Ever get the feeling a day is never going to end. I am looking at the clock in government, and I still have two minutes to go. The worse part to the whole thing is that the day is still not over. Not even close as I have to go with Lauren and Alice to Port Angeles for shopping. Somebody kill me now, please.
Riiiiiiiinnnnnngggggggggg. Alice is already next to me at my seat. "Don't worry Bella I've got your back. See you at the jeep," she says.
"Yeah," I sigh, "I'll be there in few, but I want to see Edward first."
I see Alice roll her eyes and wave me away with her slender, pale hand. Not like she wouldn't feel the same way about her Jazz if he was here.
There he is my perfect illusion of a boyfriend, standing next to my locker, smiling that incredibly sexy smile. "Hi my Bell," his velvet voice whispers into my ear. I can't help but shiver at the erotic sound being emitted from his lips. How I wish I could spend the rest of the afternoon with him rather than on the shopping trip from hell.
"Hi" I respond, not looking at him as I concentrate on opening my locker. Even the most mundane task like remembering a simple combination becomes a major obstacle when he is near. All I want to do is gaze at his beauty while feeling him hold me.
He bends down reminding me how much taller he is and gently kisses the top of my head. I also hear him take a deep breath allowing him to smell my scent. Weird huh, but that is my guy, weird and all mine.
"Got any homework," he asks while sliding in front of my gray locker and effectively closing it.
"Not really," I mumble, "government was actually part review today so not much new."
"Good, you can enjoy you trip," he grins, and I return his teasing with the most wicked look I can manage. He knows this little excursion is anything but fun for me. "By the way I gave Alice the money to care of your fines."
"No, Edward," I protest, "even my dad thinks I should pay that for my misbehavior. I don't like you spending money on me for good stuff, let alone for things that result from my mistake."
I can immediately hear him growl a little while I catch the nose pinching action out of the corner of my eye. I know he wants to take care of me, but I am a big girl and I can take the rest of my so called punishment. At least my sore rump seems to be gone, except when I sit directly down on it.
"Bella don't be difficult," he breathes. "Anyway I told Alice you would probably refuse to let me take care of them, so I told her to buy you something ravishing for the banquet. No arguing." His long, masculine fingers quickly block my mouth and brain from saying anything more. I guess I have to get use to being lavished with things if Edward is indeed going to be my husband someday. I lightly kiss two of his digits before they recede from lips.
Somehow I find myself at Jasper's jeep with a very hyper Alice sitting at the wheel. No doubt she is already planning my clothes buying nightmare. As I stand at the door, I notice that Lauren is not there which makes me wonder what is up.
I hear the clicking action of the door as Edward opens it for me, always the gentleman. "In you go my love," he says and sits me in my seat. Our hands touch as we both grab for the seatbelt at the same time, I feel another shiver run through my body as that electrical charge ignites between us. "Be good ok, I will be with my bothers hunting and playing around. I will have my cell though if you need me, and please have some fun."
"I will try," I agree. "I just want to get this over with so everything from the last few days is really all behind us."
He smiles at me and then begins a good bye kiss. I am sure it was to be a gentle kiss, but somehow I didn't want more. I reach up to tangle my hand in his bronze hair. The kiss deepens and I hear Alice begin to whistle a nameless tune. Edward disentangles my fingers from his neck and pulls back.
"Be good," he reminds me. "You will be back before you know it."
"OK," I say. "I love you."
"I love you too."
"Great, we all love each other," Alice chirps. "Let's get going so we can get to the city and truly shop."
Edward laughs a little and then kisses my finger tips in one last parting gesture. I can't help but feel my heart constrict as I see him leave. Someday this won't happen I am sure, but right now it is just too soon after having him leave that one time. I just can't forget.
"So Bella let's go get Lauren and be on our way," Alice states.
Being confused I can't help but scrunch my face as I inquire, "Where is Lauren and why do we have to get her?"
"No use having two cars," Alice says. "I told her to take her car home, and we would come by and pick her up."
"Makes sense," I say.
Looking up I see we are pulling in the drive to Lauren's house, a beautiful Tudor style ranch. It still is nothing like the Cullen mansion, but it is a step up from the two bedroom hovel I live in. She is already standing on the front step tapping her right foot.
Under any other circumstances this little adventure might be funny to sit back and watch. Head cheerleader and ditzy shopper out with the local, vampire pixie and commerce champ.
I open my door and scoot up, sliding my seat forward. I am afraid to unlatch my seatbelt, even if only for a second, to make it more comfortable for me to let her in. The memory of getting caught without it recently is still very poignant since I am forced to sit down on both my bottom and my thighs which gives way to a somewhat uncomfortable tenderness.
"Hum," Lauren groans. "Looks like I will sit in back."
I guess Miss Queen is not use to taking a back seat in any sense. I smirk as I contemplate whether she and Mike always go to the 'Forks Hilton' for their fun.
"OK girls," Alice shoots much like the gun which would start some sort of relay race. "I hope you got everything because we are off and ready to shop."
I close my eyes trying desperately to imagine that I am going anywhere but on a downtown spending trek. I am glad that Edward is getting more time with his brothers. He had a good time before, and I know that I have not been the best companion here of late considering all the trouble I managed to get myself in. He has said that is all in the past, and once I get those fines paid, I can finally let myself put it there.
"Hey Alice," I say. "I need you to stop by the courthouse in Port Angeles first if that is ok? I want to make sure to get there before they close."
"No problem, Bells," Alice smiles. "It is right downtown, and there is a party shop close by we can go to, so you gals can get those banquet decoration taken care of. Then we can go to the mall for the real fun."
"You in trouble, Bella," Lauren quietly interjects.
"Not really," I say. I see the gossip diva already has her indicator pointed in my direction for the next juicy bit of info she can spread. "I just need to take care of something there."
"Take care of what," she continues.
"Lauren, I have to pay something. Do we really need to make this into a federal case," I dodge.
"No, but I can't help but be curious. Bella you are a good girl and the police chief's daughter," she taunts.
I hear Alice begin a faint growl, and I see her glare into her rearview mirror. Lauren really has no idea of the possible danger she is about to embark upon if she chooses to continue down this road of questioning. Oh heck, I am a terrible lair which I have established often. So hear goes nothing, "Lauren, look I got a few traffic citations which I am going pay. I would really appreciate it if you don't tell anyone at school."
"Bellllaa, you are my friend, no problem," she chants. "We all get in trouble sometime, right? Does your dad know?"
"Yes, he knows and wants me to take care of it," I smile. No big news there my dear, sorry.
"Edward knows too," I add, hoping to squash any further rumor fantasies she may have.
"Oh, ok," she says in a whisper.
"Bella," Alice says, "here we are. You want me to go with you in the courthouse?"
"Naw," I retort, "I will be just a second."
I quickly get out of the car and run into the building. I scan the information signs for directions to the county clerk. I see that I am lucky today with a big plaque on the wall next to me saying "County Clerk" with an arrow pointing to the right around the corner. I immediately trudge around that way to find double doors leading to the place of final punishment.
I enter and find that the counter is empty. I step up and stand there a few seconds before an older woman with short gray hair, wearing black frame glasses that are attached to a long chain around her neck, comes forward. She almost seems better suited to a library than a courthouse.
"How can I help you miss," she inquires.
"Well," I stutter, fishing in my purse to find my tickets. There they are, I grab them and hold them out to her. "I got these tickets the other day, and I want to take care of them."
"OK," she says taking the paper in hand. "Just let me get your file." She walks over to a big metal cabinet and pulls out a huge shelf that seems to hold hundreds of files. I get the feeling that I might be here a long time, but she quickly picks out a manilla file that she returns to counter with.
"Isabella Swan," she reads. She flips the file open like a book and holds her glasses up high on her nose while she reads the contents. "Yes, I see there is a fine for speeding and failure to wear a seatbelt, hummm." She now reveals a calculator from somewhere under the table top to add the fines together. Really, it is $100 plus $75, a no brainer, but her fingers punch the number pads briskly. "OK, that will be $175 in cash, please."
I take the money out of my billfold and hand it to her. She counts the money and smiles. "Thank you dear," she says politely, " and be more careful from now on ok?"
"Of course, ma'am."
Thank God! It is over, done, in the past. My mind feels so much relief I can't help but giggle like a hyena. I run out the doors to the awaiting vehicle with my friends in it.
"That is done," I smile from ear to ear. "Let's get those decorations."
The rest of our time shopping goes by in a blur. I am no longer stressed so I just go with the flow. We seem to literally run from one store to the next. I am amazed that so little is said as Lauren goes off on her own to get things, and Alice uses me as her personal Barbie doll. I can't tell you how many outfits I try on nor am I really sure of how many she bought for me. I vaguely recall that Alice has bought things for all the Cullens, at least I hope so considering the only space left in the jeep when we come out is a small pocket in the back for Lauren.
"Guys I am like really hungry," Lauren whines. "Can we go get something to eat? I know of a little Italian restaurant behind Main Street that is great. Bon appetite you know?" She laughs at her own joke while Alice and I share an eye roll that thankfully she never catches.
"Sounds good to me," Alice says. "How about you Bella?"
"Fine," I agree. "Edward and I have been there, and it is really good."
Alice drives just like any Cullen and speedily maneuvers the rugged automobile downtown. It seems like we only blink before we are parked in front of the Ma Belle. Without a word, we get out and go in. I am totally exhausted but forgiven as well, so I can't help but smile when we go in.
Lauren goes to hostess after we enter the eatery. "Table for three," she says. "Hey is Dora here tonight?"
The older female leads us to a table with four chairs and removes the fourth place setting. "How is this, and yes, Dora is here. She will be your waitress this evening."
"Great, and this table is fine," Lauren beams. She looks like a feline ready to pounce on something, but I haven't got the faintest idea what she is up to.
We all have a seat and are greeted by 'Dora,' who places a water glass down for each of us. "Tonight our special is mushroom ravioli. What can I get you to drink?"
"Dora, silly girl it is me, Lauren," she says.
"Oh my god. Lauren, it has been such a long time. How are you," she responds.
"Great. Hey these girls are my friends, Alice Cullen and Bella Swan," Lauren introduces while pointing to each one of us. "Ah girlfriend, can you hook us up with some wine tonight?"
"Shhhh, I think I can do that. How would some chardonnay be," she asks.
"Good, and I am ready to order. I will have the mushroom ravioli and Italian vignette on my salad."
"Nothing for me," Alice says, "I am on a special diet due to allergies."
"MMM, I will have the same as she got," I say pointing to Lauren. I feel a little dazed as I realize we are getting alcohol. Alcohol is illegal for teens, I really shouldn't drink that. Edward will not be happy I am sure. Oh, how do these situations find me.
The waitress leaves and Lauren turns to Alice, "You will have some wine with us right?"
"Well, I don't know," she hesitates, "I am driving."
"Oh, one glass won't hurt ya," prods Lauren. "You have to enjoy with Bella and me."
"Um, I have never drank before," I whisper.
"OOO, this is so cool. I get to introduce you to your first drink. You need to relax Belllaaa, and chardonnay isn't real strong. It tastes great, and I should know since my mom and dad have it around all the time. They even let me drink it sometimes," the girl babbles.
Lauren's parents let her drink at home, well many parents do that. Not Charlie though, he would have a cow if he knew. He would probably send me to a convent, although we aren't even Catholic, if he found out.
Before I know it, Dora is back with the wine, and she pours a little in one glass for Lauren to test. She makes a big deal to swirl the light pinkish liquid around and takes a big sniff. Then to top it off, she gulps it down like it was beer and wipes her mouth off with her fingers.
"Ahhh, that is exquisite," she giggles. I wonder if she was drinking while we have been out because she suddenly seems a little drunk. Surely I am imagining things. Dora continues to serve us our salad and bread basket before she leaves. I just look at my wine glass asking myself if I dare. Do I dare to drink it? Would one glass really hurt me?
"Beeellllaaa, go ahead and have some wine. You'll love it I swear," Lauren teases me.
"Mmmm, I don't know," I stumble. "Alice how about you?"
"Bella, go ahead one glass shouldn't hurt you," she smiles. I can almost see the spark in her eye that says loosen up. "I am going to have a glass, but only one because I am the designated driver after all."
Oh well, here it goes and I take a snip. "MMM, this is good," I say really surprised. "It is fruity with a little kick." I giggle as I finish my first glass rather quickly. I hadn't had a chance to drink anything all night will shopping with my pixie bud, so I am thirsty.
"Careful there," Alice laughs, "you need to eat something or even this wine will hit ya real fast."
"But you haven't eaten," I point out. Of course vampires don't eat food, but I know better than say that.
"I will be fine I am only going to drink half a glass slowly," she informs me.
Lauren refills my glass, and I take a few bites of salad. I just can't seem to resist the alcohol. God I hope I am not going to be an alcoholic. Is this how it starts? I look over to see that half of the wine is gone, and Lauren is again filling me up.
"Bella slow down, eat some of your pasta. You need some food on your stomach," Alice lectures.
"Oh, let Bella be. I mean she needs to lighten up a little because this has been kinda a hard year," Lauren pokes.
"Yeah," I ponder, "it was bad for while but Edward is back."
"Thats good too, I mean, I don't know what he sees in you, but hey, he likes you," Lauren spills.
Alice shoots daggers with her eyes and bites her lip because I guess she is trying to keep from saying anything. I, on the other hand, feel like any filter for my mouth has been dissolved.
"You know Lauren, I wonder that too," I say. "I know I am not that pretty or anything."
"I know," she agrees as she polishes off the bottle.
"Stop right now," Alice announces. "Bella is a beautiful girl."
"I guess," Lauren jumps, "but I don't see it. Hey lets get out of here."
"OK," I agree. I get up and follow Lauren out the door. "Remember when we came to see that movie last fall," I titter in hushed tones.
"Oh yeah, I was so mad at you taking off with that motorcycle gang," she smiles. "All I needed was to have you abducted by those jerks and have to tell your dad."
"I know," I apologize, "I'm sorry, but riding motorcycles can be so much fun. The adrenaline rush is awesome."
I find myself walking with Lauren wishing I could ride a motorcycle again. In the distance I hear Alice yelling at us. It is not like she can't catch up because she is a vampire. Vampires are fast, even female vampires. I no sooner complete that thought then the blood fairy is by my side.
"What are you doing," Alice demands.
"Oh chill Al, let the girl have some fun. And I have some more fun right here in my bag," Lauren informs us as she pulls out a couple of small liquor bottles.
"I think we have had enough already," hedges Alice.
I look at the bottles that the annoying friend next to me is holding out while still walking slowly. Hum, I wonder what whisky tastes like. I have seen it my dad's cabinet, but I have never seen him drink it. I wonder if he ever has. It is not like I am drunk right now, but I do feel fairly silly,good but strange.
"Here, take your pick, Bells," Lauren says and hands out both bottles for me to choose one. I grab the whisky licking my lips.
"Bella be careful," Alice pleads.
"Why don't we share it Ali, my best friend," I offer while I open it and take a long swig. When I pull the bottle from my lips, I begin coughing and sputtering. Gosh, that is like liquid fire going down my throat. Wow, I don't think I like this. I think I would rather have more wine.
Alice pats my back and pries the amber fluid from my hand. "Fine," she spats, "here goes nothing." She tips her head back and finishes off the contents.
All three of us have our arms entwined walking up the boulevard, when out of nowhere I bump into this hulking male. We stop immediately and look up. Oh my god, it is Jacob Black, my best friend.
-Author's Note-
I am not sure if this is what people were looking for but it was what I came up with. The stage is set for more potential trouble which Bella will escape, but will Edward find out what she is up to? How will he react? Ok we all know that, but will he be upset with his sister this time? What will Jasper think? Wonder if Jacob is on his bike and will he give Bella a ride? How about the other girls? Or is he just too upset with his childhood friend? Tell me what you are thinking, so I can finish the next chapter. I love hearing from you and promise to respond to all those who send a review.
