Hey Guys!

Is it me or is February dragging?

I've been inching for a few days to post this so here it is!

It's almost two weeks earlier than what I'd planned but this is the chapter where things start happening. You'll notice the chapters don't match with Stephanie's Twilight but they should even out by Chapter 6.

I've currently got my copy of Twilight on loan to a friend and it's extremely hard only using the internet to write. However I am current writing Chapter 6 as you read this right now but this one is going to take time.

Before I write a chapter I create lots and lots of notes on sequences, the weather, mood boards, quotes from the book, and music that helps me to envelope Edward.

An example of this for Bella's and Edwards argument in the hospital (Chapter 4) is Trading Yesterdays - Just a little girl.

Or one that occurs generally throughout the chapters - Bella's eyes and Examples Say Nothing.

Oh and quick shout out to my few reviewers. You're comments make me smile so thank you J

So thanks for letting me ramble, have a nice Feb/March and I'll see you soon.

Chapter 3

Pulling into our regular spot in Forks High School's parking lot, the tension became more present, looking in my rear view mirror I saw Jasper raise an eyebrow in question.

Sighing I stepped out, it wasn't raining yet but the air felt colder somehow, not that it affected us - we remained at the same temperature.

Not waiting as usual till the bell rang I made my way inside, the others followed trying to remain aloof while watching my every move.

My first lesson was Government with Jefferson. Walking down the corridors, the others broke away to attend their own lessons. I hated being watched like this, feeling like I was madly out of control. I understood now how Jasper felt.

The bell rang then and I made my way into the classroom, the other students whispering as I walked in.

Edwards back, I hope he wasn't sick, although I wouldn't mind playing nurse with him.

Oh look Cullen's back…great.

Camping again? Wish my parents would let me go camping instead of coming here everyday.

However none of the thoughts held any rumours. Alice was right, the girl must not have said anything.

How odd, I was sure I had frightened her.

I would've expected Bella to discuss with her new friends my strange looks, perhaps even given me some angry lines. My stares clearly didn't hold the impact I had wanted them to.

The morning dragged on, it started to snow during first period creating a buzz of excitement around the school, lucky my next lesson was just down the corridor so I could avoid going outside where undoubtfully, snowballs would be flying.

Later on walking into the noisy cafeteria, I was suddenly tense once more. For this would be when I would see her again. Not bothering to join the lunch queue, I sat in my normal seat next to Alice.

She's not here yet Edward. Thought Alice looking at me. I relaxed slightly, glad of the extra minute I had to prepare myself. Anything could happen. Alice closed her eyes. What she saw, froze me because Bella was about to walk through the cafeteria doors with Jessica.

Relax bro, ease up. Emmett thought.

Automatically I thawed out, just as the two girls entered the room. Casually, I watched as they stood at the end of the queue. Bella with her bag swung over a shoulder and a ring binder in her hand. Didn't't that defeat the objection of the bag if she was just going to carry her things?

Mike Newton ran up to the girls then, his face red and his hair wet from a snow fight.

Alice kicked my chair, mentally telling me that Bella would look over in five seconds. I dropped my head and lent back on my chair trying to relax. Picking my way through peoples heads I saw Bella being pulled down the queue by her friend. I told myself that I just being cautious, that watching her every move was better for the both of us. I didn't know if it was the truth or not however.

"What's with Bella?" Mike asked.

Uh…who cares? Jessica mentally replied as the girl waited at the end of the line for them, holding only a drink.

"Aren't you hungry?" said Jessica.

"Actually I feel a little sick." Was the quiet reply received.`

I frowned, the girl seemed naturally pale, her skin almost translucent but was she truly sick? Realising my concern, I shook my head, trying to focus. Humans got sick all the time, it shouldn't worry me.

Alice kicked my chair once more. Focus Edward! She's going to look over again soon.

Emmett who had become quickly bored with the inactive cafeteria, winked at me before shaking his head causing water droplets to soar through the air. Trying to join in, I laughed as Rose and Alice squealed, leaning away. I could feel the girl's eyes on us as Alice bought out a preserved ice ball she had kept hidden in her hand, she smirked before throwing it towards Emmett, who with a casual flick sent it flying through the air where it smashed into the opposite wall. The students in the queue looked around for the culprit but quickly shrugged it off.

"Well done, idiot."said Rosalie rolling her eyes. He just chuckled in response. I noticed then that Jasper was still monitoring me, sending calming waves every few minutes. I raised my eyebrows at him. There was no need, I was fine.

"Bella, what are you staring at?" Ah, of course Edward Cullen.

My head turned at the sound of my name and just like last week my eyes met Bella's brown ones for a fraction of a minute before she dropped her head.

I didn't look away. Curious as to how I still couldn't read her mind.

What was it about her that shielded those thoughts from me?

She was a human possessing no power to stop me and I certainly wasn't blocking myself from reading the words running through her mind. I already knew from experience that close contact did nothing to change the situation. But what if I was to get closer still? Would touching her open them to me? Alas I could not touch her for my icy skin would surely repel her. I would find another way even if my options were running short.

Still looking at the girl Jessica bent down to giggle something in Bella's ear.

"Edward Cullen is staring at you," What is it about her? Does he think she's prettier than me? Does she think she's prettier than me? Jessica was mentally screaming behind the fake smile plastered on her face.

"He doesn't look angry does he?" Bella asked. So she had noticed my glares, just hadn't mentioned it to anyone. Why? For some reason I longed to know, to understand.

"No, should he be?" Has something happened between them? Wait…If he doesn't want me, he surely doesn't want Bella.

"I don't think he likes me." Bella said leaning down to put her head on her arm. My frown appeared. What was wrong with her? Usually I would despise myself for getting sucked into the meaningless drama but this time I couldn't help myself.

"The Cullen's don't like anybody…well they don't notice anybody enough to like them," They never used to anyway. "But he's still staring at you."

I ignored Jessica's attempts at flirtation as she tried unsuccessfully to catch my eye.

"Stop looking at him!" hissed Bella. Her friend complied and I turned back to our table.

Looking for the best place to bite are you? Rosalie sneered. I glared at her holding my growl back, now was not the time or place.

"Looks like your big snowball fight is cancelled Em." I said directing my gaze to the ceiling. The light flakes had turned into the natural pitter patter of Forks rain.

"Great." he moaned while shaking his head in disappointment.

The rest of lunch was silent until the bell rang. We stayed seated and watched as the cafeteria emptied of students. Bella, I noticed left with Mike to go to our biology lesson.

"Well…what are you going to do bro?" Emmett asked breaking the silence.

"Guys I'm fine, I'm going." I said looking at the door and standing up.

"Are you sure Edward? Alice, what do you see?" Jasper asked.

She closed her eyes. My future was solid.

"He's a 100% sure."

"But the risk…" Jasper started.

"I'm fine Jasper!"

He was enjoying being out of the lime light, not having all eyes monitoring him for a change. I couldn't blame him, I hated it.

"Well have fun… don't kill anyone." Rose leered.

Ignore her Edward, you can do this. Alice's thoughts containing the positive charge I needed. Taking Alice's advice I walked away not waiting for them to join me, I would see them all later.

Walking out the cafeteria, through the double doors into the rain, I didn't bother to pull my hood up, wanting as much fresh air as I could get. Entering the building again the sound of my shoes on painted concrete bounced around the almost empty corridor making the noise seem louder than it actually was.

Just before I entered the biology room, I stopped breathing in preparation for the silent onslaught I would face in the next hour.

Looking at my…our table I found her, head down doodling on a notebook cover. Making my way forward I monitored my self with every step.

Four steps to go - I could feel the heat of her body wash over me but I couldn't smell her. That was good.

Three steps to go, two steps, one…I was still in control.

At reaching our desk I peeked over Bella's shoulder at the drawing, it was meaningless just squiggles and loops. I pulled my chair out moving it away from her but letting it drag across the floor creating a squeal of noise. Humans preferred noise to quiet, needing to understanding the movement around them. Bella did not look up at the sound of my approach.

Sitting down, I noticed that not breathing in the air surrounding me had kept the monster under control for the time being. I also noticed then the microscopes and slides sitting on the desk between us. A slight moment of panic and scanning Mr Banners mind confirmed my fears - I was to work with Bella to separate the slides into two categories: prophase and anaphase.

Understanding that we were partners now and that I would have to speak to her at some point in the next hour, I tensed, preparing myself for the upcoming igniting scorch.

"Hello," I kept my voice quiet not wanting to startle her.

It was as tortuous as it had been last week. I couldn't smell her but I could taste her sweet scent on my tongue. I swallowed the venom that seeped into my mouth while waiting for her to reply.

Bella looked up at me in shock. Her eyes wide and surprised.

I truly had given her a bad first impression, I hoped that my small smile in return would covey that I was on my best behaviour now.

"My name is Edward Cullen," though I knew she knew that, it was the polite thing to do - to explain to her who I was. "I didn't have a chance to introduce myself last weak. You must be Bella Swan."

A problem occurred then, I was out of air. In order to speak again I needed to breathe. While keeping my attention on Bella I casually gripped the chair I sat on, tensing my body, I let in a small breathe through my teeth. It was as powerful as it had been last week, it scorched its way down my throat, setting it on fire, flooding my mouth with venom. Swallowing it back I fought and remained in control. I could do this.

"How do you know my name?" Her voice quiet even in the small distance that separated us. I chuckled.

"Oh I think everyone knows your name. The whole towns' been waiting for you to arrive." Was it not obvious to Bella how popular she was at this moment in time? The way everyone here watched her, some still waiting for their chance to talk to her.

The news had spread like wild fire when Charlie had announced it.

"No, I meant, why did you call me Bella?"

I was confused, had she not corrected everyone to call her that?

"Do you prefer Isabella?"

"No I like Bella," she shook her head gently throwing her scent around the room, I remained as still as possible.

"But I think Charlie - I mean my dad, must call me Isabella behind my back. That's what everyone here seems to know me as."

At that point I realised I had made my first mistake, if I hadn't listened in on everyone she spoke to that first day, I would know to firstly greet her as Isabella. However it was quick of her to pick up on my mistake before even I had, most teenagers would have just accepted that another student knew her preferred name.

"Oh." I said lamely.

That's enough chit chat for now. Mr Banner coughed, getting a few head turns.

"Okay everyone, lunchtime is over." He said clapping his hands, the conversations soon dyed down. Bella turned her attention towards the front, I copied her movement but continued to watch her from my peripheral sight.

During the lesson introduction Bella paid close attention, occasionally writing down a stray note. At one point she separated her hair, bringing a few loose curls over down over her shoulder, once more sending wave after wave of her scent towards me and each time I froze, willing for the monster to remain gone.

I didn't understand why I was so interested in her? Surely it wasn't normal to watch a person like this. I told myself again that I was just merely being precautious although I knew that excuse wouldn't hold for much longer.

Mr Banner ordered the class to get started then.

"Ladies first partner?" I smiled, nodding towards the microscope. I looked down at Bella only to find her open mouthed staring up at me.

What was wrong with her? Had I done something to scare her?

I thought back quickly, nothing came to mind.

"Or I could start, if you wish."

"No," she said shaking her head slightly "I'll go ahead."

I watched as she put the first slide into place with delicate pale fingers, three seconds later she looked up.

"Prophase." She sounded confident unlike most of the dimwits in this class who were overly confused during this simple task.

"Do you mind if I look?" I asked before she could remove the slide.

Foolishly not thinking, I put my hand on hers to stop her, as if I was human. I wasn't prepared for the strange shock of electricity that burned up my arm at her touch. For that short burst of a second it felt as though my arm was alight with fire. Another new experience I hadn't encountered before. But disappointment flooded through me when her silent mind had remained silent.

She yanked her hand from under mine. Of course as I'd previously guessed - her warm hand was repelled by my cold one.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled. I moved the microscope towards me careful not to touch her again before looking into the eye piece for a second and seeing that she was correct with her conclusion.

"Prophase," I could feel her eyes on me as I completed the small task of writing it on the worksheet and swapping slides. All the while through the effortless conversation I took small breaths every now and again, breathing in the same torment over and over.

"Anaphase," I wrote as I spoke the word.

"May I?" Bella asked. I smirked at her, did she think I was wrong? But, following the girls wish I pushed the microscope towards her.

We continued on like this till the worksheet was complete. With nothing more to do, I watched Bella look around the room. With her distracted I quickly turned my head to the window taking in a deep breath.

I realised that I had now truly given up on trying to read her mind, if touch didn't reveal anything I doubted anything else would. I'd just have to accept the fact that her mind was forever silent to me. It didn't stop the curiosity though.

Turning back to my new partner, I felt the small crease between my eyes wondering what she was thinking. Bella looked up a second later before realisation crossed her face.

"Did you get contacts?" Bella said quickly, I frowned not understanding her question.

"No."

"Oh, I thought there was something different about your eyes."

Mistake number two.

She unlike anybody else had noticed the change in my eye colour. My eyes last week would have been pitch black in hunger. This week however after draining several animals over my absence in preparation for today, they would be golden. Nobody else had gotten even remotely close to notice the changes, as they preferred to look away in embarrassment when we returned their stares but this strange human had hit the nail right on the head. If I had realised this a fraction sooner I could of just lied and told her yes.

Learning from my mistakes (and I was making many in this one lesson), part of Bella Swans character fell into place - she was extremely perceptive.

I shrugged, hoping she would soon forget her discovery.

So they think they can just sit in my lesson and talk…Mr Banner approached the desk walking round to our side, bringing with him fresh air. I breathed in, cherishing it.

Looking at the completed worksheet, he picked it up and examined it more closely, checking the answers.

I shouldn't of expected it any other way…

"So Edward, didn't you think Isabella should get a chance with the microscope?" He asked.

"Bella," I corrected. "Actually, she identified three of the five." Surprise flittered across his face, this was a more advanced lesson and he did not expect many to accomplish much from it.

"Have you done this lab before?" he questioned Bella. Shaking her head slightly she admitted that she had completed it before but with another cell element.

As they discussed her school history, I once more became sucked in. She was clever, for a human, admitting that she had previously been in an advanced placement program. This I was not remotely surprised at.

"Well, I guess its good you two are lab partners." So the others can learn something for themselves. I watched as he made his way over to Mike's table. His concentration was elsewhere though.

Why is he talking to her? Why her? Surely she must see what a freak he really is.

I returned Mikes' glare before turning back to Bella who had continued to doodle the same twisted pattern as earlier.

Thinking that I should keep up with the amount of effort I had put in so I far I decided to bring up the weather, a boring everyday topic of conversation. The girl would most likely be upset that the snow was disappearing with the rain.

"It's too bad about the snow, isn't it?" I said watching a raindrop run slowly down the window.

"Not really." Bella replied not looking up from her notebook. Remembering a newly discovered fact that had been mentioned in her conversation with Mr Banner, I had found out she had previously lived in Phoenix. Bella had been raised under blistering heat so the wind and rain of Forks must be a hard change for her.

"You don't like the cold." I stated.

"Or the wet." She agreed.

"Forks must be a difficult place for you to live."

Maybe she should return to her true home in Phoenix. Away from Forks, away from me. But I couldn't be sure as to if I would or wouldn't follow.

"You have no idea." No, I didn't thanks to her silent mind.

"Why did you come here then?" At once I regretted the harsh tone. I sounded too prying, too rude.

"Its…complicated."

"I think I can keep up." I was curious, what would be complicated to a human? Their lives were so simple.

It was silent for a moment, I could practically see the clogs turning in Bella's head as to what to say. Looking up her eyes met mine and a small frown appeared. What was she thinking?

"My mother got re-married." Voice and eyes sad.

"That doesn't sound so complex…when did that happen?" I kept my voice gentle.

"Last September"

I felt the strange urge to comfort her in someway, I didn't know what would be comforting but I knew that it was not my icy skin.

"And you don't like him," I guessed.

"No Phil is fine," She defended. "Too young maybe but nice enough." I was surprised, most teenagers hated the new family member, always blaming them for splitting up the family.

"Why didn't you stay with them?" I fired off another question looking into her eyes, hoping they would tell me why. Bella liked her mothers new husband and enjoyed the heat so I couldn't understand the reason behind the new home change.

"Phil travels a lot. He plays ball for a living." Her smile was small but instantly I wanted to understand the reason for it.

"Have I heard of him?" Her smile made me smile in response. I wondered which Phil was her mothers.

"Probably not. He doesn't play well. Strictly minor league. He moves around a lot." Bella verified.

"And your mother sent you here so that she could travel with him." I guessed again, it seemed to get more information out of her than my questions did.

"No she did not send me here. I sent myself." Bella explained her tone stubborn as her chin raised a fraction. And I didn't understand the action, so I gave up, there was just no making sense of the girl.

"I don't understand."

I didn't try to hide my frustration but it soon melted away as she sighed quietly. Why? I asked my self for the thousandth time.

I breathed in allowing the burn and the venom, accepting that I couldn't fight it off.

"She stayed with me at first, but she missed him. It made her…unhappy," Bella gave a little shake of her head. Her brown eyes turned thoughtful.

"So I decided it was time to spend some quality time with Charlie."

"But now your unhappy." She had made that much clear.

"And?"

With this one word another part of her character fell into place - Bella was unselfish. She put other people before her - leaving her mother to travel with her husband, allowing her mothers happiness before her own.

"That doesn't seem fair." I shrugged. She laughed in response, it wasn't a happy sound.

"Hasn't anyone ever told you? Life isn't fair."

"I believe I have heard that somewhere before." I agreed dryly, realising how true it was.

"So that's all." She concluded.

I stared at her, just trying to understand more.

"You put on a good show, but I'd be willing to bet that you're suffering more than you let anyone see." I said slowly.

Bella's words had hidden her true feelings that were reflected in her eyes. The one part of her that I could read.

Her face twitched slightly but the girl remained silent, looking away to watch the teacher helping another couple. I breathed in holding onto the chair, feeling the heat scorch down my throat, once more allowing it. The monster still remained absent.

"Am I wrong?" I questioned.

The silence continued on. Answering my question in its own way.

"I didn't think so." I smiled.

"Why does it matter to you?" Bella's tone turning accusing as she continuing to watch Mr Banner.

"That's a very good question." I whispered to myself.

Why did it matter?

I had never paid this much attention to a human before, never had a conversation with one and actually cared when they became unsettled. I didn't understand what it was about her. But something drew me in wanting to know more. Wanting to know her. I couldn't even be mad at myself because I liked sitting here talking to Bella Swan.

How strange.

I was glad the others weren't here to see the interaction. If I didn't understand it, they surely wouldn't.

Moving to look back up, Bella was still facing forward, now wearing a scowl. I held my chuckle in, not wanting to anger her any further.

"Am I annoying you?" She looked back to me then, holding eye contact.

"Not exactly. I'm more annoyed at myself. My face is so easy to read - my mother always calls me her open book." Her mother was almost correct. The girls eyes were easy to read, the rest, however - not so much.

"On the contrary, I find you very difficult to read." Especially that silent mind.

"You must be a good reader then,"

"Usually." I admitted, it was the complete truth.

It was a stupid thing to do but I suddenly let leash a wide smile, flashing all my teeth. Maybe it would scare her off, for I was being draw in too quickly and needed to put a stop to it. It was not safe for either of us.

"Right times up." Mr Banner called. Which enabled Bella to place her attention on the front of the room once more.

Granting myself to breathe in a last time, I realised I had met my target - I could sit next to this human girl with her sweet blood and still remain from attacking her. I had almost gotten used to the repeated burn that made me feel as though I was swallowing fire.

The bell rang out then and I was swiftly gathering up my things and out the door in the same notion as last Monday, probably breaking all positive thoughts of me that I had created.

The hallways soon became crammed with students as they fled there previous lesson. I walked quickly dodging the ones who entered my path. From leaving the room and breaking away from our little bubble, I had become conflicted. It wasn't supposed to be like this, I had become too drawn in, too interested in her human life, when usually I despised them all. I had lived mine, why did their's matter? It was just one never ending cycle of problems.

I didn't care about them. So why this girl? Why did I care when she became upset talking of her mother? Why had I wanted to comfort or protect her on numerous occasions? I thought back to when I had accidentally touched her hand with mine. The warmth, the shock that vibrated up my arm, again I thought why? How was it possible for me to feel that when I was a moving rock?

I reached the doors of the Spanish class then. Walking in I sat in my regular spot next to Emmett.

Hey it's the man of the hour. Not skipping this time are you?

I merely shook my head at him.

So, how did it go?

"Great, just great Emmett."

But the girl…

"Is making her way to her next lesson I presume."

Emmett chuckled.

Mrs Montoya walked in then calling the class to order.

I ignored Emmett's head chatter and thought about what I should do. Keeping myself from attacking the girl was still the right thing to do, getting pulled into her life and caring about it was not. So tomorrow I would ignore Bella and forget about today. She may think me rude but I did not care as long as she lived, as long as I didn't kill her.

Edward, anybody in there?

"Edward,Es todo lo bueno?" asked Mrs Montoya.

"Sí lo siento." I replied leaving Emmett looking dumbstruck. I'd had decades to learn languages of the world. My brain was like a sponge so I fed it with as much information as I could. Emmett however didn't see the point, his main focus in his existence was his wife.

As the bell rung out signalling the end of class, I gathered my stuff up, throwing it in my bag then sauntered off not bothering to hold up for Emmett.

"Edward! Wait up!" he called catching up with me.

"What's wrong? I thought you said everything went fine."

"I don't want to talk about it Em, lets just get home."

Emmett was the laid back one in our family, I should've given him more credit.

Walking through the main doors the rain had stopped, instead hung a fine wet mist. As we reached the car I opened it and the others got in but I didn't follow their actions instead just waited.

Come on you idiot, lets go! That was Rosalie.

After about a minute though, Bella made her way into the mist, her head hung low.

Glad to see the girls still alive Edward. Alice thought.

I watched as she crossed the parking lot, moving around the parked cars. As she headed towards a big red truck I frowned, surely that was not her car? But alas she hopped in, turning the ignition, making the truck roar to life. Checking her blind spots before spotting me she jammed the truck into reverse almost hitting the car behind.

I laughed out loud.

What are you laughing moron? Once more from Rose.

Ignoring her I continued to watch as Bella pulled out more slowly, looking wary like she thought her truck would massacre the cars around her. I continued laughing as she drove past before sliding into my own car. I couldn't remember laughing properly like this in years. Driving home I let a chuckle escape now and again.

Later that evening when I had informed Carlisle and Esme of today's events I escaped upstairs thinking of how tomorrow would play out.

Thank you for reading.