A/N: DISCLAIMER I forgot that in the other chappie, well damn. lol Stephenie Meyer owns the characters and I just play with them a little =)
Chapter Two.
Introducing: A little spine, and a heart attack
The sound of a car broke my train of thoughts, not that there hadn't been cars passing me, but the purr of the engine on this particular car, had a completely different response in me. Hide and run. I looked up to see, what I was fearing the most today, and with great dread and a horrible rock in my stomach realized it was the silver Volvo, from the deepest hole in hells pit, slowing to a crawl beside me. Please, just leave me alone Cullen!
I kept walking, fixing my eyes on the road in front of me, while the Volvo was still driving painfully slow next to me. He had yet to roll the window down or open the car door, knocking me over on the hard ground, getting the day's first laugh on my expense. I was painfully aware of the rock in my stomach, along with the huge lump in my throat, that no matter how much I tried to swallow, it wouldn't go away. The seconds ticked by, feeling like hours passed. I tried counting but I couldn't focus, I hated being so painfully aware of Edward Cullen. Like a silent buzzing current, every time he was near me, it was a cruel joke. Sweet broke out on my forehead, and my palms became clammy in the pockets of my rain coat, my right hand was grabbing my house keys so hard they bored into my palm, drawing blood; I could almost smell the salt and rust, and was thankful to be outside in the cold air.
I should have taken my truck.
Right now I wished to be someplace else, somewhere far away. I wanted to be a different person, someone who didn't have to face Edward Cullen every school day, or had to hide in the locker room stall every gym hour because of Lauren, Jessica and the rest of the wannabe Barbie's. I didn't want to have to hide everyday in school.
You don't have to. The voice in the back of my mind said. You can be strong and face them show them how much better than them you are. The voice was right. I had already changed; I was changing my ways right now.
I had tried almost everything to get them to leave me alone. I had tried ignoring them, stayed out of their paths. I had tried smiling every time they said something cruel. None of it worked, it only seemed to make it all that much worse.
It was time they got some of their own medicine.
I went over everything possible cruel and degrading thing in my mind that Cullen would say to me, once he rolled his window down, I wondered briefly why it was taking him so long to roll it down. But reasoned it was probably because he was trying to come up with the most gruesome joke to start the day with. I thought it all over and came up with the best and quick comebacks I could think of.
I smiled to myself when I finally heard the car window scroll down.
"Hey, Swan!" here it comes. "– Is the old rust wagon in the garage? Or did it finally tire of dragging your big ass around town?" I heard Edward's brother Emmett snicker next to him.
I smiled and stopped to look at Edward for the first time in weeks. The car halted its movements, a second after. He had a grin on his face that faltered briefly when he saw my expression.
"I'm surprised Cullen." I said smiling sweetly. "Why are you driving manual when you already have one stick up your ass?" I turned to walk again, hearing Emmett's booming laugher a second later in the car.
I felt amazing; the adrenaline was pumping in my veins with my frantic heartbeat. I stood up to Cullen! My mind screamed with joy, and it felt goooood. I was elated and full of victory, when I saw the Volvo on my side again, I grinned from ear to ear. I couldn't wait to do it again.
"My mistake Swan," Edward's velvet voice said, sweetly, too sweet. I braced myself, for whatever came next. "You can't afford a garage, did your dad finally sell it for food money?" I saw Emmett leaning over expectantly for my response.
"What's your problem Cullen?" I asked just as sweet. "Didn't Jasper want play hide the wiener with you last night?" His expression changed quickly, and I saw the blood rush to his cheek, reminding me of Charlie when he was angry. I couldn't hold back the snicker.
"Watch your mouth Swan." He threatened angrily. And I saw Emmett holding back his laughter next to him, it was obvious really, the way his eyes was fixed on the road in front of him, and his lips pressed into a think line. All the amusement was in his eyes.
I feigned surprise, "Oh sorry Cullen, I didn't know it was a secret," I shrugged "Oh well, the cat's out of the bag I guess, or is it more dress out of the closet?" I smiled.
Emmett started laughing once again, and I couldn't hold back my own laugh.
"I told you to shut the fuck up." Edward hissed at Emmett. He turned back to me, not speaking just glaring, but there was something else in his eyes I couldn't quite place. He sped up and drove past me, but not before I got a glimmer of Emmett next to him. He was grinning hugely at me, and there was also some other emotion in his eyes, that I couldn't place either. It looked almost like pride. It was very different from the look in Edward's eyes.
Emmett and I haven't been really close ever, and I didn't really know what type of person he was, even though Charlie and I have been at the Cullen's residence more than once during the past five years. Charlie and Doctor Carlisle Cullen are fishing buddies a long with Harry Clearwater down at the La Push Res. They have known each other since high school, my mom, Charlie, Carlisle, and Esme. Esme have always been kind and sweet towards me and offered Charlie to "babysit" me when they went fishing. But mostly it was just me left alone with a book, while Emmett and Edward did other things, I was grateful to be left alone when I was that lucky. Edward usually stayed away from me, or spending every minute making me regret living here in forks, and Emmett always stayed out of it, I always thought of him as sort of a puss, but from what I've seen from Emmett today, I knew that I liked him
The rest of the walk to school was uneventful. And I walked to class with a grin plastered on my face, after getting my slip by Mrs. Cope. I could feel the entire school population looking at me walking in the hall towards my first class in English, grinning like a complete moron. But I didn't care, life was finally looking brighter for me then it had in years.
I had a nagging feeling in the back of my head that I couldn't quite shake off, it was unnerving. But it didn't change my mood; it was simply too great to be bothered by it.
The day till lunch went slowly, and the nagging in the back off my mind was still there, just stronger now the adrenaline and giddiness from this morning had passed. I couldn't quite shake the frustrating feeling away in my head, and when I entered the crowded lunch room I sat down at my usual empty table and picked my book out of my bag. I started reading, but I couldn't concentrate on the book before me, so I threw it back in my school bag annoyed. My stomach complained rather loudly, and I used my arms to squeeze my middle tightly. Deciding it was useless sitting here and not doing anything; I picked up my bag, and left the lunch room without a second thought.
I walked outside in the fresh air, and it cleared my mind briefly. There were still fifty minutes left of lunch, and I had no idea what to do with it. I walked around the school a little, before I came to the end of the science building; it's back facing the green woods. I kept walking without Hesitation, letting my feet lead me, and just walking to walk. But I had a weird feeling I was walking towards something, or someone, like a magnetic pull tugging me forwards.
When I reached the end of the building, I jerked to a stop. I was standing right by the edge of the building, when my brain finally caught up to me. There was that tingling feeling. That damned electric current tormenting me every fucking day. Panicking I turned to look behind me, but it wasn't from that direction the electric buzz came from. It was in front of me. Right behind the corner of the building I had so blindly followed.
A million questions went through my head at once. Why was Edward here? What was he doing? Why hadn't I noticed his absence in the lunch room? Was something wrong with him? He was always with Jasper and the bimbo's people at this school called cheerleaders. And then other thoughts came into my mind, why did I care? I quickly decided I didn't. I didn't care what he was doing here and why I hadn't noticed him in the lunch room, my earlier thoughts had made me sound so pathetic, and I cringed inwardly. Right now I was glad nobody could read my mind.
I turned and started heading back towards the main building, my next class was biology, and I cringed again. The one class I shared with Edward. Not the only thing I shared with him, I thought sullenly. We shared the lap table, even though there were invisible lines between us, I never spoke to him if I didn't have to, and he didn't speak to me unless he had to. Not that I was complaining, it was nice to actually be near him and not have to cringe every time he said a word.
I mentally slapped myself.
It was never nice to be near Edward Cullen. And I shouldn't be thinking thoughts like that. The very sight of his face should make me want to vomit. But it doesn't. His face is glorious, his eyes piercing, his full lips so soft looking and perfect.
I mentally kicked myself this time, apparently the slap wasn't enough.
His face and body might be one of a God. But his mind and personality was that of a demon. He is cruel, and patronizing, vain and absolutely worthy of Satan.
I'm not anything like him; at least I'd like to think I'm not.
I checked my watch, still thirty minutes till class started, and I was walking really slowly away from the science building. I tried to convince myself, it was so that the time would pass faster, and I wouldn't have to wait in class several minutes before it even started. I liked my classes, but even me, the book worm Isabella Swan, didn't like to be stuffed into a class room all day.
I hadn't moved many feet from the corner, I knew Edward was behind, and I tried not to think about it, or him. I was curious as to what he was doing behind the science building in the middle of lunch. And apparently all alone, I hadn't heard anyone talking, not even sounds of some ones feet shuffling. The only thing I heard was ire silence. I gnawed on my lip, while I was thinking about this. What if something was wrong with him? I could just go back and make sure he was fine, and then before he would even notice me I would be gone again. I just needed to know if he was okay, I rationed with myself. I hadn't even noticed my feet taking me back towards the corner, before I was right there.
I stared at the corner of the building for minutes, trying to gather my courage and just… look. I followed the lines of the cracks in the building, before I finally took in a deep breath and started leaning slowly forward. It felt like forever before my eyes finally peeked around the building and I could see Edward, but he wasn't alone as I expected.
Jasper Hale was standing next to him against the wall. They were about 10 feet from me, and as I looked closer curious as to why they were just standing here. I saw Edward raising his hand, and placing a burning cigarette against his lips. I gasped.
They turned to me instantly, surprise in both their expressions before it was replaced with anger, and then fury. I suddenly didn't give a shit what was wrong with Edward, or why he was here, he was obviously fine, expect for the bad habit of smoking cigarettes he had acquired. I needed to get the hell out of here. I turned and ran as fast as I could towards the main building.
I didn't get far, before I plunged head first into the concrete below my feet… or were my feet used to be.
The air left my lungs in a loud whoosh. I felt the ground against my face, tiny pebbles cutting into my cheek.
I heard laughter behind me, and I stilled the urge to cry. Humiliated, I scrambled to my feet, before I felt hands roughly on my arms, I took a deep breath ready to yell at them, but my lungs felt raw, and sore, and my breath came in quick and deep. I couldn't get enough air, or still my breathing enough to yell, or scream for that matter.
"Way to go, humpty-Dumpty." Jasper laughed.
I saw Edward standing next to him looking around casually, but I knew he was just checking to see if anyone had observed the scene happening in the middle of lunch, he turned back smirking satisfied no ones had been anywhere close to see. Jasper grabbed my arm rougher and Edward took my other, I was still breathing rapidly, and I was going through things in my head that could get me out of this mess.
"What... are you... doing?" I asked breathless, and a little peeved. It wasn't but hours ago I had insinuated that they had a romantic relationship with each other. Without a doubt Edward had told Jasper about it and by the look Jasper gave me, though it was more like a glare, it confirmed my suspicions.
They didn't answer, just pulled me along behind the science building, away from curious gazes. I felt my heart speeding up, and my palms were sweaty.
Once behind the wall, and out of view by any by-passers, Edward pushed me against the wall his hand on my shoulder keeping me there. I was painfully aware of the current between us, but also the adrenaline and rising fear in my stomach. Jasper took a step back, they way he looked at me, gave me chills. There was a calmness surrounding him, and it was freaking me out.
He lit a cigarette, and made a show about taking a breath through it and blowing it straight into my face. I coughed. They laughed.
Edward pushed me harder against the wall behind me. "What's the matter Porky?" he sneered. While Jasper snorted. "Not that snarky now are we?" Edward spit.
I swallowed, loudly.
"You wanna repeat what you said earlier today?" He pressed harder against me, the brick in the wall behind me, boring painfully into my back.
I didn't answer, I couldn't. My mind was going a million miles an hour, while I was thinking of ways trying to find some way or sentence, Hell, even a magic word that would get me out of this mess. Why did I have to be brave earlier? This is what you get when you are being brave. A voice in the back of my head chided me. I didn't argue with it, it was right. Stupid Isabella, you're being stupid and reckless. This is not me; I am the responsible one, the police chief's daughter. I never drove faster than the speed limit, not because of my father – it's simply because I was more sensible then other teens. I didn't smoke, drink, or do drugs. I knew the dangers, my Dad had always told me the dangers, and he saw them everyday, the dangers of drinking alcohol. I had never been drunk in my life, never smoked a cigarette, and I would never do drugs. I realized that Edward was not responsible, even though his adoptive father Carlisle is a doctor; he is still here, smoking cigarettes. So I didn't give Charlie the credit for my responsibility, even though he was part of the reason, I was the one with the final decision. I'm the smart one, the sane one, the one smart enough to know doing stuff like that was unhealthy for you, and didn't do it.
I was suddenly angry that Edward would be so irresponsible and smoke. And I felt bad for him, for Carlisle…Esme. She was a very sweet and compassionate woman. She was an interior designer, and worked for a company in Seattle. I loved them like a second pair of parents.
I chanced a look at Jasper; he was looking at me, with that calm expression that was freaking the shit out of me. I felt a lump in my throat. Nice Isabella, how do you plan to get out of this one?
"Answer!" Edward snarled at me, pushing me impossibly harder against the wall behind me. I whimpered a silent "ow," and squeezed my eyes shut. I didn't want to say a word; not wanting to show them that I was scared shitless. I wouldn't give Edward the satisfaction.
His grip loosed a fraction, and I dared to look at him again. He looked pained, and when our eyes locked he released me, but only to take a cigarette out of his jacket pocket, and light it. He didn't look at me. Jasper looked at him incredulously, before he took a step forward, and took Edward's previous position.
He pressed himself close to me and I turned my face away from him. He reeked of cigarettes, the stench making me grimace.
"Swan," Jasper said sweetly, his breath fanning my face, surrounding me in the smell of tobacco, and lavender? I frowned.
"What a girl," I snickered. Just then realizing I had spoken a loud.
Jasper heard me, his eyes flashed in anger, and he pushed me harder against the wall, I writhed against him, trying to get free. He took my wrists in his hands, his long fingers boring into the skin there. "What was that Swan?" he pushed harder, I felt like I was being merged with the wall behind me painfully.
"Ow." I said louder.
I felt the pressure vanish, and my wrist being yanked forward, making me fall on the ground with a thump. I had no idea what happened.
"What the hell, Jasper!" Edward growled, followed by a loud smack.
I looked up to see Jasper rubbing his arm, with a scowl, while Edward was glaring at him furiously. I grabbed the opportunity to run. I scrambled back to my feet, and ran towards the main buildings again. Students were walking towards their next classes. I spotted my school bag, on the ground. I picked it up, only stopping a second to do so. I kept running, without looking back. When I was out of breath and my legs were pounding painfully, I still kept going.
I knew I wasn't being followed, but it wasn't enough to stop me. I ran until I couldn't run anymore, when my throat was raspy, and I could hardly breathe. I fell to the ground clutching my bag to my chest trying to gain oxygen back into my sore lungs. My legs felt foreign to me, like they weren't even my own, only the muscles in them burning painfully from the strain, being the only thing I had to verify they were in fact mine.
The trees surrounding me, was comforting. The silent ruffle of the branches and leaves in the wind was soothing. I was sobbing uncontrollably; my tears wetting my cheeks, making my hair stick to them like glue.
I remained on the ground, until the sky was a dark gray, and when rain started falling on me, I still lied motionless on the hard ground, unable to move or think about moving. I didn't want to go home and face Charlie, he was too observant, but I couldn't not go home, he would send a search team out looking when I didn't come home, it wouldn't surprise me if he wasn't already worried out of his mind, I had skipped the rest of my classes for the day. And Charlie did most likely already know this. This should have been motivation enough to make me want to go home, and make sure Charlie didn't do anything drastic. I didn't want to worry him, but I didn't want to face him either.
I still willed my legs to move after a few minutes. My vision of Charlie's worrying driving me forwards. I started walking a long the road, mildly expecting, Charlie to drive past me in his search. But no such thing happened, and when I finally stood outside the house, looking up to the porch, my heart dropped.
The entire house was dark, Charlie wasn't home. The cruiser was gone, and when I walked up to the front door it was locked. I quickly took out the spare key, and opened the door, desperate to get inside the warm comforting of my home. I dropped the key on the table in the hallway before making my way into the kitchen, my stomach growling furiously.
I checked the answering machine on my way to the fridge, the red light indicating a new message.
I opened the fridge as the message started playing.
"Hey Bells. I'm in the hospital," I choked on the able I was eating, "Harry Clearwater had a heart attack," I felt a pang of guilt, when I visibly relaxed, Harry was a good man, but I was glad Charlie was fine. Poor Sue, I thought. I listened for more information about Harry, as my father kept speaking, "Sue and the kids are here. I won't be home before late tonight, love you kiddo." he said his voice so sad it gave me a lump in my throat and I tried to swallow it down. Not really that hungry anymore, I walked to my room, I was glad Charlie hadn't been home to notice my absence. I was sad, for Harry, Sue, Seth, and Leah… I couldn't believe what had happened. Leah was 18 I think, and Seth was 16, both around my age.
I went to bed, trying to shake of what happened today, and terrified of tomorrow. I still hadn't fallen asleep when I heard the cruiser driving up. I wondered if I should go downstairs to comfort him. I hadn't made up my mind before I heard the TV on in the living room.
I untangled myself from my sheets and ventured downstairs in my worn out sweatpants and old t-shirt. Charlie was sitting in the couch looking at the TV, Oprah. I shoved down to urge to giggle. My Dad never watched Oprah. It was a clear sign that something was up.
"Hey Dad," I greeted him silently.
He looked at me with red rimmed eyes. I gasped. "Hey kiddo," he said sadly.
I closed the distance between us, and sat on the couch next to him. I was a lot like Charlie in this area, we're both emotionally awkward. But this time I didn't care, I leaned into him, and wrapped my arms around him. Charlie leaned back into me, as his arms coming around me in a comfortable hug, and then he sobbed. It was silent and I wouldn't have known if it wasn't for the rocking off his body against me. I rubbed his back soothingly. We didn't speak, we didn't have to, I knew now that Harry Clearwater died of a heart attack.
A/N: So yeah, Harry Clearwater has the heart attack in this chapter, I needed something to make Bella spend a little more time in La Push from now on. Yeah Jake do have a part in this story.. I love Jacob... As a brother for Bella.. But yeah.. XD
