Before entering our home Bella made me swear not to mention Edward to Charlie, even if he acted like an ass. I helped Bella make dinner while Charlie watched a game of American football.
Every now and then Charlie would voice out loud the scores even though my team wasn't playing. I enjoyed the moment with Bella and Charlie, I can't remember the last time it felt normal to be in family. Mom and Phil just aren't at home a lot or present when it comes to being a parent. I love mother to death but she is most kin to a free spirt then anything. Perhaps I take after my dad in that regard, I know for a fact Bella does.
Bella brought a plate for Charlie to eat on the sofa and I set the table for us both. Pasta and meatballs, simple but better then fish in my opinion. Bella finished first and left to do homework. I cleaned up the dishes and went to sit with dad to finish the game.
After it ended I walked upstairs reluctantly and did what little homework I had. It was midnight by then and still was apprehensive to sleep. I did a little prayer and turned on my nightlight, focusing my vision on it till I fell asleep.
Thankfully my alarm woke me up today, sadly though Bella got up first and took ages to get out of the bathroom. I took this chance to tease her, "Bella, Edward doesn't care if you look pretty, just your smell bothers him. No amount of showering can fix that."
She opened the door at that, "Peter I swear one day I'll have my revenge. For now you'll have to settle for fish for dinner, for the rest of the week."
I let out a silent squeal, "please don't Bella then we'll both smell of fish."
She grinned menacingly "you have someone to impress Peter?"
To that I pushed her out of the bathroom to shower with her echoing a threat behind me, "Peter I'll make sure to tell her you wet the bed at elven, forgive the smell I'll say."
I closed the door shut and ignored her until we got to school. Annoyingly the students still gossiped about us and for some reason Jessica wouldn't leave my side until I got to English class. I wished Jessica was more like Angela who understood personal space.
This time however I made small talk with the people sitting next to me even though it was mostly about my sister's relationship status. Although it didn't annoy me more than when they asked about my feelings for Jessica. It felt like I was in a five year relationship with her, even my hand twitched at the mention of it.
Lunch break was the only rest I got from the endless questions. I got a sandwich and sat next to Bella at the same table as yesterday. She didn't even say hi, only sparing glances to her side. I followed her gaze towards the Cullens. I cringed at the thought of yesterday's interaction with Alice. Oh God what do I say to her about my actions. It was rude of me to have left her there when she meant well.
Yet when my eyes made their way to her I saw hers eyes where brown. I swear they were golden yesterday, there's no way I could get them confused. I looked at Emmentt Cullen who had the same golden eyes and switched my gaze back to my sandwich.
Bella and me didn't exchange a word that lunch, we both sensed each other's nervousness but refused to address it. I came up with hundreds of excuses for art classes. Branching from I got to use the bathroom or I might shit myself to I need to fetch my endangered sister. Absurd excuses but I'm not much for creativity when it comes to coming up with a white lie.
Finally art class arrived and Alice was already there. Like a coward I sat next to her not saying a word hopelessly hoping she forgot yesterday and it was all just a dream.
Five minutes went by and the teacher still didn't arrive to safe me.
"Are you going to apologize or not?" she said in annoyance.
"My bad Alice, I have unpredictable bowel movements, sorry."
Alice remained silent but I could tell she was staring at me. She knew I was full of shit but I knew a lawyer's best advice was to 'deny, deny, deny' all accusations. Sadly I cracked when we reached the ten minute marker.
"I'm sorry Alice I just got scared at seeing your eyes."
As if the tension between us didn't exist she joyfully accepted it, "not the best apology I've heard but you can at least look me in the eye when you say it."
I shook my head, afraid of seeing my past in her eyes again. "Sorry Alice but could you be fine with just this much, I know it's odd but I struggle with seeing people in the eye."
She sighed, "I wish Edward were here, by the way excuse his manners when it came to your sister. Do it as payment for that sorry excuse of an apology."
"I accept your offer."
"Good now stand up and stare at the wall since we're playing hide and seek."
"What for Alice?" I said in a nervous tone.
I heard the sound of a measuring tape, "I need your measurements for the project."
"What about yours couldn't you start with yours first before doing this in class."
"True but I know my size perfectly by now although I wouldn't mind you making sure there correct." She said in a teasing tone. "Or do we need permission from Jessica on what her boyfriend can or can't."
"Jessica is just an acquaintance Alice."
"I'm glad, I'd hate to pray on the downfall of your make believe relationship." She said cheerfully.
"Then Peter, would you do me the honors of getting up from your throne for a check up?"
"I will for an acquaintance." I said reluctantly.
I could tell she smiled amusingly behind me as she measured my back. "I like a challenge. The chase is my favorite part in a hunt."
I gulped at her tone, she said it as if were a fact I'd fall in her trap. My hand twitched as well, "are you nervous Peter." She said playfully.
"No it's a tick I have from an unpleasant time."
"Oh." She said with pity, which caught me by surprise. Again I felt a knot in my stomach that made me want to improve her mood but I held it in, not wanting to speak on the matter.
Thankfully the teacher arrived saving me from her claws. Class went by fast as she explained the history of art in the medieval times. Alice came up with a game of tic tac toe to pass the time, we shared a piece of paper between us. Although it grew pointless by the time I figured out how she won all time it was better then the lecture.
Class ended and this time I made sure to wave goodbye to Alice without a hurry. I met Bella in the parking lot and found her frustrated. Deciding not to poke the tiger I walked us to the truck.
The following week went by without a problem. I realized Bella's mood swings were due to the absence of Edward which I quietly rejoiced at. Even though Alice was kind, I couldn't shake the feeling of danger off the Cullens. Each time I looked at them during lunch my hand twitched. Thankfully Alice didn't inquire about my fear of her eyes. Instead art class was filled with her showing me her designs for dresses and suits we could make. Some classes was filled with her telling me the difference between the styles of suits or dresses and the color schemes.
I made it home filled with information on fashion and slept thinking about it. At least my dreams were pleasant.
Today when I woke up it was snowing, although it was receding I saw a couple of patches of ice. I got up and ran to the bathroom before Bella. We ate breakfast and was reminded by both Bella and Charlie to take my medicine.
Outside I saw chains around Bella's truck, "dad did you do this?"
He coughed trying not to show emotion, "yes, it's best you kids stay safe on the road. After all I can't be a poor excuse for chief of police. "
We saw Bella make her way to the truck when by some miracle slipped on the one patch of ice on the pavement. Dad helped her up as soon as she hit the ground.Bella gave him an awkward nod, "thanks Charlie, you didn't have to." Dad returned the same nod.
I wonder how their so similar with so little interaction between them. We got on the truck and headed for school.
"So I've heard a rumor my baby brother got a thing for girls in Forks. Jessica huh, didn't know that was your type."
"Oh hell no Bella, she's cute but our personalities aren't a match."
"Cute then, smooth, did you say that to her when you pulled her off, her feet for a kiss?"
"What kind of rumor have you heard Bella, please get a hold of yourself. I don't want the entirety of Forks to know this."
"I guess my dreams of being an aunt are gone."
I groaned at her remark as we made it into the parking lot. We got off and I was flanked by Mike. He was asking about Jessica and I groaned even more when thoughts about him asking my sister out a day ago appeared in my head.
School went by normally until I made it to art class. Alice spoke quickly and jumped from idea to idea as if she were nervous. I was giving my response to whether my suit should be blue or green when she blurted out, "the dance are you going with Jessica?"
"What dance?"
"The spring dance Peter, everyone's talking about it."
"Really? I thought there was only prom."
She groaned and started to tap her desk with her finger, "at least I know now that my little rabbit didn't slip away to greener pastures. So your free then?"
Surprised by the nickname I dropped my guard and looked at her, "I ain't a rabbit-"
Her eyes this time were brown again and I couldn't help to analyze her facial features. They were the same heavenly characteristics I saw the first time paired with her teasing face. "Like what you see rabbit?"
I turned annoyed by her teasing, "I've seen better."
"Your a terrible liar Peter, next time keep your mouth closed without spilling any drool." She laughed.
I ignored her and began replaying the first time I met her, I swear her eyes were golden. Frustration waned over me and I felt bothered by the fact that a 5'5 pixie is wining at my own game.
"So do you want to dance in blue or green."
After knowing that my mind wouldn't give me a flashback I looked at her with a serious expression, "Alice Cullen I'm not a dancer end of conversation."
"Bella will be at the dance I can see it."
"Ha, right, Bella dancing will be the end of the unfortunate soul who's her partner."
She grinned and I could feel a knot forming in my chest. "let's make a bet Peter, if Bella goes you go."
Seeing an opportunity for a comeback I took my chance, "fine then, I'll go with Jessica."
Her eyebrow twitched for a second before smiling, "I'll go tell her right away."
Not falling for her play I kept my ground, "alright then Alice you'll be doing me a favour."
"Watch me." She got up and I saw the same engery she had at my first class of art.
"Wait! You win." I sighed.
She skipped back the short distance she made paying no heed to the students glancing at her, some even saying rude remarks.
"Let's make a new deal, if my brother goes with Bella. You take me, you know as payback. What do you say."
I frowned at that statement, "that's even more unlikely, but I'm fine with those odds." I kept it secret that Bella hated how Edward thought she smelled. However her grin made me feel as if I missed something.
The bell rang, "goodbye Alice, see you tomorrow."
I walked away after I saw her wave while she hummed a tune packing her bag. Nearing the parking lot I felt my hand twitching next to my leg. I grabbed it unsure why now it began to act out. When I exited the school I heard the sound of tires squealing and saw Bella alone with her headphones on. It happened so fast I could barely even scream at her to move, when the van hit.
I ran to her pushing away anyone one who got in the way. By then a crowd was already around her. "Bella oh my God your alright." And pulled her into a hug.
I heard people calling the ambulance and Tyler's worthless apologizes. "Ow Peter not too tight, I'm fine."
"Bella, I've decided you aren't allowed to hear music in public anymore. "
"Oh please, that wasn't my fault, did you see Edward."
"What are you talking about? I saw you almost become a fucken pancake. You must have got hit in the head, come sit on the curb while we wait for the ambulance."
She declined and stubbornly stood still till they arrived. Even near death she convinced me to take the truck home. Telling me she rather I take my medicine at home before failing as an older sister from barely having a scratch.
I did so irritated by the fact the ambulance agreed after seeing her barely injured. When I arrived home I got a phone call from Charlie who was already at the hospital. He was removing Tyler's license as we spoke and assured me Bella was fine. Sadly he told me we were having some type of fired fish a friend of his from the reserve gifted him.
I sat at the table with a half glass of water after taking my antidepressants. My left hand on the table had long since stopped twitching but I just couldn't help feeling a connection at the back of my head. I pushed those thoughts at the back of my head and went upstairs to do homework while I waited for Bella and Charlie.