Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.
A/N: I feel I should warn you guys, I don't like Jacob; he annoys me. So just going forward, keep that in mind please.
The first half of the school day passed slower than I would have liked. Even though I wasn't fully looking forward to having to talk to Ms. Denali, I somewhat was a little. She would make for an easy distraction from all the texts I've been getting this morning. Jake has decided that he likes texting. He apparently got a new cell phone early this morning and has been texting me none stop.
At first I thought it was funny because I remember how excited I was when I got my first phone and was able to start texting people. When he sent me the twentieth text within a half hour time span though, I was starting to get a little annoyed. I stopped answering him when school started, thinking he'll take the hint and realize to stop being annoying. But he didn't. He just sent me texts about random things he was doing, almost like a play by play report of his day. Although since school started, they weren't as frequent, but they still happened frequent enough to annoy me.
I would have just turned my phone on silent, instead of vibrate, but I wanted to keep it on in case Charlie called and needed to speak with me right away. If it wasn't for my fear of something happening to Charlie while he was on duty, I would have turned my phone off in a minute.
As it is, I've kept my phone on vibrate and have nearly gotten in trouble in every class because of it. I think the only reason the teachers didn't actually yell at me or give me detention is because I didn't actually take my phone put. I knew it was a text, and I assumed it was from Jake, so I just let it go off the one time and kept it my pocket. Hopefully I'll stay that lucky for the rest of the day.
Right after I finished eating lunch and about fifteen minutes until the bell would ring, I quickly dismissed myself from the group of people that I eat with (the same ones that I had bowled with) and went to Ms. Denali's class. I have this feeling that she has lunch this hour also and won't be busy.
Her door was closed when I got there and I didn't see anyone in there, but she could have been in the back. So I knocked on the door and waited for an answer. A few seconds later and still no answer, I decided to just leave and come back five minutes before lunch was over. I turned around intending to leave, but instead bumped into a very hard and cold body.
"Oomph." I said as I knocked into Ms. Denali.
Ms. Denali placed a hand on my shoulder to help me gain back my balance. The whole time she had a bright smile on her face. I blushed a little at having run into her, but this time I was able to talk to her without stuttering, though I think that's because she hasn't teased me…yet.
"Sorry." I quickly said out of habit, even though it is her fault for standing so close to me. She's a vampire; I know she could have avoided hitting me in this empty hall.
"It's no problem Bella. Did you want me?" Ms. Denali asked, though the last question seemed like she meant something besides me just wanting to talk to her.
"Ya, I wanted to ask you something. I was hoping you could give me your sisters' stores' address. I couldn't ask her when I called yesterday and I couldn't find it online." I asked.
She didn't say anything, but instead moved around me to the door and unlocked it. She opened the door and moved aside for me to enter first. She followed closely behind me and closed the door. I walked to in front of her desk, not expecting this conversation to take that long, and she sat down behind her desk.
"Kate doesn't want any advertising for her business, in case the Volturi hear about it. She doesn't want the store to be that popular; it's only something to do with her time." Ms. Denali explained.
So if it's not that popular, then it shouldn't be that busy. I would assume a vampire with a never ending energy supply can run the store every day without a problem; especially if it's to cure boredom.
"Why hire me then?" I asked.
Ms. Denali smirked at me and gave me a look that I couldn't really decipher. The look though, was a pleasant look that sent a shiver down my spine in a good way; a shiver that I know she noticed.
"Because even though she wants something to waste her time with, she doesn't want to be doing just that all day every day." Ms. Denali said.
I guess that makes sense. Even though she could, unless she really, really loved books store and all that goes with it, why would she want to spend all her time there? Especially if she can hire someone to do so for her.
"Oh." Was my awesome reply, not much else I could have said that didn't make me look even more stupid. "So, can I have the address?" I asked, getting back on topic.
"Of course you can. It's very easy to get to. It's just on the edge of town, right off the main road." Ms. Denali said.
She took a piece of paper from her desk and wrote down the address and even wrote down the directions to the store from the school. She folded the paper up and handed it to me. When she handed me the paper, our fingers brushed each other. The contact caused a slight tingling sensation on my fingers; it also caused me to slightly blush. The smirk on her face told me she did that on purpose and knew that I would blush.
"Thank you Ms. Denali. I had tried calling the number back, but I couldn't get through." I said, hoping she would tell me why that was.
"I know. I happened to be on the phone all day, very important phone calls had to be made." Ms. Denali said, her tone giving away her lie.
I would question her on the lie, but why should I? The only thing that happened because I couldn't get through was I had to talk to Ms. Denali to get the address. It's not like it's any of my business who she talks to and for how long. Although, I'm pretty sure she was probably the one that hung up on me before I could ask the question.
"Did you do your homework this time?" Ms. Denali asked when I started to make my way out the door.
There's only about five minutes left before the bell rings, I didn't have any intentions of staying in here for the remaining time. No matter how small amount of time it is. As usual though, Ms. Denali's plans are different than mine. I stopped just past her desk to answer her.
"Yes I did." I said, somewhat smugly. "I also brought in the other homework that I forgot, that way I can turn it in if you want me to." I said with a smirk.
The pout on her face led me to believe she was expecting me to either not have the old homework or to not have done/forgotten to bring in the current homework.
"What a shame. I guess I won't have to give you another detention then." Ms. Denali said.
That was a detention? She never said it was! That means Charlie will probably find out somehow I might get in trouble with him. Won't getting a detention also go on my record? I have no idea, but it better not because she technically never said it was a detention.
"That was a detention?" I asked.
"Of course it was. What did you think it was?" Ms. Denali asked with her signature smirk back in place.
I have this feeling that I'm walking into a trap. I just can't figure out what her trap is and what she'll gain from it.
"You never said it was a detention." I accused, ignoring her question in case that was the trap.
"You're right I didn't, but I don't have to. I decided to have you spend your detention with me privately that way nothing gets reported to anyone else. Your record stays clean this way." Ms. Denali said.
I just stood their gapping at her. She gave me a detention, but made sure it didn't do anything bad to me. I personally don't know many teachers that would do that. She wasted her time yesterday with me when she could have done something more productive. Now I feel kind of mean about being so annoyed with having to stay after school with her.
"Thank you." I said as sincerely as I could.
"Anytime Bella." Ms. Denali said just as sincerely back.
Maybe a second later after she said that, the bell rang. So instead of going outside, I just went back to my seat. I head Ms. Denali shuffle papers around on her desk, probably getting ready for today's lesson. As I sat down, people started slowly coming in.
Class was nothing exciting. I ended up turning in just the most recent homework at the beginning of class with everyone else. Ms. Denali went over some of the questions people had about the homework and then taught the next lesson. After we didn't have any more questions for her about today's lesson, she assigned the homework and an in-class assignment.
During said in-class assignment my phone went off again. It was another text from Jacob. I hadn't gotten one from him since before lunch, so I honestly was starting to think he had gotten the hint and stopped texting me. Guess not. Like the other classes, I ignored the text and just kept working. No one around me said anything and only a couple people looked up and made sure it wasn't their phones going off from their backpacks on the ground.
"Whose phone is that?" Ms. Denali asked from the front.
I almost smirked at her question. I know she knows perfectly well that it's my phone going off. Her hearing is way too good to not be able to tell. I made sure that when I looked up at her at her desk that I had a straight face. According to every other student, nothing is funny about Ms. Denali asking whose phone is going off.
"It's mine." I answered.
The smirk she gave me made me slightly nervous.
"See me after class." Ms. Denali said with a straight face, though I could see a hint a smirk still left on her face.
Great, I have to stay after class again. Two days in row, I'm starting to make a habit of this. I guess I won't be going to Kate's store after class now because I bet she'll give me a detention or have me stay after class with her again. I wonder if not showing up because of her sister will affect me being able to still get the job or not?
The rest of class passed quickly. I was dreading what Ms. Denali was going to do, probably give me an actual detention like she's supposed to do. I waited until the whole class had left before I went up to Ms. Denali's desk. I stood awkwardly in front of her desk, waiting for her to stop grading some papers. I didn't want to start this conversation; she was the one that told me to stay after, so she can talk first.
"You know it's my rule to have your phone on silent during class." Ms. Denali said while finally looking up at me as she put her pen down.
"I know." I said. No point in giving excuses, I know I broke the rules and I guess it's only right that the vampire is the one that catches me.
"So then you know I have to give you a detention right?" Ms. Denali asked, a smirk growing on her face.
I don't know why she is dragging this out. Does she enjoy torturing her students, or is it just me?
"Yes." I sighed trying to give her the impression that I want this over with.
"Since I happen to know you have an interview with my sister today, I'll be nice. I'll give you an option. Does that sound fair?" Ms. Denali asked.
"Depends on the options." I answered with annoyance showing in my voice.
If she gives me options that I don't like and aren't favorable to me at all, then I wouldn't say it's fair.
"You have two options: you can either go to the detention hall and have a slip sent home with you to have a parent sign; or you can stay with me tomorrow after school." Ms. Denali said.
I don't want Charlie thinking I'm getting in trouble at school because then he'll get really strict like he did right before we left Forks. I also don't want Charlie to worry about and think that this is normal and that I'm just now getting caught; because I bet he would jump to worse-case scenario.
"I'll stay with you tomorrow." I answered.
Just after I answered and I was able to hear me say the words out loud, I could hear how suggestive they could sound.
"Perfect, you should get going; you don't want to be late for your next class." Ms. Denali said.
I didn't say anything as I left, although I should have thanked her. This will be the second time in two days that Ms. Denali has avoided giving me an actual detention when I should have gotten one. Even though it's really nice of her to keep me out trouble and still follow the rules to an extent, it's still really annoying to have to spend time with my teacher.
The rest of the day passed quickly. I was actually really looking forward for the interview. I bet, from what I've seen of Kate so far, that this interview is not going to be normal at all.
In what seemed like no time at all, I was parking in front of Kate's shop. It looked like just a small little mom and pop shop. It was surrounded by several other small looking stores, nothing about any of the stores really stood out. Because this is just a bookstore, I didn't really dress up. I nervously got out of my truck and made my way inside of the store.
I found Kate behind the counter of the only register with her feet on the counter and reading a book. She looked as if she was so into her book that someone could have come in and stolen whatever they wanted and she wouldn't have seen it. With her being a vampire I know that's not possible, but she certainly seemed that way.
"Kate Denali?" I asked then continued speaking when she looked up. "I'm Bella Swan, I'm here for the um, interview?" I more asked than stated since I'm still really confused as to why I have to have an interview for a guaranteed job.
"Perfect. I'll be in the back office, just wait about sixty seconds because I want to get ready first." Kate said with a huge grin then darted to the back almost too fast for me to see. I guess she knows I know what she is also. I don't see why she wouldn't if Ms. Denali knows then surely her family would.
About sixty seconds later I walked to the back and knocked on the door that I'm guessing lead to the office. There were only two other doors there, one had a bathroom sign on it and the other had 'employees only' on it. I knew I guessed right when I heard Kate tell me to enter from the other side of the door.
When I walked in, I immediately paused. She had changed cloths. Previously she was wearing just a nice set of jeans, shirt and jacket. Now she's wearing a full out formal business suit. I feel really underdressed now.
"Have a seat Bella." Kate said in a serious tone that I never thought she could do.
I sat on the other side of the desk and waited for Kate to begin. This is my first interview to; my last job was handed to me thanks to Mike. I have at least heard about them and some teachers have even talked about them to prepare us for our future and what not, but I've never had one. I guess Kate wants the full experience of an interview.
She grabbed a folder from her desk drawer and placed it on her desk. She gave me a quick glance then opened the folder and started going through its contents. She placed a paper that was originally in the middle on the top then neatly placed the papers back on the desk.
"So I understand you want to work for me?" Kate asked in the same serious tone that really doesn't suite her at all.
"Yes I do." I'll just try to be as professional as possible; I think that's what she's going for.
"Why should I hire you?" Kate asked.
"Because I'm a good worker." I answered quickly.
"How often can you work?" Kate asked just quickly as I answered.
"After school every day and every weekend." I answered.
Is it sad that I have no social life and am more than willing to work to fill up my time? I guess Kate is doing the same thing with her bookstore, but then again she's hiring me so she's not here all the time.
"Can you organize books?" Kate asked quickly again.
"Yes." I answered.
"Can you count back change?" Kate asked.
"I can." I answered.
"Would you listen to directions I would give you if you're hired?" Kate asked.
"Yes I would." This is an easy interview.
"So if I told you to go on a date with –" Kate said but was interrupted when the door was flung open and another vampire yelled at her.
"Kate! This is exactly why I had to be here to make sure you didn't do that." A Hispanic looking vampire scolded.
I know Kate was about to say someone's name, I'm just not sure who. I could take a very educated guess as to who it is. But I don't want to. Instead I'll just focus on trying to get my blush to go away.
"You're no fun Carmen, it was all harmless fun right Bella?" Kate asked, grinning like a mad woman now.
"Um, sure?" I said, though it was more of a question because I'm not sure what happened.
"I'm sorry to interrupt. My name is Carmen. I'm a coven mate of Kate and Tanya." Carmen said, introducing herself. She held her hand out for me to shake, so I did quickly so as to not be rude. "Be good Kate." Carmen warned before leaving and closing the door behind her.
"I'm just trying to speed things along Carmen." Kate said a defensive tone before turning her attention back to me. "So, what did you think of the interview?" She asked in a very happy tone.
"It was good?" I said, or asked I guess.
I can tell working with Kate is going to very interesting. She will be lots of fun to be around. I'll just have to be careful and not get too close though. I don't want to be too sad when they have to eventually leave like the Cullen's did, or when I leave them for college, which ever happens first.
Kate absolutely beamed at my answer. She must have tried to really make this seem like a real interview. From what I've heard, I don't think she did a bad job…until Carmen showed up at least.
"Good. But back to business since I'm supposed to be hiring you at what not; can you start tomorrow?" Kate asked but before I could answer, she started speaking again. "Oh, wait you can't. Tanya told me you got a detention with her for your vibrator or something." Kate said making me blush.
"No! It was my phone, I didn't have it on silent." I quickly corrected her statement making Kate giggle at me.
"Whatever you say Bella, I won't judge. I happen to know that Tanya –" Kate started but was interrupted by Carmen yelling at her.
"Don't go there Kate!" Carmen yelled through the door, not bothering to open it.
Kate only rolled her eyes, but other words ignored Carmen.
"How about Saturday?" Kate asked.
Normally Saturday would be fine, but not this Saturday. Jake is coming in tomorrow and I won't see him until I get home from school, which won't be until later than expected. So we won't be able to really do anything on Friday, so I was planning on hanging out with him on Saturday.
"Actually, my friend is coming into town for a visit; I was going to spend Saturday with him. I start Sunday though." I answered.
"With him? Did you leave a boyfriend behind in Forks?" Kate asked, her voice having almost a threatening tone to it. I don't understand her, what's with the mood swings?
"No. He's just a friend, just a good friend. He kinda sprung this visit on me, but I still want to be able to hang out with him when he gets here." I answered.
She seemed to relax just a little, but still looked annoyed with me. What could I have done though?
"Sunday works just find. Be here at eight in the morning. There's no uniform, so just wear what you would normally wear for school. Also, just a heads up, I'm not always here so you may end up on your own in the store. I also sometimes have my family open or close for me, so you may see them instead of me." Kate said, her tone now sounded back to normal, but just a little forced.
"Okay." I answered.
Kate then spent about ten minutes telling me about what I would be responsible for at the job. I was pretty going to be considered the 'token human', as Kate put it. I will be handling the register and talking to the guests so that they don't get that scared. Kate said that that's a problem she's had with the store, people's instincts are telling them to run and be afraid. She said she hopes with a human working here it won't be as empty all the time, but she doesn't care if it is or not.
She also said that even though my main job will be working the register, I will also stock the shelves and move books around whenever she sees fit. Overall the job seems really easy. From what I can already tell from the store I'll have lots of time to just sit at the counter and my homework and read. Kate had said I have free reign to any books I want, I just have to let her know so she can remember for inventory purposes. This is almost a dream job for me, it's easy, I get free books and I get paid.
I left the store without seeing Carmen again, though I guessed she was still there so I said goodbye to her in case she was. Kate didn't laugh at me when I did so, so I'm thinking I guessed right and Carmen was just out of sight.
I drove straight home and started on dinner for Charlie and I. While making dinner, I text Jake and told him about the job I got. I also told him not to text me during school hours; just because he can get away with it because he's home schooled, doesn't mean I can get away with it. I was very tempted to call him and yell at him for getting me a detention with Ms. Denali, but I just didn't want to actually talk to him at the moment.
Charlie got home right as dinner was finished, so we ate right away. During dinner I told him about the job and assured him that it wouldn't interfere with my school work because I can do my homework while at work. I also made sure to mention, as casually as possible of course, about me having to stay after school tomorrow because I had my phone on. Charlie didn't seem too upset about it, saying something about don't let it happen again or something.
Once dinner was eaten and cleaned up, Charlie went to watch T.V. in the living room and I went to my room to do my homework. I did math first and immediately put it in my backpack when it was done. By the time I was done with all my homework it was a reasonable enough time to go to bed. So that's what I did, I went to sleep while thinking about what will happen with the vampires when Jake gets here, and wondering how Jake is going to act towards them.