(Edward's P.O.V)
"Emmett, Jasper— go hang that sign over the door, please," Alice was barking orders when I walked into the gym after school.
My sister's head swiveled in my direction. A huge smile spread across her face when she saw me. You came!
I hadn't forgotten about the promise I had made to myself— to be kinder to Alice. It was for that reason and that reason only that I chose to stay and help set up for the dance. It had absolutely nothing to do with a certain blue-eyed girl that 'hated me a little less'. I found myself fighting back a smile as I remembered our conversation that we had this morning.
As if on cue, Lynna walked into the gym with Tyler by her side. My eyes immediately narrowed in her direction before glaring fiercely at Tyler. Alice sauntered over to her friend with a beaming smile.
"I see you've brought help," Alice mused with a knowing smile.
"Yeah. Noah and Paige are on their way as well," Lynna said to her.
"Great!" Alice exclaimed, clasping her hands together excitedly. "Well, you guys can start blowing up balloons. I want to finish the balloon arch tonight."
I watched as Lynna sat down in the floor, sitting cross-legged next to Tyler as she reached for a balloon.
"I bet I can blow it faster," she said with a grin.
Tyler laughed, his thoughts taking a perverted turn. My glare intensified towards the dumb jock.
"I bet you can. I'm sure you have a lot more experience in that department," he chuckled, giving her the side eye.
Blood rushed to her cheeks as she caught on to what he was saying. She punched his shoulder in a playful manner.
"Perv," she muttered before chuckling despite herself.
"Edward, do you mind helping with the balloons?" Alice asked, appearing by my side.
I shrugged in faux nonchalance. "Sure."
Another smile spread across her face as she studied me. I'm glad you came. It means a lot.
I gave her a nod and a half-hearted smile before I approached Lynna. She looked up at me as she finished tying up a yellow balloon. I sat down several feet away from her and reached for a balloon. Aside from side-eye glances, she didn't acknowledge me.
"I'm think I'm going to pass out. I don't have the best lungs, you know," Tyler joked as he tied off his second balloon.
"Probably from all the weed you smoke. Freight train," Lynna flashed him a teasing smile.
"Choo choo," he laughed.
I rolled my eyes at their banter, not amused in the slightest. Several balloons later, Noah and Paige entered the gym and sat down in front of Lynna and Tyler.
Why aren't you using the helium tank? Noah asked us.
Lynna breathed out a laugh. I scoffed. Of course, there's a helium tank. I should have known. This was Alice we're talking about. Why didn't she say anything? I locked eyes with Alice from across the gym and saw that she was smirking in my direction. She was being extra careful with her thoughts. I narrowed my eyes at her suspiciously. What is she up to?
"What did he say?" Tyler wondered.
"He wants to know why we aren't using the helium tank," Lynna responded, shaking her head in amusement.
"Because we're idiots," I stated dully.
Lynna's head swiveled in my direction. Her sapphire eyes danced as she nodded in agreement.
"Pretty much," she said to Noah.
Noah smiled before hopping up and jogging across the gym to get the tank. Lynna turned to Paige with wide eyes.
She leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Did you ask him yet?"
Paige blushed and shook her head. Lynna gave her a stern stare.
"Why not?" She asked with a frown.
Before Paige could respond, Noah returned with the helium. The process was much faster with the helium tank. Tyler put a balloon full of helium to his lips and inhaled deeply.
"Hey, Lynna. Did you blow Bubbles when you were younger?" Tyler asked in a high-pitched voice from the helium, making everyone around him laugh.
"Yes," she giggled, causing her blue eyes to glow with joy.
Tyler smirked and inhaled the helium again. "He came by and told me to tell you he says hello."
At this, the golden-haired girl threw her head back and laughed musically. Emmett heard the joke from across the gym and was snickering to himself. I simply rolled my eyes and started putting the balloons in a pile next to the balloon arch.
Lynna decided to play along. "Hey, Ty. Have you ever smelled moth balls?"
"Why, yes, Lynna. I have," he said with a smile, bracing himself for the punch line.
"Oh, yeah?" Her eyes twinkled mischievously, catching my eye. I froze in place as she continued, "How'd you get their tiny little legs apart?"
She and Tyler both burst out laughing in sync. My siblings were chuckling on the other side of the gym. A pit formed in my stomach as I watched Lynna and Tyler happily laughing together. Emmett sauntered over, wanting to join in on the fun. He stood next to me and started placing the balloons on the arch.
"I got another one. I got another one," Lynna exclaimed excitedly. She spun on her heels to face me with a cheeky grin. "Hey, Edward."
The sound of my first name leaving her lips stirred something deep within me. I paused in tying a knot in the balloon as my eyes met hers. I quirked a brow, signaling for her to continue.
Her smile grew, highlighting her features. "Have you heard about the guy that dipped his testicles in glitter?"
My mouth fell open at her choice of words. If a vampire could blush, no doubt, I would have been. Emmett was already shaking with silent laughter and she hadn't even gotten to the punch line.
You should see your face, Emmett thought in amusement.
I saw my face through his eyes and tried desperately to collect myself. I cleared my throat and shook my head, not trusting my voice at the moment.
She pressed her lips into a thin line in a feeble attempt to stifle a giggle. "Pretty nuts!"
Tyler and Emmett both started cackling like a couple of hyenas. I stood there, completely dumbfounded. In my stunned state, the untied balloon slipped through my fingers. It whistled and sailed through the air, taunting me, before it dropped to the ground next to Jasper who was across the room.
Jasper and Alice both looked up, wearing amused expressions. My empath of a brother chuckled lowly before he sent a calming wave my way. He sensed my anxious, worked-up state and took pity on me. I found myself instantly relaxing before a grin worked its way onto my face. I breathed out a nervous laugh as Lynna's contagious laughter bounced off the walls.
Tyler wiped away an imaginary tear before he caught Lynna's eye. "Okay. What do you call a masturbating cow?"
Lynna pursed her lips and without missing a beat, she responded, "Beef Stroganoff."
Tyler looked at her with wide eyes, causing Lynna to shrug. "Grayson already told me that one," she admitted with a laugh.
Then, they both started cracking up once more. Tyler clutched at his sides as he struggled to catch his breath. I was aghast. Emmett took note of my expression and lost it. He kneeled over and placed his hands on his knees as he let out a booming laugh.
Lynna's eyes trailed to me and an amused grin flitted to her lips. I was sure my face was a sight to behold.
She locked eyes with me, holding me captive, as she said, "When two people have sex, it's a twosome. When three people have sex, it's a threesome. Now, I know why people call you handsome."
My jaw hit the ground. Once again, her laughter danced in the air, mingling with Tyler's and my siblings'. Lynna walker over to me and picked up a balloon.
"Relax, Cullen. I'm only teasing," she said with a grin.
I let out a nervous chuckle and ran a hand through my hair. "Right," I mumbled, avoiding eye contact with the girl.
She breathed out another laugh before she tossed the balloon in the air and smacked it, bouncing it off my forehead. I narrowed my eyes at her in response.
"Lighten up, Squidward," she teased before skipping over to Emmett at the balloon arch. "Enough with the dirty jokes, Ty. We are making Edward uncomfortable," she said with another chuckle.
I rolled my eyes but said nothing. She was right— I was extremely uncomfortable. One would think that with having Emmett as a brother for decades, I would have heard it all by now; his 'dirty' jokes never bothered me. But it hit quite differently when a pretty girl was the one telling the joke.
"Yeah, Edward doesn't really know how to take a joke nowadays," Emmett mused, smirking at me. You're on edge, bro. Chill.
That's easier said than done. Why did I feel so uneasy? My eyes trailed to Lynna (per usual). She was leaning against the wall, handing Emmett balloons. Her cheeks were rosy from laughing, highlighting her plush lips and making her blue eyes appear to glow. She ran a hand through her long blonde hair, fanning her delectable scent my way. I inhaled deeply, allowing her scent to fill my burning lungs. She smelled so good.
Despite the venom that filled my mouth and the fire that scorched my throat, I simply wanted to be closer to her. The monster didn't rear his ugly head in her presence; in fact— he flat out refused. He, too, just longed to be near her. I shook my head at the absurdity of it all.
"It's looking pretty bald on top," Lynna spoke up, eyeing the top of the arch.
Emmett nodded in agreement. Tyler bounded to her side, his arm brushing hers. I gritted my teeth at the sight. Why does that particular human boy irk me to no end?
"Get on my shoulders, Lynn. We'll hand you the balloons," Tyler said to her with a cheeky grin.
My eyes widened. I waltzed over to them and started shaking my head.
"That won't be necessary," I spoke sternly. "I'm sure there's a ladder around here somewhere."
To my delight, Lynna agreed with me. "He's right. I'd break you, Ty."
Tyler looked her up and down, causing me to frown. She'd break me alright, he mused to himself, his thoughts taking on a perverted nature.
My entire body stiffened in response. I glared at the boy with a look of pure hatred. I felt Jasper watching me from across the room. You good? He questioned via his thoughts.
I nodded once in response. Another calming wave, courtesy of Jasper, engulfed me.
"Oh, come on," he urged, playfully elbowing her in the arm.
She shook her head and smiled. "No. I'm heavier than I look."
He frowned, raising his brows to challenge her. "You're like a hundred pounds soaking wet."
She breathed out a scoff. "Tyler, I've been a gymnast my whole life. Muscle weighs more than fat, you know."
"Well, now I see it as a challenge," he smirked, bending down and gesturing for her to climb on his shoulders.
"She said no," I stated sternly, narrowing my eyes at the boy.
He straightened up and broadened his shoulders. His thoughts alerted me that he was trying to be intimidating. I couldn't help but scoff at the idea. Lynna quirked a brow at me.
Emmett covered up his laughter with a cough. "I'll— Uh, go find that ladder," my brother said, fighting back a smirk before he walked away.
Lynna furrowed her brows, her head swiveling back and forth as she scanned the gym. "Where did Noah and Paige go?" She wondered.
I was thankful for the change in subject, but I didn't have an answer for her. I hadn't even realized that they had vanished until now.
"I saw them heading in the direction of the locker rooms," Tyler said, wagging his eyebrows suggestively.
Lynna slapped his arm and chuckled airily. "Is your mind ever not in the gutter?" She teased.
No. But he wasn't much different than the other high school boys. Most of their thoughts revolved around sex. Tyler shook his head and grinned.
"Not really," he admitted with a shrug.
(Lynna's P.O.V)
My eyes were drawn to Edward, who was leaning against the wall with a forlorn expression. He didn't meet my gaze— Instead, he stared straight ahead, appearing to be disinterested with his company.
I tore my eyes from him when Emmett returned with a ladder. He set it up next to the balloon arch and looked at us with a beaming smile.
"Who wants to do the honors?" He asked, gesturing to the ladder.
I stepped forward. "I'll do it," I volunteered, climbing the ladder without a second thought.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see someone handing me a balloon. I turned slightly and saw that it was Edward. He was looking up at me with his golden eyes; a strange emotion was swirling in their depths. I gulped before taking the balloon from him. His fingertips lightly brushed against my hand, causing goosebumps to erupt all over my body. His touch was cold; icy. Yet, it felt like my skin was on fire. His brows furrowed before he yanked his hand away and reached for another balloon.
This process continued for several minutes, but he was being extra careful not to touch me again; I could tell. Tyler was blowing up the balloons and throwing them in our direction. Emmett was working on the other side of the arch while Alice and Jasper placed decorations around the gym. I still hadn't seen Noah or Paige which was odd.
I was having a difficult time reaching the peak of the arch. I couldn't safely climb the ladder any higher, so I resorted to standing on my tiptoes as I stretched my body across the balloons. I could feel my shirt trying to rise up my back. As I did so, I felt Edward's eyes watching every subtle move I made. A feeling of uneasiness settled in the pit of my stomach. With a sigh, I held my hand out for another balloon which he was quick to provide. As I stood on my tiptoes once again, I lost my balance. A gasp flew threw my lips when I fell back, bracing myself to hit the wooden floor. That's when I felt a pair of solid arms wrap around me, holding me bridal style.
I blinked rapidly at Edward's stunned face. My heart was racing as his ember eyes held me captive. He was holding me as far away from his body as physically possible, but I could still feel a strange electrical current surging between us, causing every hair on my body to stand up on end. I noticed how his jaw clenched before he gently set me to my feet.
"Nice save," Tyler muttered underneath his breath, casting a sidelong glance our way.
I shyly tucked a curl behind my ear. "Um. Thanks for catching me," I mumbled in a weak voice, feeling strangely awkward as I attempted to unravel the many emotions coursing through me.
"You need to be more careful," he mumbled with a hint of bitterness; I had a feeling his words didn't come out as harshly as he intended them to.
Before I could respond, Noah seemed to appear out of nowhere, placing a hand on my shoulder and spinning me around to face him.
Can we talk? He asked, his face pulled down in a frown.
I nodded, casting a quick glance at Edward who was wearing a solemn expression as I followed Noah to the distant corner of the gym. Leaning against the rack full of basketballs, my eyes met Noah's.
What's up? Where's Paige? I tilted my head to the side as I awaited his answer.
As usual, I could feel the burning gaze of Edward Cullen. At this point, I was actually starting to get used to it. His eyes were on me more often than not, though I still had no idea as to why.
Noah pressed his lips tightly together before he signed, She asked me to the dance.
My eyes widened in delight as a smile spread across my face. "That's great! Did you say yes?"
His face fell. I told her I would think about it.
The smile instantly vanished from my face. "Why would you do that? Do you not like her?"
He appeared to be studying my face before he said, I was wanting to know if you were planning on asking me.
My mouth dropped. I felt my brows furrow in confusion. His eyes widened when he saw the dumbstruck expression on my face.
I mean, I thought… Since it's your first dance since Grayson. I thought you would want us to go together. As friends. He was quick to explain.
My heart dropped to my stomach at the mention of Grayson. A lump formed in my throat. In that moment, I was glad I didn't have to speak in order to communicate with Noah.
You should tell her yes, I signed to him, forcing a smile despite the sadness that crept up on me. I'll be fine. Besides, I'll still see you guys there.
You sure? He asked, his brows knitting together in worry.
I nodded and attempted to make the smile reach my eyes. Definitely. Go tell her. Don't leave her hanging.
He flashed me a half-hearted grin before embracing me. I hugged him back, feeling my eyes well up with tears that I wouldn't allow to fall. Just when I think I'm starting to heal, I start to fall apart all over again. Despite Grayson betraying my trust and going behind my back with Ashley, that didn't lessen the pain I was feeling. If anything, it contributed to it, knowing that I would never get answers from him. I could never get closure.
Noah was the first to pull away. He flitted off to find Paige with a pep to his step as I slunk back over to the balloon arch with my head hanging low.
Tyler looked me up and down as he continued blowing up balloons. I proffered him a small smile before I climbed the ladder and sighed. Edward hesitantly walked over and handed me a balloon. I could feel his eyes studying me intently.
Edward and I continued decorating the arch in silence. The tension between us was perfectly amiable for once. I could still feel his eyes flickering my way every few seconds, but it wasn't his usual glare that I had grown accustomed to.
"Hey, Lynn. Can I ask you something real quick?" Tyler's voice came from below me.
I noticed Edward stiffen and grip the ladder; his grip was so tight that I could see the whites of his knuckles. I furrowed my brows in confusion before I climbed down the ladder and faced Tyler.
"Sure. What's up?" I asked him.
I noticed his cheeks flush, and I had a feeling I knew what he was about to ask me. My stomach twisted and a sigh escaped my lips. He gestured for me to follow him which I did. He led me about twenty feet away from the balloon arch, close to where Noah and I spoke a few minutes ago. Once again, I felt the burning gaze of Edward Cullen. Looking over Tyler's shoulder, I locked eyes with his golden orbs; he made no effort to appear inconspicuous. I pursed my lips and shifted awkwardly as I waited for Tyler to speak.
Tyler rubbed the back of his head in a nervous manner. His face reddened even further before he opened his mouth to speak, "I- uh. I'm just going to spit it out," he breathed out. "Do you.. want to go to the dance together?"
My mouth fell open despite my best effort to remain composed. "Um. I thought this was girls' choice?" I squeaked out anxiously.
His blushing intensified. "Uh, yeah. I mean— Yeah, it is. But you haven't asked anyone yet and I just figured.. You know.. I just figured we could go together. I thought maybe you were just too shy to ask?"
I folded my arms across my chest and tried to stop the heat that was spreading to my cheeks. Edward's incessant gaze certainly wasn't helping matters. He was staring a hole straight through me, as if he was trying to catch a glimpse of my soul from afar.
"Um." I was at a loss; I wasn't sure what to say. "I wasn't really planning on asking anyone, to be honest."
His brows knitted together. "Why not?" He wondered.
I started chewing on my lower lip as I racked my brain for the right choice of words. "I'm just.. I'm just not ready, I guess," I admitted with a half-hearted shrug.
He sighed. Although he tried to hide it, I could see the disappointment in his features.
"Oh, come on, Lynn. You know he wouldn't want you to let life pass you by like this." His words coursed through me, causing me to feel that all-too-familiar sinking feeling in my chest.
When I didn't respond, he took it upon himself to continue, "It'd be fun, you know. We could just go as friends, if you want."
I found myself frowning. "Noah told me what you said, Tyler. I know you have no intentions of just being my 'friend'."
He appeared crestfallen for a moment before he recovered. He flashed me a nervous smile and said, "I was just messing around. I know you're not the type of girl to fool around like that. I did deserve that black eye for saying what I did, but I didn't mean it."
I quirked a brow in disbelief. "So, you don't want in my pants?" I challenged, smirking when his jaw hit the floor and the blush crept to the tips of his ears.
"I-I I don't know how to answer that," he stammered.
I rolled my eyes playfully and chuckled. "Relax. I'm messing with you."
He smiled sheepishly. "Well? What do ya say?"
I pressed my lips into a thin line as I mulled it over. All the while, Edward's eyes never left us.
"I promise I won't try to make a move on you," he grinned, his brown eyes dancing in amusement.
I found myself smiling back before I nodded. What do I have to lose? Tyler and I got along pretty well, for the most part. Noah was going to the dance with Paige, so why not go with Tyler as friends?
"Fine," I breathed out. "But just as friends." I shot him a stern look.
His grin broadened, stretching across his face. He pumped a fist in the air and shouted, "Yes!"
(Edward's P.O.V)
Pure blinding fury pierced through me. The balloon in my hand popped, causing the loud sound to echo against the walls of the gym, earning wary glances from my siblings. I felt a scowl crawl across my face as I glared at the obnoxious jock. All I could think about was removing his head from his shoulders. If I pushed him against the wall, would it shatter every bone in his body? I believed it would.
The scowl twisted into a sinister smile as I started walking towards the boy, ready to make that vision a reality. My fists were clenched, my entire body rigid as I did so. A large hand clamped down on my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks. I spun around and was met with Emmett's amused grin and Jasper's perplexed expression.
My empath of a brother sent a calming wave over me, but it didn't numb the full effect of the anger surging through me like wildfire. Still, it did help clear my head.
"You look like you're about ready to murder someone," Emmett muttered with a mocking smile. "What's wrong, brother of mine?"
Jasper quirked a brow at me, awaiting my answer. I've never felt such wrath from you before, he thought.
"Now isn't the time to tease him, Emmett. Trust me," Jasper said to our burly brother who was still wearing an amused grin.
I shot another glance over my shoulder and locked eyes with her sapphire orbs. The anger that had remained was quick to evaporate as I stared into her ocean eyes. They were deep and blue— Yet crystal clear.
I was ripped from my thoughts when Tyler draped his arm over her shoulders in a seemingly casual manner, but his thoughts gave him away. He wanted her. This was all part of an orchestrated plan to win her over. I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth as the fury came back with a vengeance.
What's wrong with me?!