November 14, 2052
I realized why the Cullen never interacted with other high schoolers; it was like hanging out with your grandkids and feeling unhip. Now, I had the same feeling, and I had to create a teenage persona that seemed so fake to me.
Schools in Maine have adapted with the technology over the years. Ever since the creation of the internet, more flexible educational options were available. The school was in quarters; however, only first and fourth quarters were in the classroom. With the extreme snow and temperatures, it was determined that students can learn via online classes for the middle quarters. For us, attendance was important during these particular quarters and missing a lot of classes would bring unneeded attention. We learned to wear sunglasses, hoodies, gloves, and scarves to hide our appearance.
Since the high school was so small, the classes were grade based instead of content based; therefore, Alice, Jasper, and Edward, and I were together in every class. Alice and Edward kept the name Cullen, while Jasper assumed the Hale last name and I returned to Swan to avoid any unwanted gossip. My husband, brother, and sister could have taught each of the classes; they had learned the material ten or fifteen times before. Yes, the technology and time have changed some of the curriculum, but we weren't brilliant as our teachers thought we were, we were just experienced and memory—almost how you can quote your favorite movie. Repetition does wonders.
The one class that challenged me was English-not really the writing, but the literature discussion. Mrs. Warren listened and played Devil's Advocate with you, and in many ways, did not give her opinion about the current book we were discussing. We read Kill A Mockingbird and discussed if Atticus was a hero in its definition.
"Miss Swan, do you believe Atticus was a hero?"
"Not in the way of the hero's journey."
"He did heroic things…"
"But it's Scout who learns about herself in relationship to her father. Atticus was just a vehicle of her growth."
"Do you feel about the same way about your father?"
Geez, I tried not to think of Charlie. It was still too painful. Was Charlie a hero? He didn't get a calling to do a quest. He didn't have the wise mentor, but after thinking, he was a hero.
"I believe my Dad was a hero. He was a police officer that protected the community and made sure I was safe." I couldn't say he dealt with werewolves and vampires in stride, and after he married Sue, he was part of the tribe. He appreciated having so many friends, and Renesmee was the greatest gift I could have given him. She brought the Dad part of Charlie.
"Isn't that what Atticus does as a lawyer?" She got me. She dangled the bait and fell right into the trap.
"I guess.." and the bell rung.
"Remember, test on Mockingbird tomorrow. Please study," and we were dismissed. I grabbed my bag still thinking about my Dad, and Mrs. Warren stopped me, "Bella?"
"Yeah?"
"I forgot your Dad just passed away. I'm sorry I put you on the spot."
"It's okay, Mrs. Warren. Actually, it got me thinking what all my Dad did while he was alive. See you tomorrow." I tried to smile and leave as casually as my comment, but inside, I was freaking out.
My next class didn't start for ten minutes, and I bypassed Edward and headed for the bathroom. In the past, I was able to deal with stress, but now, I sat in the stall rocking back and forth—trying to regain my composure.
"Bella?" It was Alice, of course.
"I'm in here." I opened the door so I could face Alice. "Why did that affect me so much?"
"Because you got emotionally involved, but that's okay. You're still grieving. You want to go home? Edward will take you."
I stood up, "No, I'm good. You know, it felt like Mrs. Warren melted my shield—like she knew what exactly to say to get me to react that way."
"Could be. Edward can't get a reading either. He thinks she could also be a shield like you. Maybe shields neutralize each other."
I hugged Alice. "I love having you as my sister and best friend."
She chuckled, "I knew that way before we even met you."