“Hey, Mike! Can you take over the register? I’m going to help a customer look at tents.”

“Sure thing, Bella.” Anything for you.

I was thrilled when Bella had started working at my family’s sporting goods store. She was absolutely beautiful – almost more than Jessica was. Her soft features, gorgeous blush, and funny reactions to being the center of attention were so cute!

Finally, I would get to spend more time with her. Maybe after a little while of being around me, she would finally see how much she really loved me. Or, at least she would leave that despicable excuse for a man, Edward Cullen. He was so not good enough for her. She deserved better – she deserved me.

Currently, I was unloading boxes full of first aid kits. We had just sold our last one yesterday, and the shipping arrived this morning. It was boring work, but necessary. Plus, Bella was more than capable of handling customers.

“So, why do you need a tent?” I heard her ask. Her sweet, soft voice was engaging. You couldn’t help but want to pay attention.

Unfortunately, as much as I strained, I couldn’t hear anybody else. Was she talking to herself? I certainly wouldn’t mind. She was perfect in every way, but you had to admit – that was a bit creepy.

“That’s right. Well, here we are.” Good! Now she could come back. I’ll turn my back and pretend like I can’t see her. She would have to come up and tell me she could work the register now. That would be a good time for a little chatting.

“Sure. The first one is a Coleman…” Ugh! Stupid customer. Anybody could just look at the tag attached to each of the set up tents. It doesn’t take a genius!

“Maybe something bigger?” I could finally make out a masculine voice. Sure, it sounded like Cullen, but he had just been in here last week buying stuff. Couldn’t they just buy everything all at once? I mean, it was no secret that they camped every weekend. They could be a little prepared.

On the other hand, there weren’t many large families here in Forks. A three-person tent should be enough – even for travelers.

I left the un-busy register to go take a look at what was going on. “Could you show me some of the features?” Oh boy; another guy from school trying to get Bella. She would certainly thank me for my rescue. Then, perhaps, I could invite her to dinner. She’d have to say yes!

When I finally made it to the aisle where the tents were set up, nobody was in sight. “Bella?” I called. No response came.

I walked down the aisle and turned the corner to see if she had simply gone to show the person something else. “Bella?” I called again, a little softer this time. I had found no body on either of the parallel rows, and I was a bit nervous over where she went.

I decided to check inside some of the tents. The largest one was the closest. I was about to skip it when I remembered the customer had asked for ‘something bigger.’

I pulled the fabric of the door aside and peaked in. “What are you doing?” She was curled up into a ball on the far end of the tent. Edward was crouched, facing her, just off to my left.

“Um… I –” she stuttered a bit nervously. The scene in front of me was both startling and unusual. I didn’t know what to make of it.

“She was just showing me the features,” Edward cut in, turning to face me.

I didn’t quite understand what his comment meant, but decided against asking. I probably wouldn’t be welcomed with open arms if I spent my time trying to bud into her life.

Walking away, I listened as Bella crawled out and started talking to Edward again. “Does this mean you’re buying it?”

I couldn’t quite hear his response, but a musical laugh filled the air.