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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄

   𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 to hear from Martha were the longest two days of Bridget's life. Literally. This is not an exaggeration. Bridget has never felt time slowed for so long that it was almost physically painful. It was not like she was nervous that they would decline her transfer request because according to Alice's vision, she had seen the whole thing in progress. Learning this detail excited the blonde more than she ever thought it would.

    It was the anticipation of waiting for Martha's call that was getting to her. She had no idea when the sweet woman would speak with her brother-in-law and do the small favor she had been requested of. She had no idea when exactly Alice's vision took place of her getting her transfer papers from Forks High and giving them to the Principal of La Push High. The fact that she was so excited for something so small was very rare for Bridget. She doesn't get excited for anything anymore... unless Diana Gabaldon releases the next book to the Outlander series.

    But that is besides the point.

    When Martha finally did call, Bridget had been at work on her break, thankfully, so she was able to answer on the second ring. The band is restricted from having their phones anywhere with them to prevent interruptions during performances. Bridget did not mind, she has never grown too fond of her cellular device. She wasn't completely ignorant to them that she didn't know how to use the damn thing. She's had years since they were invented to master them. Even as they became more technical and advanced, she found herself able to understand them and how exactly they work.

    They were just a burden to deal with. If it wasn't for her boss needing to get a hold of her or even Rosalie, who was the only one who she talked to on the phone besides her boss, she wouldn't even own one. She missed when people wrote letters. They were much more personal. Not that there is anyone she has to write to anymore.

    Martha was cheerful and filled with excitement to share the news. She told Bridget she could start on Monday. A part of Bridget felt annoyed that she had to wait a couple days, seeing as it was only Wednesday, but she couldn't complain too much. She was just happy to be out of Forks High.

    She didn't know if it was possible for the kids at La Push to link her to the Cullens, but she is going to do everything in her power to prevent it. That is, if they knew who they were, they must have heard rumors about the family if they ventured out of their small reservation.

    The Cullens seemed accepting of her choice to transfer schools. At first, she could sense hesitation and some worry, mostly from Rosalie who stared at Carlisle as if hoping he'd convince her to change her mind. But he didn't, except he pulled her into his office and just warned her to be careful. She remembers opening her mouth to ask why, but she got the feeling he wasn't planning to tell her anything further even if she did ask.

    So instead, Bridget promised her good friend that she would be careful and assured him that the reason for this transfer was to stay out of the eyes of her fellow peers. He knew that is what she wanted more than anything and was happy she found a solution to her struggles. Carlisle has always been a good man. He is one of the main reasons Bridget sometimes hates herself for not trusting his family fully.

    Rosalie was clearly very upset with her decision, but did not take it out on her. She simply kept trying to convince her to reconsider, that transferring might make things harder, but Bridget's mind was made up. Rosalie then simply told Bridget to be extra careful and to never let her guard down. Bridget wanted to question her friend, but Rosalie refused to give her any more details and made her promise she will do as she is asked. And even though she already told Carlisle she would, she made this promise to her friend with an open heart.

    It was one of the very, very rare occasions that Rosalie pulled her in for a hug. It was awkward but welcomed all the same. It also worried Bridget slightly, wondering why the Cullens were so insistent she be careful. She was just going to a different school, what harm could come from that? It is not like she can't take care of herself, she spent several years on her own before meeting Carlisle.

    In the mix of all the excitement, it appears Edward still refuses to leave the human girl alone. Everyone thought Edward's obsession was getting out of hand, especially since they knew he watches her sleep at night. Bridget tried not to intervene when the others chastised him, but she agreed with them a hundred percent.

    They only just moved here two years ago. Normally they wait six or seven years before people start to grow suspicious. The Cullens basically had the same system she and Alex had, but normally the siblings could stretch it to at least ten years, given if no one really starts questioning Bridget's age. But it doesn't matter, because she hated the actual moving part in general. She hated taking up new identities and getting used to a new town. She wasn't ready to start over that again so soon.

    It was hard enough remembering her surname was Clark now. The thought of changing it was boggling to her mind.

    Bridget was currently reading more of her book after finishing her statistics exam. She finished it within ten minutes, mostly because the last time she finished it in any time less, her teacher had accused her of cheating. So now, after dragging it out as long as she could bear, the test was currently flipped over and pushed to the side, and Bridget was engrossed in the steamy romance between a witty English woman and a gentle yet sexy Scottish gentleman. She has so many books on her to-be-read list but it was quite literally impossible to put down a favorite, especially if it was a comfort.

    Bridget could reread her comfort books a million times before picking up something new she has not read yet. The curse of a hardcore reader.

    It was a mod B so she did not have study hall today. Statistics is not an everyday class so she had to pick something else on the A days. She was grateful that school was almost over. The Cullens did not attend today, given that it was one of the rare days when the sun was shining beautifully in the sky. Bridget was actually really excited because she really wanted to visit the beach for an hour or two before heading to work.

    It is rare she got to enjoy the beach on sunny days so she always jumped at the opportunity. The Cullens will be hunting all day, which she was glad for because the house would be vacant. Bridget hasn't really made up her mind if she prefers it that way or not.

    Though she has to admit, this was another reason she was looking forward to transferring. No one will question why the Cullens go on some strange family camping trip (the excuse they tell the school) and Bridget remains home. The school never questioned it, she is emancipated after all, but the other nosy students don't really know that fact.

    Good thing it isn't any of their business.

    She managed to get to the part where Claire was on trial for witchcraft when the bell rang. The teacher instructed everyone to bring the papers to her desk before leaving. Bridget was thrilled to get out of here. Just the thought of dipping her toes in the sand, maybe even the water, was enough to make her run out of the classroom and towards her locker with a barely visible smile on her mouth.

    Bridget grabbed her homework and textbooks she will need and stuffed them in her bag. She was so entranced in her own mind and her excitement for the beach that she hadn't noticed a figure slowly approaching her until she suddenly heard her name. "Um, Bridget?"

    The blonde turned and froze, not at all expecting to see Bella Swan standing next to her locker. Bridget just stared at the girl, a bit startled and confused. She has zero classes with this girl and they have never really been in the same room besides lunch period. What on earth could she be approaching her for?

    Bella seemed to recognize the blonde's confusion and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear nervously. "I'm Bella."

    Bridget expected the girl to say more but when silence soon followed her introduction, she understood she was just trying to be friendly. Bridget nodded softly in acknowledgement. "I know who you are, Bella. What can I do for you?"

   "Um, I just wanted to introduce myself." Bella stampers out, shifting on her feet awkwardly as Bridget narrowed her eyes down at her suspiciously. "I- uh... I'm still sort of new here and I've seen you at lunch, you eat at the table next to mine. I just thought, I don't know, maybe you wanted to join us since I see you sitting there alone-"

   "I'm going to stop you right there, Bella." Bridget interrupts, closing her locker in the process and turning towards the young girl standing before her. "First, thank you. That is a sweet gesture but I much prefer to sit by myself. Can't exactly listen to music and read my book with obnoxious teenagers talking my ear off now can I?"

    Bella nods her head in understanding. "Of course. My, uh, friends told me you would say no. I just thought it was nice to ask."

    "It was nice but unnecessary." Bridget told the girl, feeling a bit annoyed that her trip to the beach was being delayed but did not have the heart to dismiss this girl so rudely. "Now, as for your other question, Edward should be back to school tomorrow."

    Bridget could have laughed at the startled look on Bella's face but restrained herself. The brunette female stammered, shaking her head vigorously. "But I- I didn't ask- I never asked you about Edward."

    "You didn't have to. It's written all over your face. Just thought I'd save you the trouble of actually finding the words."

   Bella shifted from one foot to another. "I just need to talk to him about something."

    "I'm sure you do," Bridget said, crossing her arms over her chest. "Can I give you a piece of advice?"

    "Yeah, sure."

    "Stop asking questions and listen to Edward. Stay away from him, he is not good for you. You are a pretty girl. You seem to have made some decent friends and I'm sure there are other boys here you will like a whole lot better. If I were you, I'd focus on the friends you have made here already and just live your life to the fullest. Edward is not worth the trouble."

    Bella blinked up at the taller female, baffled. "Uh, I never said I wanted to be anything more to Edward. He saved my life. I don't know how he did it, he was across the lot. He got to me so fast, it was like some form of magic."

    "Bella, I was across the lot when the accident happened. Edward was nowhere near us. In fact, we didn't even know where he was until we saw him leaving the scene. He could have been right next to you and the shock of him saving you was just too much for you to handle."

    Bridget mentally cringed at her own lie as it spilled out of her mouth. She has always hated lying, but she was trying to save Bella's life. Jasper and Rosalie are convinced Bella needs to die. Alice's visions have the same outcome. Either she dies a human death or she becomes a vampire like the rest. Either way, Bella is robbed of a pure innocent life. No one deserves to have that taken from them. But she could alter her fate if possible. Alice's visions aren't always accurate.

    "What about Tyler's van?" Bella pressed, crossing her arms over her chest. "He stopped it. With his hand. How can that be explained?"

    Well, she is persistent, I'll give her that.

    "That's impossible, Bella. He pushed you out of the way. I think you may have hit your head harder than you believe. That is why you are confused."

    Bella scoffed, frustration clearly taking over her features. "You are just like your brother. Trying to belittle me. Make me feel stupid just because you all are hiding something."

    Bridget did not let her words affect her. She did feel bad for Bella. What she had seen that day was very accurate but it was dangerous information. She needed to let this go.

    So with a small sigh, Bridget narrowed her eyes at the brunette. "Edward is not my brother. And we are not belittling you or trying to make you feel stupid. You just need to learn when things are none of your damn business. Stay away from Edward and others. Stay away from me. If you have any common sense, you will hear this request as a warning. Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere else to be."

    Bridget did not bother to wait for a response, just turned and walked towards the exit doors. She looked down at her watch and cursed under her breath. That little conversation cut into her time on the beach.

    Wonderful.

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    𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐍𝐎 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒 Bridget could express to explain how much she loved the sun. How much she misses the sunshine and how much she despites the fact that she must be forced to live in gloomy, rainy states now.

    The price of not wanting to be alone anymore.

    But this beautiful day would not be wasted. She had arrived later than she would have liked, at no fault of her own. She hadn't bothered to go back to the house first, instead just headed straight towards First Beach. She already had a towel in the trunk and she wasn't planning on swimming, though she was very tempted. The water looked so divine, she just wanted to float out into the sea and not think of anything anymore.

    Sticking her feet in was as close as she was going to get. The water was absolutely freezing, but she grew used to the temperature. There were many people out today, mostly because of the beautiful weather. No one was swimming, but she noticed families playing frisbee or throwing the ball with their dogs. It was so peaceful. So relaxing. So freeing.

    Bridget had walked up and down the beach twice and was prepared to go for a third when a figure walking in her direction caught her attention. She recognized him fairly quickly. It was hard to forget a man who rudely yells at you, mistaking you for someone else. Sam, she thinks his name was.

    He seemed to remember her too because as soon as he caught sight of her, he headed in her direction. He was with two others, but excused himself when he saw the blonde walking along the water. Another man and a woman. They seemed to be in their own little world, as the boy carried the girl on his back with big smiles on their faces. It was a cute, picture perfect moment.

    "Hey," he says, a small grin on his lips as she stops before her. "Bridget, right?"

    "That's me," Bridget replied, brushing the hair out of her face caused by the wind. "It's nice to see you can approach someone without yelling at them first."

    Sam hung his head down with a sigh, crossing her arms over his chest. Again, he was shirtless. Strange.

    "I guess I kind of deserved that."

    "Well, it's not everyday I get yelled at so aggressively by a stranger."

    "Ah, but we are not strangers anymore, remember? We have been introduced, so now we are acquaintances." Sam points out.

    Bridget found herself smiling back and gave an agreeing nod. "I suppose you are correct... Sam."

    "I see you decided to enjoy the sun while it lasts," Sam examines.

    Bridget only shrugs. "It'd be a shame to let such a beautiful day go to waste. But even if it wasn't sunny, I'd still find my way out here. This is a comfort place for me. I love the smell of the salt water and the beauty of the horizon. I am here any chance I get."

    "Strange, I've never noticed you before." He mumbled under his breath, suddenly in deep thought. It caused Bridget to turn and look up at him, a bit startled. At first, she thought he might be flirting. But she has seen the look of flirting men before. She has the glint in their eyes and the unsubtle seductive hint in their voice. But that is not what happened here.

    Sam was not flirting. He wasn't looking at her the same way she was used to seeing men look at her. Like they were animals and she was the prey. He did not give off that vibe. He didn't say it in a flirtatious or longing kind of way. No, Sam said it like he was trying to figure something out. Like how he was when they first met, when he thought she was someone else.

    He looked genuinely confused. Exactly like the other day. Like something wasn't adding up.

    Bridget decided not to bother questioning it because whatever it was that he was trying to figure out, the less she knew the better. "So, how did your fiance react to the voulter?"

    "Oh, just as I suspected. She jumped up and down and then immediately started planning when she can take off work."

    The blonde giggled softly. "That's great. I'm glad it made her happy."

    "Maybe when we go we'll see you there? Who knows, maybe you'll be our waitress?"

    "Oh, I'm not a waitress."

    Sam seemed a bit surprised. "I'm sorry, I just assumed."

    Bridget shook her head. "Don't be. There is nothing wrong with being a waitress."

    "They definitely earn my respect for dealing with difficult customers."

     "Service with a smile and the customer is always right are two policies I think should be voided for waitresses and waiters too."

    "Couldn't agree more," Sam nodded. "So if you're not a waitress, what do you do there? You're too young to be a bartender."

    "I'm a part of the orchestra band. I play the violin." She tells him.

    Sam raised his thick brows. "This place has an orchestra?" Bridget hummed in agreement and Sam let out a deep breath. "Damn. This place is more fancy than I thought. Emily is definitely going to make me wear a suit."

    Bridget couldn't help but chuckle in amusement from the displeasure on his face at the thought. "I'm afraid Setaara's isn't too fond of their customers showing up shirtless and in shorts."

    Sam snaps his fingers. "Damn. There goes my entire wardrobe."

    The two broke out into laughter. This is the most Bridget has laughed in... wow, she can't remember the last time she has laughed this hard. It was nice. Refreshing.

    "Yo Sam!" Someone called out, both Sam and Bridget turning only to see the other boy he was here with jogging up to him. The girl he was with before seems to be talking to a couple people she seems to know. The boy looked younger than Sam, around sixteen or seventeen years old. He was another native, resembling Sam but they didn't look anything alike other than their skin and hair color. He held a smile that made him look charming and mischievous at the same time. "You said you'd be gone for a minute. Thought I'd come see what's taking you so long."

    "Just talking to a new friend," Sam stated like it was no big deal. Bridget shifted on her feet at the word 'friend'. Not really used to hearing that and wasn't quite sure how to feel about it, but kept her thoughts to herself as Sam pointed to her. "This is Bridget. Bridget, this is Jared."

    Jared held out his hand which Bridget shook gently before pulling her hand back. "Nice to meet you."

    "You too, Bridget." Jared said with a smile, though he seemed to be examining her curiously, just like Sam had done before. "Hope my boy here isn't bothering you too much."

    "Jared," Sam warned.

    Bridget knew Jared was just teasing and smiled softly. "No, he's been good company."

    "Mister grumpy-pants here is good company? That's a first."

    "Jared," another warning from Sam, though Bridget could tell it was all fun and jokes. "Shouldn't you get back to Kim?"

    "Nah, she saw some friends from school and is talking to them."

    The mention of school brings her attention and her excitement for Monday comes back. "You both go to La Push High." It wasn't really a question, seeing as it was obvious that they would.

    "That we do. Only school on the Res. Though it's not as big as the school in Forks, I'm sure." Jared confirms.

    Bridget lets out a breath of relief. "That's what I'm hoping for."

    The two males looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean?" Sam questions.

    "Oh, nothing. It's just-" she thought about lying, but what would be the point? Jared would see her in school sooner or later, so it didn't make any sense not to explain why she was suddenly there. "I'm actually transferring to La Push High on Monday."

    Both males looked equally stunned by this revelation. Sam more than Jared.

    "Really? Are you moving to the Res?" Jared inquired curiously.

    Bridget shook her head. "No. But I'm not doing so great at Forks so I put in a transfer request and it was accepted."

    "What's wrong with Forks High?" Sam asked. Bridget looked down to see her fingers fidgeting with each other nervously. Sam seemed to notice her discomfort and shook his head. "I'm sorry, it's none of my business."

    "Um, no. It's okay." Bridget cleared her throat before explaining. "I don't get along with a lot of people at school. They can be quite rude and nosey, especially when it comes to the family I stay with. I'm just not comfortable there. I always preferred to keep to myself, so I'm hoping transferring to a school with fewer people will make it easier and people will leave me alone."

    "Damn, that must suck." Jared says, which Bridget only nods in agreement.

    "It does." Bridget muttered under her breath. She felt ridiculous. She honestly should have just kept her mouth shut. This is what happens when she attempts to be social. Always comes back and bites her in the ass.

    "Well," Sam cleared his throat by saying. "La Push has a great school, good teachers. Graduated there myself. I'm sure you'll have a much better experience. And if you need any help finding classes, I'm sure Jared wouldn't mind showing you around."

    Jared nodded his head. "Definitely. Though it's not that big of a school, it's kind of hard to get lost in. But if you want, I can wait for you by the front doors to give you a quick tour to make you comfortable."

   "That's really sweet but unnecessary." Bridget dismisses the offer. "It's not my first time starting a new school. I'm pretty good at adjusting and finding my way around."

    They both seemed to nod in understanding. Sam didn't seem too happy with her decision, in fact looked a bit concerned which Bridget found strange. He just nods his head and gives a faint smile. "We gotta go. But it was nice talking to you again, Bridget. Hopefully I'll see you at Setaara's soon."

    "I'll be the girl with the violin if you want to tip the band."

    Sam tipped his head. "I'll remember that. See ya."

    Jared waved bye and the two left the blonde standing there, watching their retreating figures. They seemed like good men. Kind young men too. If Bridget was ever going to consider building a friendship, she'd choose Sam Uley. He reminded her of someone she lost.

    Which is exactly the reason she can't have any friends. Because no matter what, she will always lose them. Her heart can't bear anymore loss. It just can't.

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This is more of a filler chapter so it's not that exciting but sorta important because of the interaction with Bella and meeting Jared and bonding with Sam more.

Sorry there's no Paul but next chapter he makes his grand entrance! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!