Disclaimer: The lyrics in this chapter are property of My Chemical Romance. Song: "Vampires will never hurt you".

'He whipped his head around to look at me, and I saw his eyes turn a pitch black color as he glared at me. I knew that color. I knew what it meant. I knew what he was. My binder fell from my hands, smashing the flask on the table into a million tiny, fragile pieces. The last thing I saw was a blur of color as I fell to the floor—then blackness.'

CHAPTER TWO

Edward's POV

I was sitting in the cafeteria with my family, none of us talking or really looking at anything in particular. We had nothing to say. Today was just another boring, tedious day of my existence.

The thoughts of all the students here were flooded with images of the new girl—like some shiny new toy that everyone wanted to get a hold of. I saw that Jessica Stanley was showing her around; she really thought she was on top of the world because she was the first one with the new kid. Really, who cares?

Humans are all the same. They long to be the most popular, the most beautiful, the smartest, the richest—all trivial things that don't matter. They follow each other like herds of cattle; they don't have enough backbone to stand on their own. It truly disgusts me.

I saw time and time again, from every angle imaginable, the new girl in the student's minds. It took so little to rile them up, it was really quite sad. The excitement over her arrival was tiresomely predictable—they were going crazy over the newest novelty. Half the males were already imaging themselves in love with her, just because she was something new to look at.

I tried harder to tune them out.

She was really quite average, not extraordinary in the least. Just a typical, usual, commonplace human girl. I wish they'd all just stop thinking about her already; their excited thoughts are harder to block out.

I stared at the cracks in the ceiling, examining the details of it, making pictures out of the features. Anything to stop the boredom. It seems every time I repeat another day of school, it just gets more monotonous.

'Rose looks really sexy in that kilt...man, it barely covers anything...I so can't wait for tonight...' Emmett's thoughts broke through my silent reverie, and I quickly tried harder to block everything out. I hated intruding on my families thoughts, although sometimes they were just really hard to block. Especially when they were screaming them in their head...like Emmett right now...

I never feel bad listening to his thoughts, though, because he would never think something he wouldn't actually say aloud. Rosalie was much the same, her mind is a shallow pool with thoughts revolving around herself. Alice and Jasper's thoughts are more unique, more interesting to listen to; but for that reason, I try hardest to block their's out. Being a mind reader really gets on my nerves some times; I just wish there was an 'off' button.

Finally the bell rang, signalling time to get to class. My family and I waited for the crowd to leave before following after them; crowds are frustrating, especially when you have to travel at human speed.

As always, we made it to class with a few minutes to spare. None of my sibling had this class with me, so I was forced to suffer on my own in a class where I already knew everything they had to teach. It didn't help that I had girls ogling me every few minutes. If only I could tell them I was a vampire—that would keep them away from me—once and for all. Unfortunately, the law prevents me from doing that, so I'm forced to sit silent and endure it.

I took out a piece of paper and a pen, pretending to take notes. Maybe I'll create a new composition; I seem to be having writer's block lately. Nothing really excites me anymore; it's all so...repetitive, lacklustre, jaded. Maybe when I graduate next year I could convince the family to go to Isle Esme or somewhere similar; anything to get away from the monotony of another school year.

I thought I felt the wind move briefly in the class, but I heard no thoughts of a newcomer, so I returned my focus to my drawing. Truthfully, I was in no way inclined to make a composition, but it seemed a better alternative than simply listening to the teacher drone on to the class that I could be teaching myself.

I was aware of a sweet smell in the room, like freesia and strawberries, but I blocked it from my mind. I hadn't hunted in a couple of weeks now, so I really should be trying not to lust over anyone's blood right now.

Then the sweet smell became closer, and stronger. I could practically feel my already dark eyes going blacker as I heard someone approach. I heard no thoughts from the person, although from those around me I could clearly tell someone was moving towards me. It looked like the new girl; the one who had been going through their minds all day.

Finally, the scent was too much for me to handle. I gripped the table, trying hard to contain my thirst. Then I heard her put something on the floor, and all I could think of was how the sweet liquid would taste running down my burning throat...

I whipped my head around to look at her, planning on the best place to bite her and suck her blood...I shook the thought from my head, but yet I couldn't keep myself from looking at the person who the saccharine scent belonged to...

As I looked into the girl's chocolate eyes, I saw a deep rooted fear. Anger. Pain. I had never had that reaction from a student before—of course, people were always intimated by me, but never that scared.

That's when I realized why she must be so frightened; my eyes were coal black, my eyebrows furrowed, teeth barred, and I was glaring at her with pure hatred...and longing. Longing for her blood down my throat, my teeth ripping through her soft flesh...

A million different scenarios ran through my head of how to kill her: snapping everyone in the room's necks and drinking her dry, luring her away after class, going to her in the night... the list was endless.

So many thoughts processed in my fast, vampiric mind, but it had truly only been a few short seconds. My eyes met hers, penetrating them. I was angry at her—furious that she was bringing these monster instincts inside of me back so quickly. I was angry she smelled so good, that I wanted her blood so badly...

Before I had a chance to think another thought, she was falling onto the floor. The binder in her hand crashed onto the desk, tossing the flask onto the floor and shattering it into thousands of tiny shards.

The new girl was now lying on the ground, unconsciousness. I felt nothing but disgust at myself for what I had done; I had let my thirst get so out of control that I caused her to faint just by glaring at her. I truly am a despicable creature.

"Mr. Banner, sir, I'll go get my father." I told him, not waiting for a response. I had to get out there, now, before the self-hate was overridden by bloodlust.

Carlisle Cullen, my 'father', was the school's doctor, and the poor girl definitely needed him now. She probably hit her head on her sudden fall to the floor—I hadn't paid enough attention to her to document her injuries. My only thought had been escaping.

I raced to his office, my eyes still black as night. "Carlisle! Carlisle, come quick!" I called to him.

"What is it, Edward?" He asked, confused.

"The new girl. She was going to sit next to me in Biology. She smelled so good...and I haven't hunted in two weeks...and I think she's my singer...and now she's on the floor....she fainted." I said frantically, my word's not making full sentences. 'You're a monster! Get out of here! Look what you've done!' A voice in my head chanted over and over again. I couldn't think straight with the voice yelling at me.

"What happened?" Carlisle asked, shocked. From his thoughts, I knew he was jumping to conclusions.

"No Carlisle! I didn't hurt her, at least... I didn't touch her. I didn't mean to...I was overwhelmed by her scent, and I was so thirsty...I looked at her, and my eyes were so dark...she looked at me and instantly fainted, not before I saw the terror in her eyes...

Carlisle, I have to go. I can't handle this; she smells too strong. I can't hurt her, I can't ruin what we are, and I won't expose us. I'm leaving." I told him. I didn't know where I was going yet, but I knew it would be far from here.

Carlisle's thoughts were full of sadness, and he was pleading with me to stay. That I was strong enough to fight this. I hung my head and mumbled sorry to him, before running out of the building. Away from my family, my life.

I ran to the student parking lot, and flung myself into my silver Volvo, before speeding far away from there.

Bella's POV

I opened my eyes to a doctor's office. It was white, clean, and friendly. I lazily began to sit up, but then stiffened as I remembered why I fainted.

One of them was here. In Brinnon. In Heritage Collegiate. My school. My class. My desk. Devastatingly beautiful, sickly pale, sugary smell...all the little things that prove he's one of them.

One of what they were—one of what they are—a vampire.

I began to tremble on the examination table, realizing there was even less time left to my life than I had thought. Well, at least I had my family protected...although coming here only led me straight into the hands of the beast.

Where is he now? And where am I? Did he take me somewhere? Did he bring me to them? Do they know where I am? Do they know these vampires? What are these people going to do with me? Will they finally kill me...or will they continue using me as their 'human guinea pig'?

I felt the tears well up in my eyes and I furiously wiped them away. They can't know I feel pain. They can't know how much this is hurting me. If they knew how much pain they are inflicting on me it would only make this worse. Apathy is the safest way to avoid pain; the more indifferent I am, the less fun they get out of it. At least, that's what I learned from my six months with them.

I heard a voice talk to me, and I tried to focus on it. I blinked my wet eyes and focused my attention on where the voice came from...the light, soft, melodious voice...another one of them!

He had all the marks of the beast, just like the last one...plus more. He had the melodious voice and the obvious grace as well. Who are they, and what do they want with me?

I looked around the room and realized we were still in the school; this was the doctor's office. The blond haired man was the doctor. A vampire doctor. How did he ever get a job here? Then again, he's a vampire...what can't he do?

"Bella, darling, are you all right?" He asked me softly, and I cringed. I heard their voices in my head, taunting me, teasing me...hurting me.

He walked closer. I took in a sharp intake of breath and instantly moved my back further towards the wall, sitting up on the examination table. My breathing was ragged and erratic, although I fought furiously to keep it under control. They can't see I'm weak, that will only make it worse.

He was in front of me, his sweet breath in my face. I shook violently, unable to stop the tremors. I gave up on building a strong facade, and curled up into a ball, hiding from him.

I felt him come closer, so graceful that he didn't make a sound. He put one icy hand on my shoulder, and I let out a sharp, piercing scream.

I screamed as loud as I could possibly manage, putting every ounce of fear and pain I have ever felt into it. Maybe someone will hear me; maybe somehow they'll be able to save me.

"Isabella, Isabella, please, calm down." He crooned, trying to comfort me. I won't be comforted by a killer!

"Get away from me!" I hissed, instantly regretting the words.

'Bella? How could you! Now you're just going to make him mad, he's going to hurt you, Bella! It's all your fault! How could you provoke him like that? You're so stupid! No wonder why the world's against you!' The voice in my head scolded me, and I looked down, ashamed by the truth of the words screaming in my head. This is my fault, and I deserve whatever punishment is coming.

Silence. He said nothing. He did nothing. I looked up, and he was gone. I let out the breath I was holding, relieved that whatever my punishment was, it wasn't happening yet.

I slipped off of the examination table, deciding I should just leave. Maybe he wouldn't be as likely to hurt me if I was mixed in with the rest of the students. For once, being surrounded by people seemed like a good thing.

I walked across the room and reached for the handle when a nurse came in—and not any nurse. She was around 5'6" with caramel coloured hair—as well as pallid white skin, extraordinary beauty, and an irresistible scent. Another one of them!

I stared at her, shocked, unable to form words. Three vampires are here. All that had happened to me...everything....it only happened with two of these monsters. There's no way I'll ever escape this time, especially when they contact James and Laurent.

I gave up. My attempts at living a normal life, of trying to move on, of staying far from anyone like them...they all flew out the window. And once again, the darkness welcomed me.

Edward's POV

I was driving far, far away from there. The only place I could think of to go was Alaska with the Denali Clan.

I let the scene from biology replay over and over in my head. Her scent still intoxicated me; the monster was still raging within me. Yet, it wasn't that which made me focus so deeply in the girl. There was something about her, something that just...fascinated me. I didn't know what it was.

I couldn't hear her thoughts, no matter how hard I tried. Perhaps that had something to do with it? I've never had a person whose thoughts I couldn't hear. Maybe I wasn't concentrating hard enough? Maybe I hadn't been paying enough attention to notice.

But, even that isn't what has me so interested in her. Maybe it was the intense fear she had in her eyes, fear I haven't seen since my 'teenage rebellion' after Carlisle had changed me—the fear when I was about to sink my teeth into their skin and drink their blood dry...

I regret ever having done that. I never should have. I'm a monster, no matter what my family says. I have no soul and am nothing but a beast. The way I acted to that poor, helpless, innocent girl in Biology today...it only shows what I am inside. The horrible creature just craving to get out.

She'll hate me now. She'll probably tremble whenever she sees me. All because I couldn't keep my control—all because I'm a monster.

And it's all her fault too. Damn her. Why did he have to smell so irresistible? Why did she have to be so tempting? Why did she almost make me loose what I had been trying so hard to keep—my title, my place with the Cullens, my title as a vegetarian. All because of her, I almost lost it.

Bella's POV

It's been nearly a week since the incident in the doctor's office.

When I woke up from my second time fainting, I was in my room with a girl I didn't recognize at my side. She introduced herself as Angela Weber. Apparently, the doctor informed the head of the girls' dormitory, Miss Pike, that I was just a tad under the weather and should be excused from my next day of classes.

Miss Pike asked the girls if anyone would be willing to watch over me, and Angela, also on my floor, volunteered. She's really nice; a lot better than that Jessica girl. She is kind, shy, and somewhat insightful. What I like best is she gives me space—she doesn't make me talk about it if I don't feel comfortable.

I obviously wasn't about to tell her that the boy from my biology class was an angry, blood thirsty vampire, and that the doctor and nurse are as well.

For one, she wouldn't believe me. For another, I've been around vampires long enough to know about the Volturi, and that something worse than James and Laurent would happen if I spilled their secret.

So, I settled for the next best thing. I told her about my past, but only briefly. I made her promise not to tell a soul. It was the best way to explain my fainting in class, because it was obvious the boy—if you can even call him that—was what set me off.

'So, what happened in Biology?' Angela asked me. I knew she sincerely was worried about me, and wanted to help out the best she could. I knew I couldn't tell her the truth, for obvious reasons, but I somehow felt the need to somewhat explain my fear of those people.

'I can't tell you everything, Angela, but I can tell you a bit. You have to promise not to tell a soul.' I told her, in a voice soft, low, but slightly menacing. I already knew I could trust her; it was easy to see that she was that type of person. However, I didn't want the whole student body learning of my past. I thought I could answer her cryptically.

'Of course, I would never dream of telling anyone! Whatever you tell me stays between you and me.' She informed me, and I knew that she meant it.

Now, to figure out how to explain my fear of those three people, without actually letting her know what happened. If I tell her I was kidnapped, she'd ask more questions on the kidnappers, and that wouldn't be very good. The less she knows, the better. I'll have to settle for a brief explanation.

'When I used to live in Phoenix, there was a boy who was really mean to me. He looked a lot like the boy in biology, and I just couldn't take it. He bullied me a lot, and that's why I left. I guess you could just say I'm not really strong enough to handle my emotions. Don't worry, though—I'm an easy fainter.' I told her, with a slight chuckle, lying through my teeth. I was strong. Stronger than anyone in this entire school, I bet, at keeping my emotions at bay.

'Please, don't say anything. My parents know about it, but I haven't told them too much. I don't want to burden them with all my problems. I'm really fine—just dealing with some old stuff.' I told her, and surprisingly, that was completely truthful.

'Oh, don't worry Bella! I won't tell anyone! I hope you can move on; I know what it's like to be bullied. But don't worry, the Cullens are good people. The boy, Edward Cullen, he never bothers anyone. He and his family mostly just keep to themselves—they'd never hurt you. No one here would.' She reassured me. Yet, she had no idea how wrong she was.

I couldn't help but wonder...his name was Edward Cullen. Who were the doctor and nurse then? They were obviously all vampires, and shared the same vampiric characteristics. Do they call themselves a family here?

'Thanks, Ang. I have a question...are the doctor and nurse related to Edward?' I asked her. They obviously were related somehow—in the sense they all suck human blood and find the most joy in the world by torturing humans.

'Yeah, they are. The doctor is Carlisle Cullen, and the nurse is Esme Cullen. Edward is one of their three sons—all adopted. The other two are Emmett and Jasper. They had two girls as well, also adopted—Rosalie and Alice.' She informed me. I gasped, and sat there stunned. Could she be possibly telling me that there are seven vampires in this school?!

How would I ask, 'Do they all have razor sharp teeth, eyes that change color, inhuman beauty, super strength and super speed?' As if that wouldn't give them away. However, I knew what I could say to make it sound like I was the same as all the other jaded humans around.

'Do they all have that flawless, pale skin and look absolutely beautiful—like supermodels?' I questioned excitedly, trying to make myself sound like one of those sick girls infatuated with the pictures of guys from magazines. She seemed to buy it.

'Oh, yeah, Edward is gorgeous, isn't he? All the girls are all over him, but it seems really...well, no offence, but kind of dumb. I don't see why they get all that attention just because they look so good. I mean, there's more to people then just how they look... but yeah; they all look the same with their perfect, pale skin and the beauty that stands out.' She informed me. And I knew all I had to know.

I broke down crying, shaking with tremors going down my spine. I was outnumbered—thoroughly outnumbered. They were going to get me. Easily. They were going to hurt me, capture me...I'd never escape again. Everything is over now; there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Just blackness.

I put my head down into my pillow and screamed—just screamed. I let out all of the emotion bundled up inside of me, and just gave in to the pain and sorrow. It's over—nothing matters now. At least I led them away from my family in Phoenix.

I continued to think morbid thoughts, and letting the overwhelming pain seep through my usually composed mask, until I realized Angela was still staring at me in shock.

'Oh...uh...sorry Angela.' I told her, realizing I must look crazy. And that's when I made my decision.

It was obvious that there were plenty of vampires in this school, and that I had little time left. The more fear I showed, the more I'd stand out to them. The one...Edward...he definitely knows something's up with me. By now, his whole coven has probably realized I know their secret. I have to change their minds—I have to act completely apathetic to them, as if they were just another 'human'.

'What's the matter?" Angela asked me, worried.

'Well...it's just...so many emotions at once, you know. The boy in Phoenix who bullied me...he looked really good too. He always made fun of me because he said I was ugly. And then...I'm also really missing my parents, and I'm so happy that you're my friend! And, well, I kind of have some really bad PMS right now...' I told her, blushing. I am a horrible liar; I hope she didn't realize this. Then again, she'll probably mistake the awkward way I was telling her my excuse as for awkwardness for what happened.

I can't believe I just blamed that on PMS. I can't believe I just used that as an excuse. How pathetic am I? Then again, it's also brilliant. I could tell the 'doctor' that that's what happened, and push it off as that. None of the guys would want to know any details—the mere three letters would disgust them, and the girls wouldn't have much to say to it either. Genius.

'Bella! You are most definitely not ugly! You're so pretty! Really, did you not see the way all the guy's in the school were eyeing you up today? Don't let that guy from Phoenix make you think any less of yourself, Bella. You're beautiful, inside and out, you just have to believe it. And I'm glad you're my friend, too. Hopefully I can help you with missing your parents—I know I really miss mine sometimes.' She told me, smiling.

'Thanks a lot, Ang. That means a lot to me. Well, I think I'm just going to catch some sleep now, and take tomorrow off like the doctor prescribed. I'll see you on Wednesday, though.' I told her, hoping to get a chance to be alone and think everything over now.

'Nonsense, Bella! I'll be here tomorrow to drop off each meal for you! But you really should get some sleep. I hope you're feeling better soon.' Angela told me, and left me with a sweet smile.

That was a week ago now, and I've been doing a good job at wearing my mask of apathy around the vampires...er...'Cullens'.

I took Tuesday off school, and used it to practice lying in the mirror. Literally. I know; how pathetic am I? As if a vampire couldn't easily see through that.

I did all of my homework, organized my room, emailed my mom, and even let the news that I had some 'bad PMS' go through the gossip mill by means of Jessica. Hopefully the vampire's believed it...it's not like they get PMS themselves, so they won't have anything to compare it to.

I was nervous going to class Wednesday. They had all been excited by the arrival of the new girl, and now they probably all think I'm crazy after this little episode. Way to make a name for myself.

However, people were still just as eager to talk to me Wednesday as Monday. I varied my excuse from person to person, generally just saying I was feeling a little under the weather. They all seemed to buy it.

The boy from my Government class, Mike, was also in my English, and he took Eric's spot next to me. Eric was not happy about that. I was glad though—Mike appears to shower, unlike some people.

Jessica was all over me for details on my missed day, even though she had already heard through Miss Pike and the gossip mill everything. I just told her that I was feeling too overwhelmed to eat that day and was feeling really light headed, and it caused me to faint. She bought it. Humans are really so gullible, especially when they believe my lies.

It caused me all my strength when we reached the cafeteria that day not to go running under a table and hiding after I saw the four beautiful vampires sitting together at a large round table by an extruding wall. They all had trays in front of them, although none of them bothered to put on the charade and actually eat it.

The all had the flawless, pale skin, the beauty, the melodic voices—the whole kit and caboodle. It was so obvious they were vampires; I didn't understand how anybody could fall for their human charade. Then again, most humans are exceptionally unobservant, and don't pay much attention to anyone else but themselves. One thing really made me curious about them—why did they have gold eyes, and the others have red ones? What do they do differently? Or can vampires choose their eye color? It was odd...the gold seemed so calming, so sweet and peaceful. It made me angry—they should be the blood red color that automatically signalled their brutality. These people tried to cover up what they are—and that just made me mad.

I stayed as far away from them as possible, not giving them a single glance. I couldn't handle catching any of their eyes—perhaps they'd see right through me and realize I know their secret. And perhaps they know Laurent and James... if they do, and they match me to their description, there'd be no chance in hell I'd escape.

I ate with Jessica's group—Mike, Lauren, Angela, Ben, Connor, Tyler, and even Eric came and joined their table. I mostly just talked to Jessica, Angela, and Mike. Mike was frustrating—he was so clingy that it took all my strength not to yell at him to go away.

At least there was one good thing about there being vampires around—I was no longer afraid of human boys. They were safe. They couldn't hurt me. They're weak, slow, and their minds are unbelievably simple. They have nothing on vampires. The only people I have to fear...if you can call them 'people'...are the monsters such as those sitting at the 'Cullens' table.

I stayed close to my new friends, and kept as much distance between me and them as possible. Things were going okay—I was surviving, at least, until it sunk into my mind that the one who glared at me two days ago wasn't there. He wasn't in lunch, and he wasn't in my class.

Everyday I battled my fears, sucked in my breath, and hardened up. I made myself completely numb towards the monsters of the school, and tried to push the thought of them to the back of my mind, although with all my efforts, it barely worked. They were still always front and foremost in my mind.

I began to worry. Edward Cullen wasn't here. One day passed without him, and then another, and then another...soon it was the weekend, and I still had yet to see him. My mind jumped to the worst scenario possible—he must know James and Laurent! He must be telling them about me! They're going to be coming back for me!

I stayed in my room trembling all weekend. There was nothing I could do; I had no way to defend myself. They were coming for me. They were going to get me back. And I could do nothing.

My pillow was soaked in my salty tears, and my throat was dry and aching—I knew it would take a whole night's sleep to get it back to par. Not that I'd be able to sleep.

I grabbed the razor blade from my dresser and stared at it—just stared. All the pain, all the agony, all the nightmares coming back to haunt me. Nothing will ever go right—all that's left for me is pain. But, how can I feel pain, when I'm all ready dead? They can hurt me all they want, they can come and kill me, nothing can hurt me worse when I'm already so numb. Life is nothing but pain, life is nothing but hurt.

And with every darkened thought I let the sharp razor slit a pathway through my soft, pale skin. The blood leaked out and dripped down... I did it again. And again. My tears mixed with blood and my thoughts became full of nothing but hurt. At least the pain I create blocks out the pain that others have caused me. The pain I create occupies my thoughts and helps drive the monsters from my mind.

'And now the nightclub sets the stage for this, they come in pairs she said. We'll shoot back holy water, like cheap whiskey they're always there. Someone get me to the doctor, and someone call the nurse. And someone buy me roses, and someone burned the church. We're hanging out with corpses, and driving in this hearse. And someone save my soul tonight, please save my soul. -- Can you stake my heart? Can you stake my heart? And these thoughts of endless night, bring us back into the light, and this venom from my heart.'

I let the music occupy my thoughts, and my pain overshadow the pain they've caused me, then drifted into unconsciousness to my ever-waiting nightmares.

I let the apathy wash over me, and tried to forget everything. I wanted so bad to runaway, but knew that would only make it easier for them to get me. I wanted to kill myself, but knew that would only hurt my family worse. I wanted to hurt them, but knew I never could. I wanted to tell someone else, but knew that would only make things worse. I'm trapped by dead end after dead end—feeling nothing but pain.

And as I let the nightmares take me away, my only thought was 'why me?'.

Edward's POV

That was it; I had enough. How dare a human drive me from my home?

I'm a vampire for goodness sakes! How could I let a human do this to me? I have strength, I can fight her scent! She has no right keeping me from where I want to be. I can return, and I will return.

It's been a full week since I left, and I've felt horrible. Esme will be missing me so much, and I know Carlisle didn't want me to leave. My siblings will be upset with me for leaving, too. They had phoned me numerous times, but I avoided their phone calls. I didn't want them to see just how weak I really am—what a monster I am.

Tanya has been driving me crazy as well. I should've realized what I'd make her think by coming here, but I wasn't thinking straight when I left. Now she thinks I came back for her, that I changed my mind. But I didn't. I don't like her like that, and I'm sorry for making her feel that way. I just don't feel a need for finding my 'other half'. I'm perfectly complete in myself, and I wish everyone would stop bugging me to find a mate. Don't they realize I don't need anyone?

I loaded into my Volvo and drove far away from Alaska—back to Washington. Back to the Olympic Peninsula, back to Brinnon, and back to Heritage Collegiate. I can get over her scent—I'll hunt thoroughly when I get back, and I'll be ready for her when I get back.

I should really talk to her to make myself seem civil. I really scared her last time by not hunting—that was so stupid of me! How could I have gone so long without hunting, especially when we knew a new student was coming?

And more importantly, why didn't Alice tell me that I'd react like that to the new girl? She must have gotten a vision of it! Although, I didn't read one in her thoughts...but how could she have not?

I'll go back to school tomorrow. I'll see my family again, I'll go back to my normal 'life', and I'll show that girl, Bella, that I'm really not as frightening as I appeared. And who knows, maybe I'll unlock the secrets of her silent mind.

Bella's POV

A new week of school. Joy. I pulled on a long sleeved green uniform to cover my cuts. I sighed as I saw them—I really should stop. It's so hard to hide them from people, to keep them a secret, and I know that only chaos would come out if people found out, but I really have no idea how to deal with these emotions. Sometimes it all seems so...impossible. As if I'll never find my way out. It's the only thing I can think of to—the only thing I can actually control.

Maybe I should try running, or lifting weights, or swimming...some way to cause myself physical pain and get out my frustration without actually hurting myself. That would be the smart thing to do. I really should...I know that's what mom and dad would want. They would be so disappointed in me if they knew what I do. Plus, it's probably not the smartest thing to make myself bleed when there are six vampires in the building...

I wonder where Edward has gone. I really, really hope he doesn't know them—the people of my past. Of my future. The originators of all my pain.

I sucked in a deep breath and got ready for school—earlier than anyone else, as per usual. I was completely ready by 6:00, and had nothing to do. I checked the Phoenix paper, but there were no new articles about my case. Interpretation: no new leads, as expected.

I waited met Angela at her room and watched her get ready, talking about unimportant things like clothes, school events, teachers, homework, or whatever else. Mike was planning a trip to La Push when the weather gets better, so that's been one of the main topics of discussion lately. Apparently Mike hosts good parties, although I really don't understand why anyone would want to go the beach when it's so cold out. Then again, this is Washington. I guess they're used to the cold.

We met up with Jess and Lauren at breakfast, and soon Mike—the loyal golden retriever—was joining us today. Eric and Mike had a certain unwritten, unspoken hostility between them, and I knew it was because of me. I sighed at that, because they really don't realize how very uninterested in guys I am. I may be able to tolerate them now, but that's as far as I'll ever get, as far as I'm concerned. It's not like I have enough life ahead of me to get over my past.

I'd been to Mike's dorm a couple of times; the teachers aren't strict about that here, as long as we're out by ten (although I know Charlie would have a fit). I never want to go, but I want to be polite. And blend in—that's one of the most important things I can do. One of the few things I can think of to do to protect me. Jess or Ang are always with me when I go, though.

English was okay, a little boring. They were finishing their Wuthering Heights unit and were moving on to essays—fun. Government was a joke, I'm pretty sure every kid who attended had marks in the nineties. Mr. Jefferson was an easy marker, and a fun teacher. Mike and I joked around a lot in that class, although to me it was more of a show—pretending I'm happy, and normal.

Normal has become such a fake word to be lately. Normal means facade in my head.

Trig is torture, as can be expected. I've never been good at math. I swear Mr. Varner always finds some way in class to pick on me. I can never answer his questions, and it doesn't help that Jessica's always whispering to me.

Spanish is easy, because Renee often spoke it at home just for the heck of it. It was good to have another class I could slack off in, because with my overwhelming thoughts it was hard to focus on anything too hard.

I walked into the cafeteria with Jess, and Mike soon joined us. I quickly learned that Jessica has a 'thing' for Mike. I've tried my best to explain to her that she can have him, but I don't think she trusts me. She only hangs out with me for the popularity, really. From what I've heard, before I came along she just thought she was one of the 'cool kids', but now she actually is. It's hilarious the juvenile thoughts these humans have. It actually takes some of the stress I have away by just listening to their pointless chatter.

Mike, Jessica and I were in the lunch line ordering food, when I saw him. Edward. He was back. I stared at him intently, wondering where he had gone, and if they know where I am now.

Then it really hit me that he was back. The seventh vampire, here. The one who saw just how frightened I acted—he's going to know something's up with me! And now I have a whole class with him!

"Bella...Bella? What's wrong?" Mike asked me concernedly, waving a hand in front of my face. I snapped out of it quickly.

"Oh, uh, nothing." I said, quickly removing my stare from the Cullens—but not before Jessica had followed my gaze.

"Oh, trying to make a move on the Cullens, Bella? Don't even bother. They're all together....and they're adopted! It's probably illegal. Edward is the only one that's single, but apparently none of the girls here are good enough for him." She pouted. I couldn't help but smile, despite the dour of the situation.

She should be happy he's not interested in any of the girl's here—having a vampire's interest is definitely not a good thing.

I got my food quickly, and followed Mike and Jess to the table. They were discussing the La Push trip, again, but I listened intently, trying to distract my thoughts from Edward and the rest of his family.

"Bella, are you sure you're all right? You look scared." Mike told me. Shoot! I thought I had been doing a good job at hiding it! I quickly put on an apathetic mask, and glanced over at Edward's table to see if he noticed. Apparently, he didn't.

"No, I'm fine..." I told him, in the strongest voice I could muster.

"Bella, you're not seriously interested in a Cullen, are you?!" Jessica spat, looking at the table I had just glanced at a moment ago.

I looked back with her, and saw that Edward was staring at Jessica. And then his gaze drifted to me. I stared back at him, trying my best to mask my feelings in apathy, holding the tremors in. I quickly looked back to my food, keeping my eyes down.

"Bella! Edward Cullen is staring at you!" She squealed.

"He doesn't look angry, does he?" I questioned, hoping that he hadn't already realized I know what he is, because he would surely be angry at me for that.

"Does he look mad?" I questioned meekly.

"Why would he look mad?" She questioned, looking back at me.

"I don't know...I just don't think he likes me very much." I confessed, although it wasn't the whole truth.

"He's still staring at you." She informed me.

"Stop looking at him!" I hissed. She giggled, but did as I asked. I sighed, relieved. This is going to be a long day.

Lunch eventually ended, and I wearily made my way to Biology. Mike walked me to class, although I tried to avoid him. It was snowing outside today, and everyone was constantly having snowball fights. I hate snow. The kids seemed to realize this, and after glaring at Jessica, even she didn't throw a snowball at me.

I walked into Biology hesitantly, and took my seat at the lap desk. He wasn't here yet. Good. I took out a piece of paper and began doodling nonsense, trying to keep my mind off what was just about to happen—I was about to have to spend an entire hour sitting next to a monster.

Just the thought put shivers down my spine.

I heard the stool beside me being pulled out roughly, but I didn't turn my head. The less notice I give him, the better. I kept my head down, focused on my design—which was no lopsided due to the slip of the pen I made when I noticed his presence.

I wonder why he pulled out his stool so loudly. He's a vampire—he could be a bit smoother than that. Maybe he's trying to make up for how obvious it is that they don't eat. Although, maybe it's just obvious to me.

"Hello," he said in a quiet voice, soft and smooth like velvet.

I looked up, startled. He was talking to me? Why? What did he have to say? He knows I know—doesn't he?! What is he going to do? What is he planning?

I blushed under his scrutiny. I was feeling nervous—why was he staring at me so intently? What he planning on saying? What was going through his thoughts right now?

"My name is Edward Cullen. I didn't have a chance to introduce myself last week. You must be Bella Swan." He said, politely.

I gasped. He called me Bella Swan. My shortened name. No one here knows me by anything less than Isabella, unless I've told them otherwise. I've never told him, or anyone in his coven, to call me Bella. So why did he call me that?

There was only one possible solution: he had talked to them. He had talked to James and Laurent—about me.

I let out an involuntary gasp, before reigning in my frightened and shocked emotions. Putting on my mask of apathy, I turned back to talk to him—more petrified than ever.

So, I hope you guys liked that chapter! I hated the week in Twilight where Edward left -- I was so anxious for him to return! So, I tried to make his departure quick.

I hope you guys don't mind the reference to self-injury; it really does happen a lot, and Bella never saw a therapist or had anyone to talk to about what happens, and she's feeling a lot of pain, so she's just trying to find answers as to what she should do to deal with everything.

Well, anyways, thanks for the reviews on the last chapter guys! That was aweomse!! (: Please review for this chapter too!