Chapter 13 -
All too soon, lunch was over. I was conscious that Alice hadn't eaten anything, and so was Jessica, who had joined us a few minutes before the bell sounded.
"Don't you like canteen food" she had asked.
"I'm on a special diet" Alice had answered.
I didn't see why she needed to be on a diet, she was so dainty and petite. She looked exceptionally beautiful today, in her hipster jeans and a pale blue shirt that was open, exposing her delicate neck and part of her milky white chest. So soft and subtle, Alice was refined, something I would never be.
"What does the diet consist of" Jessica persisted.
Alice shrugged, "I watch what I eat, and drink…." Her voice trailed off.
"So what can you eat" Jessica continued.
I'd had enough of Jessica's probing. "What is this Jess" I interrupted, "The Spanish Inquisition?”
Angela laughed, and Alice looked at me with an expression of gratitude. Thankfully, Mike had appeared, and whisked Jessica away – they were 'dating' according to Angela.
"So, Mike and Jessica - lucky escape there Bella" Angela whispered, with a smile on her face. I merely nodded.
"But I guess there is always Jacob Black – from what I've seen, he's very keen on you".
I laughed, "Jake's just a friend, Angela".
Alice linked her arm through mine again, leaning in close to my ear she whispered intently "Does he know that Bella". Her breath seemed to caress my cheek.. She pulled away and I immediately missed her closeness.
I looked at her, Alice didn't often frown, but she was now.
Before I could reply, Angela spoke; "So, no romance on the horizon then, no love in the air" she continued, with a large grin on her face.
"No" came my rather curt reply.
Romance.
Love.
With Alice… if only…
"Quit the teasing Angela" Alice replied, "That's my job".
Then they both started to laugh.
I interrupted, "Okay, you've had your fun, shall we get to class now".
Angela scooped up her bag and dashed towards the exit, waving goodbye to use both.
Alice walked me to English, halting outside the door she squeezed my arm slightly "Sorry about before Bella".
I shrugged my shoulders, "No apology necessary Alice, I guess I was just a little tetchy".
"Why" she asked softly.
"Jake is just a friend, but I'm not even sure if we're that to be honest. He doesn't like me… hanging around… with you, your family. He got a little angry in the truck this morning…"
Alice immediately interrupted, placing both her hands on my shoulders, she moved in closer.
"Angry? Did he hurt you Bella?”
Her voice sounded urgent.
"No – no, he just… I don't honestly know Alice, I don't understand it, he mentioned his ancestors, said they didn't get on with yours… what did he mean by that?"
The question hung in the air. Alice stood still, her hands still resting on my shoulder blades.
"Alice" I asked again.
"Enter in your own time, Miss Swan".
It was the teacher, poking her head around the classroom door.
Alice smiled, "Let's spend Saturday together? We can talk then".
I nodded, and smiled "I'd like that Alice".
Alice smiled again, releasing her hands she bowed slightly - "Spanish calls" she seemed to sing as she then turned and skipped along the hall, looking back she finished "perhaps I'll learn a little more about the Spanish Inquisition", and winked.
One wink, and my heart seemed to explode in my chest. What was wrong with me? A simple wink and my emotions were left spiralling out of control.
Okay, so Jake had asked if we could see each other on Saturday, but the truth was, I wanted to see Alice more. Tomorrow would be Friday, and then I'd get to spend a whole day with her. My heart gave a small flutter at the prospect. I was becoming infatuated with Alice, my fondness was increasing to the point of complete devotion.
English seemed to drag, and I was thankful I had Eric by my side. His sense of humour, though a little warped at times, made me smile.
"So, Angela was telling me about your little accident Bella – maybe I should do a story in the school mag about knife crime?"
"Funny, Eric – my sides are splitting" I replied, smiling.
"Hey, watch the humour Bella, it can be sly!" he responded, poking me on the arm with his pencil. I laughed.
"On a serious note, do you want a lift home? I said I'd drop Angela off, I don't mind stopping by the Swan estate too?"
I would have gladly accepted Eric's offer, but I had already accepted one from someone else.
"Thanks Eric, but Jake text me a few minutes ago, said he could pick me up".
Eric winked. I elbowed him in the ribs.
