I slipped into the bar behind my new group of friends. Shrugging off my coat, I let the smoke and the music envelop me, my eyes zeroing in on the empty stage in the back. I knew there was going to be a poetry reading tonight. That's why we decided to come here in the first place. The waitress led us to a table in the middle and, as I hung my bag on the back of my chair, I rummaged inside to make sure my notebook was still in there. Satisfied at having touched the leather I turned around and looked at my new friends one by one. Right across from me sat Jasper Whitlock with his sandy blond hair and soft blue eyes that were already entranced by the small pixie sitting to his right, also known as Alice Brandon. She had mesmerizing grey eyes and short black hair that was artfully spiked. She was dressed to impress in bright colors that complemented her bubbly personality. She was quite literally the opposite of Jasper who had this calm air about him. On his other side sat Emmett McCarty and you wouldn't have guessed by looking at him that he was a Humanities major. He was buff and could be very intimidating if it weren't for his dimpled face and mischievous eyes. He already had ridiculous nicknames for all of us and I could feel myself shaking my head minutely at the memory of induction week, when we all met for the first time.

I sat between Rosalie who was so gorgeous she turned heads wherever she went and Jessica who was eyeing her with a hint of jealousy although she was quite beautiful herself. She was looking at her so intently, as if by doing so she could absorb a bit of the charm she exuded. It made me sad every time I sensed rivalry between women and in my mind, I started imagining scenarios where this rivalry would manifest, causing a fight and what I would say to appease them.

"Hey! Earth to Bella! Where have you gone off to?" said Alice waving her hand in my face

I laughed and shrugged: "Sorry Alice, nothing is holding my attention at the moment, so my spirit just drifted off".

"Well try to anchor it because I think the reading is going to start in a bit"

Just then a man walked on stage and took the mic

"Good Evening everyone! I'm very pleased to see a full house tonight

We'll be starting our poetry reading shortly

I would just like to remind everyone that you can still sign your name to read a piece of yours, just head on over to the bar"

"That's my cue" I said as I got up

"Oh! This should be interesting!" Said Rosalie

"I'll be brutally honest" said Emmett

"I'm counting on it, buddy" I replied

"Go Bella!"

"Thanks Jasper"

As I headed to the bar a knot started forming in my stomach but I decided to ignore it. I made a promise to myself to get over my shyness and share my work. I wrote down my name and the title of the poem I wanted to read then headed back to my table.

"Bella! I'm so excited!" Alice was actually bouncing in her seat

"and I'm so nervous" I added. I felt I could be candid with these people, that they would get me. Besides I'm so transparent, I'm sure it already showed on my face.

"Yes, I understand" said Jessica "it shows how much this means to you and I think that's all the more reason to do it".

"I agree" Rosalie smiled warmly at Jessica who was a bit taken aback by it.

The readings started and my time was soon approaching. I felt my hands get clammy and my chest constricting so I finished my glass of white wine hoping it would help me calm my nerves. Eventually, it was my turn, I stood up taking all my new friends' reassuring smiles with me and headed to the stage.

it's okay Bella, you can do this, just sit down slowly, take a deep breath and take your time.

I did as I told myself. Thankfully I couldn't see the faces of the people in the crowd. I felt alone with the light shining in my eyes and that helped me relax, but only slightly. I sat down on the stool and adjusted the mic. I then picked up my notebook that I had set on the floor and opened it to the poem I wanted to read.

As I started, I felt that my voice was trembling but kept going. Soon, the words started pouring out of me, my body was no longer shaking with nerves but with passion. I relished in the transformation that occurred as the words flowed through me, transforming my being as I had transformed theirs when I laid them down on paper. I felt a buzzing energy surrounding me, an energy that was magnified by the applause I received at the end and that carried me off the stage and back to my seat. I was on autopilot. I vaguely remember a man thanking me as I walked off and as rejoined my friends at our table it took me a while to register that there were two additional individuals sitting with us.