Edward scanned the cafeteria, looking for a place to sit. His eyes fell on a girl he had known since childhood. Everyone knew everyone in Forks, but he knew nothing about her. He couldn't remember if they had ever even spoken before. He walked over to her table, where she sat by herself.
She was reading a book while she ate, so he cleared his throat as he approached her.
"Hm-hem." She looked up at him. Her eyes were wide. "Hey, do you mind if I sit down?"
"Uh… O-Kay." She said slowly as she cleared her backpack off the table so he could put his tray down. What could Edward Cullen want? He was popular, the star of the soccer team, smart and funny. All the things Bella wasn't. She knew what people thought about her. She heard all the rumors; the truth was far less interesting. In fact, Bella thought there was nothing interesting about her at all.
As Edward settled beside her, she scooted her chair away from him.
"I don't bite, you know." He spoke. "I just hate to eat alone; I saw you sitting here, and I thought I would join you. No strings attached. You don't even have to talk to me." He told her with a hint of teasing in his voice.
Bella looked down at her lunch. She wanted to look him in the eye and demand that he leaves her alone. She was reading and didn't want to be bothered. She wanted to tell him whatever game he was playing was wasted on her. She knew guys like him; she had no time for his nonsense. She remained silent, picking at her peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
"What are you reading?" He asked, picking up her book. "Wuthering Heights," he commented.
Barely above a whisper, Bella asked, "please don't lose my place." She looked like she might cry. How had he not noticed how beautiful her eyes were before?
"Oh, yeah, sorry." He put the book down the way he found it.
They continued to eat their lunch in silence. Right before the bell rang, Edward spoke up, "Bella?" she jumped at the sound of his voice "can I walk you to class?"
"Sure, I would like that." She met his eyes for the first time since he had sat down. Her cheeks flushed. Edward felt an overwhelming need to take care of her. It was odd to know someone your whole life and never really see them. He wanted to get to know this shy, beautiful girl. He hoped she felt the same.
After school, he caught up to her in the parking lot. "Bella, would you like to go out with me this weekend? I hear they are showing Wuthering Heights at the old theater downtown?"
There was a long pause, and Bella bit her lip. Then she softly answered, "yes, I would love to."