Chapter 3

None of these characters are mine... they belong to Stephenie Meyer, L. J. Smith and Charlaine Harris.

Thank you again to Alex, my editor

Before

The sound of the electronic lock sounded when someone with flaming red hair streaked out of the trees towards me. Fangs bared, I growled threatening, claws ready to strike. She stopped and grinned, quietly hissing at me, leaf strewn hair flaring wildly.

BPOV

"What are you?" the woman growled huskily, eyes darting, nose sniffing the air. She licked her lips. "You smell divine!"

I was interrupted before I could reply. Leave it to Damon to make a dramatic entrance. All of a sudden he was blocking me with Stefan covering his left. With no chance taking her prey and these two, the stranger snarled, frustrated, vanishing into the woods. Damon followed her, not one to let such an intriguing creature slip away without a chase. Stefan shook me roughly by the shoulders.

"Are you alright?" he asked. "Is this why Eric was in the bar? To warn you about the nomad" Stefan was livid although I could see the concern in his eyes. I've seen him this way many times but not in a very, very long time.

I could only nod. It's been almost two decades since I encountered a nomad and roaming this far from Dallas was even more surprising. Damon reappeared, irritated, but no more so than usual. We entered the house, both of them on my heels. I couldn't take it anymore.

"Guys, I'm fine. Thanks for the intervention but I'm sick of feeling you two breathe on the back of my neck!" All the energy was drained out of me. Mounting the stairs I felt rather than saw Stefan reach for me. Grabbing his wrist, Damon shook his head.

"Give her some space. She'll tell us when she's ready."

Opening the door to my room was like entering a whole new world. Grabbing my first portfolio I flopped across the bed, idling flipping pages. My human family was so long past I could barely remember them. Turning pages a little slower now, my eyes landed on a sketch drawn on a small scrap of paper, placed between sketches. A drawing I'd done when human, hundreds of years ago. I traced the lines with my fingers, remembering his green eyes, trying to place him. He'd been a dream…yes, a dream. I softly closed the portfolio, ignoring that my long dreamt fantasy man was walking the streets as Edward Cullen. Instead I focused on Damon and Stefan below. They were concerned about the nomad and me more than usual. The nomad. Closing my eyes, I reached out sensing her. All she was projecting was intense confusion, hunger and a fierce will to survive. Well, one didn't make it long alone if they weren't strong. Sighing, I lay down my head and fell asleep.

When I opened my eyes it was morning. Stretching my arms, I slipped into auto pilot, dragging myself downstairs. Damon was still asleep, but Stefan was already making us breakfast in the kitchen.

"Morning, Bella," he smiled. "Looking forward to another year?"

With a mouth full I eggs I smiled knowingly. Hell, I was practically glowing.

Stefan winked, "Just remember to breathe normally when you see him."

"Ha-ha," I said, checking the time. "Crap, we gotta go!"

It was already getting hot when we arrived at school, early thanks to my lead foot. We waited for the others inside, picking up our schedules from the table by the door. Caroline was sitting on the stairs, foot tapping impatiently. She waved us over.

"Oh thank God Bella, I wanted to catch you before the new kids get here. There're so many rumors already about its freaky. Are they as gorgeous as everyone says? I heard they went to Merlotte's last night." She couldn't contain her excitement.

"Definitely. I'll let you judge for yourself later today." I had to tease her a little; I haven't seen Caroline in about a week. It was then that Elena, Matt and Bonnie sidled up. Stefan took a seat on a higher step so the girls could group together. I smiled fondly at him. The conversation turned to our schedules and we spent the next 15 minutes seeing who shared classes. Matt brought up football with Stefan which caused Caroline to spaz about cheerleading. Bonnie was the one who saw them arrive.

"Bella!" she pointed.

Turning I met a pair of emerald eyes. Again my world screeched to a halt and I forced my head to twist away.

"Yeah, that's the Cullens. They…"

"Bella! There you are! I was hoping to see you this morning." Alice interrupted, bouncing down next to me. Her siblings huddled collectively by the wall for a moment before mingling with the crowd. Edward lingered until Alice waved him over.

"I totally forgot my manners! I'm Alice and this is my brother Edward." She gestured with a thumb as Edward leaned against the wall next to her. I avoided meeting his eyes directly.

"Bella," Edward nodded in greeting, smiling as everyone introduced themselves. I think we were a little shocked how well they blended with the locals. Only Edwards seemed nervous … like something was bugging him. I couldn't get over how good he smelled. Stop it, Bella. Now!

"So Bella, what's your first class?" Alice practically pounced on my arm.

"Art, then English," I checked my schedule then looked at the clock, "I'll see ya'll in history, guys. I've got to get to the office." Thankfully Edward was looking away as I walked past him into the office. The secretary sighed with relief.

"I'm so glad you're here Bella, there's a whole list of things here we need to settle before announcements." Most of them concerned for sports, clubs and special classes after school. I jotted a few down that interested me. The bell sounded and the crowds surged into a broiling mass through the halls. I smiled until the second bell rang and the principal emerged, starting off the day over the loud speaker with the pledge of allegiance.

EPOV

Everyone fitting in the truck wasn't a problem; its Emmett's driving. The high school was easy to find and with Emmett swerving in and out of traffic he shoved us all to one side as he pulled into the parking lot. I'm use to his driving, but still… sigh. Everyone seemed to be gathering inside, and as we filed in my eyes scanned the hall for her. There. She was on the stairs, the younger guy from the bar above her. Of course. I sighed. Shoving me my schedule, Alice yelled at Bella heading straight over. I hesitated until Alice gestured for me to join. I kept to my feet, quickly saying hi to Bella before moving onto the others. They delved back into comparing our schedules with theirs and I was surprised Bella was taking art. From her absent minded doodles on her schedule I could tell she had talent.

"I'll see ya'll in history, guys. I've got to get to the office," Bella said in a rush. I couldn't help following her leave with my eyes. Emmett brought up the topic of football but before they could get too far into it the bell rang.

"Looks like I'll see you in theatre, Alice, take care," I said, following the map to my first class. Once in my seat, the speakers kicked on. The principal led us through the pledge when I heard her voice.

"Good morning, this is Bella Swan with a few quick announcements. Cheerleading and football tryouts will be held on the football field, gear provided, starting at 3:45 sharp, so don't be late. The music appreciation club will commence meetings tomorrow, while drama club meetings start Wednesday. For all other club activities and signup sheets, please see the bulletin board in the main hallway across from the office."

The principal took back the microphone after that, continuing with new rules and regulations. English class was a breeze, biology then gym. On the way to my forth class I passed the signup sheets, signing up for drama club, music appreciation and football. My forth period class was theatre arts with Alice. Inside several students were already sitting on the floor or on the edge of the stage. I recognized Bonnie and Elena from this morning, but the girl between them with her back to me I knew in my heart. Bella looked when Elena pointed, blushing only slightly before returning to her conversation.

The teacher announced our productions this year were both from Shakespeare and her expectations. We'd perform Romeo and Juliet this fall and Taming of the Shrew in the spring. The drama club would hold the auditions and crew assignments. I was pleased every time Bella's attention drifted from the teacher to me. It did spark my curiosity about her behavior towards me if she has a boyfriend like Stefan.

After class Bella approached me. "Edward, would you and Alice like to sit with us at lunch?" It was the first time I'd her say my name and it shook me.

"I'll check with Alice, but more than likely yes. Alice seems to like you." I laughed; that was the understatement of the year. Bella smiled brightly and headed to the lunchroom, while I waited outside for Alice.

"Well?" Alice's look was penetrating.

"Cut it out Alice, she's got a boyfriend." I raised my eyebrows in the direction of Bella sitting between Stefan and Bonnie. Alice just laughed knowingly.

"What?" I knew she was hiding something from me, so I followed her through the line.

She laughed again, "You'll find out soon enough, bro. You've been so broody lately I think this will perk you up. I'd much rather you find out on your own."

I always wonder how someone so small can be so annoying.

"Bella invited us to sit with her today," I watched her expression go from teasing to excitement.

She grabbed me by the arm, "Why didn't you say so earlier?" I was nearly dragged through the line in her rush to grab a hamburger; pizza sounded better to me. Paid for, we took our seats at Bella's table.

"So Alice, what do you think of Johnson High so far?" Bella asked, taking a bite from her sandwich, head resting on the palm of one hand.

Alice picked the onions off her burger, "Not too bad. I love the people here. I thought I'd see more cowboys though."

Bella laughed richly, "Most of them don't bring their boots and hats to school, but wait 'til the first football game. There'll be so many cowboys you'd think you were standing in a bullpen."

Alice's eyes lit up, "I can't wait!" That set all the girls laughing.

"How about you, Edward; what do you think about the school?" she met me directly now, eyes piercing my depths. I held back a sigh of pleasure.

I responded with a half smile, "It's like nothing like I imagined," pleased at the soft blush staining her cheeks. My smile faltered when Stefan squeezed her hand, whispering softly in her ear. She nodded, pulling her hand away. Now, what was that about?