Queenie: Good day, my lovelies, I hope you all are well. Now, this is the rewrite to my Daughter of War story, which is now called Just Keep Soldiering On. You will notice some major changes and not so major changes in this first chapter, but I hope you like it all the same. So let's begin!
When I was a little girl my mother would tell me stories of noble gods, monsters, and great heroes. These heroes were known as half-bloods, and they are the children of the Olympians. The half-bloods were the champions of the gods. They would slay monsters and prove themselves worthy of their heritage, but it's not all what my mother made it all up to be. How do I know this? I am a half blood. Filomena Black, daughter of Ares.
"Mena, be careful with those boxes!" My mom—Diana Black—called out from inside the house.
I let out a sigh as I moved some of the boxes out of the moving van towards my mom's and my new house. I had already carried most of my boxes upstairs to the loft, which is going to be my room. Now I just had a few bags left, but I still had to help my mom with her stuff. Not that I minded. My mom did give birth to me, so the least I could do is move some boxes for her, right?
"Yes, ma'am." I called back as I hoisted one box over my shoulder before tucking one under my arm.
They were rather big boxes, so it was kind of awkward to do so because of their bulk. It wasn't really their weight. It was just a bit hard getting a good grip on them. However, I did manage to make it into the house to set the boxes with all the rest. Diana came out of the kitchen to smile at me, and she walked over while kissing my cheek.
"Thank-you, sweetheart." She said.
"You're welcome, Mom." I said as I smiled at her.
Her smile widened in reply as she gently tapped the end of my nose. She then went to start moving those boxes where she needed them, so I went back out to the truck to get the rest of my bags. I paused looking up at the sky as storm clouds started to rumble. Just another wonderful day in Forks Washington. I grew up in the area when I was little, so I was no stranger to this kind of weather. Though I used to live down at the reservation with my mom and my uncle and his kids. However, I had been kicked out of the reservation's schools after a little incident that happened when I was a freshman there.
I'd rather not talk about what the incident was. Let's just say a wild badger was involved. Now, my mom moved us off the reservation into Forks, so I'd be closer to the high school, which agreed to take me in to finish my last two years of school. In reality I'm over eighteen, and should have graduated high school like three—four years ago. I'm technically like twenty, but after a certain…curse, I'm stuck being seventeen until further notice. I'd rather not talk about how I got cursed since it opens up a lot of old wounds, and as a daughter of Ares I try to avoid anything that might lead to heavy emotion.
And thanks to Chiron influencing the mist and a few other things, the people of this small town don't remember my actual birthday. They all believe I'm really just seventeen. Even my own family does. I hate influencing them like this, but it's just so I can try to live a normal high schoolers life for a few years before I go off to West Point. After that I'd officially enlist, and join the army like my mom had done. Except she skipped going to West Point, and just signed up for the army when she was eighteen, which led her to meeting my father—Ares.
I came out of my thoughts as a raindrop fell to hit my cheek. I blinked guessing I needed to get everything inside before I get soaked. I hurried to grab my things before I sprinted back in the house just as lightning streaked across the sky and the clouds opened up to let it pour.
"Just in time." Diana said as she was unpacking in the living room.
"I'll say." I muttered to myself. "Uh, Mom, I'm going to head upstairs. Holler if you need anything."
Diana nodded her head while pulling out a few more things from the box. I went up the stairs with my bags thrown over my shoulder or in my hands. I went to the hidden door in the wall near the bathroom, and I nudged it open with my foot. I went up the few steps that spiraled into the loft. The loft was rather big since it spread out across the entire length of the house.
One of the reasons Diana had bought this house because the loft was set it up like a small apartment, so it had its own bathroom that even came with a shower. There was also a small kitchenette with a mini fridge setting on top the counter beside the sink, and on the opposite side was the stove. I even had a little corner where I could set up a small space for weights and stuff, so I could do some warm-ups before training or my runs.
There was a work desk with a laptop, a bookshelf that I will probably never use since I don't read much. There was a sitting area beside the bookshelf with a lamp, so in case I wanted to read, but as I said, probably won't ever use it. It was a nice place that probably cost Diana a pretty penny, but hopefully I could get a job soon to help pay bills around here. I set my bags on the bed with a sigh since I knew I had a lot of work to do...and tomorrow...I've got school to attend.
"Mena, time for school!" Diana said as she came into the loft.
I grumbled from underneath my covers. I did not want to get up to go to school. It can burn in the deepest pits of Tartarus for all I care.
"Mena!" Diana said again as I heard her stop beside my bed. "You're still in bed?"
I grumbled a bit more, but then Diana tugged my cover down off my head. I blinked up at her with a pout on my face. She gave me an unimpressed look in return.
"Filomena Noelle Black." She said pulling out the full name. "You can't be late on your first day of school."
"Yes, I can." I muttered.
Diana sighed then told me I had five minutes to be out of my bed before she came back to dump water on me. She left me alone after that as I wondered if she'd really try to drown me in water. I frowned knowing she would, so I sat up. I stretched my limbs then sluggishly got out of bed. I went over to my closet to grab some clean clothes. I stumbled over the bathroom while really just wanting to sleep more. About thirty minutes later I came out of it freshly showered, teeth brushed, hair combed then put into a tight bun with no hair out of place, and dressed.
I had on a white tank under a brown leather jacket that stopped below my breast. A pair of dark green cargo pants tucked into combat boots. Around my neck was a golden colored necklace that was almost like choker that had what looked like a spear head in the center, but also a set of dog tags that technically belong to my mother. However, she let's me wear them for good luck. In my ears were two simple gold-bronze colored studs, and in my right ear I had a matching band in my upper right ear.
"Well," I began as I looked in the mirror. "This is about as good as it's going to get."
I grabbed my messenger bag then left my room. I went down the steps where Diana were waiting at the door for me.
"Toast." Diana said holding it out to me as they stood at the door. "Orange juice."
She had the bottle in the other hand, and I took them both from her while glad to not be leaving on an empty stomach.
"If you had gotten up sooner, you could have had a full breakfast." She pointed out.
I rolled my eyes her, which had her chuckling then I went out to my mustang that was sitting out in the drive. I climbed in while sure I'm about to go and meet my doom. Half-bloods and school just don't mix. Diana waved to me from the front porch, and I returned the gesture. I pulled out of the drive to take the five minute trek to school. Gods, help me.
I arrived at Fork's high school seeing that many of the students were already staring at me...great. I got out of the car while ignoring all the stares. I walked into the school while easily finding the office. There was a woman with frizzy red hair behind the desk, and she smiled up at me when I entered.
"Can I help you, Dear?" She asked.
"My name is Filomena Black." I said. "I start here today."
Though I wished I was anywhere but here. I'm technically over eighteen, so I don't see why mom just hadn't let me enroll in the army. But no, she told me she wanted me to have a nice school experience for a change. I've never had a nice school experience before. I might not have been kicked out of many schools like the others, but that was mostly because I had become an all year rounder after I started attending camp. That was around the time the Fury attacked me on my twelfth birthday.
"Oh, yes, Filomena Black, we've been expecting you." The woman said.
I stiffened with my hand going to my necklace, which hummed with power. However, when the woman just started getting my papers, I lowered my hand. I didn't mean to react like that, but that phrase 'we've been expecting you' usually leads to problems. Like it was monster code, and usually after the phrase is used you have a monster on your hands. I'd hate to start my first day with killing a monster because I'd know Diana would flip her shit if that happened.
"Here you go." The woman said. "This is your schedule, your locker number, and you need all your teachers to sign this. Bring it back by the end of the day, okay?"
I nodded my head as I took the papers from her hands. I really hope I can read the schedule enough to find my first class. I walked out of the office while trying to read my schedule, but it was all alphabet soup to me. I frowned so focused on trying to understand my schedule that I almost didn't sense the person about to ram into me. I did, however, so I jumped back just in time. The girl I had dodged gasped at the sudden move and fell right on her face.
"Uh, sorry about that." I said as I knelt down to help her pick up her papers. "That was my fault."
"No, I'm very clumsy." She said shaking her head. "I trip over my own feet and air all the time."
I nodded my head as I held out her papers to her. She thanked me as she took the papers from me. We stood up as I ignored the stares of the students. My new acquaintance, however, was blushing furiously as she tried to avoid the gazes.
"I'm Mena." I said to try and be friendly. "I just transferred here."
"I'm Bella." She replied. "I'm new too."
Huh, what a coincidence. Bella asked me what my first class was, so I looked down at my paper.
"I think is says English." I said. "I'm dyslexic. Reading's a bit of a challenge."
I thought Bella might look at my judgmentally once she heard I'm dyslexic, but she just nodded her head in understanding. She then held out her hand for my schedule, and I held it out to her silently.
"Yes, you have English with Mr. Mason." Bella said. "I have that too. We can go together if you want."
She said this shyly as she held the paper back out to me. I blinked slightly surprised by the offer since most people don't want to be near me. Something about being intimidating.
"Sure." I said shrugging in the end.
Bella nodded then the two of us walked together. We didn't speak much, but I really didn't mind. I'm not one for lengthy conversations. As Bella was reading the map to see how we get to class, a young Asian boy wearing a dress shirt...and tie walked up. Well, isn't someone fancy?
"You're Isabella Swan and Filomena Black...the new girls." He said smiling in a friendly manner. "Hi, I'm Eric the eyes and ears of this place. Anything you need? Tour guide? Lunch date? Shoulder to cry on?"
I blinked at the guy since he seemed like one of those over friendly types. Nothing against friendly people...I just don't like people in general really.
"Uh...I'm kind of the more, uh, suffer in silence type." Bella said.
Eric turned to me as I wondered what to say without hurting his feelings. I mean, usually I don't care, but Diana asked me to at least try to go a week without making someone cry. Not an easy task, but I'll try.
"I'm the type of person who prefers to be left alone." I said finally.
"Good headlines for your features." Eric said. "I'm on the paper, and your news, Babes. Front page."
Bella looked at Eric in panic, and she started stuttering and begging Eric not to. He let the article drop as my lips twitched up partially at Bella's flustered appearance.
"What about you?" Eric asked.
"I'd rather you don't." I said trying to keep a polite tone. "I'm not fond of talking about myself."
Eric nodded not looking bummed in the slightest. Eric helped us find our first class then left to get to his own, which was on the other side of the building. Oh yeah, definitely overly friendly...and helpful. We walked up to Mr. Mason who looked at Bella and me both in surprise when he saw our names on the slips. He handed Bella a book then sent her on her way, and the same for me. I went to take a seat in the back near Bella as everyone in the classroom watched me walk by. I sat down beside Bella while sure this class would suck.
"I got it!" I called out as I jumped up to spike the ball down on the other side of the net.
It hit the gym floor before the other team could get it, and my team clapped me on the back for getting a point.
"That a way, Black!" Coach Clapp said.
I nodded as the ball was put back into play. As a half-blood sports tend to come naturally due to our reflexes and inhuman stamina and speed. The ball then went over my head, and when I turned I saw Bella swat it away. It hit some guy playing basketball on the other side of the gym, which made me cough to hide a laugh. I went to go get the ball as Bella apologized to the guy she hit. After getting the ball, I looked seeing the guy and one of the girls from our team speaking with Bella.
"Hey, Black!" A girl called out as she held up her hands for the ball.
I tossed the volleyball to her while jogging up to Bella, so to stand beside her.
"That was a nice spike, Bella." I said placing my arm on her shoulder, which was a tad hard since I'm shorter than her. "But maybe you should practice your aim a bit more.
Bella nodded her head with a blush on her face before she introduced me to Mike Newton and Jessica Stanley. The two actually looked a bit familiar, so I'm sure I've seen them around the rez before when I was younger.
"Hi." Jessica said in a fake friendly voice.
I nodded to her not hiding my dislike for her already. Her fake smile dropped from her face as Mike held out his hand to me.
"Filomena, right?" He asked.
"Mena." I corrected as I shook his hand.
Mike nodded his head with a big goofy smile on his face that just made me want to roll my eyes. I told Bella we better get back to the game, so she followed me back towards the court. The game resumed after Jessica joined us again, and at the end of it my team won. Not a big surprise there.
I glanced around the lunch room with a slight frown on my face as I walked with Bella and Mike over to a table Eric and Jessica were already sitting at. Usually I could eat a horse sized amount of food, but the stuff here smelled so iffy I was unable to bring myself to try it. I had just grabbed a single apple in the end.
"Here you go, my ladies." Mike said pulling out Bella and my chairs for us.
I frowned because Mike following us around like a puppy dog was already getting old. I'd love to punch him in the face to get him to stop, but I'm sure my mom would get pissed if I did, so I controlled the urge. I sighed sitting down while already feeling uncomfortable with all these people around. I really don't like people...at all.
"Burrito, my friend?" Mike asked.
"Mikey, I see you've met my home girls, Bella and Mena." Eric said as he put his arm around my shoulders.
Mike frowned obvious looking bothered by this, and I just blinked at the arm around my shoulder. I do not like being touched. However, at least it was Eric. He's more tolerable that Mike by a long shot, and even more tolerable than that Tyler guy I had met in one of my classes.
"Your home girls?" Mike asked.
"My girls." Tyler said as he popped up between Bella and I.
He kissed us both on the cheek, pulled Mike's chair from underneath him, and took off running.
"Sorry to miss up your game, Mike." He called over his shoulder.
Mike ran after him after he got his bearings, but Tyler had such a head start I was sure Mike wouldn't catch him. My eyebrow twitched in annoyance as I tried to ignore the idiots. Keeping my promise to Diana was becoming harder by the second.
"Whoa, Tyler." Eric said.
Jessica let out a tense laugh while scooting over, so that she was sitting down beside Bella now.
"Oh, my God." Jessica said. "It's like first grade all over again. You're both the shiny new toys."
I feel like I was just insulted. I'm pretty sure I was. I mean she called Bella and I...toys. She has become another person on my list, I'd love to hurt. I took a deep breath knowing I needed to calm down. Now wasn't the time to lose it. Give it a week then I'd punch someone in the face.
"Smile."
I looked up in time to get a flash in my face, which blinded me for a moment. When my vision cleared, I saw a dark-haired girl with glasses and a camera.
"Sorry, I needed a candid for the feature." She said.
"The features are dead, Angela. Don't bring them up again." Eric said as he stood.
Angela frowned in confusion as Eric pushed his chair in. Bella tried to apologize to Angela, but only stuttered.
"I've got your back, Babes." Eric said patting Bella on the shoulder as he walked away.
I shook my head wondering if all high schoolers were so weird. Of course, the teens back at camp weren't much better, and I'm not Miss Normal by a long shot. But we were just weird because we're not completely human. Eric doesn't have that excuse.
"I guess we'll just do another editorial on teen drinking." Angela said with a sigh.
"Well, you know, you can always go for eating disorders." Bella said.
Jessica, who was barely touching her food, looked up seeming slightly uncomfortable with Bella's words. I guess someone has those eating disorders just mentioned.
"Speedo padding on the swim team." I added.
Some of the Apollo's sons were guilty of that kind of thing whenever they wanted to show off during a water event, which was nearly all the time. I remember all the times Corissa made them all go change and told them if they didn't get rid of the padding, she would.
"Actually, that's a good one." Angela said.
I shrugged modestly as she and Jessica started talking about it as I took a bite out of my apple. I felt a slight chill in the air suddenly, which had me stiffening. I usually only got those kind of feelings around monsters. I looked around for any signs in the lunchroom, but no one set off my warning senses. That's when four inhumanly beautiful people walked by the window. The chill came again, so I knew they weren't human.
"Who are they?" Bella asked seeming them too.
Jessica and Angela turned around to see who we meant, and they turned back around quickly.
"The Cullens." Angela answered.
I tilted my head to the side because the name seemed familiar to me for some reason. I know I've heard it before. Jessica smiled widely while leaning in as if she had a really big story to tell.
"They're, um, Dr. and Mrs. Cullen's foster kids." Jessica explained more. "They moved here from Alaska, like, a few years ago."
Angela explained they kind of keep to themselves as they started coming into the lunchroom. The first two was a beautiful blonde girl who seemed about my height, and she could definitely pass as a supermodel or a child of Aphrodite. Then she was holding the hands of a tall burly dark-haired guy who could definitely pass as a child of Ares. Though I doubt we're of any relation.
"Yeah, cause they're all together. Like, together, together." Jessica said as the first two started walking past our table. "The blonde girl, that's Rosalie, and the big dark-haired guy, Emmett, they're, like, a thing. I'm not even sure that's legal."
"Jess, they're not actually related." Angela said.
Which means it shouldn't be that big a deal that they're dating. I mean, I couldn't even judge anyway since cousins date cousins back at camp. To be fair there isn't any DNA between us since the gods don't have DNA, so no one really thinks much of it. Even siblings don't share actual DNA to link them, but you'd never seeing a brother dating a sister or brother dating a brother or a sister dating a sister. That'd be just a little weird.
"Yeah, but they live together." Jessica argued as the next pair came in. "It's weird."
The next couple was a short dark-haired girl who seemed Bella's height or shorter. She was also very beautiful, and she was holding hands with a dark haired boy with long hair that fell past his shoulders. His bangs were messy to slightly fall in his face, and he was tall like the first boy...just not as burly.
"And, okay, the little dark-haired girl's Alice." Jessica said returning to her introductions. "She's really weird, and, um, she's with Jonas, the dark haired boy with long hair. He's Emmett's biological brother."
I'm guessing younger brother since Emmett looks old enough to be in his early twenties while Jonas appears to be in his late teens...of course, I could be wrong.
"Dr. Cullen's like this foster dad/matchmaker." Jessica said.
"Maybe he'll adopt me." Angela said grinning.
I chuckled at that when my eyes spotted two more of those inhumanly beautiful people. The first one to walk in was a boy with bronze colored hair that was sticking up in so many directions it looks like he just got out of bed. He wasn't as muscled as the first two boys, and he was shorter than them. Then behind him was an extremely handsome golden haired guy. He was tall, a bit on the lanky side, but I could see his muscles thought his tight shirt.
"And what about them?" Bella asked.
"That's, uh, Edward Cullen and Jasper Hale who happens to be Rosalie's twin." Jessica said. "Both totally gorgeous, obviously, but apparently nobody here's good enough for them."
I didn't hold back my snort of amusement when hearing the clipped tone in Jessica's voice. Someone was obviously rejected.
"Listen, just because you were rejected doesn't mean you need to be bitter." I said bluntly. "Get over it. Woman up."
The two boys, who were passing us at the time, both seemed to bite back smiles as Jessica glared at me. Angela though seemed to be trying to hide a smile as Bella looked at me with wide eyes.
"I'm sure you've been rejected before." Jessica said snootily.
"Hmm, no." I said with an almost smug look. "There was only one guy brave enough to ask me out, and—!"
I felt a sharp pain in my chest as Marcel's face came to mind. I hadn't meant to bring him up. Just thinking about him had my entire heart aching as if someone was trying to crush it with their bare hands. I tried to keep the pain from my face since I didn't want anyone knowing I was hurting.
"And?" Angela prompted with a grin.
I mentally brought myself under control knowing I had to act casual, or questions I didn't want to answer would be asked.
"And I turned him down so many times I lost count." I continued while hoping they didn't hear the strain in my tone.
They didn't seem too, which allowed me to give a mental sigh of relief. Though there was still that pain in my chest, and the stinging sensation behind my eyes. Dammit, I would not get emotional in front of people I don't even know well.
"But you eventually said yes, didn't you?" Angela guessed as her grin grew.
"Yes," I said as my hands clenched into fists under the table.
"And what happened?" Jessica asked obviously looking for gossip. "Are you still dating? You know, a long distance kind of relationship?"
I looked down at the table wondering how to explain how things ended between Marcel, who was a son of Apollo, and me.
"Things didn't end well." I said finally.
Jessica obviously wanted to ask more, but Angela gave her a look that told her to keep quiet. Jessica frowned though said no more as I shot Angela a look of gratitude. She smiled at me gently in return.
"Seriously, though." Jessica said putting the conversation back on track. "Like don't waste your time."
"Wasn't planning on it." Bella said.
I cleared my throat while trying to forget about the pain in my chest by distracting myself with conversation.
"Are you sure cause you keep glancing at that Edward guy?" I asked putting on a grin.
Bella blushed crimson then kicked my shin from underneath the table, but I just blinked since she didn't put any effort into that at all.
"Though I'll admit they're all very good looking." I said shrugging. "However, looks can be deceiving, so best to be carful."
I glanced over at the Cullen family table. I frowned looking at their features. Inhumanly beautiful, snow white skin, and I could smell death on them from here. If they red eyes, I'd say they're vampires without hesitation...but they're eyes are golden. Are there such things as golden eyed vampires? I tilted my head because golden-eyed vampires seemed like something I've heard of before...but where?
NO POV:
"She's human?" Rosalie asked frowning as the family of vampires looked at Filomena Black.
Jasper wasn't surprised to learn this since Alice hard warned him that Filomena would be human. Mena...his Mena—though it seemed as if another male had tried to lay claims to her. If he had still been around, Jasper would have tried to get rid of him. Without killing him of course if he could manage it. Jasper's been waiting for her for nearly sixty-years, so he wasn't about to let some other man have her. He gave up his old ways of life, so when they found each other, he wouldn't be a danger to her. He still was, but he has worked many years to convert himself to the 'vegetarian' lifestyle.
Jasper looked to Mena as she conversed with the other new girl Bella Swan. However, she kept glancing over at their table discreetly that only their vampire eyes could pick up. She narrowed her eyes at them as if she knew they were different. She turned to Angela when the dark-haired girl asked Mena about her old school.
"Her thoughts..." Edward began with a confused tilt of his head. "They're fuzzy...I'm only getting bits and pieces."
"Oh, I thought it was only me." Jonas said. "She's bit a blur for me as well."
Their siblings looked toward the two as they looked at Mena curiously. Jonas's gift was to 'read' people, so he could see their current physical condition. If they had an old injury that never healed completely or if they were unwell, he could tell with a single glance. It helped him in fights because he could see his opponent's physical weaknesses.
"I can tell she's 5'1"...she weighs 127 which is mostly muscle. She must work out a lot." Jonas said. "However, if I look for any physical injuries or weak points, I see none. It's as if her body is cloaked to protect her weaknesses from being seen."
Rosalie frowned as she wondered what made this girl different from other humans. She might have a bit of gift like some humans do. Alice's foresight pre-dated her time before she was a vampire. It was just strengthened when she was turned.
"Well, I can see her just fine." Alice said. "Her future is clear to me as it was the first time I saw her."
"I can feel her emotions perfectly." Jasper said as he concentrated on her.
He felt her uneasiness as she glanced back at them with suspicion in her eyes. As if she could feel them prodding her with their gifts. He sent her a wave of comfort, so to ease her worries. She relaxed a bit as she looked away from them again.
"Hey, Alice, didn't you say something about her being half Quileute?" Emmett asked.
Everyone looked to Emmett slightly surprised he remembered that detail when they forgot. Mena was indeed half Quileute since her mother was full, and her unknown father apparently wasn't Native American at all.
"That is true." Alice said. "The students have been talking about her and Bella so much, and I had overheard some boys talking about her. They were confused why she wasn't going to school on the reservation since she is Jacob Black's cousin. Why?"
"Well, if she's Quileute do you think that means she knows what we are?" Emmett asked.
"That could cause problems." Rosalie said glaring at over at Mena.
Jasper snarled at her in warning, so Rosalie looked away from Mena though she still frowned.
"Don't get any ideas, Rosalie. Or you'll have to answer to me." Jasper threatened.
FILOMENA'S POV:
I walked down the hall heading for my last class of the day, which was biology. I had it with Bella, so the two of us walked together in the hall. Mike also decided to tag along since he had the class as well, and if he doesn't stop yammering, I'm going to hit him...hard. We walked into the classroom with my eyes immediately landing on Edward Cullen. Damn. Edward looked up as we entered, and as Bella was passing in front of the fan, Edward stiffened up while covering his nose.
I narrowed my eyes as my theory of him and his family being vampires looking more plausible by the second. Mike introduced us to Mr. Molina, who greeted Bella and I kindly, as I moved my eyes off Edward. Mr. Molina signed Bella and my slips then gave us out books. Great...more books...in English. I wonder if I can buy copies in Greek off Amazon or something. Cause if I don't, I'm sure I'll be plagued with headaches.
"Now, where to put you two?" Mr. Molina muttered as he looked around. "Ah, Ms. Swan, you can take the free seat beside Mr. Cullen."
I watched silently as Bella walked towards Edward. He leaned away from her while still keeping his hand over his mouth. Bella had to smell really good to him if he was trying not to breath.
"And, Ms. Black, there isn't any more free seats, but I'm sure Mike and Eric will be okay with sharing their table." Mr. Molina said.
Gods, help me. I nodded my head silently as I went to join Mike and Eric at their lab table. Mr. Molina got a spare stool to place at our table as Mike gestured for me to take the middle seat. This just keeps getting worse. Eric I can handle, but if I'm stuck next to Mike with no way of escape, I don't know what might happen. I sat down as class started.
I barely paid attention through class, however, as I made sure to keep my eye on Edward. He was glaring at Bella all through class, and I could see she was uncomfortable. Before the bell even rang, Edward was up and out of his seat. He was out the door when the bell officially rang, and I shook my head. Someone wasn't good at being discreet.
"Wonder what his problem is." Mike said.
"No clue." I said then nudged him out of my way.
I slid my bag onto my shoulder while walking over to Bella who seemed troubled.
"You okay?" I asked.
She nodded mutely, so I knew she was lying. I then saw Edward had left his binder behind in his haste. Bella saw it too, and she hesitantly picked it up as if it might explode.
"He might need this." Bella said.
I could see she didn't look comfortable with the idea of dealing with Edward Cullen again, and I sighed.
"I'll return it to him." I said. "If you turn this into the office for me."
I held up my slip to her, and she looked at me gratefully as we swapped. I left the room going to find Edward. I headed for the parking lot first since he'd have to go there anyway, and he was in an obvious hurry to leave. I walked out the door then went down the steps into the parking lot.
I didn't see Edward, but my eyes did land on his family as they gathered around a silver volvo. I walked towards them while ignoring the glare Rosalie Hale sent my way. I went to Jasper since he was closer, and a light seemed to glow in his eye as he looked at me. Okay...weird.
"Your brother left this behind in class." I said holding it out to him.
Rude since I didn't introduce myself? Maybe a bit. But I wasn't sure if I should play nice with vamps. Since they could try to eat me.
"Thank-you." He said with a southern accent.
He reached out to take the binder, and his fingers brushed against mine. I fought the urge to jerk my hand back when I felt his ice cold touch.
"Yes, Edward did leave in a rush." Alice said. "He left to see some family in Alaska, and he must have forgot all about it."
I nodded my head silently as I put my hands into my pocket. They were acting very docile for vamps, but they're predators...wolves in sheep clothing pretty much. Which means I don't trust them.
"I'm Alice by the way." Alice said with a friendly smile. "This is my boyfriend, Jonas."
Jonas nodded to me with a kind smile, and I returned the gesture. I suppose I can't be too rude to them.
"And that's Rosalie and Emmett." Alice said pointing to the two who kept their distance.
Well, Rosalie was, and she was still glaring at me. Well, fuck you too, bitch. Emmett was looking at me curiously with a large grin on his face.
"And last, but no least is Jasper." Alice said looking to Jasper.
"Ma'am." He said dipping his head as if tipping a hat.
"Nice to meet all of you." I said. "I'm Mena Black."
I then heard someone calling my head, so I turned my head seeing Angela. She was over by her car, and waving me over.
"Well, I guess I'll be seeing you all around." I said to the Hale-Cullen family.
"We hope so." Alice said.
I nodded while noticing how Jasper kept his eyes on me the entire time even as I was leaving. I really need to talk to someone about them.
