A/N: Hey, thanks for the awesome reviews! I only had one really bad review and that amazes me sooo much! Okay, if I haven't replied to your review, I'm sorry. I'll try better this chapter. Um... I was given a really good idea by Terrabith and I'm hoping it will be used soon... So, I will give her credit when it happens. She wants it in this chapter and I'm going to try but yeah... On with the chapter! Also...I know it's been like forever since I've updated anything but I've been going to school - so far all A's - and we just moved... Yay!

Chapter Two: Open Book

I thought the next day was going to be way worse than it actually was.

When I woke up, there was no rain yet but I was amost sure that it would start up some time during the school day. I never once had to "look" for my classes mainly because Mike and Eric always fallowed me around like lost puppies. When I first got to English class, there was no one around me but lo and be hold Mike and Eric walk in...and they both went to my left and right. I was thankful for at least knowing Mike, Jessica, and Eric well enough to have a good set of people to sit with at lunch, so that made my day pretty good.

What made my day worse was that Mr. Varner made me answer a question when I had no idea what the hell it was and I had to play stupid volleyball. Since my change, I was slightly better at sports but I still hate them. Like today during the game, I was doing pretty damn good when all of a sudden a ball comes towards me and I hit a teammate in the back of the head... And the worse thing about my day was that he wasn't here at school today...at all.

I was postively dreading lunch today, from the time I fell asleep last night and still by the time I woke up this morning. When I was hunting last night, I was thinking of ways to confront him, wanting to know what his damn problem was but I knew that I would chicken out... I was still a chicken, that would never change. And when Jessica and I walked in, I was determined to confront him, I really was! But when my eyes traveled towards his table, there was only four, not five.

Before we could even head to the table we sat at yesterday, Mike caught us by calling us towards his table. Jessica was extremely happy with the turn of events and quickly called her friends over. I wanted to listen to what they were saying, I really did, but my eyes kept looking for him and by the end of lunch, my hopes for confrontation went down the drain.

Because he never came.

When Biology came around and I still had Mike trailing behind me talking about some trip to the beach, hope swelled back in me. Only to be dashed down again when he wasn't at our lab table. With my table empty, Mike thought that was the perfect place to place his behind on and continued on talking. He sat there talking about that damn beach trip until the bell went off and he had to go to his table with some girl with braces. I realized that he had to have some feelings for me and I needed to find a way to dash those feelings pretty soon because I was certain he wasn't my true love.

What is something I could call him? Oo, a golden retriever! They are always faithful right? I thought while a smile came onto my face.

Being able to have the table to myself was pretty nice but I was hoping he was just absent today and it had nothing to do with me. Though I had this nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that I was wrong. That I was the reason why he skipped and I had no idea why... Actually I had a sinking feeling that he was one of those weirdos that believed in vampires and werewolves and witches and wizards and all that shit, and he knew about me. And was planning on trying to shove a wooden stake through my heart. I wasn't sure if that was possible yet but who knows...it could still kill the human part of me!

By the end of the day, and with my blush already fading from my cheeks, I changed into my skinny jeans, half-sleeved deep purple shirt, and was quickly pulling my light jacket and leather jacket on, I made my way towards my truck. Thankfully missing my new retriever, Mike, and finally opening my truck and getting in. Watching all of the other students, moving towards their cars or talking by the school; I made sure that I had grabbed the list and money last night.

When Charlie came home last night - after my nice hunt - I realized he doesn't know how to make shit, other than eggs and bacon. So, I flat out told him that I was now the cook of the house and he was completely fine with that. After discovering that we had no food, I made a list and grab all of the money out of the food jar and decided that I was going to the only supermarket in town.

Turning the truck on and ignoring all of the looks from my classmates, I pulled out into the line and waited. That was when I noticed the Cullens and the Hale twins getting into the shiny, silver Volvo. Of course they were dressed in what looked like designer brands and that made me think that they must have money.

But before I could think of anything more, I pulled out of the parking lot and onto the street. Making my way towards the Thriftway, I realized this was going to feel normal mainly because I did the shopping at home and I liked the idea of there being a sense of normalcy. That was probably going to be my favorite part of this; I was getting back into my habits and yes, one of them was shopping and cooking for a parent. Though I was actually living with someone who wasn't going to need me to do everything...maybe I could actually be a teenager like my mom always wanted. Go on a few dates and what not...just not with Mike, never with Mike!

After finishing up at the store and putting the groceries up, I sat down at one of the old mismatch chairs to think about what to make for dinner. Finally, I decided on steak and potatoes, before getting everything ready and grabbed my bag before running upstairs. I knew with all of my pent of anger that I needed to hunt...we found out if I was upset in any type of way - anger and/or sadness - that I needed to hunt or I almost lose myself... My mom, Phil, and I weren't sure what would happen if I lost control and bit a human that wasn't my true love, and we never wanted to know what would happen.

So, with that in mind and not being able to find my poor Mittens, I ran out and into the woods. I realized she probably figured out that there was something different with me and it scared her. But I knew once I was okay and had a deer or two in my system that everything would be okay. When I had my first hunt, the night of my seventeenth birthday, I was scared and I had no idea what the hell I was doing. I mean, how was I supposed to do this without getting blood on my clothes or how was I supposed to attack them properly? But when I first smelled that bobcat, my natural instinct came over me and I pounced on that poor unsuspecting animal, it really couldn't win against me... Since then I've learned that I liked mountain lions the best but any type of deer was fine with me. As long as I had something to feed on. Once I was deep enough in the woods, that no one would be near me, I closed my eyes and listened.

Hunting was seriously my favorite thing to do now, other than read and cook...but this was a vampire thing and I loved it. Standing in the woods, with my eyes close trying to hear something that smelt edible to me was something I loved to do and these hunts always gave me time to think. Though today, I didn't want to think, so I pushed the thoughts of Edward Cullen and why he wasn't at school today out of my mind and ran towards the north, where I heard the noise of a poor deer.

I never felt bad about ending a life of an animal mainly because that meant I wasn't killing a human being who would be missed by many other humans. Though, that wasn't the reason why I didn't feed off of humans... Not only was I told to feed off of animals by Stephanie, I hated the smell and sight of human blood. It made me nauseous way before I turned, like during my childhood and before I became a half-vampire. Once I was near the poor, poor deer - who was in all actuality a buck, thank God - I got ready to pounce. Getting into a stance to kill was effortless but I always had to figure out the right time and that normally had me in my stance for a minute or two before I pounced.

Seeing my opening, I jumped through the air, snapped his neck and punctured my fangs into his neck to stuck him dry. Once I was done with him, I dropped the poor dead buck and stood. Only to hear something from my left... Freaking out, I ran at top speed all the way home and up to my bedroom before making my way towards the bathroom to brush my teeth.

Once I had changed into a pair of my favorite sweats - a long sleeved blue shirt with vampire fangs and a drop of blood and grey pants with stars down the side - I was sitting on my bed with my homework all around me - Mittens had finally came out of hiding from underneath my bed. I decided to check my email and what a horrible thing in some ways to do and also a blessing in others...all because I had three emails from my mother!

Bella, write as soon as you two get home... I want to know about everything! Your flight, how Charlie took the news, if he allowed you to have a kitten, have you been hunting yet, and is it raining yet? Sweetheart, I'm missing you already! I will miss your hunting trips and all of your vampire traits! Oh, do you know where my favorite green blouse is? I need it to be finished with packing for Florida. Phil and I love you! Mom.

Rolling my eyes I went to the next one and sighed because it was only hours after the first...

Where are you? Are you okay? I want to hear everything! Mom.

And then the last was from this morning.

Isabella Marie Swan,

You have until five-thirty to email me or I'm calling Charlie!

Looking at the clock, I saw that I had an hour but knowing her... She would be calling him soon.

Mom,

Look, I'm writing now...I just didn't know what to write about... Okay, well, I don't understand why you think it wouldn't be raining! The flight was fine and dad didn't look too freaked out after I read the letter to him. Yes, I now have a kitten! Her name is Mittens and is just the cutest thing ever! Charlie bought me an old truck, but I love it; even though it brings me unwanted attention.

I've been hunting twice already, mainly because I'm trying to adjust here... I have met some really good people here and have a huge group of people to sit with... We both should have known that me coming home would be the talk of the town, so I have to be careful. No, I haven't found any guy that even makes me think of him being my mate.

Oh, and your blouse is at the dry cleaners! You were supposed to pick it up on Friday. I miss you too...a lot! Tell Phil I said hi and that I love him. Don't expect me to check my email every day. I love you too. Bella.

Once my long email was done, I pushed my laptop aside and started on my homework. I, of course, lost track of time and was able to finish all of my homework when Charlie came home. Running downstairs quickly, so I can take the potatoes out and put the steaks in to boil.

"Hey Bella. Mittens." My dad says with a grin as he hangs up his gun belt. I was pretty sure he has never even shot his gun on the job but when I was little, he always made sure to take the bullets out. Now, I'm one, old enough to not shoot myself and two, my skin is tougher than what it was when I was a child.

Smiling, I walk into the kitchen to make sure nothing was burning. "Hey, dad. I hope you don't mind but I went grocery shopping and we are having steaks and potatoes for dinner." He nods his head before going to watch TV while I finished everything up. Once the food was done and the table set, I called him into the kitchen. We sit in silence for a while before he asks me how school has been. "Well, I've met a few people... I sit with this girl, Jessica, and her friends and there this boy that is a little too friendly. His name is Mike."

Charlie laughs before telling me all about the Newton family. "They're a nice family, Bella. You will have one hell of a friend in him."

"Yeah, well, I'm sure he wants to be more than friends. And that's a no go with me." I tell him with a roll of my eyes. "Do you know anything about the Cullen family?" I look down at my food before mumbling, "The kids don't seem to get along with anyone at the school."

Charlie grunted before he started his rant. "Dr. Cullen is probably the best surgeon we have had in this town in probably the longest time! And we are lucky that his wife wanted to live here! Their adoptive kids have never, ever got into any type of trouble here...unlike others kids here..." He continues to ramble and I roll my eyes.

"Dad, I just meant that they seem very nice...but no one really knows them... Jessica says it's like incest since their adoptive kids are together but none of them are really related... Both Angela and I think she's wrong about that..." I tell him with a shrug before we fall back into silence to finish our dinners.

The rest of the week passed by and I finally was getting the hang of everything. I was able to put a name to a face of everyone in my class and actually stopped worrying about Edward coming to class. When Friday came around, my whole table of friends, if you would call them that, was talking about the upcoming trip to La Push. Mike was the one who was organizing the whole trip and he was seriously pushing my buttons. I didn't like him more than a friend and he really needed to realize this very soon.

The weekend went by slowly and was quiet. Charlie was either working or went fishing with some of his friends from La Push. I spent the weekend cleaning and then getting ahead on my homework. When Monday came around, everyone said hi or good morning and I just waved at them...since I wasn't sure who most were.

After English class ended, where Mike had once again nabbed the seat beside me, we walked out into swirling white flakes. The first actual snow fall I've ever seen before. "Beautiful!"

"I know, it's the first snow fall we've had this year." Mike said with a smile on his face but then it quickly became a frown. I saw his hair dripping wet and Eric walking the opposite direction than his class. Mike turned around and saw Eric and then started making a snow ball. We said good-bye and I walked towards the building where my next class was.

After Spanish, more people were throwing snow balls everywhere. Jessica and I were laughing at everyone, though I still kept a binder as a shield. I did not want to be wet! We ran into a dripping wet Mike on our way into the cafeteria and they started talking about the snow fight.

We walked up to the lunch line and out of habit, I looked over towards that familiar table and saw not four but five people. I was in shock for only a couple seconds before Jessica pulled me along. "You okay?"

"Yeah...I'm just suddenly feeling a little queasy...uh, I'm just going to take a sprite and sit down at our table." We walked towards our table once they both got their foods and I was still in shock that he was at school today!

All throughout lunch Mike kept asking me if I was okay but I wanted to shoot him in the face! He was wondering if I needed to go to the nurse but nothing was going to make me not go to class.

Sighing, I glanced over at their table and saw all of them laughing. The boys were all soaking wet from playing in the snow and Alice and Rosalie were giggling while trying to run away from Emmett's wet hair. I wasn't sure but something was different with them. It might be the laughing or the snow but none of them looked as tired as they did that first day...

I was about to look away when Jessica made a comment which made Edward's eyes flickered over towards us. Looking over at Jessica, I tried to pretend to be listening to the group's beach planning. "Oh my god! Edward is totally checking you out!" Jessica giggles and I role my eyes before looking back at him and then back at my group of friends.

Lunch passed quickly and then I was on my way towards Biology with Mike...who was more than annoying than he has been! When we made it through the rain and into our class room, I saw that my table has yet to have a body in the seat beside mine and on each lab table was both a microscope and a box of slides.

Going through my bag for the supplies I would need for class, I received another shock today by his voice. "Hello, I'm Edward Cullen and you must be Bella Swan. I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to meet properly last week." He was polite! This couldn't be the same person!

"How and in the hell do you know my name?" I asked with a glare. He laughed as he told me that everyone knows my name. "No, how did you know I prefer Bella?"

He laughed once again before answering my question. "I know your first day here everyone was calling you Isabella but when I came back, everyone was calling you Bella."

I nodded before Mr. Banner started talking. We had to put the slides back in order of the phases of mitosis for onion root tip cells. We can't use our books and we had twenty minutes before Mr. Banner walked around to check our work. "Whoever finishes first will receive the golden apple!"

"Do you want to go first?" I nodded before looking at the slide after placing it under the microscope. We went back and forth between passing the microscope when I felt his hand touch mine. It felt like an electric current had passed through our hands...maybe that was supposed to happen when I met him. Maybe that was what Stephenie meant when I found that one guy.

We were finished before everyone else and I finally looked him in the eyes and noticed the difference in him. "Did you do something different with your eyes? Like contacts?" He shook his head no and I rolled my eyes, knowing that he had to have done something.

"Edward, this lab assignment was supposed to be a group assignment between your partner an you. I know you're used to working alone but you now have a lab partner." Mr. Banner said as he looked over our correct, completed lab sheet.

I rolled my eyes once again - it seems like I've been doing that way too much since I've moved here - and corrected him. "I actually identified three out of five...I've done this lab in Phoenix but with whitefish blastula instead."

"Oh...were you in an advanced placement program?" I nodded my head yes and he clapped his hands excitedly. "This is great! Edward, I believe you have the perfect lab partner!" Edward and I both nodded our heads as Mr. Banner placed the golden apple on our table.

We sat in silence for a few minutes before he asked out of the blue why I had moved to Forks. "There were a lot of um...changes to happen to me after my birthday in September and even though my mom, Renée, and my step-dad, Phil, wanted me to stay... I felt like I needed to stay with Charlie for awhile... So...here I am." He nodded his head and we sat in silence for the rest of class.

A/N: Was that better? Terrabith, your idea is in there... Um... Again if y'all have any questions you want to ask me... Ask away! Oh, there is a reason why Bella is different...