Oh goodness gracious. I am so sorry that I haven't updated recently, and that this chapter is semi-short ish. I've been super busy and super tired, so this has kind of been getting neglected as of recently unfortunately. But not to worry! I'll be writing more often this week; I promise! I love you guys sooo much, and enjoy the chapter.
The rest of the weekend flew by. Alice picked me up on Sunday and she and I went shopping, along with Rose. Rose only got things that fit her to a T and had a price tag to match. Naturally, she looked stunning, as did Alice. However, Alice found this was the time to turn me into a full size dress up doll. Yet again. I doubted that I would have any say in my wardrobe in a matter of weeks.
She insisted on paying for everything, and swiped her plastic card more quickly than I could take out my wallet. I glared at her in the car as she just smiled and sang along to the radio with Rose.
When I finally got back home, I groaned and pulled out my homework. I had an enormous amount, and I usually hated leaving it for Sunday night, since I barely finished in time to go to bed. I trudged my way through linear equations and a critical analytical essay on a book we had just read. By the time I finished everything, I showered and immediately went to bed. Needless to say, I was exhausted. I went to sleep dreamlessly, which was a change for me. They were usually filled with memories of Jake and me, but it was strangely blank tonight.
Alice woke me up, as usual.
"Goooood morning Bella!" she chirped perkily. I squinted at her. Just because she didn't sleep at all didn't mean that I didn't need my sleep.
"Isn't it against the law to be so perky so early?" I grumbled, and she just giggled. I rolled my eyes.
"I've got an outfit picked out for you!" She trilled and set down a flowy halter lilac dress that ended a little bit above my knees, with black velvet swirling designs. It was gorgeous, of course, but a tad dressy for school.
"Isn't school supposed to be casual?" I asked, crossing my arms across my chest. She laughed.
"Yes, but you should maybe try dressing up a tad! I mean, every girl should take pride in her appearance," she said, seriously nodding her head along with what she was saying. "Plus," she added, "I found the most spectacular pair of heels to go with it!" I groaned. Heels were not my strong suit. I got into the dress grudgingly, along with the matching lilac strappy kitten heels she had picked out. Alice curled my hair and did my makeup. As I looked into the mirror, I blinked at my appearance.
"Um…who's that?" I asked her. She rolled her eyes.
"You of course. Who else?" I looked closer into the mirror. Alice had braided little white flowers into my hair, and had made it somewhat curly. The eye makeup was stunning, although a bit otherworldly. I looked a bit like a forest nymph.
"Should I go frolic in the back yard?" I asked her, and she burst out laughing.
"No silly! I'm just looking for a more…playful feel from you! We're going to be trying out new looks ALL week on you!" she said, clapping her hands together. I groaned. It was going to be a long week.
I drove to school in my truck, and when I got out of it, people stared at me. They literally were looking straight at me. I rushed towards the school door urgently, my cheeks flaming red. Alice was never dressing me again.
Tyler Crowley strode up to me as soon as I reached Jess and Angela.
"Hey babe," he crooned. "You're looking mighty fine today," he said looking me up and down.
"Tyler. Not now, okay?" I said tightly, clutching my books to my chest. I really was not in the mood to be harassed. However he didn't take the hint.
"Oh come on Bells…I never did make it up to you for that whole accident thing. Whattaya say I make it up to you?" he leaned against a locker, a smug smile on his face. I turned and raised my eyebrow at him.
"Tyler. I really am not interested." Was he simply stupid? I mean, I don't think 'not now.' Implied 'I really want to talk to you!' However, he thought differently apparently.
"Bells, stop playing hard to get. I'm onto you." He said cockily. I spluttered, unable to even respond. Jess and Ange just looked on in fascination. Suddenly Edward Cullen came around the corner. His eyes widened at my appearance, and then narrowed at Tyler.
"Bella." He greeted me. "Any troubles here?" He said crossing his arms and flexing his muscles. Tyler appeared to be a tad nervous.
"No actually. Tyler was just leaving. Isn't that right?" I said perkily, a smug look going on my face.
"Oh yeah!" he said flustered. "Things to do, people to see! See ya later Bella!" he said, practically breaking into a run down the hallway.
"Toodle-loo!" I said mockingly. I turned to Edward. "Thanks. I think that he needs to get it through his skull that I'm not interested, and I'm kind of taken." Edward just nodded and walked off. I sighed, and went to class. I had a feeling it would be a long day today. Oh well. At least I'd get to see Jake at the end of the day. The thought alone cheered me up immensely. I hugged my books to my chest and strutted off to class.
The day went quickly. It didn't stop Tyler from looking at me of course, but it was at least easier to avoid him since one of the Cullens accompanied to me to class at all times. However, after Biology, I had to deal with Mike and Tyler. Tyler was making up another gym class, and both of them acted like they had never seen a girl before. We were playing Capture the Flag. They were constantly trying to impress me by attempting to get the flag, and I just shook my head and tried running across to retrieve the flag. I was instantaneously caught. I wasn't good at athletics. As soon as Gym ended, I sprinted to the locker room, changed, and sprinted to my truck.
I got to Jake's in ten minutes. I may have gone a bit over the speed limit, but I really didn't care. I missed my baby. I practically skipped up to the front door, and he opened it up. His jaw practically dropped.
"Bella?" he asked, in disbelief. I didn't answer; I just crushed my face to his chest. His arms were instantly around me, just holding me to him. "What's wrong baby?"
"I missed you." I murmured. "And guys are jerks." I looked up to him and he laughed. He kissed my forehead gently and then began stroking my hair.
"Not all of us are. What happened?" He said with good humor. I told him of what had happened with Tyler. "Do I need to talk to him?" Jake asked, more seriously this time.
"Nooo." I quickly said. "He's just being a jerk. Besides, the Cullens are looking out for me, so it should be fine. I'm just complaining." He laughed and nuzzled his chin into my hair.
"Well, the offer's always there if you need it beautiful. Did I mention that you look absolutely gorgeous today?" he asked me. A smile began to creep across my face. No one made me smile like Jake did.
"Thank you. It's for you." I said meekly. His smile got wider.
"Well, I do believe that I am the luckiest guy in the world then." I smiled and just snuggled next to him. We just watched TV for a while, not even paying attention, and kissing every few minutes or so. It was peaceful and lovely. Charlie and Billy came home soon enough, and we made dinner and happily ate together. I loved this part of the day, since I got to spend hours upon hours with Jake. Our two month anniversary was coming up, which made me very excited.
When I sadly had to say goodnight to him, I just rested in his arms longer than necessary for the hug, enjoying his scent and just loving the feeling of being in his arms. We kissed gently, and had to say goodbye. He whispered in my ear as I got ready to leave.
"I love you baby," he said huskily. "Forever and always." Goosebumps traveled up my arms. I loved it whenever he whispered that into my ear. It seemed like it just meant more when he did it that.
"Love you too." I whispered back, and I kissed him goodbye. I fell asleep much easier tonight, my dreams filled with sweet images of us together watching sunsets and relaxing by the bonfire.