Disclaimer: The only thing I own is my sick fascination with dark creatures - preferably vampires. Everything else recognizable belongs to someone else.
Dusk
*BEFORE YOU READ: This is my first and only story…for now. I started writing this when the book Twilight first came out. I loved it, of course, but like many people, I saw things that could be changed and made my own.
When I think of vampires, I think of: Buffy: the Vampire Slayer, True Blood and other stereotypical vamp cultures. I love the book, but I wanted it to be darker and more of what one would expect from the vampire/magical/mythical world.
So I got to work on Dusk and everything just kind of poured out of me. Then, a friend who read my story told me about Fanfiction and here I am. I don't know if it is good, but it was fun to write nonetheless.
I hope people enjoy it.
I also sent in an application for a beta from Project Team Beta, so we'll see where that goes.
1. First Sight
"You know it isn't necessary for you to go to Forks," Mom said, scrunching up her nose at the mere thought of the small town she escaped from with me when I was only three-years-old. I sighed and leaned my head against the window, feeling the soft vibrations of my mothers new car roll through me. I don't even know why she was still bothering with trying to get me to change my mind about going to live with my father, Charlie. We were halfway there, for crying out loud! Does she really think I am going to make her turn around now?
"Mom," I groaned. This conversation was getting real old real fast. "I already told you. I want to spend some time with Dad. And you and your new husband need some alone time," I stressed. I was tired of the endless screwing going on in the room next to mine. For my mother and her douchey new man, Phil, the honeymoon was far from over. And if I had to feel the steady thump, thump, BANG against the wall behind my bedpost one more time… I'd cut off a limb just for a reason to get away. It was that bad and steadily getting worse with each passing night.
It didn't take long for me to decide that moving to Forks to spend some much needed time with the old man was the preferable option.
"Oh, honey," Mom snorted in that cute way she does. "have we traumatized you?" she asked innocently, nudging my arm playfully. I glared at her though my expanded reflection in the car window. She just laughed and continued to speed down the highway, zooming past all the cars. She has never been one to stay within the limits - in more ways than one.
Aside from our nearly identical appearances, my mother and I had absolutely nothing in common. She is adventurous while I prefer to stay inside with a good book. But we balance each other out. It's gonna suck to live without her, but I can't take living with Phil. He is a nice guy and all, but he is about as mature as the boys my age. And Lord knows I can't stand the boys my age. One more fart joke and I'll lose it!
"Are you sure about going to Forks?" Mom asked again and I threw my red and black Bulls hat at her.
.
"Wake up my sleeping beauty." Warm fingers poked at the deep dimple on my cheek - I only have one - and I groaned, slapping the hand away.
I must have fallen asleep sometime during the ride, because before I knew it, it was dark out and we were pulling into the dirt driveway of Dads house - guess it is my house now, too. It isn't so bad, really. I am just use to big and overdone. Dads house is small and…well, cozy. It'll take some getting used to.
I yawned and stretched my arms over my head while looking out the window at the scenery.
Everything is so green, I thought distastefully. That'll also take some getting used to.
My eyes scanned over the vast amount of green; green trees, green grass, green dirt. Everything was covered in moss here. It held some kind of appeal, and I was sure that if I had an artistic bone in my body, I'd find it quite beautiful, but I was neither artistic nor delusional in thinking I was.
Mom sighed softly next to me and I looked over at her curiously. Her eyes were trained on something on the other side of the windshield. I followed her gaze and perked up as I saw my father standing on the porch, struggling with a green umbrella. I hadn't even realized it was raining, but sure enough, the raindrops were relentless in their assault.
Just another thing I needed to get used to in this town. The constant rain fall would be a drag.
"It is so hard to stay a faithful wife when my ex husband is so darn cute," Mom groaned and I rolled my eyes. My mom is a very complex individual. Her cycle of feelings for Dad were dizzying. She went from having a crush on my dad to loving him to hating him, and now she is back to the crushing. She is like a hormonal teenager - even more so than I am.
"Really, Mother," I laughed and pushed her lightly on her arm. "You're grossing me out here."
The longing in her eyes was quickly masked by indifference as Dad came barreling down the stairs, almost falling straight on his face. I have far more in common with my father than I do my mother. We're both clumsy to the point of being handicapped, paranoid and hypochondriacs. We've suffered many panic attacks together. It's a beautiful bonding experience, really.
Dad came to the passenger door and opened it for me. He held me under the umbrella and cast his eyes over to Mom.
"You bess make a run for it, Renée," he said seriously, but the amusement shined in his eyes as he ran with me - very carefully - up to the front door. Once inside, we looked at each other and both cracked up. Getting a rise out of my mom is kind of a pastime for my dad. It was one of the qualities that she found both annoying and endearing.
"You're a real dick, Charles," Mom grumbled when she finally made it inside. She shook her wet hair out, purposely getting water all over the floor, along with mud from her shoes - which I am sure she gathered as much as she could before walking in. Dad pursed his lips in a mix between aggravation and amusement.
I laughed at their silent staring contest, and then decided to check out my old room. I used to come and stay with my dad every summer up until I turned fourteen and decided summer really should be spent in warm summery places - not damp, almost always fall weather Forks. Now every summer, we meet up in Orlando.
However, as I walked into my old room, it seemed as if I were just here recently, everything was the same - including the open Jane Austen novel I had been reading all those years ago. The only thing indicating that this room was not lived in was the thin blanket of dust that covered every surface.
I sighed. This is going to be a bitch to clean.
"Bellsy!" Dad called up the stairs. I rolled my eyes at that ridiculous nickname that he knows I despise. I walked out of the dusty room, sneezing on my way out.
"Jeez, Dad," I coughed dramatically, "Do you own a duster?" I asked teasingly. I didn't honestly expect him to clean. He only did it when absolutely necessary and he was sure someone else wouldn't end up doing it first. That's Charlie Swan for ya. A real lazy ass. Which is somewhat ironic seeing as he is the Chief of police here in Forks. In his job, he can't wait for someone else to do things. It's all on him.
"I do," he said. "It's still in the packaging." He pointed toward the hall closet with a cocky smile.
Of course.
"Real nice," I snorted. "What did you want?"
"Come give your mother a kiss goodbye," he said, glaring at her out of the corner of his eye, all teasing cockiness gone.
"Goodbye?" I asked, feeling the color leave my face and my stomach drop to the stairs. I wasn't ready for her to go yet. The whole point of her driving me out here was so she could stay with me for a few days so I could get settled in and slowly cut the umbilical cord. If she left now, she'd take my belly button with her!
"Oh, relax, sweetheart," she laughed, coming over to me as I reached the last step. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and pulled me close so our cheeks were touching.
"I'm not abandoning you. I'm going to stay in a hotel. Your father," she sneered at him to which he just sniffed and shrugged. "expects me to sleep on a pull out couch. Sorry, but no! Mama doesn't play that game. So I'll be going to a close by hotel. I won't be far," she stressed, squeezing my shoulders. "I promise." She kissed my temple sloppily, and then pulled away.
I may or may not have whimpered.
I'm a mama's girl all the way, so seeing her go kind of, sort of killed my soul. I glared at Dad, but he was too busy checking out Moms ass to notice. They have a real complicated relationship that I'd really rather not touch on. It's ten kinds of effed up.
I watched out the dark kitchen window as my dad brought in my things and Mom pulled out of the driveway. I stood there until Dad commented on how pathetic I looked. I glared at him and then proceeded to force him into helping me dust my room so I could get some shuteye before my first day of school tomorrow. I had to practically drag him up the stairs as he kept making up excuses as to why he couldn't help.
"I'm allergic to dust. That room is only big enough for one person and I'm claustrophobic." Then, my favorite, "I just really don't wanna."
As I laid down later that night, I felt the inevitable sense of dread hit me. Tomorrow I would be going to a new school I wasn't familiar with full of people I don't freaking know. I've never been much of a social butterfly - I have all but two friends back home - so I could pretty much guarantee that tomorrow would suck. A lot.
I'm a glass half empty type of gal.
.
'You're so fine, I want you mine, you're so delicious…' I groaned loudly and turned onto my side, bringing the pillow with. I covered my face with it, trying to block out the horrible sounds coming up the stairs.
'Don't pretend, I think you know I'm damn precious. And hell yeah, I'm the mother fucking princess!' Okay, what the hell? I sat up in bed and looked around confused.
Is that Avril Lavigne?
"And even when you look away, I know you think a me." And is that my father singing along?
I jumped out of bed and almost fell as I rushed down the stairs. Dad stood by the stove swinging around a greasy spatula and shaking his hips while he sang Girlfriend.
"Oh. My. Gawd!" I covered my face in humiliation even though there was no one there to witness this… this… Whatever-the-hell this is!
"Oh, Bells!" I peeked through my fingers to see him stumbling for the small kitchen radio. He turned it off quickly and smiled shakily at me. "How long ya been standin' there?" he asked nervously, twisting the spatula around his fingers.
"Long enough," I muttered, grimacing as images of my dad shaking his backside assaulted me. I dragged my hands down my face, my fingers digging into my skin like they wanted to tear it off.
That sight will forever be marked on my brain.
"Oh…" he trailed off awkwardly scratching his head. "I, uh bought that for you…" He pointed to the colorful CD case next to the radio with his spatula. "That Avril is pretty good, eh? I remember you saying you liked her once."
"She's great…" This moment couldn't be made anymore awkward if we tried. I didn't have the heart to tell him I grew out of my Avril phase about three years ago. Nevertheless, the fact that he even remembered something so trivial I said so long ago brought warmness to my heart.
Breakfast with Dad was not a quiet event apparently. I think my dad is batshit crazy, even more so than my mom. He kept on talking with his mouth full and laughing at whatever he had said, though I couldn't understand a word of it.
As my dad walked me outside, I wondered if I would be that crazy when I grew up. It's in my genes pretty strongly. It seems inevitable.
I was stopped dead in my tracks - literally - when I walked head first into a giant beast of a truck.
"What the…-"
"Surprise!" Dad yelled enthusiastically, throwing a bright pink key over my shoulder. I caught it - surprisingly enough - and stared at the pink monstrosity in my hands in bewilderment before turning my gaze back up to the truck. It was red, rusted and taller than me.
It is, "AWESOME! Dad! Is this for me, really?" I asked, jumping over to stand beside him. He gestured proudly to the driver's side door and nodded.
"It is. Got it for a good deal too. Bought it off Billy. How ya like it?" he asked expectantly.
"How do I like it? It's freaking great!" The key is a little disturbing, but…
"Glad ya like it, kid. I know you don't wanna show up at school in the passenger seat of my cruiser. Figured this'd be better." That's for damn sure. I ran up to him and wrapped my arms around his neck in a vice tight hold.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I gave him a big sloppy kiss on his cheek and he blushed. I hopped out of his arms and skipped up to my car. I was too happy to walk, darn it. I wanna skip! I couldn't have asked for a better first car. I wouldn't have.
"Yeah, hop in. It purrs like a kitten," he said, pursing his lips. His face was unreadable. I watched him suspiciously, as I climbed into my truck. I closed the door behind me and practically bounced in my seat as I stuck my pink key into the ignition and turned.
"AAAAHHHHH!" I screamed and started beating the hell out of the wheel while my dad bent over at the waist, his face red and eyes teary from laughing at me.
"Purrs like a kitten, my ass!" That has to be the loudest, scariest sound to ever come from a car. Ever. But I still loved it.
After a little teasing from my dad, we bid our last farewells and went our separate ways.
The ride to school was a long one, even though the school is only a few short blocks away from the house - as told by the very descriptive map my father drew for me in red crayon. My new car refused to go over fifty, but that was just as well. I wasn't in no hurry. When I finally did come a clunkin' into the parking lot of the school, it didn't escape my notice that all eyes were on me.
Great.
My truck made an unhealthy coughing sound as I sputtered to a stop next to a black and red motorcycle. Hell if I knew the name of the thing. It was pretty, but not overly decked out like most you'd see. It was a two-seater and the leather, cushioned seat was inviting.
Someone in Forks has style. Who knew?
I admired the beauty of the bike for a moment longer before I turned toward the building - or rather, buildings. Plural. Instead of one big school, this place looked like a bunch of brick houses cemented together. And smack-dab in the middle was an open office - glass doors and a large sign that read FRONT OFFICE. All capitals and everything. Hard to miss. I slung my backpack over my shoulder and sighed.
I can do this! C'mon, Bella. Channel your inner Renée and go for it!
My little mental pep talk surprisingly did little to ebb my frayed nerves as I looked around and seen that all eyes were still shamelessly focused on me. I lifted up my blue hoodie underneath my black jacket and kept my face hidden the best I could as I made my way into the office.
Little droplets of rain started to fall - a drizzle - and people hurriedly made their way inside. I looked back at the poor lone motorcycle and wondered why someone would drive that thing to school in a town so rainy. It's bound to get rusted and that's a damn shame.
I took a deep, calming breath, steadying my nerves some, before I pushed open the glass doors and walked into my own personal Hell.
Hell was surprisingly well lit and only mildly toasty. And there was an old lady sat behind the desk. She was the kind of old lady that you associated with cookies and cotton swabs. Well, for me, at least. Her red and silver hair was neatly pulled into a bun on the top of her head, and I wondered just how she managed to reach that high with those stubby arms of hers.
"May I help you?" she asked kindly when she caught sight of my hesitating figure by the doors.
"I-" I had to clear my throat. When I was nervous, my throat tended to close up on me. "I'm Isabella Swan."
Her whole chubby face lit up like a Christmas tree and she waved me over. "Of course! Isabella, it is so nice to meet you! I'm Ms. Cope. I have been awaiting your arrival since your father came down to sign you up last weekend," she gushed, her cheeks taking on a pink color at the mention of Daddy Dearest.
I suppressed a smile. Someone's got a crush. Which is kinda weird seeing as she looks old enough to be his mother.
Sugar mama? Eck, no! Too weird.
She started digging through several stacks of manila folders, muttering to herself, as most old people tend to do. I've always found it quite amusing to catch bits and pieces of what they say to themselves. I really don't think they realize they do it since I once heard my papa - Moms dad - muttering something about disrespectful little brats and how he wished he could just run them all over while he was dropping me off at school.
He sure is an interesting man, my papa.
"Ah, here it is," Ms. Cope said triumphantly as she held out a folder for me to take. It had my name on it and everything. They must not get many new students if they have the time and paper supply to give each student their own folder.
Or maybe I am special? Daughter of the Chief's psychotic - I mean, flighty - ex-wife come home at last.
God, I must be the talk of the town, I thought, agitated already.
"Inside that folder is your schedule, a map of the school, a slip that needs to be signed by each of your teachers, and a few odds and ends that you may find interesting. Like after school activities, clubs and things like that." Thorough.
She flushed a darker shade of pink and quickly added, "I also, umm, put my own personal number in there in case you ever need anything. You should give it to your father…"
I see your game, Granny, I thought wistfully, but smiled politely at her.
"Thank you, Ms. Cope. You're a wonderful help."
"Anytime, honey. Have a good day." She waved overly enthusiastic as I walked out of the front office and back into the cold air. The rain had already stopped and only a very thin layer of wetness covered the ground and made the vehicles shine all pretty like.
I kept my head down as I took out my schedule and looked it over. My first class of course had to be the last one I'd want to go to this early in the morning. Algebra, just Algebra. I suck with numbers so terribly, it's a wonder I have passed the classes at all and was never sent to some remedial class. I'm that bad.
I dragged ass all the way to the easily found building and sighed in relief when I noted that the teacher was female. I'm not sexist or anything, but female teachers help to calm my nerves, where as male teachers put me even more on edge. And, no, that doesn't stem from some tragic memory of when I was little. I'm just wired this way.
I walked up to her desk and pretended that I wasn't aware of the many eyes following my every movement.
"You must be Isabella?" she greeted me with forced politeness.
"Umm, Bella actually. I prefer Bella," I told her, my cheeks flaming from all the attention I was receiving. If I had a super power, I'd want to be invisible...or shoot laser beams from my eyes. Let someone try to stare at me then.
Don't look at me, don't look at me. Stop looking at me! I tried the whole, 'I can't see you, you can't see me' thing, but when I peeked up from between strands of my hair, everyone was still staring.
Damn…
"I'm Mrs. Gonzalez," she said, her tone clipped. So much for female teachers putting me at ease. This one didn't even act as if she wanted to look at me. At least, she isn't making me introduce myself. I was almost afraid to ask her to sign my slip, but swallowed my insecurites and handed it to her.
"You can take a seat in the back next to Lauren Mallory," she said, then raised her voice, "Lauren, raise your hand."
I turned around hesitantly and was met with a cold brown stare from the back. The girl giving me the cold stare, just so happened to be the only girl with her hand raised. I sighed and walked down the aisle, trying to avoid her glare. This proved to be quite difficult seeing as I also had to try to avoid the looks from all the other students. I focused on a math poster put up haphazardly in the back.
I sat down in the seat next to Lauren and she flipped her bleached blonde locks over her shoulder as she leaned in a little closer to me. She just kept staring at me until I met her gaze and cringed at the hostility there.
It never ceased to amaze me how some girls - and guys - pass judgment before they even get to know a person.
Lauren finally opened her mouth and I can't say that I was surprised by what came out. Offended, yes. Surprised? Not really.
"You are so not all that." She looked me up and down and sniffed, disinterested in my total lack of 'all that'.
"Umm…" Okay? Someone needs to take their meds. Immediately.
She flipped her hair over her other shoulder so it was now used as a curtain between us. Apparently, our little conversation is over. I grabbed out my notebook and a pen from my backpack and slid down in my seat.
Today is going to be a LONG day.
.
I hugged my books closer to my chest and bit my lip self-consciously as I walked through the short hallway. Might as well have been walking the Yellow Brick Road. And I might as well have been the mayor of Lollipop Land doing the jig with all the stares I was getting.
I groaned inwardly. I've never been the new girl before. And I am nothing special physically, so attention has never been a problem for me.
Now, it freaking is a problem!
I watched everything I did and kept my face neutral. I didn't want to accidentally pull a stupid face. I was under so much scrutiny that it wouldn't go unnoticed by my peers.
I was in my third period of the day now - last one 'til it's lunch - and still my new girl fame was at an all time high. I just wanted to yell at everyone to get over it already! But I didn't. I kept to myself and tried to make myself as small as possible. Being 110 pounds and 5 foot 3, this wasn't a difficult feat.
Still though, they noticed me.
I followed behind two girls in matching purple raincoats to my next class and they kept glancing back at me and whispering. I couldn't make out what they were saying but there was a lot of head nodding going on. Once I made it through the door to English and hung up my coat, they turned to me and smiled.
"Hiya," said the perky brunette. "I'm Jessica Stanley!" She waved at me like someone would at one of those races where everyone gets a medal… Get it?
"Hey…" I said back slowly. Perkiness is great and all, but couldn't she tone it down a bit? She's acting like she is the Chris Crocker to my Britney.
"This is my friend, Angela Webber," she said pointing to her dark haired friend.
"Angie works just fine," she said quietly. She moved her black rimmed glasses up her nose and smiled softly at me.
"Bella," I told them in return.
These two were a pair to behold. Jessica is the stereotypical cheerleading type. No, I don't mean bitchy and conceited like most movies would have you believe. I mean perky, pretty and bodacious. Angie kind of reminded me of a librarian prodigy. Soft spoken and a tad nerdy, but she's cute nonetheless.
Though they were so obviously different, their friendship was palpable. They both had a pretty white-gold charm bracelet on their right wrists with several charms hanging from them and the two girls even moved together. So either they are the best of friends or lesbian lovers.
Either way is cool with me.
"Most of the junior class is in the same lunch period," Jessica said suggestively.
"Oh, yeah?" I quirked an eyebrow at her.
"Yeah, next period. Is that when you have lunch?"
"Yes." I could see what she was getting at, but I wasn't going to ask to sit with her and her friends. If she wanted me to sit with her, she'd have to ask. I'm much too terrified of rejection to ask, even though it is obvious she wants me to sit with them.
Like my mother, I am also a complex individual.
We stared at each other for what felt like forever as she kept raising her eyebrows suggestively and smiling broadly at me.
"Would you like to sit with us, Bella?" Angie finally asked, barely able to hide her amused smile behind her hand.
Thank the Lord! Jessica is a little weird, but I have no one else to sit with so… "I'd love to. Thanks."
"Great!" Jessica squealed, clapping her hands together excitedly before grabbing my arm and hauling me into the class. I had been lucky thus far. Not one teacher had asked me to stand in front of the classroom and introduce myself. I should have known that luck would soon run empty.
Mr. Mason acted as if I was a prize winning pig as he gingerly, eagerly turned me to face the classroom.
"Everyone," he said loudly, his voice full of authority. It quickly got the attention of the entire class and soon enough I was being gawked at from every corner of the room. "This is Isabella Swan. Tell us a little about yourself, Miss Swan," he encouraged as he took his seat and clasped his hands under his chin. He looked up at me with big, hopeful eyes and I sighed.
"Umm, I'm Bella," I said lamely and waved awkwardly. A few people snickered and my cheeks felt like they were on fire. I felt like I was in a freaking sauna, I was sweating so badly. I really hated being in the spotlight. It was kind of physically painful for me. However, I grinned and bared it. Just as Dad taught me since he too had these same insecurities.
"I just transferred from Phoenix and I…uh…read…and stuff. Ya know…" I coughed awkwardly and shuffled my feet.
"Okay!" Mr. Mason announced somewhat awkwardly as he filled the silence with a few slow claps. "Thank you, Isabella. You may take the empty seat next to Alice Brandon."
Thankful to be done with that, I kept my head down as I made my way to the only empty seat in the room. It just so happened to be next to a creepy little girl.
She was the epitome of petite and pale. She was mildly pretty, but the way she sat as if she owned the room made her seem like the most beautiful person on the planet. What was creepy though, was her smile. Not because it was ugly, but because it was so big and lifted at the side as if she was half snarling. Her teeth were pearly white and dangerous looking as she ran her tongue over them.
"Hello, Isabella," she said in an eerily calm voice, not even turning to look at me.
"Umm, h-hi…" I quickly turned away from her and pretended to take notes, but I couldn't help but to look at her out of the corner of my eye every few seconds.
Halfway through the class, Mr. Mason waltzed down the gap between the desks and slapped a pale pink sheet of paper in front of me. I looked up startled and he smiled. "Reading list," he said simply before shimmying his way through the small gap back to his desk. Happy for a new distraction from the girl beside me, I practically banged my nose on the desk to look intensely interested in the list laid before me.
It was fairly basic: Bronte, Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Faulkner. I'd already read everything. That was comforting … and boring. I wondered if my mom would send me my folder of old essays, or if she would think that was cheating. I went through different arguments with her in my head while I tried to ignore the very little space between the weird girl and me. I guess I am no better than Lauren - passing judgment before getting to know the person. For all I know, she could end up being my best friend here. I chanced a look at her and found her staring straight into my freaking soul.
That's a big NO!
When the bell finally rang, I was up and gathering my stuff like my life depended on it. Something about Alice put me off and made my survival instincts kick in. That's not normal.
"So, Isabella," came a sickly sweet voice next to me. I turned slowly and tried not to show too much displeasure. She could be a nice girl … right?
"Uh, yeah?" I bit down on my lip so hard I was surprised I didn't break the skin.
"You're late. My brother does not appreciate waiting so long for his things, but seeing as you're just a child, he has made an exception," she prattled on a hundred miles a minute while I stared at her as if she just sprouted a second and third head right in front of me.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa." I held my hands out and barely contained a hysterical laugh from bubbling up behind my lips. "Chick, what are you even talking about? I don't know you or your brother. And just what the heck do ya mean I'm just a child?" You crazy, delusional little-
"Oh, right. I tend to get ahead of myself sometimes," she giggled and the sound was like bells. Beautiful, if not a tad scary. And, boy, those are some sharp teeth! "You'll have everything figured out by the end of the day," she said tilting her head to the side. Her yes got a faraway look and just as I was contemplating making an escape, her eyes flashed back to mine and she grimaced. "Maybe," she sighed before brushing past me. The feel of her arm touching mine made my hair stand on end and my blood scream and I hightailed it out of that classroom the fastest I could when she was out of sight. I bumped into Jessica on my way out the door.
"Oh," I said, surprised and just a bit shaken from my encounter with that weird girl.
What did she mean her brother didn't appreciate waiting for his things? Why would I care if her brother is a spoiled brat?
The whole encounter was just…yeesh…shivers.
"I can't believe Mr. Mason made you sit by that freak!" Jessica shivered. So I wasn't the only one she had that affect on.
I checked the halls to see if Alice was in earshot. When I didn't see her, I leaned in close to Jessica as we walked to the lunchroom, and asked, "What is her deal anyway? Like, what's with her?" I couldn't seem to find the right words in which to ask my question. Should I just come out and ask if she is a serial killer or if she was recently let loose from the loony bin? I didn't have to give it too much thought, since Jessica sighed deeply and pulled me close by the arm.
"Alice Brandon is the biggest fucking freak this school has ever known! The only person to come close to her kind of crazy is her brother - well, adopted brother, that is. His name is Edward. All the girls are crazy for him 'cause he rides a motorcycle and has crazy sex hair - a real bad boy type, but I don't see the appeal." She scrunched up her nose in disgust.
"He does have some beautiful green eyes though, I have to admit," she sighed and let go of my arm as we walked into the lunchroom. It was packed with people stuffing their faces and laughing. She ushered me over to the lunch line, waving at Angie across the room before turning back to me.
"Anyway, Alice is a real weirdo, like, really, she needs help. Sometimes she stares off into space for an entire class period, and then starts laughing out of nowhere - her brother, too. Laughing out of nowhere, I mean. They creep me out. It isn't even something that can be explained, really… They just hit my heeby jeeby button, ya know?" She cocked her head to the side and I could see the frustration building in her at not being able to fully express what she meant. I get that. One small conversation with Alice and even I was at a loss for words.
I was glad I wasn't the only one.
"I think I understand," I said and she smiled, pleased that she managed to get her point across.
"Besides," she said, leaning over the brightly colored jell-o for a blue one. I grabbed a red. "no one really knows much about them. They keep to themselves. But there are rumors. Some people say they've lived here for centuries," she said in a spooky voice.
I cocked an eyebrow. "You mean, like, their ancestors, right?"
What else could she have meant?
"Nope," she smiled. "I mean them. The older people around here, like, grandparents, claim they seen them when they were teenagers. Isn't that the spookiest thing you ever heard?" she asked, shivering violently for added affect.
"Sounds like a load of crap," I said honestly and she giggled. Alice may be a little creep, but she doesn't look a day over 12.
We paid for our macaroni and slop and walked over to a round table, dead center of the lunchroom. If that isn't asking for even more attention, then I don't know what is.
"Hey, Angie," Jessica whispered and Angie smiled in response before going back to nibbling her bread stick.
"Guys, this is Bella. Bella, these are the guys," Jessica very eloquently introduced me to the table. I was happy that she didn't make a big deal out of it like I had expected. She seemed to have sobered up from earlier, thank goodness.
Around the table, a few of the people introduced themselves.
There was Eric Yorkie, an overly helpful boy with bad skin, oil slicked hair and a vintage camera hanging around his neck. I can't even count how many times he offered to carry my books to my next class. At first, I thought he was maybe hitting on me, but then settled that he was just a nice guy. Also, he was kind of checking out some dudes a table away from us.
To each his own.
Next to Eric was a cute, baby faced boy with a staring problem. I learned that his name was Mike. Just Mike. He had nicely cropped golden hair with light streaks of more gold at the top where he had it spiked stylishly. His pale blue eyes couldn't decide if they wanted to look into my own eyes or my boobs. Really, I'd just look into my eyes, seeing as I am a member of the itty-bitty titty committee. They've grown since last year, but last year, I was flat as a board…
Next to Mike, and looking way too possessive of him was my friend from earlier, Lauren. And the last one that bothered to introduce himself was Tyler Crowley. He was ten kinds of hot and twelve kinds of charming. I found myself pulled to him the most.
"…then me and Mike tackled him at the same fucking time," he laughed, causing the whole table to bust into hysterics. I didn't quite see the humor in it, but I laughed anyway because Jessica had the craziest, most contagious laugh I had ever heard. It sounded more like a witches cackle as she brewed her evil potions - or something.
Tyler was filling me in on last nights football game. I know nothing of the sport, but it sounded brutal the way he described it.
It was in that moment, that I was laughing so hard, my eyes were watering and I could barely sit up without the aid of Jessica as we leaned against each other, gasping for breath, when I looked up and was met with a pair of shining green eyes. My laugh was caught in my throat when I looked at him. I don't know who him is, but he's freaking perfection. Tousled bronze hair with noticable streaks of red, sharp, symmetrical features, a crooked mouth and the most breathtaking green eyes…ever. I was lost in them.
Every sound that was made sounded like it was coming through a long tunnel and my peripheral vision was cut off completely. All I could focus on was him. And I could swear that I saw him mouth my name and smile crookedly at me. Then, as if doused with ice-cold water, the shrill sound of the bell ringing woke me up out of my trance. I shook my head quickly, clearing it of the fog that settled there sometime during my hypnotized state.
"You okay, Bella?" Jessica asked. "You barely touched your lunch." She gestured to my full plate of mac and slop.
"Oh, yeah." I shook my head again, still feeling thoroughly flabbergasted. "I'm great. Just got lost in my own thoughts," I laughed.
"Do you want me to walk you to your next class?" she asked hopefully and who was I to shoot her down? She was growing on me anyway. Her laugh alone could make her thousands of friends.
We talked the whole way to my Biology class. Well, she talked - mostly about how awesome Angie is - and I listened and nodded. I was really starting to lean more toward the lesbian lovers connection between the two of them.
"I have cheer practice after school today," she said once we were standing outside the Biology door. "So if I don't see you next period, I'll see ya tomorrow." She grabbed me in a tight hug and smiled when she pulled away.
I knew she was a cheerleader.
"Yeah, bye." I waved.
"Isabella Swan, I presume?" A tall, lanky dark skinned man who I guessed was the Bio teacher stepped over to me with a kind smile. I nodded and tucked a few strands of hair behind my ear.
"Yeah. But I prefer Bella." I swear, I have said that way too many times to count today. His smile brightened and he gestured for me to come to his desk.
"Well, Bella, you can call me Mr. Banner. Here's your book." He held out a large Biology book to me. I took it gingerly and wondered why I hadn't gotten any books from my other teachers. As if he could read my mind, Mr. Banner informed me that only a few teachers had the proper amount of books to give each student one of their own. The school was low on budget and unless you wanted to copy everything off the board into a notebook, you could purchase textbooks at the school store, blah blah blah.
"You can take a seat next to…" he looked around the room for an open seat before some of the blood drained from his tanned face and dark lips. He gulped and very eloquently muttered, "Oh…"
I followed his line of sight and almost toppled over a few crates when I made eye contact with him again. I think I know who this 'him' guy is now. Disheveled sex hair, green eyes and a leather biker's jacket. Exactly how Jessica had described that creepy Alice girls adopted brother. Edward, was his name, I believe. It somehow fit, even though it is such an old timey name.
"I guess the only seat available is next to Cullen," Mr. Banner sighed dejectedly. He patted my shoulder and gave me an apologetic look. "If you have any problems, just let me know," he whispered.
"O…kay?" He smiled and patted my shoulder one more time before turning to his desk and rifling through a large stack of papers.
Is he really that bad? I wondered as I stumbled my way over to the empty seat next to Edward.
Eddie.
Ed?
Edward works fine. I rolled my eyes at myself. I'm already trying to get closer to him by giving him a nickname. How lame.
I was just about to make it to the lab table when I remembered that I had to have Mr. Banner sign my stupid slip.
This is getting so tired!
Just as I passed Edward, he suddenly went rigid in his seat. He stared at me again, meeting my curious gaze with one of his own. His confusion quickly faded and left in its wake was furious hostility - and pain. His eyes shone with a deep pain that was palpable in the atmosphere between us. I looked away quickly, shocked at his odd behavior and, yeah, freaking frightened. The look on his face was enough to have me silently begging my bladder to stay inside of me and not spill out all over the nice linoleum floor.
I was too shocked to watch where I was going apparently, and I stumbled over a book. I had to catch myself on the edge of a table. Lauren just so happened to be sitting there and she laughed loudly, gaining the attention of the entire classroom. I flushed and turned away from her, only to once again be met with those pain filled emerald eyes. Pain and anger had never been such a beautiful and terrifying mix before.
I could feel my body shaking as Mr. Banner signed my slip with no nonsense about introductions. I was glad for that, because if Edward hated me now, without even knowing me, then he'd sure as Hell hate my guts if he had to listen to me ramble about how I read…and stuff.
The shaking intensified tenfold as I slowly made my way over to the lab table I shared with a guy that looks like he wants to rip me to pieces and wear my entrails around his neck. I set my stuff on the table and sat down hesitantly, still freaked the heck out by the look this strange stranger had given me. I peeked at him from the corner of my eye and had to repress a shiver. He was still staring, snarling, glaring at me.
And he still looked livid.
And just slightly repulsed.
What's up with that?
I discreetly ran my hand over my face to make sure I didn't have any gross cafeteria food floating about, and sniffed my shirt self-consciously. I smelled like I usually did. I'd never gotten any complaints before.
What's this guys deal? I wondered, annoyed. I'd done nothing to him. I pursed my lips in aggravation and stared straight ahead. It is never a good idea to be both annoyed as all hell and terrified - a panic attack was imminent.
We're in a school. He can't freaking touch me! Relax!
Relax!
I tried to focus on Mr. Banners lecture. Unfortunately, the lecture was on cellular anatomy, something I had already studied at my old school. I sighed dejectedly and noticed in my peripheral vision, Edward stiffen his posture and move closer to me. Too close. Like, uncomfortable, get-the-hell-out-of-my-face close. I don't know how long we sat like that, but I couldn't take anymore. I made a move to scoot my stool away from his, when I saw his hand flash out and grab the seat of my chair. I gasped in surprise and turned to look at him. His eyes bore into mine, and I was once again hypnotized by the intensity behind them. He breathed deeply through his nose, his top lip twisting into a snarl.
"Count your blessings. They're about to run out," he hissed through clenched teeth just as the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Edward let go of my chair and was out of his seat so quickly, I started to wonder if he was ever really there at all.
Too terrified to move - and just a little too confused - I stayed in my seat, looking at the space Edward had just occupied until a hand fell on my shoulder. I yelped and nearly fell out of my chair, which, in turn, caused the culprit to yelp and jump three feet in the air.
"Shit," he gasped, holding his hand to his chest. "Didn't mean to scare ya," he laughed a little breathlessly.
"No, that was my bad," I laughed awkwardly, my cheeks flaming. One more awkward, uncomfortable moment today and I'm sure I'd break a record. After my initial shock had worn down, I noticed that it was Mike that was standing in front of me.
"What's up?" I asked as I packed my things back into my backpack and slung it over my shoulder.
"I was just gonna ask if you needed help finding your next class," he said hopefully. Too hopeful. He may as well have 'DESPERATION' tatted onto his forehead. Though I was thankful for the positive attention after the weird attention I received from that freak Edward. Yeah, freak. Usually I am not a judgy person, but Alice and Edward are just…freaks. There is no nice way to describe them, really.
I smiled sweetly at Mike. "Thanks for the offer, but my next class is gym and I think I passed it earlier, so I should be fine."
"Oh!" he exclaimed, his hands gesturing out a bit too wildly, I had to duck to avoid them. "That's my next class, too." He seemed thrilled, though it wasn't that big of a coincidence in a school this small, so I didn't know why he was acting as if I offered to give him my virginity. But, hey. Who was I to deny a potential friend? And who knows, he could end up being fairly likable if I gave him the chance.
I nodded my head and we were off - Mike walking a little too close for comfort. We mostly made small talk on the way to gym. He was a chatterer - he supplied most of the conversation, which made life a little easier for me, seeing as I am kind of socially retarded and tend to say stupid things without thinking it through. I learned that he is 18 - he was held back his freshman year. He is a quarterback for the Forks High football team and he works at his parents sporting goods store located at a space between Forks and La Push. I also learned that Mike is an okay guy. Sure, he is a little too handsy when he thinks I am not paying attention and he has a serious staring problem, but other than that I can't find a thing wrong with him.
He's nice.
As we were entering the gym, he turned to me and asked, "So, did you stab Edward Cullen with a pencil or what? I've never seen him act like that," he said conversationally, then added with a light chuckle, "He looked even more psychotic than usual."
I cringed. So people actually noticed that? So that means it really happened. Damn…
Having suffered enough embarrassing moments for the day, I decided to play dumb. "Was that the boy I sat next to in Bio?" I asked artlessly.
"Yep," Mike said, popping his lips at the 'P'. "He looked fucking pissed," he laughed, but there was an underlying emotion there. Terror? Yeah, I think I sensed a bit of terror coming off of him. He isn't alone there - I've never been so scared of a person before.
Freaking Edward.
"I noticed that," I responded. "I don't know what his deal was. I didn't say anything to him at all."
"Well, he's a weird dude, but I've never seen him, uh…," he trailed, scratching at his neck awkwardly. "Uh, get up that close and personal with anyone."
The flames licked at my cheeks - again! I hate my tendency to blush at everything even slightly uncomfortable. I guess him getting all in my face didn't go unnoticed either.
"Well, I'll see ya." I waved and rushed into the girls' locker room to avoid anymore embarrassing things being brought to my attention. Apparently, a guy I don't even know - and the school freak, next to his sister, mind you - finds me repulsive and wants to kill me for it. And apparently, he's never acted that way before.
Don't I just feel special?
The gym teacher, Coach Clapp, found me a uniform but told me to keep it in my locker for the day, and just observe. It was just as well, I'm a bit of a walking accident. A danger zone. A threat to myself and those around me. I haven't had to participate it gym since last year. At home with my mom, only two years of P.E. were required, and then you're free. Here, P.E. was a four-year mandatory torture. This month, my fellow peers were to play badminton.
Just wonderful. As if I weren't enough of a klutz, why not put a racket in my hand?
I watched four games play simultaneously and was shocked at how athletic almost every person was. I guess in a town so small, sports was really all they got. That or TV and let's face it. TV sucks nowadays.
When the final bell finally went off, I jumped off the plastic bleachers and rushed to the office to turn in my paperwork. I wanted nothing more than to get the heck out of this school. The people are nice - with one major exception - but I was far too frazzled and way too scared of seeing that boy again.
"Count your blessings. They're about to run out." I shivered at the memory of those words being hissed so close to my face and wondered what the heck he could have meant by that.
Count my blessings? They're about to run out? On what planet did that make sense? And was it a threat?
I sighed as I wrapped my sweater and jacket around myself before walking out into the cold. People were gathered around in large groups all over the parking lot and sidewalk; it was hard to get to my destination. None of them were in any rush and they sure as hell didn't care that I was. I didn't want to spend more time than necessary at this school. Besides, Mom will be leaving in a few days and I want to get as much time with her as I could manage.
When I walked into the toasty office, I almost turned around and walked right back out. Edward stood at the desk in front of me. I recognized again that tousled bronze hair, pale skin and leather jacket. He had his back to me and didn't appear to have noticed me standing just inches behind him. He was too busy leaning over the desk and whispering something to Ms. Cope. She looked flustered and was blushing a shade of red even brighter than Rudolph's nose. I had to strain to hear what they were saying - because I felt the need to eavesdrop - but still had a hard time understanding just what they were talking about.
"…I think you'll fit on my bike just fine," Edward chuckled, causing Ms. Cope to hyperventilate.
Was he hitting on her? What the…?
"Mr. Cullen, this is very inappropriate," she whispered, trying to sound calm and collected but the wavering in her voice gave her away.
"What? It isn't as if I'm asking you to do anything you don't want to do. My family is having a feast tonight and you…" he trialed off, a soft groan coming from him. I had to cover my mouth with my hand to keep from making a sound.
This is like Cougar Town and All My Children wrapped in one. Will the frumpy old woman accept the handsome young bad boy's dinner proposal or stick to her morals and decline. Find out tomorrow on…
I was brought out of my musings by the door swinging open behind me. Alice came prancing in, smiling that same creepy smile as she walked up next to me. Edward and Ms. Cope were also brought out of their disturbing little bubble as they both snapped their eyes to the entrance of the office. Edwards eyes landed on me and his top lip, once again, pulled into that bone chilling, blood screaming snarl. I had to look away. I turned my eyes to the floor and studied the intricate patterns.
Flower, butterfly, flower, butterfly, flower… jeez, who designed this place?
"Edward, we should really get going now," Alice said pointedly. "You'll just have to find a different dinner guest. Ms. Cope is obviously a very busy woman. Let's go." She turned to leave, barely giving me a second glance, while her brother couldn't look away from me. She was halfway out the door when she realized that he wasn't following her.
"Edward! I. Said. Let's. Go! Now!"
Edward bared his teeth at me, before turning his hateful, murderous gaze onto his sister. "Fine," he growled. And when I say growled, I mean it. His voice was gravelly and low and shook the floor underneath me. My body went cold and chills raced up my spine.
He turned back to Ms. Cope, who looked like she was about to topple over and have a heart attack. She had her right hand to her heart and her other on her plump belly.
"Sorry, Shannon," Edward said, sounding almost normal again. The malice in his voice faded. "We'll just have to reschedule."
"O…oh. Ah, o…of c-course, uh. Okay, th-then," she replied, barely able to control the shakes and tremors in her body and voice. I wondered if I was shaking as violently as she was. I couldn't tell, I was numb…and cold. Very cold. I felt like I shouldn't be there, like I should just hightail it out of there as quick as I could, but I didn't. I was frozen in place.
Alice walked by me, bringing with her a gust of air that was like a slap in the face. I was suddenly brought out of my stupor. I shook my head a few times and noticed that it was only me and Ms. Cope in the small room now.
Again, I was left to question if what just happened, really happened.
Ms. Cope held out her hand shakily and smiled timidly at me. By the look on her face, I could tell she was wondering the same thing.
"Your slip?"
I could feel the blood slowly but surely coming back into my cheeks. It was almost as if it retreated out of fear in Edwards presence and now felt it was safe enough to return. I smiled back at her weakly and handed over the slip with all my teachers signatures.
"H…how did your f-first day go, dear?" she asked. She didn't sound at all interested, the fear and confusion in her voice over road everything else. It sounded more like a reflex for her to ask at all.
"Just peachy," I lied, my voice weak and sounding foreign to my own ears. She just nodded her head and turned away from me to blow her nose. I took that as my cue to leave and speed walked all the way to my truck. It was almost the last car in the lot, aside from a few strays parked near the football field and the main office.
I sat in the freezing cab until my fingers became numb from the cold. I stuck my pink key into the ignition and my truck roared to life, making me jump and look around frantically. That sound was too close to what I heard come from Edward.
I don't know what his deal is with me, I just know he is one to stay away from. And if I have any self-preservation, I'll remember that.