“Sup, Hale.” I greet the blonde as I take my seat beside her. Esme has given me the official go ahead, and I have a certain feeling Rosalie is the gift Katie was talking about. I’ll have to talk to Emmett later, but it’s obvious Rosalie is single, while Emmett doesn’t seem to be based on the few short interactions we’ve had. He has shown zero interest in me, not that I would really expect him too, but being alone for decades, he would probably have shown some form of attempt to see if I’m his mate or not.

“McGrath.” Rosalie nods at me. Since the interaction we had in her garage a few days ago, she has stopped glaring at me, and I can tell this is about as pleasant as she'll be until we get to know each other better.

“Okay people. It’s that time of the year.” The teacher says, making the class groan. “Yes yes, I know how much you love this, but it’s time for the annual project. The groups will only be two people, and since it’s your senior year this project will be 80% of your semester grade, and 60% of your final. The project is an analysis of a book originally written in English prior to the 1950’s. It can be either a work of fiction or literature.”

The teacher starts listing the groups. “Hale and McGrath.” My eyes flicker towards the blonde beside me, but she hasn’t given any outward reaction.

The bells ring, signalling that class is over, and Rosalie starts to gather her things as I slide her a piece of paper. “My number.” She quirks an eyebrow, so I smirk at her. “For the project.” I wink, getting an exasperated look in return.

“We can do the project over at my place if you want to, I assume it’s a lot quieter than your house, considering Alice and Emmett. And there’s no Isabella.” I add as I can tell she wasn’t completely convinced.

“Fine.” Despite the few words spoken, her tone is less off-putting than during the first week. It seems she’s slightly warming up to me.

Walking side by side, we enter the cafeteria and take our places by the Cullen table. It seems I’ve gained a permanent spot besides the blonde, and by the excited look on Alice’s face I can only assume it’s by design.

“I’m going to do it!” Mike says from the other side of the cafeteria as he stares intently at our table.

I give a curious look at Edward, but he simply smirks at me, making me roll my eyes at his petty behaviour.

Arriving at our table, he coughs, gaining the attention of five vampires, one angel, and one human.

“Can I help you?” Edward asks, his eyes lit with mischief, making me suppress a groan.

“Uhh, Lilith can I speak to you in private?” He asks, making me quirk an eyebrow, knowing where this is going.

“No. I haven’t spoken to you before, so there should be nothing we have to speak about in private.” My voice is even and polite.

“I uh.” He begins, his voice cracking as he nervously looks at the other occupants of our table. “I uh, was wondering if you wanted to hang out, maybe dinner and a movie?”

“No.” The casual hostility surprises me. I didn’t even get to respond, making me cast a glance at the blonde beside me, and her surprising behaviour.

“I uh, was talking to Lilith.” Mike says, his brows furrowed.

“I know. She’s busy that day.”

“But I didn’t even mention a time?”

“I know.” My head whips back and forth following the conversation. I don’t think I’ve ever heard Rosalie speak this much, but the situation is amusing, and I can tell her siblings agree with me.

“Okay, why is she busy?” He relents, and there’s a small tone of curiosity in his voice.

“She’s going on a date.” My eyebrows shoot up, looking at the blonde. She still hasn’t looked at me, her gaze is furiously locked on the boy.

“Huh? With who?”

“Me.” Despite being still as a statue, I can tell Rosalie’s confidence is somewhat of a facade. She’s nervous, so I place my hand on her thigh underneath the table, and she visibly relaxes her posture, shooting a glance at me.

Mike looks at me in question, and I nod. “Yup.” The ‘p’ pops, and I lean a bit closer towards Rosalie.

“That’s uh, I don’t uh.” He stammers, a myriad of emotions on his face. I know this is a small town in the early 2000’s, and Mike is a boy, so his hormones are no doubt waging war with what he’s taught.

“You can go away now. There’s nothing else for you to say.” I tell him, almost jumping with joy inside, despite my hostile tone.

The boy leaves looking like a kicked puppy, but my entire attention is now on my favourite blonde, my face sporting a smirk.

“I know I promised I’d pay for the next date.” I wink at her, getting an eye roll in return.