A/N – Next Chapter coming up, and apologies for making you all "wait"
Chapter 24 - Waiting
I made myself something to eat, though to be honest I wasn't really that hungry.
Charlie had called again to check on me, and to tell me he wouldn't be back until sometime tomorrow. Apparently they had a lead on a missing person in the next county, and he wanted to be there to help out as much as he could. I understood. He sounded tired, so when I asked him to take things easy he had immediately responded;
"Bells, I'm more worried than tired – are you sure you'll be okay on your own"?
I answered in the affirmative.
"And you'll lock the doors before you go to sleep".
I groaned, "Yes dad"
"And make sure the windows are closed too, I don't want to entice any would-be burglars…"
I guess Alice didn't count as a would-be burglar…
"Sure thing dad".
I now sat on my bed, a half eaten pizza on a plate on my lap.
It was around 9pm and I was bored.
I had already started my homework, though I hadn't been able to finish it. The thought of seeing Alice again did amazing things to my heartbeat and concentration.
Thankfully it wasn't due until next week.
I stood up and paced around my room, ending up at my open window again. I must have repeated this action for almost an hour, and I was now getting irritated with myself, or rather with my frustration.
Alice hadn't said when she was coming, if indeed she still managed to come…
What if she changed her mind?
What if Rosalie tried to change her mind?
What if she had to stay out longer to hunt?
Okay Bella, relax…
I sat back on the end of my bed and looked down at my hands.
The small scar that was on my hand.
The scar that had indirectly brought Alice and I closer together.
Together.
Is that what we were?
Together?
I still didn't understand why she had kissed me – not that I was complaining. Far from it. My dream had turned into a reality today and I was so very thankful for that.
But what was she thinking?
What was I thinking?
Here I was, waiting for Alice so we could…
What?
Talk?
Kiss?
More?
My head started to spin.
Okay, I really needed to calm down before I started to hyperventilate.
I'd already cleaned my room; it hadn't looked this spotless since I first arrived at Forks. And I'd already had a shower and washed my hair. I wanted my room to look nice… I wanted to look nice… for her. Oh, I knew she had already seen my room, but it was different this time. This time I would be… well, fully conscious for a start. And I wanted, no – needed, to make a good impression.
I glanced at my bedside clock again; somehow nearly an hour had passed while I had been fretting.
Okay – 10pm…
I turned on the TV and flicked through the channels, but found nothing of interest.
Typical.
Music! Yes, I'd play a CD – that would ease my mind, music always seemed to have a calming effect on me. I pulled open my favourite CD and placed it inside my lap top. As I logged onto my emails, I realised I hadn't responded to Renee's latest letter.
Perfect! That would certainly fill in some time before…
Well, before Alice arrived.
The music flowed from my lap top as I opened my email account.
My mother, it would seem, had sent me another essay…
I began to read – and soon realised this one was full entirely of questions.
I hit the "reply" button, got comfortable at my seat, manoeuvred my computer on my desk and started to compose my response.
So – have you settled in okay Bella? The kids at school treating you right?
Yeah, Mum. I've settled in just fine, and I've made a few friends along the way. They all seem really nice.
Have you managed to catch up with Jake again? He was always very keen on you Bella…
Jake and I have met up a few times, he's really changed since I last saw him – seems taller, and more mature… and before you ask me more questions about him, no mum – we're not dating and never will. Jake is just a friend, albeit a good one.
There must be some nice boys at Forks High School… anything you want to tell me?
I knew that question was coming; I was only surprised it hadn't been the first one she asked me. I drummed my fingers across my keyboard. How on earth did I answer that one?
I've made friends with a few – Mike, Eric… and the Cullen boys are cool; Edward, Emmet and Jasper…
Have you been out shopping with any new girlfriends? I think your wardrobe could do with an update Bella, I would be happy to send you some extra cash if you need it…
Shopping? I physically shuddered. Besides, there was nothing wrong with my wardrobe. Well, not really…
I immediately thought of Alice, and Rosalie… okay, maybe I could do with getting a few more tops. Maybe Alice could help me?
Alice…
Maybe I need to get a few more tops, but I haven't had the chance yet. I've met a few girls who like to shop…Jessica and Angela have asked me to go with them but you know me, shopping isn't really my thing. I guess I could go with Alice; she's Edward, Emmet and Jaspers sister – her father is the local Doctor here, they are all such a lovely family.
I stopped reading my email.
Alice.
How on earth could I even begin to explain about Alice to my mum, when I wasn't even sure what was going on myself? Oh, I had absolutely no intentions of mentioning the "V" word…
But adding "oh, and by the way I kissed Alice today and it was the most amazing experience of my life"…
I just couldn't type that.
Not yet.
Not until..
Until what Bella?
I rubbed my eyes and continued to read.
I hope your dad is taking good care of you Bella – are you eating take-out every night?
I smiled at that.
You know Charlie – he is a fan of takeaway, but no – we've had home cooked meals too Mum, you would be proud!
Well – remember, I am only a phone call away Bella – or text if you'd prefer, Phil is teaching me how to respond; not sure how you teenagers manage! Love you – mail me!
I smiled again – Renee was, to put it gently, a technophobe.
Think I'll stick to calling – no offence mum, but I think it would take you all evening to compose one text message. Love to you and Phil, and I promise I'll mail again next week.
I hit the send button and lent back on my chair. I'd almost forgotten how inquisitive she was.
My CD was coming towards the last track; my favourite. I flicked through a few other emails as my voice naturally started to hum along to the music.
I was still smiling at the thought of my mum texting, and humming along to my song when a soft voice floated across the room.
"Bella".
I turned quickly on my seat and my eyes came to naturally rest on the petite form that was Alice, who was leaning against my window sill, a smile on her face.
She had arrived.