Crimson Gold

Part 1: Chapter 4: Suspicions

3rd Person POV

Mercer House

Waking up, Ryan quickly got dressed and walked out to his car, grabbing an apple with a tendril as he walked past the kitchen. It had been two days since his 'adventure' with the Cullens, most of which he spent thinking about what had transpired.

Shaking his head, Ryan walked over to his car and got in before driving off to school. The Cullens hadn't shown Monday, something that had instantly set off red flags for him.

Flashback Start

Ryan walked over to where Bella and Jessica were sitting under the sunny sky and sat down next to them. "Hey, guys," he greeted, giving his signature carefree smile. "How's it going?"

"Great!" Jessica replied.

"Good," Bella said absentmindedly. "Hey, have you seen the Cullens today?"

Ryan shook his head. "Sorry. To be honest, I was actually hoping you guys knew. Guess that ship's sailed."

"They're not here."

They both looked at Jessica, who was sitting on top of the table, basking in the sunlight. "Whenever the weather's nice, the Cullens disappear," she elaborated.

"What, do they just ditch?" Bella asked.

"And not invite me?" Ryan complained, earning a punch to the arm from Bella.

"No, Dr. And Mrs. Cullen yank them out for, like, hiking and camping and stuff," Jessica replied. "I tried that out on my parents. Not even close."

Ryan snorted. "If I tried that without permission, my dad'd kick my rear across New York and back." Mainly for not inviting him to do so as well, but Ryan kept that thought to himself.

"Guys," Angela said, walking up to them excitedly. "I'm going to the Prom with Eric."

Ryan blinked. "Did not see that one coming."

"I just asked him. I just took control," Angela went on.

Bella grinned and hugged her in excitement. "I told you that would happen."

"Are you sure you have to go out of town?" Angela asked.

"Wait, hold the phone, stop," Ryan said. "You're not going to the Prom?! That's basically the whole point of high school!"

"Oh, yeah," Bella said absentmindedly. "I've got a little family thing."

"Okay.... We should go shopping in Port Angeles before all the good dresses get cleaned out," Jessica said.

"And I'm out," Ryan said, standing up and walking out just as the bell rang.

Flashback End

Shaking his head, Ryan hopped inside his car and drove off, heading to school.

As he drove into the lot, he was met with the sight of the Cullens pulling in with their Jeep.

"There you are," Ryan said, parking his car and walking over. "I was wondering where you guys were yesterday."

"Yeah, our dad took us all out camping," Alice said hurriedly. "We do it when the sun's out so that we can see the best sights."