I don't own anything Twilight. The idea of Bella being a mind reader is mine and a few events. Everything else belongs to Stephenie Meyers. No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter 2: Lapse

Tuesday arrived like any other day; gray and wet. Charlie was already gone by the time I came downstairs. There was a mild drizzle coming down when I jumped into my red metal beast of a truck and drove to school. Everything was normal, unfortunately. I walked toward my English class with a little haste in my steps. Just like in Phoenix, there were things I couldn't escape from.

'Wow! That new girl Bella is hot!'

'Wonder what type of guy she likes?'

'I can't believe the Cullen's were staring at her so much yesterday?'

I cringed at that thought. I don't even know the answer to that one. The thoughts continued and worsened. Some people belittled me, saying I wasn't that pretty or interesting. I already knew that. Others were wondering when to ask me out or how to get into my pants. I entered my English classroom and breathed a sigh of relief, there were only a handful of students present at the moment and all thoughts were on the recent assignment.

I headed toward my desk when I noticed the incredibly handsome guy sitting next to the open window. I think Jessica said his name was Jasper, one of the Cullen's obviously. Wasn't he cold sitting next to the open window? And what was so fascinating on the other side that he was interested in looking at. I sat down at my desk in the back and took out my assignment.

'I can't believe he went to Alaska! All because his soulmate turned out to be his 'singer'. Geez, what a wimp.'

Was that Jasper? Or was it another student? I looked up and scanned the room. But no luck. The room started to fill with my classmates and class got underway. Throughout my last classes till lunch I worked on the much needed grocery list. I had snagged the money from the jar labeled "Food Money" and hoped it would be enough. All my morning classes proceeded like always, normal and boring.

Finally, it was lunchtime. I sat by Angela since she was the only decent person in the group. I sat down and started to pick at my poor excuse for pizza.

'He's messing up everything!'

I looked up but realized the thought hadn't come from this table. I took a quick look over to the Cullen's table. Only four unnaturally beautiful beings sat. The one I assumed was Alice had her arms crossed over her chest and she looked truly annoyed. Jasper was trying to comfort her.

'Too bad she hadn't seen this possibility in her vision. A singer and a soulmate in one, that's gotta be torture.'

What is this 'singer' they keep mentioning. I can't sing to save my life so they must be talking about someone else. I attempted to eat my pizza, if this is what they considered food; I'd almost enjoy eating dirt more.

'A human soulmate for a vampire…that's gotta mess someone up.'

After hearing Emmett's comment I choked on a bite of pizza. Angela jumped up and got ready to do the Heimlich maneuver but I managed to get the piece down and assured her I was alright.

Angela sighed with relief as she sat down but kept her hand on my shoulder. "Are you sure you're ok?" I nodded. "What happened anyway?"

"I guess the bite was too big." I tried to make it sound plausible.

'Too big, the girl barely nibbles her food. Maybe she has an eating disorder.'

Lauren's vicious thoughts echoed in my head. Well at least everyone else bought my excuse.

I snuck a quick look over to the Cullen's; they all look tremendously worried as they looked over at me. Why me? Haven't they ever choked…no I guess not, unless you can choke on blood. I looked back down at my half nibbled pizza. Could what Emmett thought be true, could Edward…no…the Cullen's be vampires? That would explain their inhuman gorgeousness and elegance. But why are they at a normal 'human' high school? How are they doing it?

'Whew, I thought we were going to lose her before we got to know her.'

'That was close! Someone actually knows the Heimlich maneuver? Need to keep that girl around Bella. She can't even eat without having an accident.'

'Why can't Edward except that he does have a soul and a soulmate, even if he is a vampire. Just look at Rose and Em or Carlisle and Esme or Jaz and me. He really does have too much self-pity.'

So they really are vampires, mythological creatures, legendary beings. They defiantly don't appear like the stereo typical vampires you see in movies. I wonder how much of the myths are actually true. I have so many questions but I don't think I should reveal that I know their secret yet. If they really believe what I am, or am suppose to be, then they'll have to divulge the truth, won't they. Despite their apparent inhuman status, I found myself having an increasing fondness for the family. Now, if only I could figure out Edward. I wonder how long he's planning on being in Alaska.

The bell rang and startled me out of my reverie. If anyone at the table noticed me daydreaming, they didn't say anything. We all vacated the table and went to our respected classes.

Biology was unusually boring. Aside from already having learned this subject last year in Phoenix, the absence of my lab partner (even if he did hate me) made it yet further boring. I rested my check on the cool table top and thought about what I had discovered at lunch.

"Ms. Swan, can you answer the question?" Mr. Banner asked, thinking I was sleeping during class.

Without skipping a beat, I answered his question. "Squid are of the Teuthid family, which are comprised of around three hundred species." I glanced up at Mr. Banner who was speechless. After about a minute of silence he continued teaching.

'Whoa, a hot body and brains. I wonder what else she can do…'

I tried really hard to block out Mike's thoughts before they got graphic. I focused on what happened at lunch again. That topic seemed to keep my mind active. The bell rang and everyone emptied the room besides me, I had no urge to hasten to gym.

I made it to class with four minutes left to dress down and get on the court. The second I stepped through the locker room doors a pair of arms laced around my right arm. I looked up to see Rosalie smiling at me.

"Emmett and I will be your teammates today, it's safer and we can cover for you."

I gave her an enormous smile, and surprisingly, I was truly in high spirits. They couldn't be traditional vampires, to be this close to fresh blood and not even flinch. "Are you sure? I might accidentally hit your boyfriend in the head with the ball."

Emmett and Rosalie burst out laughing, they sounded like wind chimes during a wind storm, and it was fascinating.

"Don't worry, I have a hard head." Emmett leaned over and whispered in my ear. "What you should do though is aim for Newton over there."

We all tried to giggle quietly as to not draw attention to ourselves.

'Damn, she's teaming with the Cullen's. Now I need to rethink my plan.' Mike glared over at us as his mind attempted to form a scheme.

I was extremely grateful the Cullen's snagged me for their team, now I was safe from Mike…for the moment. For the first time in my life, gym was actually fun. I did attempt one hit but it looked like it was going to leave our court. Emmett saved it with a well angled spike. It almost hit Mike.

'DARN, missed!'

I giggled to myself quietly but Emmett and Rosalie glanced over at me curious. I just shook my head to dismiss them. The bell rang a few minutes later; our team won of course, with two vampires how could we not. I started to giggle to myself again at my connection.

"Well aren't we a little giggle box today." Emmett walked over and looked down at me with golden eyes.

"No kidding. I don't think I've ever heard you laugh. So what brought this on?" Rosalie smiled at me 'Edward will love her laugh…if the idiot ever comes back.'

"I've never had so much fun in gym class before. I'm sure you two had everything to do with that fact. Oh, Emmett, were you actually aiming for Mike on that last spike?"

Emmett grinned down at me, "who me?" He started to laugh as he walked toward the locker room. "Oh, call me Em, it's easier." He shouted as he walked through the doors.

Rosalie and I headed to the changing room next. "Hey Bella, please call me Rose, my family does. Having a three syllable name can suck sometimes."

My eyes widened. "Are you sure? I mean if it's just your family then I…"

"It's alright. You're my only friend outside my family anyway, please grant me that much." Rosalie beamed a perfect smile at me. 'And if Edward ever gets his head out of his ass, you will be family.'

I had to bite my lower lip so I wouldn't laugh at her thought. I smiled and nodded, "Ok, Rose."

We changed and headed for out vehicles. All of a sudden Emmett ran up and threw Rosalie over his shoulder. He turned on me unexpectedly with a serious look. "You'll join us for lunch tomorrow."

It wasn't a question, it was an order, and I started to laugh loudly. "Yes…I'll join you tomorrow for lunch. Will your family be there too?"

Emmett all of a sudden looked hopeless. "Alice and Jasper will be…I can't say about Edward. He went to visit some friends up north." 'The jackass!'

I looked at the ground ashamed. "I can't help but feel I had something to do with his sudden departure. He freaked out yesterday when I was appointed his lab partner."

'Oh god, damn you Edward.' "Em put me down." Emmett placed Rosalie softly on her feet and she closed the few feet between us and wrapped me in her surprisingly cold but comforting arms. "It's ok, it's not your fault my brother is a bastard and jackass. He'll come back. He never stays away for long."

"Yeah he's still a baby, he'll get home sick." Emmett's attempt at humor cheered my up. 'And if he wants to keep pouting, I'll drag his over-sentimental ass back from Alaska!'

"Thank you Em, Rose. You guys have defiantly made this dreary school more appealing."

"Just wait until you meet Ali and Jaz."

"Tomorrow then." I smiled at my two new friends and headed for my truck. If this is what vampires are really like then Stroker was WAY off. Other than their physical magnificence, cold skin and remarkable eye color, they appear like ordinary teenagers…teenagers? How old are they really?

I arrived at the grocery store before I knew it and it didn't take me very long to complete the shopping with some change left, unexpectedly. I got home, put the food change back in the jar and put the food away. I then ran upstairs and put my backpack on my bed and a flashing caught my eye.

On my computer screen a 'You've got mail' blinked incessantly. I knew it was my mom and figure I'd better write back before she called Charlie to make sure I was alright. After waiting what felt like an eternity, I finally made it to my inbox. Sure enough, it was from my mom.

Bella,

Why haven't you written yet? I know it's only been a few days but I need to know your ok. Did you get into school alright? Have you made any friends yet? How's Charlie? Is it raining, bet it is.

Love Mom

Well at least it wasn't a million questions, but some incredibly significant ones.

Mom,

Don't worry I'm fine; I made it to forks in one piece. Charlie already had me registered so I started school yesterday. He bought me a truck too. I love it, despite the fact that it roars like a lion down the street. I've made a few friends, two of them I absolutely adore already. They're in my PE class and they actually made it fun. And there are a few people…I want to avoid like an epidemic. Charlie is fine. He seems ecstatic that I'm here. And yes, it's raining.

Love Bella

I was a bit surprised that my return email was longer then what my mom sent. Oh well, that will make her happy. I then went down stairs to make dinner.

I had just finished the salad and was pulling the steaks out of the broiler when Charlie walked through the door.

"Hi Bells…that smells good." He hung up his coat and gun belt and sat down at the table. I placed his plate in front of him, he hesitated for a moment.

"Its ok dad, it's edible, unlike mom I can cook. No chocolate covered bacon here." He sighed in relief and started eating ravenously.

"So how was school? Make any friends yet?"

"It's good. And yes I have made a few. Two are actually in my PE class. Rosalie and Emmett Cullen, they made gym fun today. Do you know them?" I hope he had some information about the family; even 'human' facts were fine.

"Wow you've befriend some of the Cullen's. They're a great family. I've never had any trouble from and of the kids; wish I could say the same for the local kids. Dr. Cullen could work in L.A. if he wanted but his wife wanted to live in a small, close-knit family town. They've been here about two years now. They're the definition of a perfect family. Camping trips, family game nights, picnic at a park and they're all old fashioned."

I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing at his last comment. I wondered just how 'old fashioned' they really were.

'I wouldn't mind if she started to date one of the Cullen boys…well maybe not the big one…'

"You don't have to worry. The big one is already taken." I watched as Charlie turned a dark crimson. "And the tall blond guy is taken too." I started to push my food around on my plate. "So that only leaves the lanky, bronze haired one, but I don't think he likes me much."

Charlie's eyes went wide, "how could someone not like you…"

"Thanks dad. I'm going to go to my room and do my homework ok." I didn't wait for an ok; I rinsed and waited for the next day.

I always hated the middle of the school week. But today, I was going to meet the rest of the Cullen's. Lunch break couldn't get here fast enough. My morning classes seem to drag on for twice the normal length of time. The bell finally rang, releasing me from Trig. I nearly ran to the cafeteria, purchased my food and headed for the table in the corner where four inhuman beauties sat.

I walked up to the table but didn't sit. "Hi, I'm Bella. Emmett ordered me to sit with you guys today, is that…" my question was cut short when the dark haired girl jumped up, placed my tray on the table and gave me a hug.

"I'm so glad to finally meet you." She leaned out of the hug but kept her arm over my shoulders. "I'm Alice and that's Jasper."

Emmett's laughter exploded and echoed in the large room. "Ali let her go; she looks like a deer in the headlights. I don't think she was expecting that reaction. It's ok Bella, relax, she's always like that."

I smiled briefly and Alice stuck her tongue out at Emmett. After Alice released me and almost shoved me in my seat, she went and sat down herself. Alice was grinning the entire time we talked and I ate.

'My god, Edward doesn't know what he's missing, she's fascinating. If Edward doesn't stake his claim soon, I might have to ask Carlisle to adopt her. I absolutely love her.'

Alice's thought shocked me and a bit of juice went down the wrong tube. "I'm ok, just went down the wrong way."

Jasper was the only one who didn't say a whole lot. I caught a thought about him needing to hurry up and get used to being a vegetarian. How does that work? Vegetarian vampires, that's a really great oxymoron.

The rest of the week progressed just like it had on Wednesday. Then my first weekend in Forks came to pass. I lay in bed wondering what I could do for two whole unfilled days. For once I actually found myself longing for school. I decided to check my email, it had been four days since my last letter to mom and I'm sure she was curious. Yep there it is, email from mom.

Bella,

Uh oh, I recognize that voice, well wording, are some of the boys having impure thoughts about you again? Some people can be cruel with their thinking. Just stay away from them, think of them as having the Bubonic Plague. So tell me about these two friends you adore. And why wouldn't Charlie be ecstatic, despite the fact that he is you father he hasn't spent as much time with his only child like most fathers.

Love Mom

'Bubonic,' that was a big word for my mom. She made a really good point about Charlie's excitement, guess I'll have to think on that then.

Hi Mom,

You made a good point about Charlie; I'll keep that in mind. As for my new friends, I met the other two siblings on Wednesday and we've been hanging out ever since. There's actually five siblings, all adopted by the local doctor and his wife. They're all so great and extremely kind. And they seem to really like me. One girl, Alice, even thought about asking her dad to adopt me. That was too funny. And no they don't know I can read minds. The fifth sibling, a guy with bronze hair, black eyes and almost a head taller than me, has been visiting friends since Tuesday. I don't think he likes me; maybe I looked at him wrong on Monday and scared him off.

Love Bella

Well hopefully that will satisfy her for another week, I can only hope. The rest of my weekend consisted of cleaning house, reading and sleeping. Maybe next weekend I can get together with the Cullen's.

Monday arrived and I just about flew from my bed, got dressed and headed to school. In English, Jasper sat gazing out the window again. Maybe he needs the fresh air. I sat in silence waiting for class to start.

'I wonder what Edward is planning to do now? Run off again?!'

Was Edward back? Was he planning on avoiding me? Was he going to run again? Should I sit with the Cullen's today or not? I didn't know. I debated these questions all the way till lunch. As soon as I entered the cafeteria, Alice was there hanging onto my arm, I guess I was sitting with them. I only bought lemonade and an apple; my stomach didn't feel too good at the moment. Alice nearly dragged me to their table so I sat down and acted normal. There were only the original four beauties as there had been last week.

'This is going to be interesting!'

What did Alice think was going to be interesting? Before I could ponder over her thoughts, I felt someone sit down next to me.

"This last week has been hell!" he kept his head down and eyes closed, he didn't look to be breathing either.

'Um Eddie…'

Edward finally looked up and glanced at Emmett who was nudging his head in my direction. I ignored him and took a drink of my lemonade. He slowly turned his head, his now honey colored eyes went wide and he scooted so far and fast on the bench that he fell off the edge and hit the floor.

I bit my lip so I wouldn't laugh but Emmett, Jasper and Rosalie made no attempt to hide their amusement. Alice just wore a huge smile and looked down at Edward on the floor. "Edward this is Bella, Bella this is our little brother Edward."

Edward leapt to his feet and glared at Alice. "I'm older than you, you little imp!"

Alice smirked at him. "Only by a little bit and I act older than you. You've been amazingly immature this week!"

I heard Edward growl as he glared ice shards at his sister and she visually shot flaming arrows at him. I was starting to fell nervous. I went to stand up to leave before an all out feud started. "I think I'll…"

A large hand grabbed my shoulder and gently pushed me back down to my seat. "No you won't."

I was quickly learning not to go against the bear-sized vampire or the sprite-sized one. After waiting a good minute of the stare down contest, Alice at last had a thought.

'So have you finally worked out your problems for the most part? Are you part of this family again? And are you ready to accept your destiny?'

Edward slunk down to seat again next to me with a sigh, "yes."

I stared at him with wide eyes, was the 'yes' just a coincidence or…had he in reality heard her thoughts.

Suddenly Edward looked directly at me. My milk chocolate eyes locked on to his liquid gold ones and I thought I was going to melt. Edward's melodic voice pulled me from my stupor. "So how come your sitting with us now?"

Before I could answer him, two sets of arms wrapped around my neck, surprising me.

"Because we want her here!" both Rosalie and Alice said in unison.

While still looking at me, Edward placed his head in his hand that was propped on the table. "Wow, what in the world did I miss?! I've NEVER seen my sisters' act like this." He gave me a crooked smile and I thought I was going to liquefy.

'It's your own fault for pouting. Bella is a great girl, you should feel lucky we found her.' Alice then stuck her tongue out at him.

I blushed vaguely and warily answered his question. "Well after Rose and Em kind of saved me from Mike on Monday, we all became friends after that and here I am, with my friends."

'Well said! Take that 'piano boy'!'

'Piano boy'? Emmett has some really peculiar nicknames for his siblings. The bell rang shortly after and we all headed for our next class. I headed toward my seat in Biology. Edward pulled the chair out for me then took his seat.

I sat down bewildered. "Um, thanks." I felt a faint blush tint my cheeks as he gave me a crooked smile. I gazed up into his amber eyes. "So why are your eyes now golden brown, last week they were coal black?" I knew it had something to do with him being a vampire but I wanted to hear his excuse.

"It's because of my special diet. In about two weeks they'll be black again."

"Interesting diet. How come you were gone all last week?"

"Well, some friends of ours needed help so I volunteered to assist them."

"Oh." I looked forward as the teacher approached the blackboard. Sure Edward, keep telling yourself that, but I know you got scared off by a girl. I felt Edward's eyes on me for the remainder of the class.

'What the hell is wrong with Cullen? Why does he keep looking at Bella that way?'

Thank you Mike, like I didn't already know that he was staring at me but now it's obvious that other people have noticed as well. DAMN!

PE was fairly normal, we had moved onto Badminton, great now I had a weapon to hit people with. Rosalie and Emmett were my teammates again, luckily. I pulled them aside at the end of class to ask a question.

"Does Edward have a problem with me?"

Rosalie looked puzzled. "Not that I know of, why?"

"He was staring at me throughout all of Biology. Even other people noticed it."

'Whoo hoo, so Eddie has finally noticed the opposite sex. Maybe he won't be such a virtuous vampire for much longer.'

Leave it to Emmett to think of something crude. I shook my head in embarrassment. "Last week he avoids me like I'm some kind of monster and today he seems totally enamored with me."

Rosalie laughed out loud. 'Her, a monster! If she only knew what we were!' she calmed herself and placed both hands on my shoulders and stared at me intently and smiled. "Think on it this way. Edward has never had a girlfriend, in fact he's never been in love before and before you ask, no he's not gay. He's very old fashioned, he believes in finding that one and only true love and being with them for all eternity. So if he seems that infatuated with you take it as an excellent sign."

"Unless, you don't like him that is." Emmett really knows how to ruin an excellent moment. Rosalie reached over and smacked him in the back of the head incredibly hard. "Ouch!" it was said as a tease.

"Just think about what I said ok. And ignore what Em said." She then leaned in and whispered in my ear. "I've seen the way you look at him too, I'm pretty sure the feelings are mutual." She stood up straight then gave me a knowing smile and ushered me in to change.

The three of us walked to our cars discussing how pissed Mike looked today. I waved at the Cullen's then went to my truck. As I was about to bring the roaring lion to life I heard Rosalie's thoughts.

'I know something you don't know!' She sang in her head then started to recite the Gettysburg Address. Emmett was going over the times tables.

What in the world!? Did they have a test tomorrow or something? Even Alice started to concentrate on the new color scheme of her bedroom a bit more enthusiastically then the normal person. Oh well, maybe it's a vampire thing.