Sorry this one took me so long. Last week was really hectic for me. But, here it is, at last! Hope you like!

I decided to stay in Forks after all. I had already endured the worst that could happen, and it hadn't killed me. If anything, seeing Edward again had been like a numbing antiseptic. I had wanted him to return to me for so long, and he finally did, but somehow, it wasn't what I wanted anymore. I didn't react the way I expected. Every time I'd envisioned his return, I saw myself leaping into his arms and declaring my undying love for him. Instead, I was angry. How dare he come back, after all this, without even a trace of regret. Did he just expect me to take him back with open arms? That was what infuriated me – his unwavering faith in the girl I used to be. That girl would've bent over backwards to make Edward happy. This girl is not such a push-over.

The next day at school, I scuttled nervously between classes. I hadn't seen any of the Cullens so far, so I dared to hope they hadn't yet started school.

When lunch came, I went outside to eat in my truck, as usual. Having slowly alienated each and every one of my friends, I no longer had anyone to eat with. Despite my show of unconcern with the world, I didn't have the courage to eat alone in the lunch room. Besides, it was much quieter in my truck. I could think, away from all the loud conversation and raucous laughter of the cafeteria.

But when I reached my truck, I sucked in a sharp gasp of surprise. That shiny, silver Volvo was parked two stalls away from my rusty old truck. I tore my eyes away, afraid that any of them would be inside, and clambered resolutely into my truck. I kept my eyes steadfastly fixed on the school as I picked at the sandwich I'd made. It tasted like ash on my tongue, but I forced myself to eat.

The ten minute bell rang, and I leapt out of my truck and raced into school, not daring to look back. Would I see him climbing out of the car, staring after me longingly? Or had my tantrum last night convinced him to give up this silly quest of forgiveness that he was on. After all, he couldn't truly want me back. If he loved me so much, he never would have left. Likely, his guilt at leaving me like that had him desperate for my forgiveness. Edward was always like that – noble. But he wasn't mine anymore, and he never would be. So I didn't care.

I walked into English and sat down quietly, keeping my head down. Mr. Kemp began roll-call, and I allowed myself to drift absently. But one name in particular wrenched me from my daydreams.

"Edward Cullen?"

"Here."

"Nice to have you back, Edward," Mr. Kemp said pleasantly, before moving on in the roll.

I raised my head slowly, reluctantly, turning my eyes in disbelief. There he was, four desks over, sitting without a care in the world.

"God damn it!" I snarled, leaping from my desk. Mr. Kemp – and the rest of the class – looked up in astonishment. I had one fleeting glimpse of Edward's topaz eyes, widened in shock, before I bolted from the room.

"Miss Swan!" Mr. Kemp shouted angrily.

"Bella!" Edward called. I could hear him running after me. He wouldn't take advantage of his extreme speed in the school – he could be seen by somebody. I picked up the pace, though it was hard to run in combat boots. I pushed against the heavy metal doors and broke out into the rain. It was coming down heavy, but I was immune to the feel. All I could think of, was that he was still following me.

The weight of my boots was beginning to make my legs ache, and the fishnets I was wearing were shredding beyond recognition. I slowed to a halt, and whirled around angrily to face him. Edward drew up short, confronted with my cold fury. I could feel the grim set of my jaw, and the determined slant of my eyes. He was probably wondering who on earth his sweet, innocent Bella had become.

"What the hell do you want, Edward?" I demanded angrily.

Edward sighed, taking a step towards me. I wanted to back up, but I didn't want him to think I was intimidated. I raised my chin obstinately, staring him down.

"I just want to talk," Edward said softly, his expression inscrutable as he examined me. "What's happened to you, Bella?" He reached out softly, his fingers going to my cheek, but I flinched sharply away from him.

"I told you," I spat viciously, "people change."

"You've changed a lot," Edward observed quietly. "You never used to wear… so much black… or skirts… or such dark make-up…"

"So, I've changed," I snapped. It hurt that Edward didn't think I was attractive anymore. My heart felt heavy, but I was careful to hide it. I couldn't let him see me weakening. "You should know about change," I growled. "After all, you were once madly in love with me, but it didn't take long for you to change your mind."

Edward shook his head furiously, throwing water from his bronze locks. The rain had plastered my hair down, hanging in loops over my face. I brushed it haphazardly from my eyes as Edward said, "I've always loved you, Bella. I left for your own good! Why can't you understand that?"

I looked down at the ground. I couldn't believe him. I couldn't let hope swell my heart, only to have it ripped out of my chest again. Edward closed the distance between us, raising my chin with a gentle touch, so that he could look into my eyes.

"Poor Bella," he sighed wearily, his troubled eyes betraying a burden that has aged him beyond his eternal seventeen. His thumbs glided over the hollows beneath my eyes, coming away covered in black mascara. The gesture was so simple and sweet, and it reminded me of Jacob. I wrenched away from him with a cry of frustration.

"You can't just come back, okay Edward? You can't just walk back after a year, and expect everything to be the same!" I covered a sob with a hacking cough.

Edward was all concern. "You're soaking wet, and it's freezing out here," He said worriedly. "Let's go back inside."

"You go back inside. I'm not going anywhere with you."

I turned and started for my truck. Charlie was going to kill me when the office called home for two skips in a row, but that was the least of my worries at the moment. Edward's hard, cold grip closed around my elbow, and yanked me back.

"Bella, please be sensible. Just go inside and dry off. I'll leave you alone."

I froze, glaring pointedly at his hand on my arm. I was being as much of a bitch as I could, but Edward was determined. I just wanted him to go the hell away so I could self-destruct in peace.

"Will you please just leave me alone now?!" I demanded frantically. I could feel the tears coming, and I didn't want him to see me cry. I needed to get away from him.

Before Edward could answer, a shrill, wailing alarm rent the air. We both jumped in shock. It was the fire alarm. Edward's eyes narrowed, and his attention diverted from me. After a moment's silence, Edward sighed, relieved. "It's just a drill," he murmured. I remembered his gift, and thanked the heavens that I was somehow unreadable.

The doors on the school buildings burst open simultaneously, and kids began pouring out into the parking lot. Everyone else had raincoats to protect them, since they'd had the presence of mind to grab their things before leaving the building. I felt self-conscious as I realized everybody was staring at Edward and I.

I couldn't skip out now. I'd have to wait until after the drill was over. I allowed Edward to shepherd me away from the building, so that I could dissolve into the crowd without drawing attention.

Edward groaned suddenly, drawing my attention. I followed the line of his eyes to Lauren, who was standing next to me, looking smug.

"Bella," she sneered, "You look lovely. The drowned rat look really works for you."

Jessica pressed her hand to her mouth, hiding a smile, while Mike looked at the ground.

I smiled. Just what I needed – a little battle with Lauren to take away my frustrations. "Thanks," I said sweetly, shaking my head so that Lauren was splattered with rain water. She scowled as she wiped rain from her eyes. Before she could say anything, I added, "I really like the constipated bitch look you've been wearing."

Lauren rolled her eyes. "If anyone's a bitch here, it's you, Bella." She looked my clothing over disdainfully. "Who do you think you are? Avril Lavigne?" She cackled merrily, and Jessica joined her. Mike had shuffled away, disappearing into the crowd. He may not have had much of a spine, but I was grateful that he refused to play along with Lauren's bitchery.

"No," I answered calmly. "I think I'm the girl who's going to knock you on your ass, little girl."

"Bella!" Edward said sharply. I had forgotten he was even there. I ignored him, and stepped closer to Lauren. I was pleased to see that she took a hesitant step backwards. Her hand went to her black eye nervously. I allowed myself a small, tight smile.

"I'm not afraid of you," Lauren said firmly, looking me straight in the eye.

"Really?" I smiled widely. "You should be."

Lauren smiled smugly. "If you hit me again, you're going to be charged. You can't do anything."

I grinned ferally. "Give me a reason, bitch."

Lauren scoffed. "You're all talk, you ugly little troll."

That was all the reason I needed. I brought my fist back sharply, admiring the horrified look on Lauren's face, before –

Edward caught me by the arm and dragged me back. I struggled against him, but his iron grip was unbreakable. Lauren doubled over laughing as she watched Edward drag me away. Fury filled me from top to bottom, and I struck out, kicking and flailing. My boots bounced uselessly off his granite body, and I was only tiring myself out. I gave in, sagging wearily against him.

"Fine!" I screamed at him, ignoring the stares coming my way. "Just let me go!"

Edward released me wordlessly, and I spun away from him like a wounded tiger. "Don't ever touch me," I hissed furiously. His eyes widened briefly, before closing. When he opened his eyes again, they were a shade darker, and his face was unreadable. It was like a stranger was looking at me through his eyes.

The sight was even more painful than his return. I felt my rage collapsing and something inside of me fell away, leaving me hollow. I looked sharply away from him, trying to catch my breath. Suddenly, I felt it all – the pounding rain, the biting wind, my soaking wet clothes. I was wet, cold, helpless.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the drill, and I jumped again. The crowd slowly filtered back into the school, back to their classes. Edward and I remained outside, both looking away from the other.

When the last student had drifted back into school, Edward sighed, and looked back at me. His gaze was still that of stranger. I recoiled as he took a step towards me, but he did not sigh in shame or close his eyes in exasperation. "Let me drive you home," he said quietly. "Alice will take care of the office and Emmet will drive your truck home."

I nodded silently, all the fight gone from me. I didn't like this new, strange Edward. I followed obediently, crawling in the passenger side of the Volvo. We rode home in silence. Edward pulled into the driveway and put the car in park.

As I moved to open my door, Edward stopped me with a breath. "Bella," he said softly, his voice thick with controlled passion. "I have always loved you. Always. And I will do whatever it takes to get you back."

I hung my head. Something had broken in me, I'd lost the will to fight, but I still couldn't expose myself to the same heartbreak I suffered before. A second time around would very likely kill me.

"Oh, Edward," I sighed, looking out the window. "I wish I could believe you."

Before he could answer, I got out of the car and ran into the house. I slammed the door shut and leaned against it wearily. At the sound of the Volvo backing up, I slid to the floor, finally allowing my tears to flow. I cried like I hadn't since he left, choking on my rage, and fear and loneliness. He was finally back, liked I'd wanted for so long, but nothing was right. Nothing was fixed. Things were worse.

When I had finally cried myself dry, I lay on the cool tile in front of the door, trying to catch my breath.

"Edward," I murmured. "Why aren't things better?"