Chapter 3
Bella
That evening I got a visit from Jake and he looked really pissed off. Charlie grinned as he always did when Jake called on me and went through to watch T.V. I finished making my coffee and one for Jake which he sat holding. "What's up Jake?" His face twisted into a bitter look, "Where were you on Saturday night?" Was this a quiz? "I went to the Country and Western evening in Port Angeles". He still looked angry "Who with?" Ah jealousy! "I went with friends from school, Mike Newton and his girlfriend Jessica, and Angela. Why what's the problem?" "I thought you were staying in on Saturday" he said. "No Jake I was going out on Saturday night to see a film with my boyfriend but he bailed on me without any reason so I went out with my friends instead. Now what's the problem?" I could see he was really annoyed
"I don't want you mixing with them". That one stopped me in my tracks. "You don't want me going out with friends from school? Like to explain why?" I think he realized at that point he was pushing his luck. "No, not your friends from school, I just don't want you getting involved with the Cullens". Oh, so he had a spy! "I didn't get involved with the Cullens for gods sake. It was one Cullen and he came to join us. What is your problem? I had one dance with him, like the other girls. He was funny Jake. He wasn't looking for a girlfriend. Anyway I've seen his present one".
Jake got up, spilling his coffee on the table-cloth, and started to pace. "They're bad news Bella and I want you to promise me you'll keep away from them". I shook my head, "Jake what is going on? I didn't exchange more than about fifty words with him but he seems OK. He's a bit intimidating I'll grant you but he didn't come across as dangerous". His head whipped round, "Yeah, they said that about Ted Bundy!" Now he was being ridiculous, "Jake, are you telling me he's a serial killer or something?" When he nodded I burst out laughing. "Get a grip Jake. I don't suppose I'll see any of them again except at school but if I do I shall be polite. Will that satisfy you?" He shook his head, "I don't want you anywhere near any of them" I'd had enough, "Well, unless they leave the area I don't have a choice at school, but I'll be sure to remember your warning. Anyway, where did you go Saturday night?" He shrugged, "Just out". I laughed "Just out and that's why you cancelled on me?" He frowned again, "It's difficult to explain Bells"
"Really? Another girl maybe?" I suggested. He looked shocked, "No Bella, I was out with the gang". "Oh I feel so much better knowing you decided a night with the boys was more important. I'll tell you what Jake. You stay with your friends and I'll keep to mine. I think we need time out". I got up and opened the door for him. "Bye Jake I have homework to do. See you". He went out looking very upset. "Bella I'm sorry, but please keep away from the Cullens". I sighed, "Yeah, yeah Jake, Bye" and I closed the door on him, fuming quietly. So he was laying the law down was he? I don't think so.
The next morning I collected my books and drove to school as usual, well not quite. I was looking forward to seeing the famous Cullen boys. Angela met me in the car park and we chatted about Saturday night as we walked to our first class, History. As we went in she nudged me, "Look casually to you right and tell me what you think". I gazed over, "Think of what?" Whoever you mean I missed them. She looked again, "Sorry Bella he's just turned his back to us but the bronze haired guy is Edward Cullen". Oh! the cream of the crop according to Jessica. The only seat was directly behind him so all I got was a good look at his back. He seemed very tense and never looked round, not curious about the new girl obviously, so I decided to ignore him. The trouble was that curiosity got stronger and stronger as the lesson wore on. When the bell went he was up and out the door like a greyhound. Angela looked at me grinning, "What did you do, stab him in the back? I've never seen him move so fast?" I just shrugged, "I think I got the cold shoulder Angie. Let's see if he still ignores me at lunch". She smiled, "He's gorgeous though, you'll see. All the girls are in love with Edward Cullen".
"Oh by the way have you seen Dr Cullen yet?" she asked. I shook my head, "No, but if he's a doctor its only a matter of time. I spend a lot of time in emergency rooms". She looked puzzled. "I fall over a lot". She laughed at that, "Yeah I'd noticed. Come on let's get to class". Alice Cullen was in my geography class and as usual she spent the whole time glaring at me, while still answering questions thrown her way by the teacher. I wish I could multi task like that I thought. Even Jessica noticed Alice Cullen's hostile stares, "Way to go Bella. How'd you manage to upset the ever bubbly Alice?" I shrugged, "My outstanding personality I guess. Still I wont let it bother me too much".
As we went into lunch I saw that the Cullen table was almost full. Rose and Alice were already sitting chatting and Edward had joined them. He was sitting with his back to the room so at least it was a view I recognised. As I sat down I heard a familiar gruff voice, "Hey guys" it was Emmett Cullen acknowledging us as he strode by, and at his side was the blonde guy I'd only glimpsed at the concert on Saturday. I could see what Angela meant, he did have a very serious face, but like the others he was pale and incredibly gorgeous. His eyes flashed at mine and I saw they were an unusual golden colour. He nodded slightly as if acknowledging my glance, and they carried on to join their siblings. As they sat down Emmett said something to Edward and he turned slightly as if to catch a glance at me. He was gorgeous like the others and I could see why he'd make hearts thump, but there was something about him, an intensity that put me on guard slightly.
"Well?" asked Angela and Jessica as a chorus, I sighed, "I'd hate to have to pick the best of the bunch". "Well try" growled Jessica. Then Angela jogged my elbow "Bella, Alice is giving you the slow burn look again". I was getting heartily sick of this. I hadn't even spoken to her, so I turned in my chair and smiled brightly, waving to her. As my friends giggled she scowled and turned away but I saw Emmett and the other guy...Jasper smile slightly. The stares continued throughout the week as did Emmett's greeting at lunchtime and often he was accompanied by Jasper who always exchanged the glance and nod, never less, never more.
My friends were getting a party together for a picnic in the woods at the weekend. Mike and Angela both asked me but I needed to see if Jake were free first. He was often away on some mystery errand these last couple of weeks and I was getting fed up sitting at home waiting for him. I rang him that evening to invite him to the picnic but surprise, he was busy. When I told him I was going he started with the questions, "Who's going? Where are you going? Who's taking you?" I eventually lost patience. "I tell you what, I'll write you an essay when I get back OK?" He grumbled for a while longer but wouldn't tell me where he was going except that it was with the guys. I finished the conversation abruptly when he asked that I stay away from the Cullens yet again. "I don't suppose they'll even be there Jake so give it a rest".
I had a strange dream that night. I saw Jake and Quil standing in the woods, and standing in a row on the opposite side were the Cullen boys. When I woke up I guessed it had been because Jake seemed so anti Cullen. I'd volunteered to make some food for the picnic so I was busy Friday night baking, which put Jake in a bad mood, not that it took much these days. When he kissed me goodnight I was glad. He'd been really grumpy and he hadn't looked well. He made me promise to text him when I got back tomorrow so he'd know I was OK. It didn't make any sense but it was less hassle to agree.