Chapter 2

"Isabella! Answer me," Edward shouts.

I flinch, but manage to cast my eyes to meet his. His emerald gaze burns with fury and hatred. "Don't pretend to care, Edward. You didn't care when we were younger, and you don't care now. Move along, I don't need your pity!" I fire back.

Edward blanches at my austerity. "Excuse me? That is far from, no," he shakes his head. I raise my eyebrows, trying to decipher what he was about to say. He probably doesn't want to tell me how repulsed he is with me while I am already down. He has been cruel in the past, but as much as I hate him I know that he isn't that harsh. "That is a discussion for another time. Perhaps once you are dry and clean. Come." He bends at the waist and hastily grabs my elbow, making me rise. He releases his grasp immediately and wipes his hand on his slacks.

I stop instantly and back away from him. Edward takes a few steps before he realizes I'm not in step with him. He turns to me with a glare. "Like hell I'm going with you. You'll just take me back to Forks, or leave me on the steps of a shelter. I'll say it again Cullen, I don't need your pity!"

While Edward rants, I am far too ashamed to keep eye contact. I stare at his death grip on the handle of the umbrella. His knuckles have faded practically white, as his voice raises. "I am not giving you my pity, Isabella. I also would never take you back to Charlie, nor would I leave you on the steps of any building. Do you really believe that I am that evil? Can't you see I would never put you in harm's way? I'm just going to help you dry off and get back on your feet. It is the least I can do. And if you don't come with me I will call Charlie, and he will come to you! Now get in the fucking car, Isabella!"

My eyes snap to his while I digest his words. I obediently walk toward him at the mention of my father. I would rather spend eternity with Edward Cullen than to be in the presence of Charlie Swan once more.

I duck my head and slide into the back of the sleek black limousine. I cringe as my soaked clothes stick to the leather. Quietly, I apologize and move to the corner of the seat praying it is far enough and out of reach from Edward.

A couple of minutes into the ride, I realize how quickly I became compliant to Edward. This isn't me, and is totally out of character. We've never been close. It has been a rivalry from day one.

Flashback to April 1992

"Give mommy a kiss so that she can go to work Eddie," Isabella watches Esme lean in to her son for a tender hug and kiss. Her long manicured hands ruffle Edward's red wiry hair. Confusion spreads across Isabella's face. She ponders why she doesn't have that…she wants a mommy.

"Okay mommy! I love you!" Edward cheers.

"Love you more! Have a good day in preschool honey." Esme says as she brushes past us. Her heels click loud on the tile, and her essence smells warm and sweet.

Isabella looks up into Charlie's eyes and juts out her lower lip. "Get out of here kid. I'm going to be late for work." He says with a shove and marches out of the room. The dejected little girl is left staring into the green eyes that she has grown to hate since preschool started. He gets everything he wants, and most importantly doesn't share his awesome snacks that his mommy makes him.

"Hi Izzy. Want to play blocks with me?" Edward questions.

"Why would I want to play with you, Eddie?" Isabella crosses her arms in a huff and storms past a confused Edward. He tots along as the class heads outside into a rare sunny day in Forks. The birds are tweeting and the breeze is cool. Perhaps she was just kidding, Edward hopes.

Come nap time, the preschool teacher Mrs. Berry huddles the children to the carpeted floor and assigned mats. Isabella's eyes are drawn towards Edward like a moth to flame. Why is he always so happy? Probably cause his mommy gives him lots of hugs and kisses. Isabella sighs while she lies down and closes her heavy eyes. She wishes Charlie would give her hugs and kisses. She used to try often, but there are only so many times she could be turned away. Her eyes close as a lone tear streams down her cheek.

Edward wakes with a startle. He is too warm, and when he glances down he sees Isabella is cuddled close to him, and his shoulder is damp from Isabella's tears. He wishes he could take away her pain. The little boy overheard his parent's talking about how angry Isabella's daddy always is. He wonders if that is why she cries in her sleep, and pulls her closer before closing his sluggish eyes.

Mrs. Berry gently wakes her class up with a tender touch to their shoulders. They are so innocent and sweet when they sleep. Isabella and Edward are the last to be encountered. Mrs. Berry notices their intimate embrace and frowns. They end up tangled with one another so much, at such a young age. She knows Isabella's background; perhaps she finds comfort in Edward's contagious smile.

Isabella rubs her drowsy eyes and turns to see Edward smiling down at her. She jolts back and frowns. Oh no, not again. Next time she promises herself she will scoot closer to the dark, long haired boy on her other side.

Later in the day, Isabella is on top of the jungle gym with a group of girls who are giggling and pointing down at a disappointed Edward. He would love to be up there too, but he is terrified of heights and is afraid to climb the steel ladder. His fright is transparent to Isabella, as her gaze zeroes in on him. His eyes fill with tears as Isabella shouts "Ha Ha! Go cry to your mommy, Eddie! You're a big chicken!"

The girls irrupt in giggles making Edward turn and run towards the yellow brick wall. He pulls his legs up tight to his chest and lets the tears stream from his face. He growls as his fingers dig in to his tiny palms "I will never be friends with you again Isabella Swan!"