A/N: slowly but surely continuing forward. From here on out the story will be told in the present tense, we're with Bella as everything happens, as it happens. I prefer writing in the past tense but I have no choice as the story is now in line with her life.
Disclaimer: anything twilight related is obviously Meyers. The plot and any original characters are mine.
Chapter 3 – Allies
-x-
I walk in a couple minutes late to my history lesson, not a great impression on the first day, but it took me a while to snap out of my trance. I was haunted by those painfully beautiful, soulful green eyes.
Don't judge me.
I duck in apologising with a look and the teacher waves me over.
"Isabella Swan I presume?" She smiles kindly.
"Urm, yeah.. I prefer Bella" I smiled back.
"My name is Mrs Mornson, I'll excuse you're lateness as its your first day, but please try to be on time okay?" She raises her brows in a friendly way, gesturing to my seat.
I give her a gentle nod before manoeuvring my way between the desks and the students that are almost breaking their necks to get a glance at me.
She starts her lesson again.
The Cold War. Boring. I've already covered this. And aced it.
I zone out doodling aimlessly on my notepad, my chin resting in my palm lazily. The guy next to me taps me gently and slides a note over to my side of the desk. I give him a curious look before ignoring the note.
Rude? I don't care. If he wanted to talk to me he could either wait till the lesson was over or do anything less childish than a freaking note.
Have you guys not seen the films? I get caught and the note gets read out loud? Yeah no, not on my first day.
He taps me again and I glare at him.
He didn't touch me again till the bell rang.
"Sorry was I bothering you?" He asks, his cheeks tingeing pink from embarrassment.
"No, not really but I'm not into sending notes" I purse my lips awkwardly, before turning away and packing up.
"I'm Mike, um Newton, you're Bella?"
"Yep that's me, and I've got a lesson that I can't be late for, catch you later Mike!"
I walk away, I really didn't mean to be abrupt but I really didn't want to be late either. Sucky timing for him I guess. He's cute, in a puppy kind of way, blue eyes, sandy blonde hair and that surfers physique. But again cute.
I have trig next before finally getting a lunch break and luckily I was first to arrive this time. I take a seat at the back, aiming to avoid the curious glances that made my skin crawl.
I was just beginning to unpack my bag when a tiny miniature sized girl stopped right beside my desk.
"Hey, are you lost or something?" I ask after her staring gets annoying.
She was so small, was it bring your kids to school day or something? She was elfin like, with tiny features and dark spiky hair with the same bronze shade that doom and gloom boy had, except she has blue eyes.
She giggles, her voice is literally adorable. I can't even explain.
"No silly, that's my seat, yes I'm old enough to be here and yes I am a senior!" She almost screeches.
Touchy.
"Oh sorry…" I apologise awkwardly, packing up.
She eyes me before stopping me with a look, she nudges her head asking me to move up a seat.
She sits next to me and grins broadly at me.
"I'm Alice Cullen, you're Bella Swan" she states seemingly confident.
"Great, I'm guessing everyone knows my name by now.. Know where I live too?" I chuckle slightly put off.
She giggles again, her voice tinkling and sounding musical "I like you, you're funny, of course everyone knows your name, it's forks!" She smiles again.
She sure smiled a lot.
Our conversation is cut short, our teacher finally arriving. But from what I'd gathered, she has a twin brother, and a cousin at the school. Her best friend is head cheerleader and she has a crush on a jock. That is all from 5 minutes. She's an animal.
But she's also one of the "popular" kids. Yawn. I hate that stereotypical girly girl shit. But she is kind of different. Eccentric maybe?
The lesson flies by, my worries lingering on who I'm going to be be spending lunch break with, and how I'm going to make it into the cafeteria without throwing up. God.
"Wanna come to lunch with me Bella?" Alice offers, putting my worries to rest.
"Are you sure? I don't wanna intrude or anything" I was nervous, meeting the popular crew already?
"It's not a problem, I think we'll be good friends".
I laugh. Come on there was no such thing as altruism.
"How could you possibly know that?" I question humouring her, slinging my bag onto my shoulder and walking out into the hallway with her.
"I get feelings, like sorta premonitions? I know I know it's weird but I'm usually right, you'll hit it off with my friends too."
She pauses peeking at my face, "don't look so worried, you'll be fine, come on".
She prattles on as we make the relatively short journey to the cafeteria, we get in line and I grab an apple and soda, feeling nauseous all of a sudden. Alice gives me a knowing look, rolling her eyes and grabbing my free hand before dragging me behind her to a table full of beautiful humans. Great. They were all fucking beautiful.
"Guys! I wanna introduce you to someone!" She interrupts the chaotic conversation.
Several pairs of eyes fly to me, one in particular almost burning my skin with its intensity. It was green eyes.
And also grey eyes. Hmm.
"Okay, this is Bella! And Bella that's Rosalie.." She pauses giving me a chance to greet her.
I give a timid smile at the beautiful platinum blonde, she's angelic, pouty red lips, icy grey eyes and flawless skin. She smiles her perfectly white teeth at me. "Nice to meet you" she says kindly.
"You too" I reply gently, viciously aware of the eyes still on me.
"The buffoon she's sitting on is Emmet Cullen, my cousin, he's also on the football team…" Alice points out the mass of muscle beneath Rosalie.
He peeks around Rosalie, revealing dark curls, his eyes also green but much lighter and way more open. He beams, his dimples deep and set. He waves a huge hand at me, "I'd give you a hug, cause I'm a hug kind of guy, but for now, hey" he says goofily, still grinning. He put me at ease for some reason.
I laugh, as did everyone else.
Alice rolls her eyes moving on, "that's Jacob, Tyler, Mike, Lauren and Jessica" she says pointing out a few in a row.
Jacob is also a huge guy, not as big as Emmett but still leaves an impression. He has russet olive coloured skin and dark hair cropped short. He's kind of stunning. Almost exotic. I frown a little confused.
"Yeah I'm from the Rez, explains the beautiful tan, unlike you pale faces" he says with a laugh his black eyes glinting mischievously.
"Shut up Jacob!" Everyone shouts simultaneously, almost surprising me.
They all snigger at my expression.
"If you couldn't tell, he's super obsessed with his heritage, why don't you leave dog!" Rosalie snarks at him.
"I'm going back to the Rez soon you bimbo don't worry" he snarks back unperturbed by her words.
Jessica and Lauren are almost identical with the sneers on their faces, Jessica has curly brown hair and so does Lauren, they were even almost dressed the same. I didn't bother acknowledging them with those ugly looks on their faces. Bite me bitches.
I smile at Mike silently apologising for rushing off before, he shakes his head dismissing me before grinning at me.
I hear a snarl come from Jessica's throat at the interaction
Whatever. Fuck her.
I smile meekly at Tyler, he's chocolate skinned with deep dimples and a broad smile. Though he ruins his image by creepily licking his lips at me.
I shudder internally as Alice finishes off, "That's Jasper and that's Edward"
I gulp inaudibly.
I make eye contact with Jasper first seeing as he's closer. And can't help but laugh at the look on his face. I can tell he's peeved that his mysteriousness is now ruined.
"So that's your name huh?" I snicker.
He grins abashedly, "Yeah", he says scratching the back of his neck. "That would be me", he smirks. God he is sexy.
"You've met?" Alice asks with raised eyebrows, clearly confused.
I shuffle from leg to the other, "Yeah earlier on, though he didn't tell me his name" I chuckle.
"Sounds just like Jasper" Emmett interjects.
"He's also a doofus." Rosalie adds picking at her perfect nails.
"Shut up, you're just mad I finished the milk this morning" he snips back.
"Oh god not this again, baby let it go" Emmett rolls his eyes before sweetly mumbling into her ear.
"They're brother and sister, also twins actually." Alice informs me like a narrator.
She narrows her eyes, "and that unfortunately happens to be my twin brother" she jerks her head at Edward.
He smiles coldly, the grin not reaching his eyes. He leans back in his seat, folding his arms.
"Fuck you Alice." He sighs, wiping the grin off his face abruptly, unaffected.
"At least say hi you prick" Alice admonishes.
He sighs again, the exasperation clear, before rolling his eyes. He stands up completely walking toward me, stalking might be a better word. He stops so close to me I can feel the heat coming off of his skin at his chest. He's so tall, he makes me feel like a dwarf.
"Hi." He deadpans sardonically, his eyes boring into mine painfully hard.
I open my mouth to respond, tasting his glorious manly, musky scent on my tongue, but before I can, he swiftly steps around me, striding off to the cafeteria line.
I furrow my brows "Jheez, did I fucking offend him?" I ask astounded by him.
Alice sighs rubbing at her temples and gives me a rueful look.
"No he's just a dick with serious problems." She shrugs unable to explain.
"Just ignore him, we all fucking do." Rosalie spits, seemingly pissed off for me.
There's a tension filled silence momentarily before Jasper breaks it.
"Take a seat Bella" He offers thoughtfully, pulling up a seat for me.
I thank him with a nod and take a seat.
I can't help but feel I did something to piss Edward off. He was dangerously beautiful and seemed to be the 'bad boy' of the group, but what did I fucking do? I barely knew him.
I'm completely uncomfortable, with Edwards cold greeting and the two witches glaring at me and it only gets worse.
Everyone falls into their own conversations while I sit picking at the skin of my apple.
"So…" Jessica drawls, her tone laced with attitude. She nudges Lauren, pushing her to do something clearly.
"How come you're only joining Forks now?" Lauren questions, trying to be innocently curious.
"Home schooled for a while." I answer short and clipped, making it clear I am not interested in a conversation with them.
I desperately look over at Alice to catch her attention but she seems to be in a heated debate with Jasper and Emmett.
Rosalie is arguing with Jacob still and Edward? He was ignoring everyone sitting across from me, blissfully at peace in his own dimension and picking at his pizza slice with his long piano fingers. When did he even get back?
"Well there must have been a reason you were home schooled, right Lauren?" Jessica prods, looking for something, I can tell.
"Totally." Lauren agrees twirling a lock of her hair and smacking her gum.
"My mum totally told me it's cause you were totally traumatised." Jessica adds nonchalantly.
I freeze up knowing exactly where's she going with this and what she wants.
"And why would she be traumatised?" Lauren asks cocking her head.
I grit my teeth, clenching the soda can in my right hand.
Stay calm Bella.
"Hmmmm…" Jessica pretends to think.
It's then that it hits me, she's Jessica Stanley. Her mum was that receptionist. I remember meeting her as a child when I finally began living with Alec. Her and her mom came around with gifts. Though her mom was pretentious about the whole fucking ordeal.
I grind my teeth, fury building up at the thought of her mom gossiping to her family about my fucking family.
"Jessica, I would shut up right about now" I warn my voice reaching almost arctic levels.
"Or what you little bitch, why are you here? Trying to soak up attention? No one wants you here, besides our school isn't equipped for fucking orphans." She gripes, toxic lacing her words.
Fury.
Rage.
Red hot and boiling, bubbles up my throat and my vision clouds. Just as I'm about to reach over and claw her fucking eyes out…
A sharp voice slices through the red haze and cuts it open, wiping it away completely.
"Jessica, that mouth isn't good for more than sucking my fucking dick." Edward.
He's pinching the bridge of his nose.
"So how about you shut the fuck up, cause you're giving me a fucking headache." He finishes in his velvety dark voice, his eyes now open and focused on her entirely, almost burning.
Jessica's jaw is slack, shocked, "baby! I'm your girlfriend, why are you defending her!" She screeches pathetically in a whiny voice, while Lauren covers her snorts behind her.
At that, the conversations at the table stop completely, heads turning toward Jessica with amusement and shock scrawled across each and every one of their faces.
"Did she say what I think she did?" Emmett mutters, bemused.
"Oh yeah…" Jasper adds biting at his lip, clearly trying to keep his laughter at bay.
"What?" I ask confused.
And then they all start laughing. Obnoxiously loud and hard, tear jerking laughter.
Even Edward chuckles slightly.
"Oh Jessica, isn't this embarrassing for you, you were never my girlfriend" he begins, his voice hard and uncaring, she recoils slightly. "You were a quick fuck and you knew it, so shut your trap and apologise to Bella, cause that shit was fucked up." I'm shocked. I thought he didn't even like me.
Jessica, somehow back from her shock induced trance, sneers before giving me a poisonous hateful look "fuck that." She says before slamming her hands to the table and rising. She struts away followed by her little bitch.
"What? What did she say to belly?" Emmett asks curious, his brows furrowed. I raise a brow at him for the lovely nickname, and he shrugs amused and unapologetic.
I look at Edward pleadingly hoping he won't say anything.
"Nothing" I answer, keeping my eyes briefly locked with Edwards hoping he catches my drift. I break my gaze and look back at Emmett. "She was just being a bitch." I shrug, "I guess not everyone likes me" I laugh nervously.
He drops it but shakes his head, "she doesn't like anyone that's better looking trust me, she's scared of Rosalie and that's the only reason she doesn't fuck with Alice."
Alice nods vigorously agreeing with him.
"She'll get over it once she realises you're here to stay." She adds giving my shoulder a little squeeze.
"Now Jasper, I'd like to hear why you think Austin Mahone is better than JB cause I personally don't get it." She folds her arms waiting for a response.
I'm incredulous that they were arguing so viciously about that this entire time and look away. Everyone falls back into their conversations except Edward who again looks bored. His arms folded, eyes closed and chin resting against his broad, muscled chest.
"Hey…" I say timidly trying to catch his attention.
He tilts his head slightly, not opening his eyes or giving any other indication he's heard me.
"Thanks, for you know, what you just did" I murmur shyly, he makes me nervous. I don't know why.
He snickers, his eyes snapping up to meet mine.
Green to brown.
Burning green to demure brown.
"I didn't do it for you" he says harshly, narrowing his eyes at me.
I raise my brow, this time challenging him and slightly annoyed by his 180 mood swing.
"Really? Then why'd you do it?" I lean back folding my own arms and imitating his position.
"She's annoying. And shit like that annoys me." He adds cocking his head sarcastically.
"Uh huh, sure " I shrug, pretending to accept his crap.
He snorts, irritated and closes his eyes again, but not before adding, "you're annoying me now too".
Ouch. I smile, happy that I've somehow affected him.
It's a start right?
-x-
Gym. Someone please save me. I hate physical sport. Fighting? Simple. It's just a motion of remembering techniques and manoeuvres. You can pretty much be talentless and still learn some moves.
Sport is different. And I suck at it.
I'm giddy that I have gym class with everyone I've met. At least I won't be alone. Coach Clapp introduces himself to me and offers me an out for the first day seeing as I didn't bring any kit. He reminds me that I must bring it for the next time with a stern gaze.
So I take a comfortable seat at the bleachers and watch the class run up and down with a basketball.
Edward, Jasper and Emmett are all really fucking good. There are a few other guys too that I haven't met that are pretty talented too.
A half hour passes and I'm starting to get bored. I take out my phone and begin to fiddle when someone suddenly flops down next to me.
I see blonde in my peripheral vision and assume it's Jasper, greeting him with a grin. My smile fades slightly when I realise it's not him.
The guy chuckles, "don't look so excited" he says put out.
He's dirty blonde with dark blue eyes, borderline black. His hair is long and tied at he base of his neck. He's quite good looking but something about him, just gives me goosebumps.
"Sorry I thought you were someone else" I smile briefly looking away and focusing my attention on the game.
"I don't think we've met" he begins leaning forward trying to catch my gaze. I glance at him. "I'm James Hunter" he says full of himself. Should I know him? Cause that's the way he's making it sound.
I nod, "nice to meet you" I don't offer my name. I don't really want to. His eyes flash, he's noticed my little omission.
"You're Bella right?" See? He already knew my name.
I nod again, feeling extremely uncomfortable by his presence. He is so predatory. Even his gaze and the way he's sitting. I feel like I'm being hunted.
"James! Get back in the game you fucker" Edward shouts from the court, though it doesn't seem like he's doing this for my benefit this time. It seems like he's actually friends with him.
James smirks at him and rises up, skipping down the steps quickly. He looks back up at me.
"Until next time." He flashes me a grin.
I shudder but try to hide it and nod again.
He reaches Edward and they clasp hands doing that boyish embrace. They start laughing at a private joke and join the game again.
Creep.
Feeling eyes on me, I look down my row and see a group of girls. I recognise Jessica and Lauren. But not the strawberry blonde or the red head. Who by the way looks like she wants to kill me.
Sick of their glaring and bitching. I bite at them. Snapping my teeth and curling my lip. I could take them all with my eyes closed. Bitches.
Jessica and Lauren look taken aback. The red head looks nervous all of a sudden. But the strawberry blonde arches a perfectly plucked eyebrow clearly unimpressed. Alright then.
She was clearly the ring leader. But that didn't mean anything to me.
Ring leader or not. I could still take her.
I don't break my gaze until she eventually looks away at an approaching Edward. He sits beside her a flirtatious smirk playing at his lips. Why on earth would he be interested in her?
I can't hear them from here but he mumbles something into her ear that makes her giggle. I can see her eyes dilating from here. Fucking gross.
She bites her lip at him and nods. I can see the ghost of his pink tongue swipe out licking his lips. And I immediately know what he just asked her.
Nasty.
Eventually the lesson is over. And I wait outside the changing rooms for Alice and Rosalie since they asked.
What's taking them so long!
A few moments later the changing room door opposite me opens and Edward strides out. He gives me a burning look, I can almost feel his gaze running up my high heeled feet, thighs and chest before settling on my face and eyes. He licks his lips, his eyes dark but doesn't acknowledge me. I'm stunned by his brazen look and barely notice my heart rate has risen. He literally set me alight with one fucking look.
He waits too outside the locker room. But not for his friends like I'm assuming. The strawberry blonde comes out, brushing past me awfully hard.
"Bitch" she mutters on her way past.
"A little louder next time honey!" I respond sarcastically giving her an icy glare.
I can feel Edward watching me with curiosity. But he doesn't come to my rescue this time.
She turns giving me a fake gasp "oh no, I didn't mean you! Of course not" she gives me a phoney smile.
"I thought not" I offer a smile just as shit.
"I'm Tanya by the way" she says.
Why is she telling me like I care? I give her a look saying exactly that. But she still stands there expectantly. Missing a few brains cells this one.
"I didn't ask" I raise a brow, folding my arms and nonchalantly glancing at my nails.
She watches me for a moment and shrugs, she looks at Edward with an expression that says 'I tried'. The girls in the school were horrible. I've only met two that I actually like!
"Attitude, Swan" he says addressing me by my last name in his gravely voice.
He seems to be defending her this time. Knight in shining armour isn't he?
"Only when it's needed Cullen" I snap back, purposefully using his last name, making sure he realises that I noticed the formality he just addressed me with.
He clenches his jaw giving me a cold look, unapologetic with no remorse.
"Come on Tanya" he calls to her.
She tucks herself under his arm, wrapping her arm around his waist and he slips his over her shoulder. They walk away, my eyes on the back of his head. He's way to bipolar for me.
She turns giving me a sly look filled with smugness.
I roll my eyes and finally Rosalie and Alice grace me with their presence.
I don't say much as we all walk down the hallway. But they don't seem to notice my mulish mood. The bells rings and we separate. I'm almost one hundred percent sure I know where I'm going until it's been ten minutes and I'm nowhere near my biology classroom.
I'm walking down what seems to be the exact same corridor when the janitors closet opens and Tanya stumbles out. Looking rumpled, her hair all over the place, her lipstick smeared.
She swipes the back of her hand over her mouth seeing the lipstick and finds the nearest bathroom. I go unnoticed.
Surprise surprise, Cullen appears, every bit collected and put together. He however spots me immediately and smirks.
"Trying to catch a peek?" He accuses, my face turns pink. Damn my blush.
"No fucking chance. I'm lost actually" I sigh, remembering my initial predicament.
"Where you trying to go?" He asks, slinging his bag on his shoulder and pushing his hands into his pockets. See what I mean about the mood swings?
"AP biology with Mr Banner" I say eyeing him, wondering if he'll help me.
"Come on." He commands. He doesn't wait for a response and starts walking. I catch up with his long strides and we stroll in silence.
A few minutes later I can see the classroom and I groan, I'd be interrupting a lesson again.
I don't even realise that Edward is still following me until I open the classroom door slowly and Mr Banner says "why are you both late?" Confused I look back at Edward and realise he's in this class too.
He walks past me "I was handling business sir" he smirks and winks before finding his seat.
Mr Banner shakes his head in a disappointed fatherly way.
"And you?" He asks me, eyebrows raised.
"I got lost sir, I'm new today" I hope he lets me off.
He smiles "ah of course Isabella, it's not a problem just don't be late again okay? I tend to give detentions." I nod agreeing immediately and burning the route to this classroom to my memory.
"You can take the last seat" he dismisses me, going back to teaching.
I glance around the classroom, ignoring all the curious looks and spot the empty seat.
Next to Edward fucking Cullen.
Brilliant.
-x-
To say I'm feeling awkward right now is a fucking understatement. I have to deal with two hours of this torture. I can smell him. And this tiny desk doesn't help either. We're so close to each other that I feel feeling the tapping of his foot beside mine, his thigh pressed against mine. I can feel every breath he takes and every shuffle. I'm sure it's the same for him too.
It shouldn't be awkward, but it is, we're not allowed to talk, but the silence is filled with tension. It just doesn't make sense.
I was waiting for the bell to ring so I could get the heck out of here.
He sighs hard. Looking really fucking agitated. I clear my throat softly in a knee jerk reaction.
His head snaps to me, his jaw clenched tight and he stares at me for a few moments, running his finger across his bottom lip slowly. I'm fucking hypnotised. Literally. Like I'm ensnared. He is the predator and I am his prey.
I release a shaky breath and he smirks, knowing exactly what he's doing, his green eyes shining playfully. I look away mortified.
He's insane.
Insanely fucking sexy. He has so much sex appeal it's unreal.
The bell finally rings and I'm up from my seat with my books and bag so quick you'd think the seat is on fire.
He chuckles quietly as I make a beeline out of the classroom and out the entrance of the school finally taking a deep breath.
The soft drizzling rain that's just beginning kisses my face, bringing me back to reality. While also cooling my tomato red face.
I look around for my car before realising I was dropped off today, I sigh mentally preparing myself to wait for my limo.
I sent a quick text to Alec telling him i was waiting.
I sit on the front steps, waiting for a response when suddenly, yet again James flops down beside me.
"Hey beautiful" he says in an almost snakelike voice.
"Sup" I say being short with him.
He sidles closer to me putting his arm around my shoulder like we've been buddies for years. I recoil under his touch.
"Come on doll don't be like that" he whispers at me into my ear way too fucking close to me for my liking.
"Please get off me James. I don't even know you God" I slap at his hand on my shoulder.
He exhales sharply, his eyes narrowing.
"Watch it". He snaps.
I get up and step away completely actually quite shocked at his reaction.
Before I can say anything Jasper slowly walks forward, "am I interrupting?" He rubs at the back of his neck.
"No! Not at all!" I say quickly, so fucking relieved at his arrival.
"Jasper you drive right?" I ask, thinking of a solution to get the fuck out of here and away from James.
"Yeah sure, need a ride?" He offers catching my drift and eyes James suspiciously.
"Yes please!" I nod vigourously.
He gestures for me to walk ahead and flanks me almost protectively, he looks at James again giving him an upward nod but no greeting before joining me and pointing me in the right direction.
"Everything okay back there?" He asks concern lacing his words and silver eyes.
I smile, so at ease in his presence compared to just five minutes earlier with James.
"Yeah course" I nod "He's just a little weird" I shrug.
"Tell me about it" he agrees under his breath.
Weird is an understatement.
-x-
We pull up outside my house and Jaspers expression says it all.
"You fucking live here?" He says in awe.
I chuckle, "yeah" I shrug.
He's still staring in a daze.
"Thanks for the ride Jasper" I look at him from under my lashes smiling shyly.
He clears his throat and smirks, "not a problem" he says licking his lips nervously.
I can't help but glance at them, my eyes flickering down for the briefest moment. I find myself leaning in unconsciously, and suddenly realise before straightening up and clearing my own throat.
"I'll um, see you tomorrow" I smile getting out of the car before I can do anything rash.
He smiles gently, leaning toward the window on my side.
"Can I give you lift tomorrow?" He asks almost unsure of himself.
I grin, suddenly giddy at the thought of spending more time with him.
"Yeah course" I shut the door firmly.
He nods in confirmation before reversing and pulling out of the driveway. He beeps once before speeding off.
And I'm left standing here. My heart racing at the though of almost kissing him.
Racing at the thought of seeing him again.
Just fucking racing.
-x-
A/N: so are we team Edward or Jasper?
And what do you think so far? Is this an improvement or not?
Let me know what you guys think! Id love a review. They make my day really!
I also appreciate all the favourites and alerts I've been getting. They make me smile.
The next chapter will be up next week!