Lexi Cullen (A Twilight Fanfiction)

Chapter: Today's the Day

Today's the day.

My very first date.

Weird, right?

Inside, I'm losing it—like a kid who just found out Justin Bieber's giving out free concert tickets. Screaming, jumping, the whole circus. Outside? I'm trying to look chill, but I'm probably radiating "freak-out" vibes like a neon sign.

But hey, I'm holding it together. For now.

Click-clack footsteps stomp up the stairs and suddenly, bam, Alice bursts in—my favorite aunt and the family's self-appointed fashion dictator.

"Hey, it's time to get stuff ready!" she chirps, practically bouncing as she heads straight for my walk-in closet like it's some kind of treasure chest.

"Yay," I say, voice dripping with sarcasm but secretly kinda excited.

She piles all her "must-haves" on my cabinet like she's prepping for a royal wedding.

"Now, let's get you ready."

Cue the groan. I love Alice, don't get me wrong, but she goes full-on overboard. Like, I swear, you don't even get to breathe or blink before she's rearranged your whole face and wardrobe.

Well, it is Alice we're talking about.

"Oh my goodness! I know what you're going to wear tonight!" She throws down the clothes like she just solved world hunger, then spins around like she's hosting the Oscars. "Now, time for hair and makeup."

Cue another groan — this one louder — but I can't help but giggle because Alice turns into a tornado whenever clothes and makeup are involved.

Newsflash: I'm a girl, but I'm definitely not a girly girl. I'm a tomboy through and through.

If you haven't picked up on that yet, congrats. You've cracked the code.

Alice hums some song I don't recognize while she works her magic. She's almost done when she suddenly shrieks, "I'm done!" like she just won the lottery.

I'm excited too, but also terrified—because, duh, first dates are basically emotional rollercoasters designed to mess you up.

"And your date's gonna be here any minute!" Alice squeals, practically screaming it right next to my ear.

"Thanks for the earblock, Alice," I say with killer sarcasm.

She laughs, mutters a quick "sorry," and vanishes somewhere in my room like a mischievous ghost.

I slap on the last bits—bracelets, necklaces—then head downstairs.

Sitting on the couch? Everyone. Including the usual assholes.

"You look like a slut," Edward sneers, eyeballing me like I just crawled out of a trash bin.

"Thanks, I was going for 'Bella meets disaster' today," I smirk.

"Excuse me?" Bella snaps, eyes narrowed like I just cursed her family tree.

"You heard me. You're pathetic. Can't even be a decent mother, telling your daughter to hate me just 'cause you hated how we bonded. Jealous much?" I chuckle darkly.

"That's not true," Bella huffs.

"Renesmee told me. So obviously it is."

She rolls her eyes, like a teenager who's just been caught sneaking out.

"See? It's true. Admit it. And honestly, it's a blessing you're a vampire and can't have babies—because no kid deserves a worthless mother like you." I flash her a smile sharper than a knife.

Before I can blink, I feel a burning slap on my cheek.

I look up. Bella's standing there, face twisted with rage, her hand still stinging on my skin.

I gasp, but I'm not about to cry. Nope. I blink back the tears because I'm done being the victim.

I pull my hand away, clench my fists, ready to punch the bitch who just slapped me.

Yeah, she's my mom. Doesn't mean she gets to touch me like that.

I swing my elbow forward — and bam! — someone grabs my arm.

I pull away, glare sideways, and there's Austin. My knight in black tuxedo armor, suddenly popping out of nowhere.

"I know you're mad," he says, voice calm like he's trying to defuse a bomb, "but violence isn't the answer."

Silence falls like a heavy curtain. Nobody dares move.

Austin breaks it, smiling at me. "Shall we get going?"

I glare once more at Bella, then nod.

He picks me up, sprinting to his car like we're in some cheesy rom-com chase scene.

I giggle as he carefully sets me down in the passenger seat, then walks around to get behind the wheel.

"Thanks back there. Without you, I'd probably have punched her... and maybe done something else I'd regret."

He chuckles. "You're welcome, beautiful."

I blush so hard I'm practically glowing. Blushing feels so weird when you're supposed to be all 'cool and mysterious'.

The drive was smooth, the restaurant fancy as hell, and the food? Deadly good. We talked about his family, college plans—normal stuff. The kind of chat that's not awkward, but not totally boring either.

When we pulled up outside my house, Austin took my hand and led me to the door.

"This has been a wonderful night," he said, smiling like I'd just given him a million-dollar gift.

"Surprisingly, it has been," I giggled.

Nothing bad happened. No disasters. No awkward silence.

We just stared at each other. No words.

Then, at the exact same moment, we leaned in.

Our lips met, moving in perfect sync.

I swear, it sounds cheesy, but I felt sparks exploding in my stomach—like a million butterflies just threw a party.

Sure, I've kissed plenty of guys before, but this one? This one actually mattered.

We pulled apart, both giggling like idiots.

"Well, I'll see you soon, babe," he winked.

"You too," I smiled, feeling lightheaded.

He walked back to his car and got in, and I blew him a kiss. He caught it and placed it on his heart like a total romantic dork.

I smiled big as I opened the door and stepped inside.

Closing the door behind me, I slumped back against it and let out a deep breath.

A slow, stupid grin spread across my face—bigger than it had in forever.

I realized then... I'm falling for Austin Reed.