CHAPTER TWO – Convincing

As I lay in the middle of the street, bag of Cheeto's in hand, I could feel the questionable stares coming from in between the blinds of the surrounding houses. I sighed, shoving another cheesie into my mouth.

There had to be better things on the television, like Vanna White and her scantily clad attire. Maybe it was a rerun.

The cold asphalt chilled my skin, calming my nerves. I loved this feeling; the smell of cool asphalt, the way it seemed to soften underneath me, like blanket rather than the stone-hard surface it is.

Here, in the center of the street, is where I think. After numerous experiments, the only place I can truly calm myself enough to allow my brain to sort through my thoughts, is here. If it's raining, well that just makes it so much better. Oh, the smell of wet asphalt...

I picked at the cheesie in my tooth. The guests would be arriving soon, and I was considering my options; an 'out', if you will. I had never considered myself a shy person, so it was slightly confusing that I should loathe the idea of having guests in my honor. There must be something about these small-town folks. They were just so.. soo... scary. Maybe it's the water... or the air. In Pheonix, I didn't care what people thought of me. Here, I wasn't so sure... Odd.

I let out a gasp. What if there is something in the air? What if I started turning into a pom-pom weilding, bubble-gum chewing, boy chasing, girlie-magazine reading Barbie!? This town was crawling with them. It was only a matter of time before they got to me with their little manicured claws. I will not go alive, they can be sure of that much...

I shook my head. I am Bella Marie Swan! I pride myself in my ability to make perfectly normal conversations into awkward, uncomfortable silence! On most occasions, it looks more like I went into my closet blindfolded and got dressed. I should not feel daunted by a few frumpy, curious neighbors! I should see this as a challenge, not a hindrance!

"HA!" I shouted in triumph as I jumped to my feet. With my new-found confidence, I stuffed a particularily large Cheeto into my mouth, as I flailed my limbs around in an attempt to dance. I caught the eye of Mrs. Stewart, the single lady next door, who was standing in her front room window, a hand over her heart as if trying to make sure it would not burst forth from her chest. I smirked, give a one-fingered wave, looking more like I was saluting her. I skipped up to my room, humming a tune.

Yes, how could I have doubted myself?

Edwards POV

I stood in front of my closet, staring blankly at the various shades of blue button-ups. Was I really that boring? Not even a red shirt to be found? I'd have to ask Emmett to borrow something, blue just wasn't going to cut it tonight.

Carlisle had approached me earlier that day.

"We're going over to Chief Swan's house tonight", he had said with the best attempt at non-chalance he could muster. I raised an eyebrow.

"I heard 'we' in there. As if I am coming with you or something," I responded.

"As a matter of fact, yes you are. You, and your brother and sister," he stated, squaring his shoulders.

I sighed. I just looked at him, waiting for him to explain. He just stared back, willing me to complain.

"Fine, I'll take the bait. Why are we going to the Chief's?" I asked, not really caring.

"His daughter has moved to town. We're going to go introduce ourselves," he responded, almost smugly. My head snapped up.

"His daughter? How old?" I asked, trying to seem unbothered by this news. We haven't had a new kid in town since God knows when, and the idea of 'fresh meat' was rather intrigueing...

Carlisle smirked at me.

"17, brown hair, brown eyes like her dad, real cute, you'd like her," Carlisle smirked. I ducked my head.

"I asked for her age, not her online dating profile," I muttered as I took a swig from my orange juice and stalked off upstairs.

As I prepared for tonight, I mentally prepared myself. "Play it cool, Cullen, play it cool," I would repeat over and over again. As I dressed in an attempt to be 'dressy-but-not-overly-so', as Alice had so kindly simplified for me, I would catch myself imagining this brown-haired, brown-eyed beauty Carlisle had mentioned. Would she be an subtle beauty? Maybe she'd be one of those cool, down-to-earth girls who didn't bother with make-up and 4 hours in front of the mirror every morning. Man, that would be my kind of girl...

Wait, What am I thinking! I don't even know the girl! She could be so far from my type, I'd might as well date Jessica Stanley! An unvoluntary shiver ran up my spine at the thought.

I'll... I'll just go to this... this thing tonight, scout it out, then decide if it's worth the effort. Yeah, that's a solid plan, Edward.

I looked at myself in the mirror. My faded dark washed jeans and charcoal dress shirt made me look mysterious. I liked it. I looked like an undercover Bond or something. I looked behind me to make sure my door was shut, and unbottoned another button off the top of my shirt. I flicked it open a bit, showing a bit of my chest. I smirked.

"You know, some people would call you a slut, Eddie-Bear. You're about two buttons too low, sweetie," a sing-song voice came from behind me. I wheeled around with a gasp, steadying myself on my cluttered desk.

"Alice, you scared the crap out of me!" I cried breathlessly.

"Awe, you should really learn to lock your door then, brother dearest," she smirked as she turned to leave, "Oh, and by the way, she won't care what you look like. She's not that type."

I stared after her. Don't get me wrong, I love my sister. Her tiny figure and pixie-like hair was endearing. Everyone loved Alice. But sometimes she can creep me out. It's like she knows stuff!

I looked at the clock. 6:45 pm. I grabbed my wallet and headed down the stairs.

Here goes nothing...