How they Mended Me
Chapter Three: Shock
"Bella?" Alice shook me, and I was brought back to reality.
"Yeah, lets go." I shook the thoughts out of my head. I stumbled as I lead her to the change rooms.
I dressed in a daze and tidied my hair into a slicker bun. I watched as Alice threw her short hair up with skill, and waited for her to finish. I ignored all the other girls marveling at the new girl, or Vicky criticizing my sickly look.
So Alice, Jasper, and Edward and the other two whom I didn't know their names were the new kids next door. They were rich, and smart—judging by Alice's ability to understand Shakespeare—and apparently nice enough to save a drunk screw up. Wow.
I showed Alice to the ballet studio where some other of my class were sitting and chattering away. Alice walked right to the back of where the crowd was and slunk to the floor. I followed her lead and sat in front of her. She started stretching her legs, and I did the same. She was nearly as thin as I was, but only shorter. She seemed to be very bendy too and she instantly did her splits. Yes she would be very good.
"Alice, you just moved here right?" I asked curiously.
"Yeah, from Washington. Why?" she said furrowing her thin black brows.
"Well, where do you live now?" I wondered. I knew she was my neighbor but I did want to tell her how I knew that.
"In a the middle of know where!" She rolled her eyes exasperated. "It's this tiny town called Manotick, and I live right on the outskirts on a little street with four houses on it. Its awful. I am so far from shopping malls." She whined.
"You live on Woodlyn road?" I asked, trying to sound hopeful and surprised.
"Yes . . ." She said hesitantly.
"So you are the kids who just moved in next door?" I asked nonchalantly. Alice's blue eyes popped so wide I thought they would fall out of their sockets.
"You are- you are my next door neighbor?" It sounded like she changed her sentence half way through.
"Yeah." I blushed when I thought about whether or not she had heard about my—the drunk girl that threw up in front of her brother.
"That's great! We can hang out after school!" Alice exclaimed and hopped on the ground.
I forced a smile, but didn't have the same enthusiasm. I liked Alice—yes—but I wasn't sure if I wanted to hang out at her house. I didn't have the courage to face her brother.
I thought about the fact that Alice and Edward were brothers. They looked nothing alike. In fact all of her family—as I suspected they were the 5 teens I had seen this morning—looked nothing alike. Not even the two blondes. Maybe they were adopted. Why anyone would adopt so many kids I couldn't fathom. But who was I to judge. They seemed nice, and Alice emanated happiness. I wondered how it Alice and Jasper didn't find it awkward to live with each other and still date. But, again, who was I to judge. Compared to my life, theirs seemed better my a million degrees.
"Bonjour class." Mme. Odette said as she came in. Her French Canadian accent as thick as ever.
"Bonjour" all the girls said in unison. Alice sat there quietly. She seemed to take in the way we greeted her. I was the only one that didn't. I almost collapsed as my head pounded at the noise.
"'Ow are you all today?" She asked as she sat at her desk on a platform in the studio. She looked around the room and spotted Alice. "Oh! 'Ello again Alice!"
Every pair of eyes turned to her. Alice didn't seem uncomfortable with the attention, instead she grinned hugely and waved her tiny hand.
"Hi." She chirped.
"Gurls, this is Alice, our new student. She just moved 'ere from Wawshington." She slurred the word; unable to properly pronounce it. She gestured for the girls to go to the bar and we complied suite. Alice went behind me, and I smiled at her as she looked slightly nervous.
"Can you pick things up quickly?" I whispered. She nodded seriously. "Okay, well for now, just follow me."
"Thank you." She said, just as the accompanist- —began to play a soft melodic piece.
Alice was amazing. So graceful. Like a gazelle. I wanted to know where she had learnt to be so good! By the end of class though she was sweating her brains out, and gasping. She must have been working hard to look good. I would have to tip her of about the fact that no one cared aside from myself, a girl names Aleah, and Indie. We were the ones that were legitimately looking in keeping dance after high school was the past.
"Alright gurls. Class is over, see you all tomorrow." She announced and waited for us to clap. We thanked her and and left. I noticed that some of the girls in class—Vicky included—were looking at Alice jealously. Served them right. That's what you get when you try, and clearly they didn't.
I dressed quickly and was about to leave when Alice hopped up and ran over to me.
"Do you want to get together after school?" Alice asked. The girls around us stopped talking immediately and looked at me in awe.
I frowned and looked away from her hopeful gaze. "I am sorry but I have to go to my studio and sign up for classes. Maybe tomorrow though." I smiled.
Her excitement had only gone down minimally. "Sure." She grinned and started for the door. "I will see you later."
I smiled and watched her disappear. I was thankful she hadn't wanted to eat lunch with me. I didn't want her to meet my friends, and I certainly didn't want Edward to show up.
I ignored Vicky and the other girls glaring at me, and went straight to my locker. I grabbed the books I would need and walked back to where I usually sat. I found Vicky sneering about me when I arrived. Angela was ignoring them. She looked away from the drawing she was working on when I sat down I front of her. Angela was in visual arts, and was one of the best drawers in the school.
Vicky stopped talking about me once I had arrived and sat down next to her.
"So." She said, her nasal voice sneering out her following words. "I see you made a friends. Alice Cullen. She is a good dancer, maybe even better then you!"
I ignored her and pulled out a book from my bag, it was Wuthering Heights. One of my prized books, one I had nearly memorized.
"Ugh. Here she goes, trying to lose herself in a stupid, dumb love story. Who are you in love with Bella? Your new friend Alice?" Vicky tried to provoke me, but I continued to ignore her. I wasn't sure why she was so awful to me. What had I ever done to her? I didn't know.
I tuned her out quickly.
Moments later—well at least if felt like moments later—and the bell, ending lunch sounded noisily. I put away my book and looked over to Angela.
"Lets go to science." She said quietly. Vicky, Lauren, and Jessica watched us hurry away.
"Oh, they are so awful." I mumbled.
"I know. I think we should stop hanging around them, I don't think I can stand it much longer." Angela moaned.
"I agree. Soon." I nodded as we climbed the stairs.
"Are you feeling any better?" Angela asked suddenly. I hadn't realized she had noticed how sick I looked. I was sure she didn't know that I was actually recovering from slight alcohol poisoning though.
I sighed hugely. "Not really. My head feels like it is about to blow up, and I feel sick. But it isn't as bad as it was this morning I guess." I shrugged, trying to blow it off.
"What could have brought that on? Maybe the flu." She murmured. I tried to look confused.
We reached class earlier then usual in our escape to get away from the heartless girls, we called friends. I took my assigned seat at the back of class, and watched the rest of the students file in. The room had about 12 desks in it that seated two each. Our desks were high enough to act as a lab desk. I was one the only one that didn't have someone sitting next to me. I had no idea why—well I did actually, but I liked to deny it. I was the outcast. There was something wrong with me that made people want to avoid me rather then befriend me. I considered myself a freak of some sorts. I didn't relate well to people my age. To be honest with myself I didn't relate well to people well, period.
I couldn't help but sigh sadly. Tears sprang to my eyes suddenly, and I couldn't wipe them away fast enough, before they fell down my cheeks silently. I quickly brushed my arm across my face to smother them. The teacher had already started talking, so the kids in class had their attention Mr. Barkley. No one would notice my sudden sadness.
I hid my face as I waited for the tears to disappear completely. I refused to let myself sniffle or attract any attention to myself.
Suddenly I heard someone open the door. I couldn't help but look up curiously. I regretted it immediately.
It was Edward Cullen, standing in front of the class emotionlessly.
"Well, I'm happy you decided to join us Mr. . ." Mr. Barkley said sarcastically. He looked at Edward expectantly.
"I'm sorry, it is my first day and I couldn't find the room. I'm Edward Cullen." He said, his smooth deep voice like silk over glass.
"Oh. All right then. Well Edward, welcome to Canterbury High School, don't be late again." He went over and ticked off Edward's name on the attendance.
Edward gave him one curt nod and then began scanning the room for a good seat.
Oh no! My desk is the only empty one!
Edward's eyes halted when they met mine. He looked slightly shocked, maybe even a little bit nervous. But he hid it well and looked back to Mr. Barkely.
"Edward, you can take a seat next to Miss. Swan over there." He pointed idly over to me without even looking at me. Edward nodded again and made his way to the back.
I snatched my books up from around the desk to make room for him and slid into the inside seat. Ugh, that was a bad move. Now I will be stuck in with him. If he decided to voice the fact that he had been the one to take care of me when I was drunk, I wouldn't be able to run away.
I was surprised when he walked just how graceful he looked. He walked like Alice, only with more masculinity. Was his whole family perfect? Because right now it sure looked like it! Alice was an amazing dancer, and she was smart, and insanely beautiful. So was Edward—and I had no doubt that he was smart.
This was unfair.
Edward pulled his stool out soundlessly, and sat down. He looked to me out of the corner of his bright green eyes and frowned.
What? What was that for? Was he embarrassed about saving me? Was he embarrassed about sitting next to me? I guess he already hates me! I thought to myself. I didn't greet him, and decided to completely ignore him. It was probably very wrong of me, but I couldn't stand to look him in the eye. I was beat red, and looked like I just woke up from a coma. Maybe I would talk to him tomorrow . . .Nope. That isn't going to happen.
I countered myself for then entire class. Yelling at myself when what I thought was ridiculous, and agreeing with myself, for internally cursing myself. I can come tot eh conclusion that—due to my severe embarrassment—I was just going to completely ignore the Cullens.
When the bell rang, ending 3rd period, my resolve was changed drastically by a velvety voice. . .
"Bella. . ."Edward said as her turned to me. Since my hair was up, I couldn't hide myself behind it. His green eyes boar into mine and I felt as my traditional tomato red blush tip-toed up my white neck, staining it with colour.
"Yeah?" I said cautiously. I wondered if he was going to talk about last night.
"I won't tell anyone, if you don't want me to. The only people that know are my brothers and sisters, and they won't say a word." Edward promised. His voice was soft, melodic, and simply something that could make me cry. I knew Alice knew. When she had fumbled a reply about me being her next-door neighbor she obviously knew. I didn't blame him for telling them, since they seemed close.
Wait! Hold on! Why was I defending him? He had saved me, yes. But that didn't give him the right to tell his family did it? Regardless of the fact that he was close to them, they didn't know me, and I didn't know them. Why had Edward even save my in the first place?
Suddenly, that was the only question that mattered. I felt the need to ask him.
"Why did you even do it? You don't know me?" I snapped. My frustration with this magically beautiful man was hard to keep up, so I tried to be as petulant as possible.
"That is a very good question. I guess it was because I couldn't stand the thought of leaving a sad girl, unconscious on the ground." He said softly, though I could sense the slightest hint of regret in his voice. His eyes were filled with pity by the end of his sentence.
I couldn't stand to be pitied, that was the last thing I needed. I knew people pitied me, even parents at the dance studio looked at me, and remorse flooded through their eyes. It was probably because I was such a sad awful looking thing. Skinny, pale, a permanent frown carved into her face, and bags from impossible sleep. Yes, pity was inevitable when looking at Bella Swan. But I still hated it; I hated being cast as weak.
I snatched my books and piled them into me bag. I stood and started walking away. I could feel the anger and hurt painted across my face, but I didn't try to hide it. I remembered something I needed to say.
"I don't really need your help, so just leave me alone. Oh, and also, I want that flask back." I growled, and then stomped away.
I thankfully didn't hear him pursue and didn't tell me that he wasn't going to object about the flask. Good, it was mine, and I spent money on it. I was going to get more alcohol in it soon, or else I would do something very bad.
I rushed to my fourth period class, and plopped down in my single desk seat and got ready to endure the next 75 minutes of History. I barely listened to the annoying Mrs. Muffett—yes her name was truly Mrs. Muffett—drone on and on about World Issues.
I practically booked it out of class when the bell rang. Sprinting was a bad idea. I nearly feel, and my head pounded again. I hadn't noticed it so much as the day progressed, but my act of being a fugitive brought back the hangover. I didn't need t go get books from my locker, so I just went straight to my truck. I gunned the engine and sped out the driveway, coaxing a good 65 miles an hour out of my baby.
I was almost happy when I came home, since it was my escape from Edward Cullen, although his house was a mere 2 minute walk away.
I stumbled out of the truck bed, and was walking silently up my patio when I heard muffled voices from the inside of the house. I looked down at my watch; neither my parents nor my brother should be home for a while. . .
I listened closely, and heard Renee and Charlie shouting viciously at each other. I could just make out what they were saying.
"I can't stand this anymore! We have to take her out!" Renee shouted.
"She is paying for it herself Renee, just leave it!" Charlie growled back. I didn't understand whom they were talking about.
This is bad, this is bad, this is very, very bad. My conscience whispered.
"You are despicable," Renee snapped, I gasped at the way she talked to my father. I had never heard her so speaking so harshly. "This is going to ruin her life! Our life! We have to put a stop to it!"
The blood pulsing in my veins from listening to my shouting parents turned to ice. They were yelling at each other about me . . .I was the cause of the way they were talking to each other . . .
My breathing hitched as I listened more, and tears began streaming down my face.
"Just leave her alone for the time being Renee! If dance doesn't work out for Bella, then she can always do something else." Charlie sounded more civil now. He was trying to end the fight. He should know Renee doesn't give in so easily, because is sure did.
"Ugh! I can't even look at you right now!" Renee shouted suddenly. "How can you be okay with this? You know what? I can't talk about this anymore!"
I heard Charlie gasp quietly. "I will support our daughter no matter what she does! And how can you just end this? You were the one that started it!"
"Fuck off Charlie!" Renee screamed. I let out a sob as I heard her curse at him. How could she talk to someone like that?
It was suddenly silent, and I wondered if they had heard me sobbing outside. I doubted it. I heard someone stomp to the back door, open it, and then slam it as hard as they could.
Now it is time to run, Bella. I whispered in a panic. I didn't want to think about what my mother was like right now. Livid, hostile, evil.
I didn't hear Renee come to the front of the yard, so I made a run for it. I ran down the driveway and past my truck. I needed that flask, and I needed it now. But I couldn't get it. I just ran to my safe sanctuary; the woods.
I was sobbing uncontrollably, and the ripping sounds coming from my chest was as loud as when trees were being chopped down. I was shaking so hard, I could barely see where I was going. It seemed I was having a full on break down. Well, I was about time. All these emotions bottled up probably weren't good for me.
I was just passing the Cullen's house when I saw that they were home. All 5 of the kids. They heard me barreling down the street sobbing. Edward and Alice were the two that stopped and stared at me. I slowed down, when they caught my eyes, but I couldn't control the spasm coming from me. Edward started walking over to me, but I only started running again. His face wasn't masked with pity like before, but full concern. He looked so sad. I wondered through my tears why that was. . .I kept running. Edward stopped pursuing, and heard Alice's chirpy voice speak softly to him.
"Leave her Edward, she clearly wants to be alone. We can check on her later." Alice promised.
I stopped running after she finished speaking. Why did they care so much? Normal people would try and avoid such a messed up girl. What made them different then everyone else, aside from their beauty, and brains?
I didn't understand it, but being cared for made my heart swell and quieted the sobs. Unfortunately the tears could not be quieted. I thought that I didn't like being taken care of. . .but being cared for and having someone actually be concerned about me—even if I didn't know them well—felt so good.
I sat on my log, crying, but waiting hopefuly for them to come check on me. . .
Hello everyone! Okay i hope you liked the chapter!
Seriously though people, i want Reviews! Come just read it!!!!!!!!!!! LOl :)(:
There is more on the way. Also check out my other stories: Denying the Imprint (previously called Aching for Love), Dear Anna (its actually such a good story), and Lights in the Dark!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ps. Another memoir, The dancer Aleah is a legit girls from my dance class at Canterbury(yes my teacher is a french canadian that cant talk, but i love her) and she is psycho amazing! Indie, is actually a girl from my class too!!
READ AND REVIEW! please :)
