Chapter 4
When the sun rose that morning (I didn't sleep a wink), I noticed that I never texted Edward about the thief or whoever was prowling around outside the house. I usually would have, but something blocked that from my mind.
I got ready for school before Charlie even woke up, and started making a breakfast of scrambled eggs for myself.
I cracked up at the sight of those eggs. They reminded me of the time Edward egged this one kid's house. His name is Mike Newton, and he has been in love with me practically since kindergarten. Edward didn't like how he started stalking my house (walking by after school every afternoon… more than once on weekends and the summer), so Edward egged his house one night. I wanted to come along to see Edward do it, but he wouldn't let me. He said that he didn't want me getting into trouble if he'd get caught. How bad would that be – your own father catching you egging a classmate's house?
Mike eventually figured out that it was Edward who had egged his house, but Mike was too afraid to tattle. I would be afraid if Edward if I were anyone else, too, I guess. Edward is tall, with well-proportioned muscles. Just the way his face is set sometimes, beautiful but dangerous. Edward has been the fastest boy in the class since forever and had been on the top of the honor roll eight years running. I doubted Edward could be any more perfect.
After eating and washing out my plate, Charlie came down the stairs in his uniform. "Morning, Bells."
"Morning, Char – Dad." I never really got out of the habit of calling him Charlie. I've been doing it for a few years now. "I was just on my way out."
"Heading to Edward's?" he asked.
"Yup. Waiting for the bus with him."
"Bella… I've been meaning to talk to you about something…"
"What is it?" I leaned back against the kitchen table.
"You and Edward. You're going to that Seattle club on Halloween, right?"
"With Alice and Jasper and Emmet and Rosalie," I reminded him.
"Yes with them. I just want to remind you don't talk to anyone you don't know…"
"Dad! We've been going over this since I was five…"
"Let me finish. Don't accept drinks from anyone. No drugs. More importantly, I don't want you and Edward alone."
I turned a shade of red. "Dad, Edward and I are just friends. I told you that a million times before."
"I'm just reminding you, Bella. After fifteen years of being a police officer, I know better than anyone not to trust a fourteen year old boy."
"Can I go now?"
"Bye. Love you."
"Love you, too." I grabbed my backpack from the table and headed out the door. I started walking to Edward's, and saw that he was sitting on his porch. Today was starting off pretty normal. I was thankful.
"Hey, Edward."
"Morning, Bella."
We stood in silence for a minute. Usually Edward supplied the conversation. I felt awkward in front of the one person in the world that I could tell absolutely anything to.
"Some rain last night," he said quietly.
"Is that the best you can do?" I asked, knitting my eyebrows.
We laughed, and everything felt normal again.