The next morning, I took my backpack and put it in Charlie's car as usual and then ran off to the spot Jasper and I usually sparred. After looking around to make sure I was alone I got undressed and shifted into my Tiger form. Then for the next hour I just ran around the woods experimenting with my speed and strength.
I thought it best to get a handle on it before the vampire vs Tiger match Emmett was so desperate for. Learning to strike at a tree without extending my claws was a bit challenging at first, but I got the hang of it after a while. I took a bit more time than normal as I wouldn't be able to do any lifting at the gym.
But when I figured it was close enough to time, I got changed and ran to the police station for my shower and waited for Bella to arrive. The skies were clear so after giving my goodbyes to Charlie and Jerry I waited for Bella outside in the sun. Bella arrived and we made a beeline for school and decided to waste some time at the outside lunch tables that had most everyone there basking in the morning sun.
Mike had come over with a puppy dog look on his face and started to talk to Bella about the weather. Finally, he got to the point and told Bella, "So Jessica asked me out to the dance this Saturday."
He ended the sentence like it was a question toward Bella, as if asking if she was ok with it.
Bella smiled and happily said, "That's great, you guys will have a wonderful time together."
Mike looked a bit sad, "Well, I didn't tell her yes. I said I had to think about it... I was hoping you were going to ask me."
He must have finally hit the end of Bella's patience with him because her tone took on a firmness she rarely used, "I am not going to be in town. Besides, it's obvious that Jessica has feelings for you, and I won't be stepping between you two. You should tell her yes if you want to go, and do it soon, so she isn't kept waiting."
All Mike got out of her speech was a confused look on his face, and "Jessica likes me? You really mean it?" Then he stated to smile like a fool. "Cool!"
He wandered off as I held my laughter in. "That idiot doesn't deserve Jessica, or Lauren for that matter. Girls are just interchangeable fantasies for him. Only looking at what he can get from them, not what they can share."
Bella sighed, "I agree, but Jessica really likes him. I hope she doesn't get burned by him. All it would take is one mistake, and her college life would be over before it begins, and Mike doesn't strike me as the supportive baby daddy. He is a nice guy, just a bit too popular in town for his own good. College would get him out of town and settle him down, I bet."
Shortly after that, Angela and Ben came walking over to our table hand in hand. It looked like they had finally gotten together.
Angela looked at both Bella and me, "Would you guys be interested in going to Port Angeles tonight to go dress shopping with me? My Mom doesn't want me to go alone, and Ben has to work. Thomas coming along will keep the creeps away also."
Bella looked at me, and seeing my nod, "Sure, we can go. I will just let Charlie know, and we can head out right after school. Mind if I ask Jessica to come with? She will be needing a dress too, I bet."
Angela smiled, "I am fine with that. Maybe she will drive so there will be more room, and maybe we can get out of there before dark."
Bella took the verbal hit to her truck's space and speed with a smile, I will talk to her in class later, we should know by the end of lunch."
Just then, the first bell rang out and everyone started gathering their stuff to head to class. It appeared that the teachers were itching to get out into the sun as well. Ms. Ross had us all go outside to the edge of the forest and pick something to draw. After that class though, it was back to being stuck indoors. At least all the window blinds were open, allowing all the sunlight possible inside. I missed Edythe in math class, and by the time lunch rolled around, I was ready for the day to end.
When Bella and I sat at the table with the group, the first thing I heard was "What, no Cullen's to sit with today?" from Lauren.
I wasn't sure who that was a jab at, me or Bella, but I didn't take it very well. However, before I could respond, Mike spoke up. "They are our friends and welcome to sit with us when they want. If you don't like it, you are welcome to sit somewhere else."
While this earned a bit of my respect, both Lauren and Tyler gave him some dirty looks that he didn't react to. Just before lunch was over, Bella turned to me and Angela, "Oh, about going to look for dresses, can we do it tomorrow after school instead? Jessica and Mike have a last-minute date planned for tonight."
Angela looked happy, "Actually, that would be perfect, my mom would be able to look after my brothers, so no need for a sitter."
I smiled and shook my head, "Looks like it will have to turn into a girl's night then, I have plans with Edythe after school tomorrow. They will get back from their camping trip in the afternoon, so we already made plans. She is planning an evening picnic in a place she says is special to her."
This comment got me a few dirty looks, a few envious ones, and a catcall. I just shrugged them off.
Gym and Spanish passed in a long, very slow, blur, and once it was finally over, Bella and I went food shopping. After putting the groceries away, I went up to my room and stared at another blank canvas I set up for my art project. Still not coming up with any ideas, I walked away from it and sat on my bed with my sketchpad and just started to draw randomly.
I heard the house phone line ring a couple of times until Bella answered it. Moments later, Bella yelled up the stairs, "Thomas, Phone."
It struck me as odd, everyone I know has my cell number. Why would someone call the house line for me? I hurriedly got up and went down the stairs two at a time, then saw Bella holding the phone towards me as she stood in the kitchen entryway.
I took the phone, "This is Thomas."
"Hello, just to confirm. I am speaking to Thomas Naresh Raizel?"
"Yes, that is my full name. Can I ask what this is about?"
"I represent the Specter & Ross Law firm from Denver, Colorado, and need to confirm your residential City so we can bring you the paperwork to finalize the execution of the Will for one Nancy B. Raizel. This will have to take place after your 18th birthday, which we have on file as March 31st. Can you confirm this is correct?"
"Yes, my birthday will be the 31st of this month." I responded dully.
"In cases like this, we prefer to set up a time at the local police station so that all parties can be accommodated, and any certifications can be made immediately if they prove necessary. You will need to be present and have your social security card as well as photo I.D. and, if possible, your birth certificate. Will that work for you?"
"For photo I.D. I have a non-local driver's license. It's an Arizona-registered license. Oh, I also have a passport, that's a picture I.D. also… I forgot about it." My mind was racing, and I was stumbling over my words. Random thoughts were hitting me as I tried to focus.
"As long as they aren't expired, either would work, Hun. Will the first of April work for you? What am I thinking? It's your 18th birthday, so I'd better give you a day to recover. How about the 2nd and I will call you with a time once we set it up with the Sheriff's office."
"That… That will be fine. Hope to see you there…" As I took the phone from my ear and began to hang it up, I caught, "Are you ok, dear? You don't sou.." Click. I barely registered that I had hung up on her and just stood there.