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The next morning was the same boring routine. I woke up way before my alarm, because of a nightmare, showered and got dressed. I didn't feel like cooking, so I just laid out everyone's favorite cereal. I poured myself a bowl of Cheerios and sat down at the table alone. I tried to eat in silence, just to see if I could do it. After a few seconds, I had to bounce my leg to keep me calm. Soon after that, I had to drum my fingers between bites.

No. I can't.

I got up in haste, tipping my chair on the floor with a loud bang. I covered my mouth to hear if my dad would complain. I didn't hear anything after a few seconds, and so I lifted the chair upright and took my bowl into the living room. Maybe some more television would help.

My dad was the first one to come down, taking his coffee and leaving without a word, just like yesterday. My brothers came down shortly after, chomping away at their cereal in small conversation. I walked into the kitchen to wash my bowl and they both quieted when I entered.

"What?"

"Nothing," they both said at the same time.

I knew they were talking about me. I didn't have to hear what was being said to know that. I rolled my eyes at them and climbed the stairs to get my bag. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I'm in my regular jeans and sweatshirt, and there are deep, dark circles under my eyes. It could be from lack of sleep, but most likely, it was from stress. I ran my fingers through my hair, pulling out a couple of stray strands in the process. My hair was falling out. I quickly tied the mass into a low ponytail, grabbed my books and walked down the stairs to meet my brothers.

My brothers played music in the car this morning, something unusual, but a welcome distraction. I was thankful that Jasper liked rock music so much, or else I would have to listen to those stupid love songs on the radio. I caught Emmett looking at me through the rearview mirror more than once and I wondered what his problem was.

"I'll see you guys at lunch," I murmured when they dropped me off outside my homeroom. They looked at each other, sharing an unspoken conversation, and then looked at me. "You two are acting weird today."

"Bella, we know that you're having a tough time," began Jasper, "and maybe we're not making it any better, but-"

I knew where this was going. So I cut him off.

"Stop. I don't want to hear it. I'm fine; I can handle this by myself."

Emmett stepped up to make our conversation more intimate. "Bella, let us help you."

"No," I sputtered, frustrated. "Is that really what you want? Or do you just want a normal sister?"

"Bella." Jasper was shocked. I shook my head at them.

"You guys are so irrational. I don't want help because I don't need it. Just stay out of it." I turned to leave.

Emmett grabbed my shoulder and turned me back to face him. "Hey, we weren't finished."

His voice rose in anger, and mine equally rose to match his.

"I am! I don't want to hear about this anymore."

"Listen to me, Bella, so help me God, I'll-"

"You'll what?" I threatened. His grip on my arm tightened, to the point of pain, but I didn't flinch.

"Emmett, stop. You're hurting her." Jasper grabbed Emmett's shoulder to pull him away from me, but he didn't budge. He stared into my eyes, his burning with anger and pain. I remained cold.

He released me and pushed me away at the same time, storming off into the crowd of students getting to class. I stumbled a few steps back, but caught my balance before I fell. I rubbed my arm where he was gripping me, knowing a bruise was already forming. Jasper took a step towards me, but I took one back.

"Bella, please try to understand."

I just shook my head at him and turned to walk into my classroom. None other than Edward Cullen was walking into the class at the exact time I was. He held the door open for me with a bright smile, and I tried to smile back. I knew it only looked like a very pained expression. He followed me to the back of the room and we took the same seats from yesterday. I looked down, trying not to have conversation after such a dramatic morning.

"So you have brothers that go here?"

I turned to look at him, to tell him to leave me alone exactly, but I couldn't do it. His shy smile and nervous expression made my heart swell with a foreign emotion. I'm pretty sure it was pity. He was trying so hard to make me feel comfortable. He was probably a new student once; even Alice mentioned she knew what it felt like to not know anybody. I figured I'd just be nice to him, save him all this directed anger when it had nothing to do with him.

I sighed. "Yeah, unfortunately. And you have a sister."

His shoulders visibly relaxed when I spoke, and he ran a nervous hand through his bronze hair. There goes that emotion again.

"Two, actually. My little sister is a freshman. And I know you've met Alice."

My eyes widen at her name and he laughs. It is a calming sound.

"Don't worry, a lot of people have that reaction." He gives me a small smile.

I realize that I may have offended his sister and my mouth is without a filter. "Shit, I'm so sorry. I mean, she's really nice. She's very energetic, though, very different from me."

"Hey," he chuckles. "It's okay, I won't say a word."

I relax and he gives me another smile. The warning bell rings and I am startled. My eyes dart to the front of the room and I notice we are practically alone, besides two other students and Ms. Rodriguez. Students begin to pile through the door and the room fills with chatter. I sit back in my seat, pulling my hood up. Maybe if I hide, no one will talk to me.

"You know, that doesn't work." Edward laughs.

I narrow my eyes at him. He laughs again.

"Hey, if you don't mind me asking, is everything okay with you and your brothers? You guys seemed like you were in a very heated conversation."

There it was, people butting into my business like always. I hated that. I just wanted everyone to stay out of it, especially beautiful bronze haired boys who I hardly know. What if he is just worried about you? He cares. I shut that thought out immediately. I couldn't let him care for something he couldn't cure. I was already broken.

"I do mind." I quickly looked down at my desk, letting my hair fall as a wall between us.

"I didn't mean to be so forward, I apologize."

I saw the yellowish bruise on my upper arm while I was changing for gym. I was happy it wouldn't look so bad, or else people would start asking too many questions. Alice was a little more calm today, and I didn't know if it was because of another boring day or if we were too busy starting gym.

Another reason I hated Coach Johnson, he made us play actual sports during gym class. What happened to racing and playing catch? Not that I liked those any better, but I would pick those any day over…

Volleyball.

"Split yourselves up in teams of six or seven, just in case someone ends up being absent over the next couple of days. All of you should be familiar with the basic drills of volleyball, but we will take the next two days or so to catch up."

I also hated his comments about everyone knowing the drills, especially when there is someone completely new to the school. Not to mention, she's never played volleyball in her life and she has the worst coordination ever.

I watched everyone picking teams and I stood awkwardly, waiting to be picked last, like always.

"Bella!" Alice grabbed my arm tightly and I flinched. I pulled away, rubbing my arm. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I didn't think I grabbed you that hard. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Alice. Don't worry about it."

She pouted at me and I gave her a small smile back. "I was just wondering if you wanted to be on our team… We're short a person."

"Are you sure you want me on your team? I cannot be responsible for any injuries."

Alice laughed loudly. "You are such a comedian. C'mon."

I followed her in silence, my face burning red.

"Guys, this is Bella Swan. She moved here from New York and she's gonna be on our team." I recognized some faces from a few of my classes.

"Just don't pass me the ball, and duck if I hit it."

They all laughed. What was so damn funny?

Thankfully, my team took my advice. The drills we had to do consisted of bumping, setting and spiking. They tried to help me as much as they could, but I just keep making the ball go in all the wrong directions. The hour was over before I knew it, much to my pleasure.

"Tomorrow, we will be practicing serving. Please try not to miss class. And do I have to remind you how important showering is? Please, no funk. Good class, see you tomorrow. Go get changed."

Ugh, I really didn't like that man.

I walked to the cafeteria, looking for my brothers, but I couldn't find them. I waited outside for a few minutes, just waiting to see if they would show up. When they didn't, I decided to go into lunch on my own. I joined the line robotically, just filling my try with a slice of pizza, an apple and a water bottle. I paid before the woman could tell me the amount, and I quickly walked to the table I sat at yesterday with my brothers. I scanned the cafeteria again, looking for the two fools, but I couldn't find them.

I just went about eating my lunch in silence. The only problem was my brain.

All of a sudden, there was an obnoxiously loud booming laugh coming from a table not too far from me. I know that laugh anywhere, and it shocked me that I would hear it. I looked around to the table and saw Emmett's head thrown back, laughing his deep laugh again. I stared him down and took in the rest of the table.

He was sitting with Edward, Alice and the two girls I didn't know. Jasper was with them too, but he was quieter, looking nervously around the room every couple of seconds. I knew Emmett was upset with me, but I didn't know he would go so far as to leave me eating lunch alone. He probably pressured Jasper into sitting with them too. Fine, I know how to play the same game.

I got up loudly, my chair scraping against the floor. I picked up my tray and deposited it into the garbage can nearest their table. I didn't even glance in their direction, knowing all of their eyes were on me since the table quieted down. I slammed the tray on top of the plastic garbage can and stormed out of the cafeteria. I would deal with my brothers later; I was just too hurt to confront them now.

My world history teacher's name was Mr. Abercrombie. He was shocked to see me walk into class so early and quickly looked up from grading papers as I walked in.

"Bella, class doesn't start for another 15 minutes."

"Is it okay if I just wait in here?"

"Of course." He motioned for me to take a seat. He moved to a small bookshelf next to him and flipped a switch on a small stereo. The soft music I didn't notice was playing ceased.

"Please, Mr. Abercrombie. You don't have to shut off your music for me."

"It's quite alright, Bella. It isn't polite." He gives me a soft smile and went back to his papers.

I put my head down on the desk, just taking in the events of the day so far. I can't believe so much has happened, and it wasn't even one o'clock. My brothers in my business, Edward, Alice, volleyball… Too much was reeling through my head I started to feel a little queasy. I placed my arm at the edge of the desk, and my head on top of it, hoping to get some air. It wasn't working.

My head lolled, and before I could catch myself, the bottom half of my body was falling out of the seat. I grabbed the desk to break my fall, but just ended up on my ass.

"Bella." Mr. Abercrombie was out of his seat in a second. He ordered me to put my head between my legs.

"Edward, please take Bella to the nurse right away."

Oh no.

Edward grabbed my good arm and lifted me to my feet, supporting my weight on him. I groaned. The class was almost full and everyone was already looking at me. He pulled me out into the cool air just as the bell rang. All the students disappeared into their classrooms and I thought it was safe enough.

"Let me go." His jostled movements were making me queasier, and I felt bile rising in my throat. He let go of my immediately, and I sat down on the pavement, putting my face to the cool concrete.

Edward sat next to me, looking at me apprehensively. "Are you gonna barf?"

I smiled, really smiled. For the first time in forever. If I wasn't feeling so crappy I think I would've laughed. He made me feel so normal, like if nothing ever happened, like if Jacob had never…

And there it was. As fast as it had come, it was gone.

"I'll be fine."

"Can you stand?"

"I don't think so." I think I would fall over.

Suddenly, my body left the comfort of the ground. My eyes flew open and I tried to reach for the ground. No, I'll throw up on you and I'll be ten times as embarrassed.

I couldn't even open my mouth for the fear something more than words would come out. Edward walked swiftly to a building at the end of the road and took me into the small room.

"She's faint." He placed me on one of the cots and I felt myself turning green again. The nurse came over to me in a rush, with a cool compress pressing against my head.

"Dear, are you going to vomit?"

All I could do was nod. She held a pail to my face and I felt the bile rise up again. I tried to suppress it, but it didn't work this time. Tears ran down my cheeks as I emptied my stomach. As soon as I could see past the tears, I was relieved to see Edward was sent back to class. I would've died twenty deaths if he was here to experience this.

"I'm going to send you home, okay?" The nurse made me lie down as she pulled a file out of a cabinet. "Did you drive here?"

I shook my head.

"I cannot have both of your brothers take you home, so I'm going to call your dad."

"No!" I all but yelled at her.

"I have to." Her tone was stern, and with no room to argue.

Shit.

Twenty minutes later, I was waiting at the front office with the nurse for my dad to come get me. She had a pail next to me, and I would dry heave into it every couple of minutes. I was dreading seeing my dad. I knew he wasn't thrilled about coming to get me from school.

The cruiser pulled out in front of the office and my dad stepped out. He walked briskly to the door, a grim line on his face. I knew that look.

"Mr. Swan?"

My dad looked at me, then at the nurse. "Yes."

She made him sign a form and he grabbed my bag and the pail. I followed after him in silence. Once I was seating in the car, he threw the pail into my lap and slammed the door behind me. I flinched.

"What the hell is the matter with you?" I thought he would never speak, but after a few minutes he did.

"It's not my fault I'm sick."

"I don't care. I have to take time off my job to get you. I have to make the money in this family, how else are the three of you supposed to live?"

I kept quiet.

"What? No smart comments today?" He scoffed and pulled up to the house, unlocking the doors.

I grabbed the pail and the backpack, holding back my tears.

"I'll be home late today. Don't forget dinner."

With that he drove off, leaving a trail of carbon monoxide behind him.

I threw the pail at the tree in the front lawn and stomped up the porch steps. By the time I reached the door, I had worked myself up so much I was already feeling nauseous again. I groaned and ran to the bathroom, laying my head down on the tiled floor.

How the hell was I supposed to get through the day without dying?

I must have fallen asleep on the bathroom floor, because I was woken up by the front door slamming shut and my name being called.

"Bella? Where are you?"

"She's not in her room." It was Jasper's voice.

The bathroom door opened and Emmett knelt by my body. He touched his hand to my forehead and gave me a sad look. Jasper appeared in the doorway soon after. They didn't say a word.

"I'm feeling better." It wasn't a lie. I slowly got up and sat on the toilet seat.

"Bella, we're sorry about today," began Jasper. "We were upset and it shouldn't have been taken out on you." He gave a pointed look to Emmett.

"Yeah, I'm sorry, too."

I nodded. I wasn't ready to fully let it go, but I'm wasn't willing to expand on it now.

"Charlie got you?" I nodded again.

"Complaining like always," I said. "'I make the money here, what would you do without me?' Blah blah." Emmett's face contorted in anger.

"I'm tired of all his bullshit." He got up and walked to the door.

"Where are you going," said Jasper when he heard keys jingling.

"To find a fucking job." The door slammed.