Part II-Chapter 8: It's A Date

Review Shout Out: Happy Belated Birthday to Miss Louise Potter!

Disclaimer. I own none of the original Twilight characters. Ownership belongs to Stephenie Meyer.

A Thousand Stars in the Sky-Kathy Young and the Innocents

Material Girl-Madonna

The Date Song-Crashtones

The night continued much the same. James and I danced and I stopped drinking after I became slightly light headed. I wasn't going to push my luck of coming home and having my mother see what I've done. I told James a little more about the Res and all my friends there. I didn't mention the problems I had I instead skirted over them with little hesitation and resumed the light conversation. He told me about himself and his family; apparently his dad was the mayor here and that's where the insane amounts of money came from. I assumed his family was well off considering his car. I didn't really care about money and even on the Res no one was really well off so I got a lot of looks for being one of the only family's with a huge house. It was nearing 12 when practically everyone there was flat on the ground, passed out. I wrapped my pea coat around me tighter and sat on a blanket closer to the simmering bon fire. It wasn't nearly as large as it was a few hours ago which was good considering the embers were flying everywhere. I sipped quietly on my water, waiting for James to finish finding the rest of the gang so we could head home.

"Mind if I sit?"

I look up at Milo's face and nod.

"I like it better like this," he confesses as he sits next to me. He's not close but I can feel heat radiating from him.

"What do you mean? I ask, confused. I twist around to see his handsome face illuminated by the soft amber glow of the fire.

"When everyone has finally shut up and passed out. It's nice to hear the ocean," he muses.

I smile and nod my head a couple times. "It's never like this back in Washington. Here it's so serene and the weather is perfect." I laugh. "I can actually see the sun."

Milo chuckles with me and pushes back his hair with his hand. With a sigh, he leans back with his elbows into the sand and stars up at the stars. "I use to do this with my girlfriend." He frowns. "I'm sure big mouth Adam told you everything?" he asks, looking at me from the corner of his eye.

I nod, guilty, choosing to stay silent and listen.

"I don't like to talk about it," he says, looking back at the sky.

"I understand."

We stayed silent, both looking at the stars. It was just like with Embry. We wouldn't have to say anything but we knew what each other was thinking. At least he always somehow knew what I was thinking. It wasn't long after we sat there that James and his friends arrived next to us. AJ and James looked perfectly fine but Adam, Nate, Natasha, and Kelsey looked, for a better lack of a word, wasted. James had to hold up Nate while Milo grabbed Adam and AJ had Natasha on his back. I figured I might as well help Kelsey out. She didn't like me, which I was sure of, but it didn't mean I had to dislike her.

I lifted her arm over my shoulder and supported most of her weight as I dragged her all the way across the beach and into the parking lot. She was a lot heavier than I expected her to be or maybe I was just really weak. I would say it was the latter. The whole way to the car she kept complaining that she left her brand new designer sandals on the beach and she insisted I go back and retrieve them. I told her I would go back and get them but she screamed all the way to the car. I was only too happy to drop her off in her seat and sprint back to get her sandals. They were easy enough to spot but I noticed something beside them. I picked up a little silver ring and wiped off the sand it collected. Squinting to see in the darkness, I pulled out my phone and shown the light on the ring. Engraved inside were the letters KD. I had a sneaking suspicion it was Kelsey's so I ran back to the car and gently slipped it inside her pocket. It wasn't long before we arrived at my house and James offered to walk me up. I politely accepted and he walked me over to the garage entrance.

"I had a good time tonight." That was probably the cheesiest thing I could have said. "You're friends are entertaining," I said, recalling a memory of Natasha dancing on top of a trailer that was stationed quarter mile down from where we were.

"They're just plain stupid," James joked. I could tell he loved his friends though.

"I should go up. My mom is probably up waiting for me," I explained. I already saw the lap light in the living room and I knew 1 was fast approaching.

"Oh!" He started jiggling around in his jeans pocket before pulling out a Listerine strip and handing it to me. "Always gotta cover your tracks," he warned me.

I gladly stuck it on my tongue and felt the burn of it before it evaporated. "Thanks." I smiled. "I'll see you in class tomorrow." I turned to unlock the door and watched as James rode away with his friends.

I managed to not trip in the dark making my way up the stairs and was extremely surprised to see my dad on the couch instead of my mom. He was sitting there silently reading a thick book. When he heard my footsteps he turned around and lifted his glasses to the top of his head.

"Were you waiting for me?" I asked, walking over to the couch and sitting in the crook of his arm.

He wrapped his arm around me and gave me a small squeeze. "Of course. You're mother wanted to sleep so I figured I would take the night shift." He leaned his head back into the couch and closed his eyes tightly. "Did you have fun?" he asked without looking at me.

"I did." I was careful not to breathe in his vicinity. "I'm really tired though." To accent my point I made myself yawn. I knew it was bad to lie but I really didn't want to risk him finding out I had drank tonight.

"You should sleep." He opened his eyes and gave me a small kiss on the forehead. "I'll see you in the morning." With that he and I both got off the couch and made our way to our rooms.

When I reached my room I felt exhaustion kick in and changed into shorts and a t shirt before falling into my nest of blankets and letting the inky abyss take me under.

It seemed like I had barely hit the pillow before an annoying alarm sounded right next to my ear. I groaned before hitting the little button to make it stop and hugged my pillow against me again. Apparently I only hit the snooze button because not 10 minutes later it decided to be annoying again. I grunted louder this time as I completely shut it off but knew it was useless to fall asleep again. I went through the usual morning activities and went to eat breakfast. I felt a tickle in the back of my throat and a slight buzz in my temple. I wonder if I'm having a hangover. I was hardly drunk enough to obtain one of those. I didn't decide to worry on it too long because I had to ride to school. The second day to me is always better than the first day and I smiled as I made my way to my locker. After grabbing everything I needed, I felt excited to get to my first class of the day.

When I arrived in class I saw James sitting in his seat and I made my way over to him. "Good morning," I greeted. "How are you doing?"

James smiled and greeted me back. "Good."

Our conversation was cut short by the teacher starting her lesson and I was content to sit and take notes. In the next class I talked a little with Cory and he told me his grandfather's shop needed a new employee. Cory tried convincing me I was perfect for the position but I had to decline. I knew my mother would never allow me to take on a part time job since I was already doing modeling on the side. I knew it hurt his feelings a little when I had to turn it down but I had hoped he would cheer up soon. The rest of the day passed much the same until lunch and I was happy that James invited me to sit with his friends. I saw Cory watching as I made my way over to them and I even noticed the other stares from people around me. I sat down cautiously next to James and watched as Kelsey glared at me. Soon Adam and Milo joined us and I watched curiously as Danika passed right by us and pointedly looked away. Milo couldn't help but stare at her retreating figure and I saw a pained look come across his face.

"Does anyone have Classical and Mythological Literature next period?" I asked, hoping to ease some tension.

"I do," Milo answered, tearing his eyes from Danika's back. I avoided looking him in the eye for fear of seeing all that pain I knew had to be there.

"Maybe you could show me where it is. I didn't have trouble finding it yesterday but I can't really remember where it is now." I laughed awkwardly and wanted to hit myself. I sounded like a ditz.

Kelsey snorted at me but chose to keep silent.

"Yea, I'll show you," he agreed. "I didn't see you yesterday. I probably wasn't paying attention," he mumbled.

I shrugged and pulled out my lunch sack from my purse. I noticed how Kelsey and Natasha instantly zoomed in on it.

"Oh my god!" Natasha screamed. "I love your bag," she complimented, eager pulling away from her boyfriend and rushing over to sit next to me. "Can I touch it?" she asked, eyes wide and pleading.

Um. "Yea?" I didn't get why it was such a big deal but I would let her have her fun.

"This is so exclusive. Gucci isn't even supposed to release that purse until the fall!" she gushed, admiring the red velvet interior and multi color design. "How did you snag it?" she asked seriously, staring deep into my eyes. I felt like she was trying to dig into my soul.

I'm sure I must have looked a tiny bit creeped out. "I don't know. My mother gave it to me last weekend," I answered honestly.

"Wow," she breathed. I looked across the table and saw Kelsey trying not to look interested but I think I unknowingly reeled her in. "What does your mom do?"

I knew if she got worked up over a bag that she would flip out when she heard what her actual job was. "She just manages some stuff," I mumbled shyly.

"Like what?" Kelsey spoke up. No doubt enjoying the fact this all made me very uncomfortable. I looked for back up from some of the boys but they were wrapped up into their own conversation about which superhero would win in a boxing match.

"Um, she manages a modeling industry."

"Really?" Natasha shouted, attracting her boyfriend's attention for a split second before he launched into a debate on how Spiderman would absolutely lose against Superman.

"What shows do they model?" Kelsey asked, genuinely interested now.

I started to squirm in my seat. I don't get why it's such a big deal. It's just a little walking and posing for some people. I didn't see the reason to get worked up about it. "Just some high fashion stuff." There, that was all I was saying on the matter.

"Wow," they said in unison.

Natasha had a faraway look in her eyes while Kelsey seemed to be thinking hard about something. I was so relieved when the bell rang and I quickly gathered up my things and waited for Milo to show me to my next class. Thankfully after that I didn't see those girls again and the rest of the day went off without a hitch. All I wanted to do was get home as soon as possible and call Embry and Leah. When I finally did get home I immediately dialed Leah. I heard it ring 3 times before an out of breath Leah answered.

"Hello?"

"Leah?" I asked timidly.

"V! It's about god damn time you called me. I have been worrying my ass about you and here I have to find out from Embry of all people that you're at least alive!" I couldn't help smiling at her worry.

"Sorry I was busy yesterday and I couldn't call," I explained, laying down gently in my bed and crossing my legs.

"Likely excuse. Now tell me all about your school. Don't leave out the raunchy details." She giggled. Of course she would say that. It is Leah after all.

"Well I did make new friends." I thought of James, Milo, and Adam. "They're really nice. They even took me to a party last night," I said quietly, for fear of being overheard.

"No way!" she screamed into the phone. I cringed and held it away from my ear til she was done yelling. "What the hell? You leave for a month and already you're going out getting drunk, having sex with random guys, and dancing on tables?"

I laughed loudly at her insinuations and rolled my eyes. "That's exactly what I did," I say sarcastically. "But I did kinda do the first thing. Just a couple of drinks, promise."

It was silent for a minute.

"I'm sorry I must have you confused. I'm looking for my best friend Vanessa. Do you know her? Miss goody goody, never parties, drinks, or keeps things from her best friend."

"Hmm, I don't know anyone like that. I do know this awesome new girl V though that is having fun, loosening up some, and misses her best friend more than anything."

"Well," she contemplated. "I guess I could take her." She sighed. "She does sound kinda cool."

I smiled. "Tell me about Sam," I veered her off the drinking conversation.

"Oh, V, he's so great. He makes me so happy and I really think I'm in love with him. I know it's crazy since we've only been dating a month but I just know it's meant to be. He said he's planning something special for us this weekend. I am so excited!"

I was really happy for her. I knew how much this meant to her and especially since they've been after each other all their lives. It made sense they'd end up together. "I'm happy for you Leah."

We chatted a little bit more about our lives and about the party I went to. Leah insisted I tell her everything about James but I find myself more willing to talk about Milo. He was growing on me in that infectious way Adam told me about. It was impossible not to be drawn to him. After a few hours we hung up and I was surprised to see the sun had already set. I went and ate dinner and took a shower before deciding to call a few more people. I went through the list and called Jake first. We mostly talked about his new obsession with fixing up a car called the Rabbit. I listened to him and told him what he was doing wrong when the engine kept stalling. After that phone call I called Quil and he was babysitting Seth so I was pleased to talk to Seth about his new cat. Quil told me he had been working out at the gym even more now and he was going to transform himself into the school's most wanted bachelor. I laughed out right and told him I believed in him anyway. I then called Kim quickly and she told me about how she finally talked to Jared but he ignored her. I knew it was a major hit on her ego but I assured her he probably didn't hear her. Luckily, she believed me and was feeling a lot better. Finally when it neared 9 I was excited to call Embry and talk with him all night if I could.

"Hello?" his voice answered, excited.

"Embry," I breathed out, smiling. It was good to hear him.

"Finally, Ness. Everyone has been texting me telling me how you were doing and yet I was the only one who hadn't actually heard from you," he sound displeased.

"I'm sorry. I wanted to talk to everyone quickly before I spent all my time talking to you." I knew that would make him happy.

"Good." He paused. "So I was wondering…"

"Hmm?"

"Do you have a laptop?" he asked out of the blue.

I thought of the brand new one my dad purchased for school. "Yea I just got one."

"Me too." He sounded like he was nervous. "I was wondering if maybe this weekend you'd wanna, I don't know, web chat?"

I never thought of that! "Of course I do, I can't believe I didn't think of it first."

Embry sighed, relieved. "Ok, awesome. How about this Friday around 7?"

I grinned. "It's a date."

How I really wished it was.