Twilight Imagines

30. Look Like Food? (Edward Cullen)

(Published May 4, 2024)

   "So, prom..."
   That word again.  I groaned, wrinkling my nose at my best friend.  We were in the cafeteria line, waiting for a jock to fill his tray, and naturally she had to bring up the topic again.  I didn't want to think about prom or dates.  I just wanted to pass my Calculus test and celebrate at the local diner afterwards.  Or fail the test and go for a cheer up burger.  Either way ended with really good food. 
   "Why do you always bring that up at lunch, Sid?" I whined quietly. 
   She gave me a pointed look.  "Because lunch is the best time to scope out boys who are eyeing up girls to ask to the biggest event of the year.  And we are not going solo."
   I probably would, though.  "I'm surprised you haven't been asked yet."
   The way she looked away sheepishly and bit her lip said it all. 
   "What?  Who, and why didn't you tell me?" I demanded, smiling at her good luck.
   "Brandon asked me yesterday after school.  I didn't want to say anything until you had a date, too." She blushed, stepping forward in the line. 
   "I'm hurt you kept it a secret for this long.  That's great!"
   As we started towards an empty table, she shook her head vigorously.
   "It's not great.  We've got to find someone for you to go with."
   "Honestly, I'm happy going alone.  You'll be there, so I'll be fine."
   We sank into empty chairs, the trays clicking as they met the table top.  Sidney watched me for a moment, worrying her pink lip.  I gave her a candid smile before turning my attention to the cardboard pizza in front of me. 
   "Why don't you want a guy, Liz?" She finally asked. 
   I shrugged.  I did want one.  I just didn't have a use for the boys that populated this school who played games with my feelings. 
   "I'm just waiting for the right guy, that's all," I answered simply.
   "Which would be what kind of a guy?"
   Man, she wasn't going to let this go.  I shrugged again, thinking really fast for something witty to say.  I came up empty. 
   "Honestly, I just want someone who looks at me the way I look at food."  I glanced down at my sad lunch.  "Well, the way I look at real food."
   An audible snort erupted from behind us.  Frowning, we both turned in our seats to identify the eavesdropper.  It was none other than the quiet, typically reserved, strange Edward Cullen.  Sidney gave me a wide eyed look, but I wasn't intimidated by him.  He was just another weird kid in a school of mainly oddballs.  
   "Eavesdropping is considered impolite," I said as politely as I could. 
   He turned to meet my gaze.  "You talk loudly."
   That was a bit of an exaggeration, since I hadn't really wanted anyone to hear our conversation.  I lifted an eyebrow, letting him know I didn't buy it. 
   "The cafeteria food is no joking matter," I tried to lighten the mood a bit.
   "Agreed."
   Well, he wasn't much for conversation.  I turned back to my tray, distracting myself with food for a minute. 
   "What about Matt?" Sidney asked in a hushed voice after a few minutes.  It was clear she wasn't going to give up. 
   "The basketball guy?  He's all about that blonde cheerleader." 
   "Okay, Eric?" 
   "He likes Angela." 
   "Nick?" 
   "Sid, please!  If someone asks me, I'll consider them, but not before.  There's no point." 
   She sighed heavily.  "You're such a pessimist." 
   "Nope, I'm a realist." 
   And with that, I stuffed a large bite of pizza into my mouth.  Of course, that was the moment that someone approached our table from behind me.  I looked up to find Edward Cullen standing behind the chair next to me.  
   "Is this seat taken?" He asked softy.  
   Sidney and I both shook our heads no.  I had a feeling we were both wide eyed, too, but I was too busy watching the strange kid before me to see her face.  He sat slowly, a small smirk on his perfectly shaped lips.  I turned my gaze away, chewing the pizza so I could answer if he said anything else.  Which maybe he wouldn't.  Maybe I'd get lucky and wouldn't end up embarrassing myself in front of him by opening my mouth.  Maybe he'd talk to Sidney instead.  But then, why didn't he go sit next to her?  Crap.  
   "Liz, would you like to go to Prom," He suddenly spoke up.  "With me?" 
   I swallowed the pizza in my mouth and turned my shocked gaze to Sidney's.  She looked just as startled as me, so I knew she hadn't set this up.  Cautiously, I returned my gaze to Edward.  He was watching me with his gold eyes, waiting patiently for an answer.  I wasn't sure my voice was going to work, though.  My heart was hammering and I didn't know why.  It wasn't like I had a crush on him or anything!  Well, until today, apparently.  
   "Why?" I blurted out after a minute.  
   He grinned.  "Because neither of us have dates." 
   "Yes, but why me?" I reiterated.  
   "Because I'd like to get to know you." 
   My brain spun.  "Yes?" 
   "I'll pick you up at five." He got to his feet as gracefully as he had sat down.  
   "Five?" I questioned.  
   "To get food first," He explained with that smirk ever present.  
   I watched as he walked away, utterly flummoxed.  Edward Cullen was the last boy I had expected to ask a little nobody like me to Prom.  I hoped like heck it wasn't a cruel joke, like in Carrie.  As I watched, he paused in the cafeteria doorway and glanced back at me.  He gave me a wink before vanishing.  
   Still stunned, I turned to look at Sidney.  She looked as shocked as I felt.  
   "What just happened?" 
   I shook my head.  "I'm not rightly sure.  Why me?" 
   "I don't know!  I mean, I love you, but him and you?  It makes no sense!" 
   "Exactly...  Maybe he likes food, too." 
   "He did kind of look at you like you look at food.  Kind of odd." 
   "He did?" 
   "Yeah," Sidney took a sip of her water before continuing.  "You know, this is good!  Now we both have dates." 
   "Yes, but yours is normal!  Mine is a weirdo!" 
   "Shh, his siblings will hear you.  Anyway, you're a weirdo, so what does it matter?" 
   "I don't know.  I really don't know.  Ugh." I dropped my head into my hands, my brain still a mess from the event that had just taken place.  "Help me." 
   "No, no, this is good.  I'm super excited." Sidney began clapping her hands.  "Let's go dress shopping after school!" 
   "Uh, okay."  
   It seemed like I had to now.  I had a date!