So It's You [bella]

[elaine]

It's weekend and it is the day Carly planned to go hiking but she needs to gear up first. She brought with her, her mom and dad's tent. The one they usually bring the time they were hiking. When they were still alive. Since her parents died, it has been a custom for her to go out spelunking or hiking as a sign of respect and remembering her parents. She does this alone hoping to feel that it was like they're still alive. She's stuck in the past that hurt her so much and she doesn't know when she'll get over it. The feeling of loneliness yet she needs to face the world with confidence and strength like she's not hurting.

Aside from few blankets she had, there's still more that she needs to get. She decided to drop by Port Angeles and drove her way there with her car. She spotted Newton's Olympic Outfitter's and decided to make a stop to check if they have the things she needed. It wasn't a large store like the ones in California but it is certainly cozy there. She'd rather go to such stores, like sporting goods, than to become a mall rat shopping for new dress, bag, skirts. etc. She is a girl but not girly enough. She's sporty and tough, she believes that it enables her to defend herself.

Carly entered the store and looked around, she knew somebody was on the counter so she asked. "Which aisle can I find the harness?"

[bella]

The year so far had proven to be quite eventful already. With the mishaps in Volterra, Bella was actually quite thankful to be back in her everyday, normal routine. Edward was back by her side, and for the moment, that was all that mattered. Obviously, Charlie wasn’t too happy about it, but he was slowly learning to accept the inevitable. He did; however, make her agree to one condition: that she would keep her job at the Newton’s store in Port Angeles. He persisted that it would be good for her to get away from Fork every once in a while, though indirectly Bella knew he meant get away from Edward. Of course, he didn’t know that Edward was almost always around…even in Port Angeles. The thought made her smile lightly, but she wouldn’t tell him. He needed to think they were at least spending some time apart…which wasn’t a complete lie. Today, he was out hunting and she was stuck in Port Angeles, working the counter at Newton’s Olympic Outfitters.

The store had been slow today, which was a surprise because usually the weekends were their busiest time. Bella actually preferred when they were busy because it made the shift go by faster as opposed to just waiting around…glancing at the clock every five minutes hoping it would be six o’clock. It was five-thirty. Only half an hour left. She thought as she stood against the counter, her eyes peering out the glass windows at the slowly fading sun. She wanted nothing more than to be out of this hideous orange vest and on her way home. She was about to go ask Mrs. Newton if she could leave early when a young girl who she vaguely seemed to recognize walked in. She hadn’t met her directly, but she had seen her around school.

Seeming a little confused, the girl walked up and asked where she could find a harness. Though she didn’t explicitly state it, she assumed a rock-climbing harness. “Isle six.” She spoke warmly, giving her a small smile as she gave a slight nod with her head towards the isle with the hiking and climbing gear. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with.”

[elaine]

Her eyes scanned the store, looking for more stuffs that she might possibly need. Aside from harness and few ropes she thought she had everything in her car. Carly's eyes searched for aisle six where the harness is according to the lady in the counter. She was on her way to the aisle six when she glanced at the counter and looked at the lady in the counter. The girl definitely made her take a second look. It wasn't striking but there sure is a resemblance. The paleness, the color of the hair, the height and built. She didn't want her to think that she had gone crazy so she flashed her a smile and went over to her instead of going to the aisle six.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude or anything. But it just occured to me. Do you happen to know Jacob?" she asked her. She wanted to ask if she knows Edward as well, although Edward didn't specifically told her she looks like somebody else like Jacob, it seems like he knows her, too. However, that would be completely inappropriate already.

[bella]

As the girl scurried off, Bella’s attention once more turned to the outside world. Her thoughts immediately raced off towards Edward and his whereabouts. She knew he was out hunting, but he never did tell here where. She then thought of the meadow that had spent so many days in, just the two of them…the sun shining on Edward, making him shimmer like diamonds. That was their place, where they could both completely be themselves. They hadn’t gone in quite some time, and she missed it. She made a mental note to bring it up to Edward at their next meeting, which would probably be later tonight after Charlie had lain down for the night. A small smile swept across her face at the thought of Edward, but she was soon brought back to reality, as she heard a voice directed towards her.

Jacob. Odd that this girl would be asking her about Jacob, but she didn’t want to make things seem awkward. Casting the girl a friendly smile, she nodded. “Yeah, I know Jacob.” For a brief moment, her mind wondered on whether he was okay, or if something had happened. But, the girl didn’t seem alarmed at all, so Bella let the wary thoughts fade. “Why do you ask?” It was not a typical conversation to be brought up, but now that it had, Bella was all too curious on why this girl was talking to her about Jacob; especially since she didn’t know her. Glancing at the clock, she noticed only a couple minutes had gone by and she sighed lightly before turning her attention back to the girl.

[elaine]

Carly was sure that she can keep up with the whole hiking thing after her conversation with her. She did then confirmed she knows Jacob, which means she must be Bella Swan he was referring to. The friend as he said. She doesn't want to go into other people's business and start telling him that Jacob was looking for her when they met.

"Uhm, well I just happen to know him as well. Met him at a store and he said to tell you I know him." That was probably a plain and fair explanation. "He was being nice, indirectly introduced me to you. Jacob knew I know no one here and he knows I go to Forks High School as well." It surely helped her get to know one more person in Forks.

[bella]

Questions of how this girl knew Jake continued to run through Bella’s head as she eyed the girl curiously. It wasn’t as if it was awkward for this girl to know Jacob, but the fact that she knew her. Well, indirectly anyways. She was sure Jacob had mentioned her, but what had sparked her name? Her brow furrowed for a moment as she listened to the girl speak. It wasn’t every day that someone came in asking about Jacob.

“Oh…well…hey! I’m Bella Swan.” She introduced, not really sure what all to say. The thought of making another friend didn’t seem all too bad, but for Jacob to have mentioned her when they had been talking meant the two were slowly becoming friends. Jake wouldn’t just tell anyone about her. While a slight sting of jealousy fell in her stomach, she was happy that Jake was socializing and meeting new people. She knew they were on shaky terms, so it was good for him to get out and explore other options.

“What year are you?” She asked, curious as to whether they were in the same grade or not. From the looks of it, she seemed to be, but Bella just didn’t want things to get awkward. Best way to avoid that was to keep conversation going. She was still curious as to what this girl and Jacob had talked about, but she figured that conversation would come shortly after their introductions to each other.

[elaine]

Carly smiled awkwardly as she looked at her. She wasn’t rudely eyeing Carly, it just only made her feel that way. Her personal introduction confirmed she really is Bella. It’s not like she’s jealous or anything, besides, she does not have a single right to be. She’s just a random girl he accidentally met at the store mistaking her for someone else. Being mistaken, sucks but if it wasn’t for that incident, she wouldn’t have met him. Carly woke herself up in reality and listened to her. Bella seems like a nice girl. It’s difficult not to like her. Probably even if the day comes she needs to get mad at her, she won’t be able to do it.

She started wondering if she is or was his girlfriend but that‘d be way over the board. It’s not her business and it’ll never be. Maybe it as the feeling her Aunt Meg had been telling her. The day would come when you’ll feel for someone instantly, like love at first sight which she didn’t believed. She thought her Aunt Meg was slightly delusional not until she experienced it herself. But she’s a smart girl. She knows she needs to weigh things first and not to start jumping on things quickly. The strong connection though really made her feel like she wanted to see him again. She felt ridiculous with the way she feels, like a high school love-struck. The only consolation was she is in high school.

"Uh, you’re a year older. Maybe.” She was not trying to tell she looked older, but so far she hasn’t seen Bella in any of her class. "I’m Carly Reid. Nice to meet you.”

[bella]

Bella’s mind was wandering over a thousand thoughts. Lately, that wasn’t much of anything new, but it still sometimes made her go slightly delusional when it came to rationality. The girl further approached and at first glimpse she got a strange feeling. It wasn’t a déjà vu feeling, but more a feeling of looking a mirror. But, under closer examination…it was a false alarm. Perhaps that’s what had sparked up the conversation between this girl and Jake. Their similarity in appearance? It honestly wouldn’t surprise her…but for a moment she wondered if she was the only one that saw it. If that was the case, then she really would need to lay off the thinking and learn to relax a little more. The decision between Edward and Jacob was prying hard on her and though she would never openly admit it, her heart was aching for Jacob’s touch at the current moment…

Snapping herself back to reality, Bella smiled at the girl as she spoke of being a year younger. “Oh, cool. If you need any help or anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” It was a sincere invitation. It couldn’t hurt to have another friend put into the mix. All of her other friends seemed to be busy with senior activities and college plans to have time to hang out anymore. It slightly saddened her, but at the same time she was glad for the free time to think things through. Did she really want to go to the University of Alaska? That cold? She hated the cold…she hated the thought of leaving everyone she knew behind. But for an eternity with Edward, she knew, in the long run, it would be a small price to pay.

“Nice to meet you, Carly.” Bella spoke, burying her hands in the pockets of her light jacket. For a moment there was a slight awkward silence before Bella engaged into an actual conversation. “So are you going rock climbing or something?” She asked, in reference to the harness that the girl had just picked up.

[elaine]

Assuring her that Carly can count on her if ever she’ll need help made her feel more at ease. At least there’s another addition of the students she can sit, talk or hangout with, in the school. This time she was sure she wouldn’t be spending her breaks sitting with some students who do not speak to her or in the hallway or stairs reading and sometimes pretending to be reading something or out in the bench humming along with her iPod in her ears. It was easier to adopt in Forks High School, definitely the students were a lot more friendly and nice. They’re not completely the likes who refuses to be with a new one or unfamiliar.

"So, you’re a senior?" She asked her. That reminded her of her plans before. That she’ll go to Brown, get a degree, start writing her novel or maybe something she wanted to do as well, to go to Stanford, Pre-Law. She’s still undecided which one should go first. As of now, she’s contented writing some short stories and keeps it herself. Carly’s not brave enough to show it to anyone. Unknown to her though, her mom constantly reads her stories when she was still alive and so she encouraged Carly to go to Brown. Her father was the one who influenced her in taking Law and thought that wouldn’t be so bad either so she can help those who can’t pay good lawyers.

As Bella asked her about the whole hiking thing that reminded her that she has something to do but thought talking to Bella won’t take all day, or maybe it will. She nodded happily. "Yeah, though I might simply stroll the forest and save the climbing later. But just in case, I just want to be ready."

[bella]

The familiar ring of the doorbell echoed through the store and Bella’s eyes drifted to a middle aged man coming in the store. He flashed her a polite smile and she returned a somewhat awkward one. That was mainly what he days here at the store consisted of…awkward smiles and calling out isle numbers to those who needed help. Mike’s parents did all the hard stuff like talking to the customers on what brands were best and whatnot. Bella honestly had no clue and sometimes it made it even more awkward to work at an outdoors store and not really be into any outdoor sports. The only one she had ever tried was cliff diving, and that had ended quite terribly. Though…she couldn’t help but notice the excitement in her life was lacking since her return to Forks from Italy. In all reality, she probably wouldn’t mind doing it again; only this time letting Edward known beforehand. Of course, even if she didn’t…she was sure Alice would catch on that she was just doing it recreationally…same as before.

Snapping back to reality when Carly asked Bella if she was a senior, Bella smiled and nodded. “Yeah, only a few months left.” It was both a moment that she was excited for and dreading at the same time. She was ready for school to be done, but the thought of going to the University of Alaska just kept looking less and less appealing. Sure, everything in her wanted to remain with Edward forever…but…there was just something that didn’t seem right about that decision. And she knew exactly what it was: Jake.

Inhaling lightly as her thoughts briefly traveled over his face, she looked back to Carly and managed a small smile. “That’s cool that you climb. I could never have the coordination for that.” She said with a small laugh. And it was true. If Bella ever tried to rock climb, she knew she would end up doing something wrong and the whole situation would end badly. “The only outdoor sport I’ve done is cliff-diving. Jake took me a while back…” She let that thought trail off as she didn’t wish to remember the events afterward. “If you’re big in adrenaline rushes, you should definitely try it.” Bella said with a smile. “I’ve actually been edging to go again lately…if you wanted we could give it a go together.” It was worth a shot, asking to hang out…after all, there was nothing wrong with making a new friend.