didn't know I was in a hurry because every single car in front of me on the way to Amy's house went at least five miles under the speed limit. I finally pulled in front of her house and sprinted to the front door. Before I knocked I took a moment to catch my breath and wipe the sweat from my face. I ran my hand through my hair nervously as I waited for the door to be answered. After a minute I knocked again, this time I saw the curtain on the small door window move a moment before the door opened and there stood Amy.

"Amy, I'm really sorry about earlier. I nodded off while doing my advanced lit homework last night and forgot to set my alarm," I ran my hand through my hair again and stood there awkwardly not knowing what else to say. Amy just stood there with her arms crossed, not saying a damn word. She looked more than a little pissed, as she had said in the note. Amy really did look cute when she was angry. Her nose scrunched up just a little between her eyes and her bottom lip stuck out just enough for a subtle pout. Her cheeks even flushed the tiniest bit. The more I noticed, the more nervous I got and I lightly bit my bottom lip. I had to start thinking of something else or I would have an embarrassing problem in a minute. I shook my head and stared her right in the eyes…those gray eyes with the gold flecks in them…fucking damn it, I averted my eyes to the porch and took a couple breaths to calm my self. "Will you please say something already? This is kinda fucking awkward." At this I blushed, I normally didn't swear in front of girls but I was so occupied with keeping calm that I let my guard down on my cuss filter.

Amy stepped outside and shut the door behind her. Still not saying a word, she grabbed my hand and led me around to the back of the house, across the yard, and to the small jungle gym that was near the back fence. She dropped my hand and sat in one of the swings, I sat in the other and looked at the ground.

"Carl, this morning I was disappointed. I didn't pin you as someone who would skip out on plans." She had finally broken then silence…with something I didn't expect and made me feel even worse.

"Amy, I've apologized and-" She put her finger on my lips and I lifted my head to look at her. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks and I felt compelled to make them disappear. Before I knew what I was doing, my hands were cradling her face and my thumbs were wiping her tears away. She looked at me, surprise in her eyes but a small smile on her lips. Those lips; so much better smiling than pouting, although the pouting is cute. I wanted to kiss her. Fuck, I wanted to kiss her so bad. I slowly leaned in…but chickened out and kissed her cheek instead. I lowered my hands and fidgeted with my hoodie pocket, my eyes avoiding hers now.

"I know now that you didn't skip out, it was just a bad morning for you to not set your alarm. Please don't ever do it again," Amy murmured, almost laughing.

Glancing up I saw one fresh tear streaming down her cheek. "Never," I replied as my thumb wiped the tear away. A smirk spread on my face, a smile on hers. Damn it was good to see her smile. We sat in silence for awhile, but this time it wasn't awkward. It seemed that nothing needed to be said at the time, smiles and glances were all that was necessary. It was amazing, I had never felt a connection to another human being like this before; it scared me a little but there was this new feeling I had never felt before that completely trumped the fear. I can't quite describe the feeling, just that I never wanted it to go away. I think I fell for Amy Johnston right then and there, and I have a feeling she fell for me too.