Chapter 2

(Bella's POV)

I awoke early, hoping her was watching over me, no luck it was Monday, and a school day. School, the one place I didn't want to be. I quickly got ready for what would be the worst school day in months. I stared at myself in the mirror and saw just how horrible I looked but I didn't care. Charlie had already left for work and I was alone. I made my way down stairs to find a note on the table.

Bella-

I'm going to be working late. Don't worry about dinner.

Love- Dad

I sighed and ran my hands threw my hair and began to pour myself some cereal when the door bell rang. Before I could open the door it swung open.

"Morning" beamed Alice as she closed the door behind her.

"hi" was all I could manage to say. I didn't even look at her.

"How are you this morning?" she asked as she looked me over and frowned.

I just shook my head, hanging it to the floor incase the tears came back. I didn't want to talk. Alice put her hand on my shoulder, and sighed.

"Come on we should get you to school" Alice said and then she took me by the hand and lead me out of the house.

(Edward's POV)

When I returned home the only person there was Esme. She was sitting at the piano waiting for me.

"You're finally home" she smiled.

I smiled back and ran my fingers over the cold ivory keys.

"Are you ready to talk yet?" Esme asked. Staring at me " you can tell me you know"

"There is nothing to talk about" was the only answer I could come up with. And it sounded a bit agressive

I left her and went up stairs to change for school. It was going to be a long day, I had even thought about ditching school just so I wouldn't have to see Bella. I wanted to see her though, so I had decided that I would go just to see her, even if I couldn't be with her.

Esme didn't say anything as I left the house, but I did hear her thoughts.

Why? I know you love her. Why hurt her?

I wanted to tell Esme the answers she wanted but I just couldn't. I couldn't tell anyone, if I wanted to keep Bella safe I would have to keep quiet. I quickly got in to my car. The letter I had gotten last week was still in the Volvo. I pick it up and read it again. Shaking.

Edward Cullen-

Revenge is sweet- Nikolai

P.S. I will be watching you… do this and I will keep quiet about your secret

(Bella's POV)

"Bye Alice" I said as I slipped in my first class of the day. I felt relived to get rid of a Cullen for once, no offence to Alice but I wasn't in the mood fro talking about shoes and make up. And hearing over and over again are you ok.

I move to the back of the room towards my normal sit only to find someone sitting in it. Right when I was about to say something my foot caught a chair and I went flying downward. But instead of hitting the ground I was caught, around the waist, by strong, cold, arms.

Edward?

"You're quite graceful, aren't you?" teased a beautiful male voice.

I was upright again but the strong arms were still around my waist. My cheeks burned a bright rosy pink. The arms slid off my waist and I turned to see who had caught me. It was a stunning sight. He had jet black hair that was long in the front and fell over his right eye. His skin was pale, pale like Edward's. His eyes were a strange gold unlike any eyes I'd ever seen. The boy that had caught me, was dressed strange as well, he was wearing tight jeans, a gray shirt, a black blazer, and had a sliver crucifix around his neck.

"Are you alright?" asked the boy staring straight into my eyes.

"I'm fine" I said

By now the room had started to fill up, but I didn't even notice I was still staring at the strange boy who stood before me.

"I'm Nikolai, Nikolai Vardeman" he smiled, he had dazzlingly white teeth.

"I'm Bella Swan" I responded.

"It's very nice to meet you Bella, I just moved here" said Nikolai.

"Oh? Why did you move here?" I asked out of curiosity.

"My parents wanted to move someplace quiet" he said as he took a seat behind my desk.

"Well, Forks is pretty quiet" I smiled and took my seat.

The class went by in a blur; I didn't listen to a word the teacher said. I was to busy thinking about my angel, Edward, I was wondering if he was at school today. It wasn't until the bell rang that I was snapped out of it.

(Edward's POV)

The school was a busy with gossip when I arrived. It all was about some new kid, a new boy to be correct. But I thought nothing of it; I just wanted to catch a glimpse of Bella. But I was running late and the last bell to class rang right as I parked my car. Great, my only way of see Bella right now would be through her friend Jessica's mind. Jessica's mind was dull and boring but it was my only choice.

Why is it that all the cute ones go for Bella? God, she's not even that pretty. First Mike, then Edward and now this guy. I still can't believe he was able to catch her. He is so cute. He dresses so weird though and that hair. What did he say his name was?

Jessica mind was so annoying she never focused on anything. What did she mean he caught Bella and who was he? I was frustrated now. I ran at a little quicker then human pace to my first class. But by the time I got there I was still late. Not good

"Thank you for joining us Mr. Cullen" said teacher.

"Your Welcome" I said, I was too frustrated to be nice. Then I sat in my seat.

I took my seat in the back of the room and tried to focus in on Jessica thoughts again.

What is up with Bella today? She looks horrible, like she's been crying. Maybe her and Edward had fight and broke up. Maybe I have a chance? That would be horrible for me. Mike would probable want to go out with her again… what would I look like if I had Aruban hair like Bella? Maybe boys like red heads now?.

She was so self-centered. I didn't understand how Bella could stand to be around her. The whole time during class I waited for Jessica to talk to Bella but she never did. In fact, when the bell rang Jessica left Bella behind and went off to her next class without her.

(Bella's POV)

Jessica was already gone when I finished packing up. She was probable off to go smooch with her boyfriend, Mike. I sighed and I tear rounded down my cheek. This was the first time ever since I had come to this school that I'd be walking alone to a class. Edward normally walked with me... oh Edward.

"Bella? Are you ok?" asked Nikolai.

"Yeah, I'm fine" I said as I wiped away the traitorous tears in my eyes.

"You're crying. What's wrong?" he asked.

"My boyfriend just broke up with me the other day" I said not meeting his strange gold eyes. He was so much like Edward.

"Oh, I'm sorry. He must not be very bright to lose such a pretty girl as you" said Nikolai.

I looked up at him and he smiled at me. He had a prefect smiled it matched his prefect face.

"Here, I'll walk you to your next class" Nikolai said as he gesture towards the door.

"Umm ok, I have history next" I said as I walk through the door. I didn't want to walk with him, nor alone… so I chose him.

We walked in silence, but I didn't mind it was just nice to be walking with someone. Nikolai did even question me on how to get to the history building; it was like he had gone here all year and knew exactly where to go. The only nice thing about today was it wasn't raining, yet. Nikolai moved so gracefully. I barely noticed we had arrived in front of the history building.

"Thanks for walking me" I said as I turned to face him

"It was nothing, Bella" Nikolai said. Smiling at me

The second get to class bell rang.

"Shoot, you're going to be late for class" I said.

I felt bad that I was going to make late on his first day of school here.

"No, I'm not. I have history right now too" he smiled. His eyes felt like they were looking through me.

"Oh" I felt like an idiot, I had assumed he had some other class.

Nikolai held the door open for me, and I quickly walked through, too quickly. I caught my foot on the floor mat and tripped. Yet, again somehow Nikolai caught me.

"Wow, you can't stay upright for very long can you?" he joked as he helped stand me up.

"Thanks again" I muttered as my cheeks turned pink. I was to busy thinking about Edward I didn't think about any think else.

For some reason Nikolai found my blushing comical and chuckled. His chuckling only made me blush more. Edward would have never done that

"Here come on before we are late" said Nikolai, and then he looped arms with me and led me into class.

(Edward's POV)

It was killing me that I wasn't walking Bella to class. I wanted to see her. So I head off toward her normal route to her history class. But before I could get there I was interrupted, by Alice.

"Where do you think you are going?" she said in her harshest tones. Her arms folded, foot tapping the ground.

"Alice, just leave me alone" I mumbled as I brushed passed her.

But, Alice wasn't going to let me get away that easy, I heard her thoughts, she grabbed my arm.

"Edward, no I will not leave you alone. You ended it with her. Now let her go" Alice said softly.

"I just need to know if she is ok" I said quickly and weakly.

"God, are you stupid Edward? You broke her heart of course she isn't ok. She is a mess" Alice roared. Alice's eyes filled with Bella's pain.

"Alice… I didn't want to hurt her" I whispered holding my head in my hands.

"It's to late for that Edward, just please stop left her go. Don't mess with her head, she can't take it" Alice pleaded.

I knew she was right but I couldn't.

"But…" was all I could say before Alice interjected.

"Edward, just go to class, leave Bella alone" as Alice said this the final bell rang.

I head off in the direction of my class, knowing I would have still wait to see Bella with my own eyes. For now I would have to settle for the minds of Mike and Jessica if I want to see her. I decided Mike was my best bet.

Who is this new guy with Bella? Has she been crying? Maybe Jessica is right, her and Cullen broke up. I wonder if it's too soon to ask her out. Oh wait damn it I'm still dating Jessica. Hey wait is the guy linking arms with Bella. Maybe she is over him already.. Naa she loves Edward he probably broke her heart. God I hate that Edward.

My mind was racing, Bella was with another guy. Suddenly I wanted to know who he was and what his intensions were with Bella.

"Mr. Cullen, please answer the question" said the teacher.

I hadn't been paying attention so I had to read the teacher mind for the answer.

1,398 cm, he wasn't paying attention again. Just for once I'd wish he'd listen.

"1398 centimeters" I sighed.

The annoyance played clearly across the teachers face and she was forced to say I was correct like normal. I spent the rest of the class waiting to the bell to ring. I wanted to see her. I didn't care what Alice said besides I wasn't going to talk to her, I just needed to see her. To know that somehow she would be ok, with… without me.

(Bella's POV)

Nikolai was weird and that something strange coming from a girl who just yesterday was dating a vampire. But at least Nikolai was talking to me unlike everyone else today. It was like I had a contagious disease. I had begun to wonder if everyone knew that Edward and I had broken up. The thought brought tears to my eyes.

"Bella, are you all right?" asked Nikolai, in this class he to the right of me.

I sighed and smiled "I'll be ok". I was kind of fed up with saying that now,

Nikolai was so nice to me and we barely knew each other.

"So… where you move from?" I asked causally.

"Up state, New York" said Nikolai as he spun his pencil on the desk.

"Did you like it there?" I asked.

"Not really. A friend of mine died and I've hated it there ever since" he sighed.

"Oh, I'm sorry" I said automatically after hearing about someone dying.

I turned back to my history book. I suddenly felt bad; I had clearly brought up a tender subject for him. It seemed like I couldn't do anything today but bring myself into more despair. Tears began to build in my eyes I had to get out of here. I raised my hand to get the teacher attention.

"Yes, Miss Swan?" asked the teacher.

"Can I go to the restroom?" I asked. Keeping the tears back for a few more minuets.

The teacher only nodded. I quickly rushed out of the room and out into the now pouring rain. Of course it had to be raining, and of course I had to have forgotten my coat in Alice's car and my umbrella back in the class room. But right now I didn't care I had be desperate to get out of there, to be alone. By now the tears were rolling freely down my cheeks. it was ok to cry in the rain.

"Bella?" called the familiar voice of Alice. I wiped the tears away but she probably saw them.

I turned to see her; she had a sad smile on her face and look as though she were worried.

"What are you doing out here?" I asked stupidly.

"I had a vision and saw you crying out here" she said and moved so that I was standing under her umbrella too.

"Alice, he said he didn't love me" I said as I burst into full blown sobbing.

"Oh Bella, I'm sorry" she said, as she hugged me. "I know he does"

I sobbed in her cold arms until I didn't have any tears left.

"We should get back to class. Are you going to ok enough?" asked Alice.

I nodded and walked back in the history building. My clothes were pretty wet and I was shivering. As I took my seat, Nikolai turned towards me.

"I guess it would be silly to ask if it is raining out" he said and gave me another of his prefect smiles.

I couldn't help but smile at his comment, though normally I would get annoyed. Right now I was just glad someone was talking to me. The rest of class I finished reading the chapter in the history book we had be assigned.

(Edward's POV)

When the bell rang I was the first out the door, I was very anxious to see Bella. I was almost out of the building when a strong hand grabbed me.

"Alice doesn't want you near her" said Emmet. Repeating the conversation me and Alice had in the corridor.

"Emmet, just let me go I have to see her" I roared. Fighting with him.

A few students began to stare at us, so Emmet pulled me out of the building.

"No" he shouted in my face.

"I need to see her" I wimpered.

More people began to stare at us.

"You have hurt her enough" said Jasper; he was walking over to us with Alice right behind him stairing at me. I herd her so I shook my head.

"Edward, please, go to class, go home, go hunt, just leave her alone. After all you don't love her" Alice's voice was dark and filled with rage.

I stared at her in shock as did Jasper and Emmet.

"That's what you told her. Didn't you?" Alice asked already ready knowing the answer.

"Edward is that true?" asked Jasper in a confused tone, he could feel that I still loved Bella and didn't understand. I didn't any more.

I looked away from my family's eyes, I was ashamed. I did love her I did.

"Yes, I don't love her anymore" I lied so quietly that only my family could hear.

Suddenly I felt a sharp sting across my cheek. Alice had just slapped me. She looked madder then I had ever seen her before.

"Why are you lying?" she yelled. 2why Edward what aren't you telling her... Or us?"

I said nothing I just stared at her. I couldn't say anything, not if I wanted Bella safe.

"Come Alice we all are going to be late for class. Let's go" said Jasper gently as he slowly tugged her arm in the direction of their next class.

"Just leave her alone" hissed Alice as she left with Jasper.

Emmet walked me to class to make sure I didn't make until unnecessary stops.

All I wanted was to hold her again.

(Bella's POV)

It had stopped raining when class ended but I was still wet and cold. The weather outside wouldn't help much either, it had gotten cold out.

"Bella, wait" called Nikolai as I headed for the door of the class room.

"Here take my blazer" he said and held out his jacket to me.

"But won't you be cold?" I asked.

"I'm not soaked and already shivering, take it" Nikolai gave me yet another of his prefect smiles.

"Thanks" I said as I slipped the blazer on. It smelt funny and felt it to I was used to Edwards soft jumpers.

"Looks good on you" said Nikolai.

I smiled I couldn't help it he was just so sweet.

"What class do you have next?" asked Nikolai as we walked out of the history building and into the cold outside air.

"Trig and you?" I asked in curiosity.

"Biology II, looks like I won't see you again until lunch, I have Trig after Bio" he replied.

"I guess so, thanks again for the jacket, I'll see you at lunch" I said and headed off to the math building which was the opposite direction of the science building. I was half way to the math building when Rosalie, of all people, stopped me.

"Bella, I wouldnt go that way if I were you" she cautioned in a kind voice.

Even though everyone else in Edward's family love and accepted me Rosalie still didn't like me very much. I could just tell.

"And why is that?" I asked, suddenly wondering why she sounded so kind.

"Because Edward is outside of the math building still and unless you want to feel you heart shatter, again, its better that you come with me" said Rosalie.

The idea of seeing Edward after what he said brought tears to my eyes. I missed him so much. But I didn't think I could face him after what had happened.

"Oh god, please, don't start crying" Rosalie said, staring at me as if the very idea of me crying was making her sick. But she hugged me slightly, nothing like Alice's big hugs.

I quickly wiped away my tears and followed Rosalie who had already began to leave. She led me behind a few buildings and to the back entrance to the math building.

"Don't thank me. I only did this because Emmett asked me to" and with that she left.

Emmett asked her to, that explains her suddenly and unfounded kindness towards me. The rest of my classes until lunch went by in a hazy blur. No one talked to me, I felt so lonely. When the bell for lunch rang I suddenly realize that I had no one to sit with at lunch. None of my friends outside of Edward's family had talked to me, so I didn't want to sit with them and be ignored. Then my other normal option, sitting with Edward and his family, was no longer an option. I was outside staring at the lunch room when I started to cry again. Everything in my life had suddenly changed and it was killing me. All I wanted was Edward.

(Edward's POV)

I was in no mood two sit through monotonous classes but currently I had no choice. I couldn't focus only anything, my mind keep coming back to Bella. I miss her, I wanted to see her, but with my family out to make sure I left her alone. I would have to see her through the minds of her friends until lunch. Yet, to much of dismay no one talked to Bella. Once the bell for lunch rang I raced out of the class to see Bella.

"I don't think so" said Emmett, who was waiting for me outside of the classroom.

"Emmett, just…" Emmett interrupted me before I could finish.

"Jasper is right; you have already hurt her too much"

I didn't expect this from Emmett, Alice and Jasper; yes, but not from Emmett.

"Come on, let's just go to lunch" sighed Emmett. Staring to walk off.

Though I wanted more then again to run and find Bella, I followed Emmett in the lunchroom to our normal table. I sat down and scanned the room for Bella, but she was no where in sight.

"Edward, I'm going hunting to night want to come?" asked Rosalie.

Currently Rosalie was then only person who wasn't upset with me.

"Sure" I whispered, still looking for Bella.

I began to wonder if she had gone home, because I highly doubt she would stay out in the pouring raining.

(Bella's POV)

"Bella?" came the sweet and tender voice of Nikolai.

God, why did he keep catching me crying? I turned to face him the tears still rolling down my cheeks. Nikolai face looked somber at the sight of me crying. Slowly he lifted his hand and touched my cheek. His touch was cold and icy just like Edward's which only made the tears worse. Then with his thumb he pushed the tears away from my face.

"Don't cry, Bella. It doesn't suit you" he whispered as his hand slide back down to his side.

I stared into his strange golden eyes. Gradually I stopped crying and he smiled.

"Shall we go inside and get out of this rain?" he asked but he didn't wait for me to respond, he took my hand and led me into the lunchroom. I didn't argue.

As soon as enter the room all eyes were on us. It was like everyone had been waiting for Nikolai.