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THE NEXT DAY, Rory and Bella were almost late to school. It was the former's fault—Rory had to take Orion, her newly adopted German Shepard, on a morning walk which had taken more time than she expected.
Mr. Molina quickly accepted their field trip slips and directed them to wait with the others for the two buses that were transporting the junior students going to the local community college's greenhouse.
"Bella!" Mike Newton was approaching the pair of brunettes as they waited for the buses. Like Tyler Crowley and Eric Yorkie before him, the athletic blonde had a determined stride and a hopeful expression like a puppy. His blue eyes turned to Rory nervously and back to Bella hopefully, "Hey, Rory. I heard they almost sent out a search party for you last night. I'm glad you were okay though."
"Word gets around quick in this town," Rory drawled with a shake of her head. "I got a new best friend outta the ordeal. Her name's Orion and I've only had her for one night, but if anything were to happen to her, I'd kill everyone and then myself."
Mike nodded distractedly. He was staring at the girl next to Rory. "Um, Bella—can I talk to you about something?"
Rory wasn't offended by Mike's rudeness. She found it quite amusing as he stared at Bella with big pleading blue eyes. Bella was too nice to say no so she looked at Rory pleadingly. Rory snickered and after patting Bella playfully, she wandered over to Jessica who was clearly distracted by what Bella and Mike were talking about.
Rory rolled her eyes, her hands shoved deep in the pockets of her jacket to keep herself warm. She felt eyes on her and she looked up to find Jasper Hale, Alice and Edward Cullen nearby. The three were muttering indiscernibly to each other, but Jasper's now golden ocher eyes would rise up to her every so often.
Rory couldn't help but note that he looked especially handsome today, with a designer navy blue cashmere sweater over a white collared button down and well-fitted designer jeans. The Cullens were well off on top of insanely blessed in the looks department.
Rory decided the flush to her skin was attributed to the cold weather.
"—think he's asking her to prom? The boys are determined to snap Bella up apparently since she's going out of town for Sadie Hawkins." Jessica's worried voice faded back to Rory's attention as she dragged her eyes away from Jasper Hale's.
Rory was concentrated on the pavement as she answered her friend. "Nah. I think Mike will ask you. After all, you're going with him to Sadie's this weekend." Rory couldn't help but glance at Jasper, standing so close yet still so far away.
Jessica beamed. "You're right, Ror. I have nothing to worry about." Jessica's voice was falsely cheery, badly hiding her obvious concern.
