Fangs and Fire

Chapter 4: First Song & La Push Baby

One week had gone since the car crash incident. Bella had been continuing to ask Edward what happened at the crash and how he saved her when he was cross the parking lot. At the field trip two days ago, his answer was "Adrenaline rush" according to Bella.

As I entered the busy cafeteria alongside Bella, the familiar sounds of laughter and chatter enveloped us. My gaze instinctively drifted toward the Cullen's table, and I couldn't help but notice the palpable tension radiating off Bella. There was an unmistakable anger simmering just beneath her surface, a stark contrast to the usual light-heartedness that characterized our lunchtime banter. Ignoring that table, we made our way to our usual spot, where our friends Mike, Jessica, Tyler, Angela, and Eric were already gathered.

"Hey. La Push, baby! You in?" Eric shouted; his excitement evident. I frowned, feeling annoyed at his lack of subtlety. "Context, Eric," I said, as I sank into my seat. Mike quickly chimed in, eager to elaborate, "La Push beach, down at the Quileute reservation." His smile was infectious, promising all sorts of adventures.

"We're all heading out after school. There's a big swell coming in!" Jessica continued enthusiastically. "I don't just surf the internet," Eric retorted suddenly, leaping to his feet like he was ready to catch a wave. Rolling my eyes, I couldn't resist pointing out his overzealousness. "Eric, you stood up once," I remarked dryly. Jessica jumped in with a comment of her own, "And it was on a foam board!" A wave of laughter swept through our group, and I couldn't help but chuckle despite myself.

"There's whale watching too! You should come with us," Angela said, tugging at my arm as if to entice me further. "La Push, baby!" Eric insisted again, determined to make it his catchphrase for the day.

I accepted a piece of chocolate that Bella offered, savoring its rich taste while my thoughts swirled around the unexpected trip to the beach. "Okay, we'll go if you stop saying that," Bella finally conceded, prompting another round of laughter from our friends.

"I'm going to go grab some food," Bella announced, and I nodded in agreement, appreciating her need to find comfort in something familiar. Just then, Jessica turned to face me with a curious look in her eyes. "So, has anyone asked you out to prom yet?" she inquired.

I shook my head, feeling a wave of awkwardness wash over me. "No, not yet. Frankly, I don't think anyone will," I replied, the reality sinking in. Jessica tried to lighten the mood. "Okay, well enough of the gloomy talk. How are the songs coming along?" Eric leaned in closer, genuinely interested.

"Oh, um... yeah, I've got a little bit of the first song started," I said, reaching into my bag to retrieve a folder filled with my handwritten lyrics. As I showed it to them, Angela leaned in, her eyes widening with excitement. "Wow, this is really good!" she exclaimed, taking a closer look at the scribbled notes and lyrics.

"Care to sing it for us?" Tyler asked, his voice teasing yet encouraging, making my heart race with a mix of nervousness and thrill.

"Oh, um... sure," I managed to reply, the nervous laugh escaping my lips before I could catch it.

(A/N: If you couldn't tell I like Rio)

Ooh, yeah-yeah, yeah

What is love if it's not with you?
I know when you're alone you feel it too
In your arms is where I long to be
Cause being with you gives me sanity (hey, okay)

Oh, listen to me, darling
I wake up every morning
Thinking 'bout the way you feel
Oh, I wonder if you know it
And what good is the party
If you're not around?
Just listen to me now