Jessica drove faster than our parents, making it only four when we got to Port Angeles. Jessica spent most of the ride gossiping to Katherine in the front, meanwhile Angela, Lauren and I sat in the back, looking out the window. Lauren piped up occasionally, adding to the gossip, but I ignored them both, thinking about what I discovered over the weekend.
Jessica didn't waste time in Port Angeles, driving straight to the department store in which we all bought our dresses usually for the dances from. We were all blindsided by the fact that the dance was semi-formal, not knowing what dresses would be considered semi-formal.
As they shopped, small conversation was brought up, eventually, we hit the topic of prom. "Well, apparently Tyler's taking you to prom" She giggled and looked over at my sister, who rolled her eyes. She must have caught wind of it before the weekend.
I gasped, and looked over at Jessica. She smiled a small smile, and Lauren looked over to me, I could see her eyes narrow. I wasn't quite sure if she liked Tyler or not, but I assumed so by her reaction.
"Excuse me?" I almost screeched. "I'm not even going to prom. What nonsense has he got himself believing?"
"I told you it wasn't true," Angela said quietly to Jesica. Lauren's face calmed down a little. The chatter dialled down, and I considered almost hitting Tyler with our car so that it was even. I suspected that wasn't the whole reason why he was doing this. I was going to have to drop a hint to him that I didn't like him, but Lauren did.
Jessica was torn between two dresses, a strapless basic black and a electric knee length blue. With our encouragement, she eventually chose the blue to compliment her eyes. Angela chose a pale pink dress that wrapped nicely around her tall frame, and Lauren chose a red short red dress, strapless of course.
We made our way over to the accessories, and started on shoes. I critiqued and watched, not in the mood much due to the revelation of prom and Tyler.
"Angela" I began while she was trying on a pair of pink heels with straps, overjoyed that she had a date tall enough so that she would wear heels. "I like those ones the best"
She smiled at me. "I think I'll get them, even if I never wear them again" she said, musing over them.
"They're on sale" I encouraged her. She put the lid on the box of the shoes she was not going to wear and pushed them over to the side. Jessica came back with Lauren, holding jewellery that they found.
I informed them that I was going to go to our local book store, and I would meet up with them at our favourite little Italian diner. I walked through the streets of Port Angeles, knowing exactly where everything was. There was no way I was getting lost. I walked past the bookstore with crystals in it and books about spiritual guidance, and decided against it.
I walked along the streets, not paying much attention to where I was going, and not noticing the end of work day traffic that was building up. I was trying my best not to think about him and the legends that were discovered yesterday. I saw a silver Volvo parked along the side of the road, and then realised why would he be here? I was stupid for even thinking he would be in Port Angeles. I had to hold myself together for a moment. Was I really going to let this boy into my life like that when I am more than likely less significant to him than he is to me?
I walked along, not realising where I was going until I was surrounded by warehouses, I knew the directions to get out of here. I had gotten lost with Katherine before in this area, not exact but it was on the route that we had taken a couple of years ago, not much had changed since then.
A group of four men turned around the corner that I was approaching, dressed too casual to be heading home from the office but grimy enough to be tourists. They weren't too older than me, maybe low twenties? They were joking amongst themselves, punching each other's arms lightly. I hadn't seen them before, so I assumed they were not from around the immediate area.
I moved past them, pressing myself up against the wall as I walked. Some of the men looked at me as I passed, but I ignored them and walked with my back a little straighter. I could hear them laughing from behind me, and one of them calling out to me asking to wait.
The sky darkened as I walked, focusing on the path. One of the footpaths were blocked, making my route harder to get to where I needed to. Now I was completely lost, it felt like. I looked behind me, and saw the same group from before. I felt a spasm of panic in my chest, and focused harder on my path I was using to get away, quickening my steps.
I was thinking about them and how to get away from them as I walked, deliberating dropping my bag that was hanging off my shoulder on the ground. I had a stomach feeling that they were worse than thieves. They made no attempt to catch up to me, making me slightly worried. Their footsteps were quieter than before.
I reached the corner, and immediately skidded to a stop.
There were two of the men that I had passed earlier walking down the street. I wasn't being followed, but herded. They were talking, but I wasn't listening as they approached from both sides. I sucked in a breath, getting ready to scream at that point, my lungs filling with oxygen.
"Stay away from me" I warned them, my voice coming out stronger and fearless than I was expecting.
"Don't be like that sugar" one of the men called, the rest laughing around me.
I concentrated on how to incapacitate an attacker, something we had learned through school. There was never much of a use of the knowledge, considering that all of Forks knew each other, but I was glad it had a use now. The heel of my hand would have to go upwards up their nose, my fingers into their eyes to poke out their eyes. I knew I wouldn't go out without a fight.
Suddenly, headlights threw around the corner along with a silver volvo, almost hitting one of the men that surrounded me. The car was about to hit me, but it swerved around, skidding to a stop in front of me, the passenger door open.
"Get in," the voice commanded. I didn't even look at who it was before I slid in the car. I knew the car well enough to know who it was. I slammed the door shut behind me. I looked up as he swerved the car around, nearly hitting the four men, the tires screeching in protest.
"Put on your seatbelt" He commanded. I obeyed and quickly strapped the seatbelt around me, watching as he wove through traffic in the dark, blowing through numerous stop signs. Even through his erratic driving, I felt completely safe and unconcerned for where he was taking me. I looked at his perfect face, a murderous expression planting itself there.
"Are you okay?" I asked after a moment.
"No."
We sat in silence in the dark for a couple of moments before he pulled the car suddenly to a stop. I looked around and saw the dark green of the trees, knowing we weren't in Port Angeles anymore.
"Bella."
"Yes."
He didn't look at me as he spoke. "Are you okay?"
"Yes."
"Distract me, please" he ordered.
What? "I'm sorry, what?"
"Just anything to distract me until I calm down," He clarified, closing his eyes.
"Um," I didn't know where to start. "Tyler keeps saying to everyone that he's taking me to prom"
He was still looking forwards, but the corners of his mouth twitched. "Why?"
"I think it's some form of a favour to make up for nearly killing me. But if he takes me, I'll probably end up killing him with my poor dancing skills" I shrugged.
"I heard about that" he said quietly, more composed.
"Seriously?" I asked, in disbelief. Edward let out a deep sigh. "Better?"
"Not really?"
I waited for him to speak again, but he didn't. He moved his head to the back of the headrest on his seat and stared up into the roof of the car.
"What's wrong?" I asked him finally.
"I have a bit of a problem with my temper Bella" he whispered as he moved his eyes to the window, narrowing them. "But it wouldn't help if I went back and hunted those…"he trailed off in thought, struggling to control his anger. "At least… that's what I'm trying to convince myself."
We continued to sit in silence for a moment before I glanced at the clock. I cursed and he turned to look at me in confusion. "I was supposed to meet the girls for dinner at La Bella Italia" I said to him. He said nothing as he started the engine and turned back onto the road speeding as he did back towards town. We were in town quickly, the streetlights blaring above us unto the car. In no time, he effortlessly parallel parked in front of the restaurant.
I looked out the window and saw all four girls, Katherine, Jessica, Lauren and Angela waiting by the entrance of the restaurant. They seemed to be arguing, their hands moving to illustrate their words. I heard the door open and turned to see him getting out.
"What are you doing?" I asked him.
He smiled slightly at me. "I'm taking you to dinner" He said as he walked over and waited for me on the sidewalk. I pulled off my seatbelt and exited the car, walking over to him.
"I'll go talk to them" I announced before walking over to them. Their faces filled with relief as they saw me, and then shock when they saw who was standing a distance away.
"Where have you been Bella?" Jessica asked, relief colouring her voice.
"I got lost, and then I ran into Edward" I admitted, pointing over my shoulder, not hearing him approaching. He was behind me suddenly and I looked over at him then back at my sister.
"Is it alright if I joined you?" he asked, using the full power of his voice.
"Er… Sure" Jessica mumbled. I threw a look at Katherine, who I noticed was staring at me. Her blue eyes pooled into mine as I tried to convey what I wanted her to know. She owed me one for yesterday and Jacob. She nodded slightly that I guessed only I noticed before she spoke.
"Actually Bella. We already ate" She admitted, now looking over to Edward and then back to me.
"It's fine. I'm not hungry" I said, laying the bait.
"You should eat something" he insisted using the full authority of his voice. He turned to look at Katherine after looking at me. "Do you mind if I drive Bella home tonight? Just so you don't have to wait?" He asked. I wasn't sure if he knew what bait I was laying on the table, but I needed him alone.
Katherine nodded, answering for the whole group. She narrowed her eyes at him and then at me. "Sure, Let's go girls" She said loudly. She raised her eyebrow at me before she left, and then mouthed the words "Home". I nodded in agreement to her, I would give her a dulled down version of the events.
I watched them drive off before he looked back at me. "I'm honestly not hungry," I said to him, insisting. His expression was unreadable. I needed to reinforce what I had been saying earlier.
"Humour me"
He walked to the door of the restaurant and opened the door for me, guestering me to go inside. I walked past him inside the resteraunt and looked around. It wasn't crowded as it could be, or as it normally was. The host greeted us, female, unaturally blonde and a few inches taller than me. She looked at Edward and then at me, greeting him a little more warmly than I would have liked.
"Table for two?" He asked. She nodded and directed us to follow her through into a crowded area, where a table big enough for four people sat in the middle. He turned to look at her, reaching into his pocket to grab something out. "Perhaps something more private?" he asked, handing her whatever he pulled out his pocket. It looked like a tip.
"Sure," she agreed, leading us to a new table. She turned us to an area with booths, it being empty. "How's this?"
"Perfect. Thanks" he flashed his perfect smile at her and she blinked, dazzled. I stifled a laugh.
"Ummm… Your server will be right out" she said before turning away unsteadily.
"That was harly fair" I commented in a giggle. He looked at me confused, tilting his head slightly to the side. "Dazzle her like that. She's probably hyperventilating in the kitchen right now" He narrowed his eyes at me, his face still confused. "You have to know the effect you have on people"
"I dazzle people?" he turned curious now.
"You haven't noticed? Or do people just give you your way so easily?" I layed a hint of curiosity along with annoyance in my voice to throw him off a little bit.
"No… I haven't" he said, trailing off. "Do I dazzle you?"
"Frequently… More than I would like" I admitted.
Our server arrived, her short black hair and her face expectant. I guessed the host filled her in before she came over, and by the looks of it she was not disappointed. "Hello, my name is Amber. I'll be your server for tonight. What can I get you?" She spoke, looking only at him.
Edward looked at me, not moving his eyes from my face.
"I'll get a coke."
"Two cokes please" he said, eyes not moving from my face. The server disappeared and he continued to stare at me.
"What?" I asked him.
"Are you okay? You don't feel dizzy, sick, or cold?" He asked me, his eyes fixed on my face. I tilted my head in confusion.
"No… Should I be?"
"I'm actually waiting for you to go into shock," his lips twisted up into his perfect crooked smile.
"I don't think that will happen" I said after a moment. The server arrived back with our drinks, placing them gently on the table.
"Are you ready to order?" She asked Edward. He looked at me, and I studied the menu for a second before deciding.
"I'll have the mushroom ravioli please"
"And you?" She turned back to him with a smile.
"Nothing for me," he said. Of course not.
"Let me know if you change your mind" He wasn't looking at her as she talked to him, still looking at me. She left dissatisfied back towards the kitchen.
I took a couple of sips of my coke, still looking at him. I shivered after the first few mouthfuls, cold from the soda.
"Are you cold?"
"It's just the coke."
"Do you have a jacket?"
"Yes… I think it's in Jessica's car though" I shrugged, not bothered by it. I looked at him as he shrugged out of his jacket, realising what he was wearing. He was wearing a simple blue leather jacket, a black shirt and jeans on. The shirt fit him snugly, emphasising his muscles on his arms and chest as he handed his jacket.
"Thanks" I said as I took his jacket. I shrugged it on, and suppressed the shiver that tried to creep up my spine. The inside was cold, like what it normally felt like in the morning. I pulled the sleeves up to my hand and discreetly smelled the jacket. It didn't smell like cologne to my surprise. I pulled them down and looked up at him.
"The colour blue looks very nice on you" he commented, looking at me. I flushed and looked down to play with the sleeve on my right arm. He pushed the bread basket towards me, and I willingly took one and ate a bite.
He eyed me carefully. "I'm fine" I said, looking back up at him.
"You don't even look shaken, a normal person would be… and even going into shock" He looked into my eyes, and I noticed his eyes were lighter than usual, a bright golden butterscotch.
"I feel very safe with you," I admitted, blushing as I said the words.
He groaned slightly and shook his head, displeased. "This is wrong… and way more complicated than I thought it would be."
"Why?" I asked immediately, staring at him. He looked into my eyes, and I knew he wasn't going to answer me. I huffed. "You're in a better mood when your eyes are lighter," I noted aloud. His head turned confused.
"More theories?" he asked, placing a faint smile on his face. I assumed that took an immense amount of work.
"Sort of," I said, trailing off into thought. "I'll tell you about them on the way home"
He nodded in agreement as the waitress turned around the corner with my food. She placed it down in front of me and immediately turned to Edward. "Is there anything else I could get you?" she asked.
Edward shook his head, still looking at me. I looked up to her and saw a slight dissatisfaction on her face. "No thank you" He responded. She turned and walked away, taking my empty glass with her. Edward slid me his glass, and I pulled it towards me.
"I do have some questions though… that I would like you to answer" I looked at him as I spoke. He seemed calm, barely a hint of any other emotion on his face.
"Sure," He agreed.
"Why were you in Port Angeles?" I asked him. Something crossed his face but it faded as quickly as it appeared, making it impossible to identify.
"Next."
I didn't argue, but felt my next questions were more than likely to help me with my answer. I carefully speared individual ravioli as I thought on how to phrase this next question. "Okay… So hypothetically of course… but let's say someone could read minds… with one exception. How does that work? What are the limitations? How would someone know how to find someone at the exact right time?"
"Hypothetically?" he asked.
"Yes."
"So let's say that this person would have to be paying an immense amount of attention to be quite so exact" He sighed, looking away from my face and down towards the table.
There was a long pause before I spoke. "You can trust me… you know" I didn't need to add in the fact that I knew most of this would be true, and I just wanted to hear it confirmed.
"I don't think I have a choice at this point" He admitted with an exasperated sigh, frustrated. "You are way more observant than what I'd been expecting."
"I've been known to pay attention every now and then"
"And to make it even worse, you're a magnet for accidents… no that's not even broad enough of a classification… trouble… anything within a ten mile radius will eventually find you" he sighed, annoyed by the fact.
I knew he was right. "And do you put yourself in the category?" I asked.
Another sigh. "Unequivocally,"
I looked up to him and saw his expression. "Thank you" I said, keeping my gaze at him while I spoke. He looked surprised.
His eyes poured into mine, and I could slowly see his resolve slipping. "When I was away with Emmett… It drove me sick with worry about you. Ordinary people seem to make it through the day without any catastrophes. It was driving me insane, so I drove here to check up on you" he looked at me, and I could sense a weird feeling of displeasure but thankfulness at the same time. I was annoyed he was following me, but on the other hand I was thankful he was, otherwise I would have no clue what would have happened to me if he wasn't following me.
"Do you ever think maybe you've been interfering with fate? That my number was up with the van?" I asked him suddenly.
"It wasn't the first time. Your number was up the first time I met you" He admitted looking at me.
My thoughts wound backwards towards that day, suppressing a shiver of fear from that day. "You remember," he said, his voice grave. I looked back at him.
"I thought you hated me," I admitted. "I didn't know what I did to make you so mad."
"And yet, here you sit in front of me… alive." his voice was in disbelief, like he was surprised at that thought. He pressed his lips together, looking at me and my half eaten plate. I scooped up another piece of ravioli into my mouth, knowing that he was going to ask me to eat.
"It was difficult for me to keep track of you" He admitted, the floodgates of admission opening to me. "Four other people were there with you, and yet I didn't notice when you went off on your own. When I realised you were gone, I looked at the bookstore I saw in Katherine's head, and went there, realising that you never went in there. I was waiting and randomly searching the thoughts of people around me, seeing if you were in their thoughts. I was worried and strangely anxious for you" He was looking past me, seeing something as he spoke that he could only see. "I was driving around in circles looking for you, and then the sun started to set and I was going to get out on foot to look for you… and then I heard their thoughts and saw you in their minds and lost it." He looked at me directly in the eyes and I saw the anger radiating from him. "I was afraid that if I left you with your friends that I would lose it again and do something I would regret." His eyes turned away from me and looked out the window.
Eventually I finished my food and he looked back to me, his eyes holding his own questions.
"Are you ready to go home?" He asked me.
I nodded "I'm ready to leave" I said, changing his words. The waitress appeared suddenly and looked at Edward.
"I'm ready for the check" He said looking at her. She whipped out the bill and slid it over to Edward, who pulled the money out of his pocket and slid it into the bill. "No change" he said as he handed it back to her.
We exited the building quickly, him holding the door open for me as I climbed into the passenger seat, bracing myself for the next round of confessions.
