BPOV

"Welcome to Forks!” – Read a sign on the highway. I sneered. Yeah, so many good things in this fucking town. This town is my personal Golgotha. This town is like my mini-hell. Bang-your-head-against-the-wall-Bella-Swan town. Up to fourteen, I would spend every summer with my father here. No, he was ok. And, it seemed, he was worried when, during the violent period of youthful maximalism, I threw a fit. My mother came to pick me up.

– This is my last summer in this fucking Forks! – I yelled a decade ago.

– But, Bells, I do not understand what’s the problem? – Charlie was frustrated, defeated.

– My dear, did someone hurt you? – My mom was trying to find out what happened.

I sulked for a long time, and clenched my teeth, before hissing in reply:

– I’m just sick and tired with fucking country life. And we are not going to discuss it.

Since then, Charlie would come and take me from California for two weeks. Then there were the occasional calls from my college, uncomfortable family dinners at mom’s house, and two Easters which I talked myself in to spend in Forks. No Smith, no James, no intimidation...

Having vaguely remembered the way to the only motel in town, I parked the car in the parking lot. After having dragged the suitcase in these "luxury” apartments, I plumped in the bed. Ok, first off in the shower. Wow! It is quite clear here. Ok, what about now?.. Just sit and wait for tomorrow’s nightmare? I’m not sleepy. My nerves are as tight as a string on a guitar. I need a drink. I need to relax. I called the taxi. "Take me to the nearest decent bar” – I commanded. The driver chuckled: "You’re not from around here, are you? In Forks there is only one bar, with the exception of fast food joints.” Oh, God, why are you so cruel to me? Five minutes later I dragged myself out of the car. Neon sign reads: "Billy’s.” How original, dammit. I came inside and was like, what the fuck?.. No, I understand – this is not L.A., where people party 24/7... But this place is empty! Thursday, eight in the evening – and not a soul. Shoot me – It is unbearable.

An old bartender with a colorful Indian looks turned at the sound of the slammed door. He nodded pleasantly, and smiled. There you go. I feel I will be talking to him. Shit, will I be lucky, at least for once, in this fucking countryside? The heavens seemed to hear my thoughts. I was still stamping around at the entrance, not daring to go to the counter, as the door hit my ass hard.

– Ouch, shit! – I yelled, trying to keep my balance. With my crappy coordination it is rather difficult to stay on my feet, especially when receiving this kind of acceleration... And a suddenly appeared strong hand, that tightly gripped my elbow, was part of this miracle.

– It’s ok, I got you – low voice touched my ears as music.

– And now let go of me – and it will be even better – I snapped, turning around. In vain... I nearly sank to the floor, when I met these emerald eyes which belonged to my "savior” and the second visitor to the only bar in Forks. Beautiful enormous eyes, can you believe it?.. I proudly pulled out my elbow from his grasp, and to the accompaniment of three mocking laughs behind his back, I went to the bar counter. "Asshole” – I muttered, getting on a high chair.

– Hi – I croaked to the bartender, looking out of the corner of my eyes. My "savior” was slowly approaching the counter, ruffling the hair by his hand.

– Good evening, Miss, - I was greeted by the man behind the counter.

– Hello to you too, Billy – sang the "savior”, getting on the seat next to me. I pretended that he was not there.

– Edward, it is extremely rude of you to try to kill my only guest – Billy said, giggling.

– What? I don’t qualify for the guest tonight? – Said the "savior” offended.

– Seriously, Cullen, I intend to make an official complaint against you. And you’re not a guest here for a long time – you are regular here. – I definitely like Billy.

- You can complain about your health, but I have heard that the local police chief was a real asshole. Hey, be careful with him – Edward warned him. Edward? I already call him by his name? Way to go, Bella, maybe you even ask him out on a date? And why not? He is kinda hot. I squinted again to confirm my first fears about his appearance.

Tall, unkempt, with disheveled bronze curls, sensuous mouth and chiselled cheekbones which are covered in the two-day stubble. And the fucking eyes of a cat’s in the middle of March... Turn around, do not look! He hit you with the door. "Asshole” – I muttered under my breath again.

– Did you say something? – Billy asked me.

– I said – It's a bar? You suppose to pour me a drink here, right? - Why the hell am I so angry? Oh yes, I’m in Forks.

– Of course, Miss, what would you like after a long drive?

My jaw dropped. And Billy and Edward began laughing. Fucking fuck, Edward again! Rrr... whatever his name?

– Sweetheart, I live here all my life, and I see you for the first time here, – the bartender said to my stupid self. – Beer?

– It would be great, – I bared my teeth.

– Make it two, Billy, it’s on me. – Mr. Green Eyes put in his five cents.

I just snorted. Well, what would I do? Cold comfort to my ass, a bit in the morning is better than nothing all day.

– By the way, I’m Edward, Edward Cullen... I apologize, about this all door situation, – and he held out his hand. Pretty official, I thought.

– By the way, I’m Bella, Bella Swan. Apologies accepted... for the first time. – I shook his hand and kissed the glass, which was very timely raised before me. I took a sip. And almost spit it all out when I heard:

– Isabella? – Billy’s voice was so... stunned or something.

– Just Bella, if you do not mind, – I corrected him right away.

– Wow, you are a grown-up now... – Muttered the bartender.

– Swan? – Cullen butted in again (it is definitely easier to call him by his last name!), talking to Billy for some reason. – Is it her?..

– Charlie’s daughter – said Billy, not taking off his loving, checking out sight from me.

– Damn! – I swore, realizing that now Cullen was piercing me with his eyes.

– Don’t you remember me, sweetheart,... – Sadly said the bartender. – I am Billy Black...

– Oh... – I did not really remember him, but I knew who he was. – I believe I was three years old back then, Mr. Black...

– Just Billy, call me Billy, – great, just don’t tell me that he is going to cry. I squirmed in my chair.

– Bella, maybe you and I will wait for our order at the table? – Cullen suggested. So jauntily.

– Yes, we can do that – I quickly jumped from my chair. – But I did not order anything yet...

– As usual, Billy, two, please. – Edward picked up our glasses and went to the sofa in the cozy dark corner of the room.

I plopped down at a table, and with three sips I drank half of my glass. Cullen, having sat in front of me, hemmed, making me want to strangle him right away. This crappy town where they don’t know me in person, but they do know my name. Sooooo funny! "Twice a savior” stared at me with a crooked grin. Well at least he no longer hemmed. I banged off "ta-da-da-dum” with my fingers on the table, took another sip from a glass and blurted out with arrogant face:

– Stop staring at me! What? Did I piss in your swimming pool when I was a child or something?

Cullen laughed, he reached into his jacket, pulled out a pack of cigarettes and tapped one out. Oh, smoking, what a great idea! It is definitely better than hit me on the butt with the door. Plus he’s a stud. A stud? Where does this word come from? From the 80’s?

– Pool of my childhood, fortunately, was far away from Forks. – Edward lit up his cigarette, disapprovingly watching a cigarette I stole from him.

I shoved this nicotine stick in his mouth, baldly waiting for a gentleman to offer a lady some fire. The gentleman was in no hurry. Jerk!!!

– So you’re Isabella Swan, - he identified my background.

– Exactly, – I mumbled, chewing an unlit cigarette. – What? You’re not from around here or something?

– I moved here two years ago. – Edward mockingly turned the lighter between his fingers. Fuck me, what fingers!.. Even spaghetti is shorter.

– My condolences, – I said, not taking my eyes off his manipulation with the lighter. – Can I get some light here!

I leaned forward to take away his cigarette lighter, but he stood up right away to bring this burning flame to my face. We cracked our heads together like mountain rams.

– Shit!

– Fuck!

We yelled simultaneously. I blinked my eyes, drastically rose from the table, and pulled out a lighter from Cullen’s hands, lit up a cigarette, and went back to my seat.

– It was a crappy maneuver, – I have stated, watching as Edward rubs his forehead.

– I agree, – he slowly moved a cigarette lighter to the middle of the table. We laughed, and clinked glasses. – Let’s drink to our acquaintance, Miss Swan.

– Well, why the hell you moved in this god-forsaken Forks, Edward Cullen? – I decided to start a nice conversation.

– Well I got this very interesting job offer, - he answered vaguely. – What about you? Have you decided to return to your hometown?

I laughed again. Back in Forks? Not a chance in hell!

– I’m just here on business. – I answered in the same vague manner.

– Let me guess! The reading of the will of James Smith senior, right? – Edward moved his eyebrows, reveling in my astonishment, and sank a crooked grin in his glass.

– Fucking Forks... – I muttered, and took a sip too.

There was a pause. I was finishing a cigarette in silence, smiling sadly. That’s fucked up! Well, what you gotta do? Here, this news will be discussed for a year. A local moneybags died. After the death of my father in service – it is probably the first global event here. God, I wish I could find out what I got as soon as possible, and slip away from here! I again kissed the beer, emptying my glass.

– Hey, don’t get too much of that stuff – you are going to get drunk. – Edward’s voice brought me back to reality from my thinking.

– Billy! – I waved to the bartender. – Another round!

The Indian came up after a minute with steaks and beer. He halted a little, as if he wanted to say something, but only gave Edward a strange look, as if trying to say "look after her.” Edward blinked a little bit in return.

– Ok, do not even start! – I was cutting the meat, not looking at my interlocutor.

– I think your dad would be shocked.

No! You should not start about my father!

– Listen, Cullen, I’m a grown woman! My Dad... – My voice broke off and I began trembling. – Charlie was in shock from what I say and do for his entire life. So this would not disappoint him.

Edward raised his eyebrows and took up a steak. He is strange. He hit me with the door, bought me some beer, dragged from Billy and now cares that I would not get drunk and wouldn’t shock my father in heaven. Is he going to fuck me or what?

– Did you know him? – I do not know why I asked that...

– Chief Swan? No... But I’ve heard a lot about him, - said Edward. – Forks... you know.

He grinned.

– I do. – I nodded. – I guess, you also heard about his bitch daughter who abandoned her Daddy? – I once again pulled a cigarette, and lit it myself.

– Well, I personally prefer to know a person before hanging a label on their personality.

From this phrase there was a minute collapse in my brain, blurred by the pint of beer on an empty stomach.

– Nice, thanks, I’m touched. You’re cute, you know that? – I mumbled defectively.

Edward laughed again.

– Thank you, - he swallowed thickly and cleared his throat. – After the second glass I would look even handsome to you.

– It is possible... – I zealously kissed the beer.

Cullen laughed again. We were enthusiastically chewing, and exchanging small replicas. When I got up from the table, I was swayed, and my heels seemed to me not as stable as they were in the morning. Looking around for a second at almost an empty glass, and Cullen, who really began looking like the god of sex, I marched towards the restrooms, saying to Billy on my way:

– Another round of beer, please.

In the toilet, I was giggling like a fool for no reason, and on my way out, I crashed into a broad, hard chest.

– Bella! – Said male bass. I lifted my head up almost to the ceiling in order to identify the person who has identified me.

– Ahh... hey... handsome, but I do not know you.

My body suddenly was thrown side to side. I would have simply fallen on my side, but the guy caught me.

– Oh, I’m so clumsy, sorry, thank you... Please, excuse me, – I was delirious. – It’s awful, but I do not know you.

– Oh, well, you are wasted! I'm Jacob, Jacob Black, Billy’s son. Do you remember when we were kinds we made...

– Dirt-pies! – I screamed and hung around the neck of this big guy. – Jake! You’re so buff now.

I shoved my fist into his chest and howled with pain. The guy laughed. Why is everybody laughing at me?

In my childhood, when Rene was still with Charlie, and we were knee-high to a grasshopper, we would pee in the same pot. It is a pity that Charlie had a row with Billy after he divorced my mother. We stopped visiting the Blacks. There was not as "fun”, as at the Smiths’, but peacefully.

Holding my waist, Jake took my drunk body to the table.

– Hey, Cullen! It’s Jake! I almost do not remember him, can you believe it! – I yelled so the whole bar could hear it.

– Bella, come on, I’ll take you home. – Mr. Black Jr. ruined my fun.

– Home? – I almost died from laughter, falling on the sofa. – My home is soooooooooo far away. And it is too early to go home!

Again I stole a cigarette from Cullen, who somehow suddenly stiffened and became quiet.

– Bella, – Jacob leaned toward me and, apparently, was going to insist...

– Jacob, she does not want to go home. Or do you have trouble hearing? – Edward stood up from the sofa.

– Why the fuck did you get her so drunk, Cullen? – My dirt-pies associate rushed at him.

– It was not him! It was me! – I tried to rebel.

– Bella, for God’s sake, you’re hammered, you will not even have time to blink, as he fucks you in the back seat.

– Watch your language, your brat! – Edward grabbed Jake by the sides of his shirt and shook him. With the corner of my eye I saw Billy hurrying to our table. My internal resources kicked in after the word "hammered” and I became sober after the word "fuck.”

– Hey guys, easy, quit fooling around, – interrupted Billy. Edward let go of Jake.

I got up and said clearly:

– Jacob, I do not need you to watch over me. Cullen and I will figure out who fucks who and where, okay? – I was standing and looking at both members of the Black family. Why they don’t let me to relax? Get wasted quietly... Why should I always keep myself in good shape in this town? Why everybody cares so much about me here? We do not even relatives...

– Bella, I’m sorry, go on, have fun, - Billy pushed his son toward the counter. – Edward...

Again they exchanged eloquent glances. Apparently, it is not the first time for Jake to argue with Cullen.

– No problem. – I flopped back onto the sofa, kissing the glass. – Good people, huh?! Skedaddle out of here, Eddie. This is not a city, but a rat hole...

– Edward, if you do not mind, – he corrected me.

– I don’t, baby. How can I be, "handsome, after a second glass”? – I shook my head and spread my hands.

– To be honest with you, I like Forks. – Cullen said suddenly too seriously.

– Go away. Shoo! Away from my eyes, traitor!!!

– I’m serious...

– Oh, well, you seem to be local Casanova here... maybe that’s why... – I began thinking, but Cullen interrupted me.

– I am a local conscience, – he chuckled. – And I would agree with Jake, you need to go home.

– Another glass – and I’m going... – I promised.

– You can not drive in such a condition.

– What are you a cop? – I whispered these words, leaning across the table.

– I’m better! – Edward gave me a long piercing look.

Having let go of the newly acquired self-control, I ruffled his hair, and fell on the sofa, laughing. No, they’re both right, this is the last glass. Otherwise, I would drag this cutie to the toilet and fuck him – in Jake’s joy. I’m in the town on business. Casual acquaintance – nothing more. I should not communicate with the men from Forks. The rule I learned ten years ago. Although he is not local... And anyway... ooooo, Swan, you really plastered. A glass was empty, the plate was too. I have to go to my motel, otherwise I would not be able to find my mind, no matter how hard I try.

– Okay, Edward, thanks for the company, it seems that I really have to... – I got up and flopped back on the sofa again. Well, I will definitely get up on second attempt.

– Sit down, I’ll call the taxi, – Cullen said to me.

Damn, he is so nice... Well, how can you not fuck this tasty and careful dude?.. Edward stood up and casually, almost waddling, went to the bar counter. Fuck me, what an ass!

EPOV

Jake was standing behind the counter. I was sick and tired of his eternal "I-am-always-watching-you-Cullen” look! A boy imagined himself to be the guardian of morality, the savior of the broken and beaten. Yesterday he shaved for the first time, and today he waving his swords. Bella is right, everybody is nuts here... Bella. Bella Swan. What a crappy pattern? I should have grabbed and fucked her even before she came. But I’m polite, educated, my mother is proud of me. I am a hostage of the "acquaintance-drink-talk, and then, maybe I get lucky” stereotype. I almost always get lucky, though. Bur not in Forks. Here to have an affair is the same as to put your bed in the main square.

I didn’t spend an hour with Bella, and this angry wolf came on. No, don’t even dream, Cullen to sleep with the daughter of the late police chief – this is crazy.

– Jacob, would you please call us a taxi, - I deliberately tried to piss him off by being polite. Just as he was deliberately staring angrily at me.

– Cullen, just dare... – He almost growled at me. What an irresponsible child. That’s exactly him who should be burning his testosterone into the arms of young girls, but not playing these war games.

– Chill, man, - I interrupted him. Black shut his mouth. I represented how he would be calling hotel reception, asking Mrs. Webber to spy on us after we leave. Oh, maybe I already have a persecution complex? No, judging from the important looks of this boy, he will definitely do so. Jake called us a taxi, and I, after looking at the bill, counted out few bills.

– Hey, boys! – Bella seemed to materialize out of thin air, familiarly putting her arms around my shoulders. – I barely suppressed a shiver. Too close... – How much do I owe you?

– You, Miss Swan, owe me a smile and a promise not to drink on an empty stomach. – I gave her checking out look... Damn... Unbearably close... Her eyes are a warm chocolate. Her lips are half-open, stretched into a smile.

– You know, Cullen, then I would have to fuck you – she licked her lips, and I choked on the air in my lungs. No, she is really a bitch. Jake will now have a nervous breakdown.

– Bella, it is unlikely you would be able to fuck even yourself in this state. Let’s go. – I discarded her and shouted, knowing that I would be heard in the kitchen: - Billy, I’ll see you around, man!

The Indian immediately came up to kitchen door.

– Edward, – he pierced me with his telling look again. I closed my eyes again, letting him know: I will take this drunken Madame to bed, but will not stay there myself. Billy and I, we always understood each other. Somehow, he believed me, but not some idle gossip. – Bella, it was nice to see you, my dear. Come at any time.

– No problem, Billy. I will. Jake, – she continued hanging on me, sending a kiss to both Blacks. I led her to the exit, feeling cheerful conversation to come in the taxi.

– Oh, chief, did you have a good time? – Fantastic... Tyler Crowley... Although it could have been worse.

– Chief? – Bella giggled. – What? Are you some kind of boss of the taxi drivers or something? Chef! Chief...

She repeated "chief” about five hundred times with a different intonation, grunting from the inappropriate fun. I caught Tyler’s look in the mirror, rolled my eyes, and got a smile and a nod in response.

– To the Webbers, Tyler, – I said.

Bella caught on a strange name and all the way proved that she wasn’t going to the Webbers, but to the motel. Crowley and I just giggled. Having pulled over, Tyler immediately announced the fee, and was very surprised when I asked to wait for me.

Having dragged Bella from the car, I again almost dragged her on myself to the motel.

– Which room?

– Fifth... – She waved her hand toward the individual rooms. Thanks God, we will not have to go through the reception. We stopped at the door with number five on it.

– Well, how are you feeling? You alright? – I was clutching her fragile shoulders, not allowing the alcoholic pendulum swinging her.

– Edward... you... – She looked at me with eyes where I could see betrayal, shame, and uncertainty. Hmm, ten minutes ago, this monkey stated that she would fuck me... – Please, I need you... I am drunk, but... I want...

– Gosh, Bella, what are you talking about? – I could not believe her. Well, couldn’t she fall in love with me at first sight? Attraction – yes... But this "I need you...” is too much.

– Hold on! Wait, – she fumbled in her purse, and shoved the key in my hand. – Open up, please. I could not get the key into the hole.

I snickered on myself. Having put key in the lock, I turned it. Then I pushed the door forward and held the sloshed girl into the room.

– Thank you, wait, one more thing... – She was sitting on the bed. I knew that as soon as I close the door on the other side, Bella would simply fall down on the mattress and pass out. But again, she was furiously fumbling in the purse. – Stand still for a moment... Here!

I stared at the phone which she shoved into my hands. What? She wants my phone number? It is silly, of course, she will go away, but... Why not?

– Can you set the alarm clock for nine, please? I do not see anything.

Fuck! Is she kidding me?! I pressed phone buttons violently, and, after selecting the fire sirens howling signal as the alarm clock ringtone, and managed to calm myself down. The morning will be good.

– Thank you, Cullen, you’re cutie – she murmured, and fell on the bed.

I ruffled my hair with my hand. There you go Bella Swan! Hmm, chief, she got you, she got you real good. I took off Bella’s shoes, pulled up her legs, hanging over the bed, and covered her with a blanket. Bella immediately curled into a ball, having put the fist under her cheek. I could not resist, I reached out to touch her soft lips... My cell phone went off in the pocket. Crowley...

– Hey, chief, what, am I going to stick here all night? If you’re still lucky then...

– I’m coming, - I cut Tyler off.

After looking at Bella for the last time, I left her room.

– Home? – Asked the driver.

– Yes... Although, no wait... – What am I gonna do at home? – Let’s go back to Billy’s.

I will pester Jake with my presence, and listen to Quileute’slegends... And then, later I will take a walk to my home on the quiet night streets. You love Forks, Cullen, don’t you?