The New Students: Part 1#
The New Students: Part 1#
For the typical human being between the ages of 16-18, the sound of an alarm on a Monday morning can cause them to let loose a groan into their pillow before falling out of bed. That sound of the alarm embodied the call of school, and the end of the loosely languid weekend. Another 5 days of expected work…NOT cool!
The morning rituals of breakfast and dressing would be stretched, the false belief that if one dragged their feet the need to go to school would just pass…then you could hop right back into bed for the rest of the morning…
However, somewhere between getting in one's car, turning on the engine slowly, and then glancing at how much time you actually had wasted, the urgency would take you over, and one would press the gas petal down in anxious zeal to get to school on time.
After all, the last time you were late, the janitors were all to happy to have you clean down the entire locker rooms and bathrooms while they idled cleaning the mirrors with that nasty blue liquid…you sometimes wondered what exactly they put in those things to make them smell like rotten tomato soup!
So, once you'd made it to school, you found your friends and took mutual comfort in complaining about school. Once the eye rolling had stopped, you'd discuss your weekend, what you did, who you saw…how many curfews were broken…what pains your parents were being about it…
Then, you look around, noting those of the opposite sex with your friends, giggling about their stares, contemplating who's car was better, or who kissed better by so-and-so's standards…
"Check it out!"
"Oh, it's the Volvo!"
"The Cullen's! Damn hott, that Edward…"
"Are you kidding? Jasper is the one you should be looking at…"
"Shame he's got that snotty girl already..."
"Shame they're both such stuck-up jerks…"
Edward, leaning against the side of his Volvo, gritted his teeth, and turned so his back was to the gathered cluster of girls in front of the school. Without a second thought about it, he shoved their annoying voices to the back of his mind like a pile of screws under a broom. Other, less annoying voices seeped into its forefront place…
He ignored them too. A muggy sort of silence was his to enjoy.
That was until his ears heard the giggles that carried on the light wind. His stare ahead turned into a hard glare…and to think, he'd decided to put up with this for another year or two!
Jasper, who was leaning against the Volvo next to him, spoke up. "Someone annoying you? Your irritation level suddenly just spiked…"
Edward shifted on his shoulder, feeling the slight give of the metal on his hard, granite like arms. Jasper's uncanny gift of sensing others emotions, and of influencing them, sometimes made it impossible to maintain a silent dignity.
In that regard, both of them understood each other. Edward had his thoughts intruded upon by others, just as Jasper had his emotions intruded upon by other's emotions. Around each other, they could feel what the other felt and think what the other felt. The whole Cullen family operated in this like manner…an understanding of the lack of dignity, and accepting it..
"The Forks Female Mob…Surely you're feeling the same annoying emotions from them?" Edward inquired quietly, not looking at Jasper.
Jasper's gaze swept from Edward to the small group of girls towards the entrance. "Annoyance is not something their feeling," he answered, smiling in amusement. "It's more along the lines of trying to excite themselves in lieu of the dawning school day. But you already knew that, Edward."
Jasper studied Edward's intent perusal of the road. They'd both decided to be the lookouts for the prophecied trouble. "You know, if Alice says they're are coming, they're coming."
Edward's lips tilted at the edges, and his golden eyes gleamed slightly. "I know. Alice is never wrong."
Jasper frowned, thinking of Alice. She'd been preoccupied, slightly geared-up, after her vision Friday night. Jasper had done his best to support her. Even helping her with some of her projects…though the difference between a light green and another light green fabric wasn't exactly his forte.
In fact, he'd failed miserably at it. That had made Alice laugh.
He felt the same geared up vibes coming from Edward. Actually, they were on a larger scale. It concerned Jasper, made him wonder what about these oncoming vampires was so worrisome to Edward. They'd been intercepted by other vampires before, and none of them had posed much of a threat. None of them had ever upset Edward or Alice to this extreme before either.
Actually, the possible challenge of other vampires was greeted with anticipation by the young males of the Cullen household. A good fight was always welcome among Edward, Jasper, or Emmett…
Something about this couple of vampires coming to school was something unique, and all together more threatening. And Edward and Alice somehow understood this.
Jasper lifted his arm, analyzing his watch critically. "School will start in 20 minutes…they should show any time now…" He informed Edward.
Edward nodded his head. Then, his head tilted fractionally to the side, as if he suddenly was picking up on something. And even though he hadn't moved much at all, he managed to go very still. His breathing stopping sharply, before he sucked in a breath to speak.
"They're within my distance…a few miles…" He frowned, his eyes not seeing Jasper's intent perusal as he listened. "They're driving fast."
Jasper shrugged. "Typical."
As was their conversation, Edward thought evenly enough, as he listened intently to the conversation between the two approaching vampires…
"Bella, I realized before I dared get you in this car that you were going to be snappy, so I will not bother being angry and will forgive you for your sullen expression," said a chirpy voice that sounded clearly in Edward's head, as if he were speaking to himself. Only in a female octave.
"Eileen, I do NOT have a sullen expression," Another voice—lower, less cheerful—answered from inside the vehicle.
Edward's face, carefully set in a still position, was broken as he blinked. He felt caught off guard in some way. The voice had sounded different then other voices he'd listened to in other people's minds. It had sounded…like a recording, or as if…as if it had come from the Vampire Eileen's mind instead of this Bella's.
Edward resisted that implausible explanation entirely. There had to be another reason for the odd descrepitancy in the voices. Perhaps the distance… He concentrated hard, harder then ever on the voices coming closer…
"What do you call an upside down frown? Certainly not what you're sporting on that beautiful face of yours," Eileen teased, her eyes watching the side of the road for any sign of local speed traps. She'd definitely be in the range of several hundred dollar's worth of fines for speeding…She didn't really care though…
The voice—Bella-- answered her, slightly amused. "Beautiful is something you should use on yourself." The voice took on a slightly anxious peal. "Eileen, the guys are going to be having enough trouble today as it is…couldn't you have waited before pulling out the big guns on your wardrobe?"
No, Edward had to admit, the differences in the pitches between the voices was all to obvious. Eileen's thoughts were crystal clear. In comparison, Bella's sounded like…a broken reel.
Or, probably like a real voice would sound to him if he didn't have his gift.
Although the idea was absolutely crazy, Edward felt the startling realization that he couldn't hear this Bella's thoughts! He could hear Eileen's, but not Bella's. He should be able to hear her interpretations of the car ride, be able to see what she saw just as with Eileens. But hers were blank. Edward had no conception of her at all!
Edward had never encountered something like this before. He'd never met someone he couldn't...
Bella's sigh coming from Eileen's perception interrupted his quick deliberation, and he hurriedly flashed back to their conversation…
"I don't want to do this, Eileen," She groaned. "Why couldn't you have decided on letting me take up the identity of a young aspiring author? You could have made me the secret family lunatic, locked me up in that manor and apologized to the community every time you went out to buy milk..."
Eileen chuckled in amusement. Ah, Bella was wishing for the life of a hermit again. "You wouldn't have written anything. What sort of lunatic author would you be then? Besides, you'd probably resemble Frankenstein to the community by the time I got done gossiping over the milk…chocolate milk I hope?"
Eileen glanced quickly at her seat partner for a moment as she turned a corner, and Edward's mind chilled as he got a glimpse, a short glimpse, of the girl vampire he had seen in Kirsten's memories. He saw a faint smile before the view of her was replaced by the main section of town.
"Naturally chocolate milk," Bella replied, and the smile was evident in her voice. Then it quieted again, in thought. "This town doesn't need anymore monsters, I think…"
The car was silent for a moment as Eileen processed Bella's tone. She was concerned, and hoped…"Bella, I read the papers…the little girl was okay…the angel confession was all that was revealed." She meant it as a comfort for her friend.
"I know," Bella said quietly, factually. Eileen snuck a glance, and saw Bella's eyes were looking out, towards the suddenly viewable school building over the rise…
"They're coming," Edward murmured to Jasper, opening his eyes.
Eyes, that Jasper could see were strained. Jasper narrowed his own on the slight rise of the road that branched over the hill. If they were coming, their car should appear just there…
Jasper let out a noise of finality and relief as a yellow car—he couldn't tell what type yet—low to the ground, zoomed over the top and shot down the hill. The drone from its engines grew slowly from the silence. Alice had seen that yellow car…
"SLOW DOWN THIS INSTANT!" The vampire Bella hissed, her voice crisp.
Eileen recognized her tone for suddenly hyperventilated nerves. "Why?"
"It's 20 mph in a school zone, that's why! Please," she begged, and Eileen saw her scrunching lower in her seat as she cowered from the window, "Please, today will be hard enough without you running over any of our fellow students, too!"
Eileen rolled her eyes and pushed on the brakes. The car slowed instantly from 90 some miles per hour to a snails pace in comparison of 20--all in a range of 50 feet.
"Great, there was a cop sitting there too," Bella groaned, seconds before Eileen saw it also, parked in the shadows of the trees in front of the school.
"Well, good thing you had me slow down!" She laughed, and turned into the parking lot entrance of the school.
Both Edward and Jasper's gazes were glued to the yellow car as it slowly maneuvered its way around the crowded parking lot to the only available space. It was several cars down from where they leaned against the Volvo.
They could see what type of car it was now. A Jaguar, one of the old ones. Jasper let out a slow whistle of appreciation at its pristine condition, its slightly purring motor as it parked. Edward himself appreciated such a vehicle, if not the occupants of it…
The other student body members had suddenly realized the monster of a vehicle in their parking lot, too. A group of guys stepped closer, breathless noises of amazement coming from their mouths. Who's was it? Who was in it? Man, I'd give anything for a ride in that!
"Well, time to face the music, Bella!" Eileen said cheerfully. "And don't look like you're going to the guillotine."
Bella's answer was weak, and preoccupied. "I'd almost prefer it," She muttered, but undid her seatbelt.
Eileen smiled at her reluctant friend. "You're going to insist on the sunglasses, aren't you?"
Bella nodded her head, her's already firmly on her face. They blocked her golden orbs from view behind black shields. Eileen shook her head in amusement and slid hers on. Her vision went darker from Edward's point of view…
The door's to the Jaguar opened up vertically to the sky. The guys on the side lines barely had time to blink before two very long, slim legs slid out of the left side.
And after that, thought process kind of flipped off as a grinning red head stepped out of the purring Jaguar and aimed an attractive smile at the group of gathered guys. It almost said, come hither…
Barely anyone noticed the other occupant silently shut her door, awkwardly. She muttered something when she had to push harder then necessary to get the latch to catch.
But Edward noticed her. His stare had latched onto her instantly.
Finally, he saw her himself, and not the tainted fuzzy images like snapshots you get from people's thoughts. The image he'd made of her didn't match the real thing…not even close…
It was ten times better!
Her skin was a pale white, in a unique luster different from other vampire's. She was smaller then her friend Eileen, and her shoulders were slumped. She looked braced for anything as she slid the zipper on her black hoodie up a little more. She hefted a black bag to her side. Her dark hair she wore down, and it was straight today. There was no hint of a curl in it anywhere. By design or accident, he didn't know. Usually females took deliberate moves with their makeup and hair—their appearance was their shield, and it appeared to Edward that this Bella had gone for what she considered her least noticeable attire. Long, fitting dark jeans and black blouse under that black hoodie that could have blended in with anyone else's at their school.
He wished he could see her eyes…
Her friend Eileen had taken a different approach to her attire. If she wanted to make an entrance, she'd done it perfectly. She wore a red summer dress that tied around her neck, and a loose short white hoodie that dipped down her arms. Her red hair was only slightly pulled back so the curls danced about her face. The glasses weren't making much of a difference on her facial appeal. She was all leg and fun attraction to the very tips of her red high inch heels. Alice would love her audacity...
"The testosterone level just went way, way up in this parking lot," Jasper chuckled.
Edward could see the slack jaws of the males around the Jaguar as the red head moved around the vehicle to her friend. Their attention followed her, all the way to Bella...
Edward heard Jasper suck in a breath as the testosterone level went up an even higher notch.
The male's thought process' began to kick into gear, in several levels. Something within Edward tightened and went defensive. Apparently Bella hadn't gone as inconspicuous as she thought…
"Do you have to flirt like that?!"
Edward jerked against the Volvo, realizing he'd heard her voice in his own ears—Bella's. That too, was better then Eileen's thoughts. It was…low, and almost like a cooling liquid. Edward's feeling of a tightening became stronger as he watched the Eileen vampire link her arms with the hunched Bella as they moved onto the sidewalk.
"Of course! A little flirting is fun. You should give it a try. You'd have them eating out of your hand." Eileen encouraged her, lifting a hand to wave at a duo of boys who posed by the front entrance. She chuckled at their suddenly dense expressions as she walked past.
"It's not fair to them, not when you're adding your vampiric appeal," Bella argued. "You're dazzling them, and if you aren't careful, you'll get fifty proposals for a trip to the movies by the end of the day."
"IF I'm lucky!" Eileen agreed, before they were swallowed by the school building, and Edward had to switch back to listening to Eileen's thoughts to follow them.
"I'll follow the one in black and jeans. Think you can handle the red head?" Edward asked Jasper as he pushed off the Volvo to move towards the building. He narrowed his eyes at the group of guys who still stood with their eyes glued to the doors the two vampires had disappeared through. He shook his head in disgust and passed them.
Jasper waited until they were past the guys before saying stiffly, "I hope to whatever gods there are that Alice doesn't see this, but yeah, I think I can."
Edward looked at Jasper sideways a moment, then seemed to consider something far off a moment before grinning. "Nope, she heard."
Edward ducked Jasper's punch and left him cursing his luck. He had to follow that Bella...!
Bella pushed the glass doors open carefully, like a human would, and held it for Eileen to pass through. The girl stepped gracefully out into the open, lifting her head to the cloudy sky again.
"You know, I like this set-up they have of having the classrooms separated from the main building. A little more of the outdoors would be refreshing between classes. Remember that one school we were at, Bella? The one where you weren't allowed outside at all, and the classrooms had no windows whatsoever?" Eileen inquiered.
Bella nodded, letting the door shut behind her. She was glad they'd left the office. The desk lady was pleasant, but she'd asked too many questions for Bella's liking. Just being curious about the new kids; she knew newcomers were a cause of excitement in a town of this size, or even a school of this size. But Bella didn't like it all the same. She was a very private person, for obvious reasons.
"Yeah. It was New York, right?" She'd liked it. A large school, just around the corner from anything she'd desired. A lot of people to blend in with. It might not have been Florida, but the beach hadn't been too far away either.
Eileen nodded her head. "Yes. I think I'll enjoy Forks a lot! It's quite the opposite of New York."
Bella rolled her eyes, thinking How true? and dug her hands into her hoodie pockets to keep them out of the air. She could feel the moisture everywhere, and she breathed it in too. Too wet, and definitely not like New York.
Bella blinked as Eileen pushed something into her arm. "Here's your schedule for the next semester, as well as a list of rules they expect you to follow." Eileen grinned as Bella slowly lifted the flap and pulled out the sheets of paper inside. "That shouldn't be much of an issue for you, Bella."
"You may be surprised," Bella said, raising her eyebrows as she viewed her schedule.
Let's see, English, building 3 for first block--good enough...
Math--trigonometry, building 10 for second period--bearable...
Lunch, obviously. "Yummmm," Bella said out-loud sarcastically, and kept reading.
Biology II right after, and then…
Gym…Gym?!
"Eileen!" Bella gasped, "You didn't!" She spun around, ready to murder her right there and then, but Eileen had chosen the perfect time to disappear to class. And Bella didn't even know where that was so she could follow her!
Bella cursed, and then for good measure, cursed again. She hated gym! Eileen knew that, why did she sign her up for it?
Oh, of course! She wanted Bella to break through that social awkwardness of hers. Well, making a fool of herself in gym wasn't going to improve that trait, Bella could promise that.
Bella sighed, wondering at Eileen's optimistic lack of sense. If Bella hadn't changed her social shyness in the last 25 years, she never would. End of debate.
A sharp shrill ringing filled Bella's ears, and for a moment she didn't register what it was. She tensed before realizing it was the starting bell. Time to get to class.
Then, Bella realized she had no idea where—she checked her schedule—the building 3 for first period was. Wait, there was a map in the packet of information…Bella dug it out of the pile of papers, and started analyzing it. She felt other students run or walk past her, and she felt the urgency to hurry up. But not too fast. She was a human right now, after all.
Bella could hear time ticking away in her mind as she flipped the map over. It was upside down! Okay, here she was, in front of the main building. If she went left…
Bella stepped up onto the low cement wall to the side of the steps…
…if she went left she'd be in the little circle of out-buildings, and her's should be…
"You need any help?" Said a voice right in her ear.
Bella gasped, and shied right instinctively. In her haste, she forgot she was balancing on a wall and went falling.
Straight into the arms of the person who'd spoken to her.
His arms came up reflexively, going around her waist to stop her fall. Bella grabbed a handful of his jacket at the shoulder, and managed to grab ahold the top of the wall with her other hand as well. One of her legs stuck to the edge of the step, while the other went sliding to the next step below. All together, not a graceful move or ending position.
The guy who'd spoken let out a small whistle as he lifted her up straight. Bella found herself back on her feet, and she leaned slightly against him as she breathed in and out in humiliation. Great…just great…she'd fallen off a wall. And Eileen hoped she'd survive gym? The audacity…
"You know, its not everyday I can startle a girl enough that she falls into my arms," Her rescuer chuckled. She could feel him looking at her, although she kept her head down while she thought.
He was human. She could feel his warmth from his skin coming through his clothes. If she looked hard enough, she knew she'd see the edges of his skin glow with the heat, like under infrared light. She liked the warmth. It was pleasing against the cold moisturous air.
And, of course, she could smell his blood. There was no getting past that. And she was close enough to his neck that the temptation to just rest her lips against his throbbing pulse was slightly stronger then usual.
Bella rolled her eyes, and loosened her grip on his jacket as she looked up.
The boy who held her was taller then her, and she had to admit, really cute. No doubt he was one of the popular boys, especially with the girls. That light colored hair and the easy going expression didn't hurt his appeal either.
Bella found herself smiling a little more naturally. "Thanks, I…I don't often fall into guys on my first day of school either."
He grinned. "Yeah, you're one of the new girls, aren't you?" He let her go, almost reluctantly.
Bella let her hand slide from his jacket back to her side. Carefully, making sure his eyes were on her face, she let go of the cement wall with her left hand.
Bits and chunks of mortar from her strong grip fell to the stairs. He hadn't seen though. He was already talking again.
"Words spreading about the rich girls with the nice yellow car. Is that really yours?"
Bella winced. She'd begged Eileen to drive something else, something a little less…conspicuous for their first day of school. Eileen had, point blank, refused.
"No. I mean, yeah…its my sister's—Eileen's," she said, kind of awkwardly. "My taste in cars is a little less…eccentric."
He grinned. "Eccentric can be good." He held out his hand to her. "Name's Mike. Mike Newton. Talented at sports and catching the occasional falling female."
Bella smiled, somewhat shyly, and took his hand. "Bella Swanne. Horrible at any sport and…constantly falling off walls, if I'm honest."
"Well, we should get along fine then," He smiled, shaking her hand carefully, before frowning at it. "Man, you're freezing. Not used to this kind of weather, eh?"
Bella bit her lip and slowly pulled her hand away. "Yeah…I've a Florida type of equilibrium, I guess."
No need to tell him her skin was cold like marble because she was the walking dead.
"We really should be in class, Bella Swanne," He said, looking at his watch. "And from where I was standing earlier, it looked like you were lost."
Bella looked down at the map in her hand. "Yeah…I need to be in building 3. For English."
Mike's grin got even broader, as if that were possible. "Hey, just my luck, that's my first hour too! Come on. The teachers a bitch, just to warn you."
Bella's brows arched downward under her sunglasses at his remark. Mike studied them a moment, then reached up, pulling them off. Bella let out a small sound of protest as he folded them, putting them in her hand.
"She'll roast you if you wear those. School rules have a way of forbidding us to wear anything cool," Mike explained. "And I'd hate for you to get sent to the office, or assigned an extra essay, just because she doesn't like your wardrobe."
Bella took a deep breath, and then looked up, under her lashes. "Thank you," she said quietly, her golden orbs flaring somewhat as she tensed, trying to hold back the power she felt in them.
Mike's face still went blank for a split second as he looked into them. His mouth opened wordlessly for a moment as he stared mesmerized at her.
Bella shook her head, and pulled back some of her hair over her shoulder as if that was her excuse. Mike let out a breath, his eyes blinking rapidly as he continued to stare at her.
Bella hesitated before looking back up at him. Now that he'd seen her eyes, he didn't appear as effected by them. Never the less, Bella was careful to not stare at him in the eye for too long.
Which wasn't that hard. By nature she couldn't stand to look at anyone in the eye for too long as it was. It was too…challenging. Too much of a threat to people's inner privacy. And to her own...
"Wow," Mike said, still staring at her. "I hope you don't mind me saying this, but you've got some gorgeous eyes."
Bella felt a rush of emotion, a tightening of nerves. She knew that, if she were human, she'd be blushing from the compliment, from the embarrassment…from the little thrill of getting that sort of attention.
Somehow, it didn't feel as if Mike was saying that just because she was a vampire, and he couldn't help but be effected by her presence. He was saying it because, in his mind, he was complimenting Bella.
She could accept that kind of compliment. She liked it, actually. Weird.
"Thanks…shall we…get to class?" She said, smiling at both him and herself. Mike seemed lost for a second, before he started leading the way. Back up the wall. So, she had been going in the right direction…
She snuck a quick look at Mike as they walked side by side, and as he pointed out other directions for her about the school. How odd…a vampire, friends with a human…
Gorgeous eyes!
The term was exactly what had flashed through Edward's mind when her shades had been pulled off and she'd looked up into that Mike Newton's. Exactly.
And it hadn't been Newman's thought. No, it had been Edward's own opinion!
He'd thought much faster then Newton. His "You've got some gorgeous eyes" had been a late echo of Edward's.
And not nearly so strong. Edward's hands were clenched in shaking fists in his jacket pockets as he pushed off the main building wall to follow them quietly to her class.
He was angry! Angry at both himself and her for whatever had happened just then.
Gorgeous eyes, hah! He'd seen those type of golden orbs every day in the mirror after feeding himself. Why should seeing the same eyes in another girl vampire make him feel as if he'd been hit by a bolt of lightning?!
For that insane reason, he was angry at both himself, and at her. For causing it.
And slightly, an insane hatred of Mike Newton for thinking the same damn opinion. Gorgeous eyes…
He followed them, to make sure she wasn't planning something sinister for poor, unsuspecting Mike Newton. Vampires didn't just converse and laugh and make "friends" with humans to be nice. He didn't trust her actions around him. He didn't trust her period.
He stopped on the sidewalk as the two of them disappeared into the classroom, the door to English shutting. The tardy bell rang clearly as the door clicked shut.
Edward stood still, listening to the teacher berate them for cutting it so close, and as she greeted and introduced…
Isabella Swanne. Not Bella.
But then the vampire turned and corrected the teacher politely, requesting she call her by her nickname. So, it was Bella, then.
The curious students' thoughts kicked up a notch until it was like a swarm of bees in Edwards head. In disgust, he jerked his head away, and hurried to his own class. He'd be late, but the teacher wouldn't do much.
He'd follow Bella to her second class later too. He'd have his eye all day on the new student Bella Swanne. Thoroughly.
Part II
The doors to the cafeteria burst open rather abruptly. Several people halted in their eating to frown at them, before they went slack jawed as the people walked in.
Bella doubted normal juniors would cause such a reaction if they just walked into a room; only they could have such luck standing out. She winced as they passed some people at the tables and one of them openly let the milk dribble out of his open mouth as he gazed at them.
By all rights they shouldn't be getting this sort of attention. But, Eileen was milking it for all it was worth. Bella tried to ignore it, difficult as that was.
The girl walking next to Bella—Bella couldn't quite remember her name yet, she'd met her first hour when Mike had introduced them—tugged on Bella's sleeve and began pointing out the different clicks and different people that sat at certain tables.
"You can sit with us at our table, of course!" She assured them, as if she was handing them a direct privilege and they should be entirely grateful. "Everyone who's anyone in the Junior year sits there. Like, Mike for instance, or Lauren…"
She named off a whole other bunch of people, but except for Mike, Bella couldn't remember their names, or even what their faces looked like. Bella just nodded, smiling absently for their new friend's benefit.
The girl saw some of her friends in the line and she ran forward to hook up with them. Probably with the intent to start talking about the new girls, and how she was best friends with them now.
"You know," Eileen stated to Bella, smiling after their departed friend, "She's a nice girl. I see a lot of myself in her."
Bella shot Eileen a dry look. "In her? Eileen, please!" Bella shook her head and started walking towards the table the girl had pointed out as theirs. It was as good a place as any to sit out the day, she supposed.
"No," Eileen insisted, "I mean, I used to be like her, you know? All optimistic, innocent, and in my own little world, where I was queen of everything. It least, I wanted to be queen of everything."
Bella shook her head again. "But then you got bitten, Eileen, and grew wiser." Bella slid into the seat, keeping turned slightly toward Eileen. "You may try to act like the typical non-thinking teenager, but I assure you, Eileen, you are not like that girl at all. Thank goodness."
Eileen laughed deeply, pushing some of her red curls back from her face. "Bella, you give the oddest of compliments! And the worst of insults; Her name is Jessica, okay? Try to be nice."
Bella leaned back, her lips pulling into a surprised frown. "I never said I didn't like her. Just that she doesn't have the same brain capacity as you. She's okay. You know me, I'm always nice."
Eileen made a noise, and Bella wasn't sure whether it was in agreement or dissention. Eileen started to speak. "I'm going to go get in line with them, and see how good the food is here, 'K?" Eileen winked and started to stride towards the food line.
Bella grinned after her, sitting up straighter in her seat. "Remember, if I catch you eating meat, you're days as a vegetarian are over!" Bella teased loudly.
Eileen spun on the cafeteria floor back to Bella, laughing. Her hair fell back in front of her face with a very sexy wave. "Bella, what have I tolled you about blowing our cover! Yelling that we're vegetarians to a room of people is a bit risky don't you think?" She joked back.
Bella widened her eyes dramatically. She crossed her finger over her lips and threw away an invisible key. It didn't stop her from smiling at her friend though as Eileen grabbed milk and a cheeseburger along with a mountain of fries. Bella shook her head as Eileen, Jessica, and another girl took longer then usual discussing the diet regulations involving their salads.
Bella herself didn't feel the need to go buy mountains of food to keep up her appearance; what was the point? It was bizarre. So, Bella personally removed a small black water bottle from her bag. She set it carefully on the white countertop, where several students had chosen to carve in names or hearts with their lovers names too. The occasional cuss word too. Notty, notty.
Bella placed her hands around the water bottle, and then she glanced around nervously under her eyelashes to the tables around her. No one was looking overly suspicious, but there were lots of people looking at her in curiosity. Bella wasn't used to the attention. Although there wasn't any reason for anyone to be suspicious of what she was about to drink, it felt odd having so many innocent human eyes on her. Eyes that could get wise, just like Eileen's had.
Shrugging at the feeling, Bella lifted the water bottle and settled her lips around the opening. Tipping it, she closed her eyes and tried not to moan as the cold blood hit her tongue, and her taste buds exploded. Suddenly eager, Bella slid her tongue forward and lapped at the flow of blood, dragging it around the sharp edge of the plastic opening, savoring the texture along with the blood. She hadn't drunk anything since morning, and that had only been a small amount…
It had been enough, Bella told herself, forcing the thought to run through her brain before the blood got to her.
Even cold, this blood at a spice to it. It had come from Biscuit this time. Bella had had no idea Biscuit would grow up to taste this good! Although a feisty little fellow, he'd been your average white billy goat. He'd sired some children. Bella had high hopes this flavor would live on in them.
Somewhere behind the sweet euphoria the blood gave her, Bella sensed the table move as people sat down at it. Remembering her duty to act normal, Bella managed to convince herself to pry her lips away from the opening, tipping it straight again, so no more blood fell out. She capped it and sat it back on the top of the table. After rubbing her lips carefully on her sleeve, and dragging her tongue over her teeth to make sure they weren't stained red, she looked up at the people.
Eileen sat in front of her. Jessica was next to Bella on the right, and the other girl sat next to Eileen.
"Enjoying your energy drink, Bella?" Eileen inquired, raising a brow. Eileen, of course, knew what was in it.
Bella looked down at the water bottle she still sort of gripped protectively in one hand. "Ah…yeah."
Eileen nudged the girl next to her, conspiratally but still loud enough for the whole table to hear. "You see, Angela, Bella has this special drink she has to drink everyday for lunch. She can't have normal food this time of day, just this energy drink of hers, or she goes berserk." Eileen winked at Jessica this time. "I should know. She gets downright cranky. Take this morning for example…"
Eileen continued to go into detail about Bella's strange little behaviors. Bella could feel embarrassment start to take effect, so she tried to block out most the conversation. This was easier after Mike and some of the guys joined the table. Jessica scooted over quite obviously in invitation when Mike arrived, but he either didn't see it or was pointedly oblivious. He sat on Bella's left instead.
The conversation went from Bella to other mundane subjects, thank goodness. Bella found herself stroking her water bottle absently with her index finger. Disgusted with her lack of attention, she started glancing around the room, people watching. Anything to keep her mind occupied.
She probably wouldn't have seen them if a group of senior looking people hadn't gotten up and vacated their table, leaving the back side of the cafeteria free of obstructions. Perhaps it was the fact Bella hadn't seen them at first that made her look more closely at the new table of people. Or perhaps she was becoming interested in clicks like Jessica, because these students certainly had a theme in their appearance…
And then every thought in Bella's mind shut down as their theme became blatantly apparent.
Bella's hands began to shake on the water bottle. She could feel her eyes widening, just as she felt her body began to hyperventilate. She managed to latch down on enough calm to stop that, which would cause a scene.
They did not need a scene right now.
Bella reached over with her shaking hand and nudged the girl Jessica's hand. "Hey, Jessica," She began, her voice nearly a whisper.
Jessica, who had been listening intently to a conversation Mike was having with the table, looked at Bella with a frown. "Yeah?"
Bella inclined her head toward the far table with the strange students. "That group over there—Who are they?"
No need to ask what are they…
"Them?" Jessica looked and raised her eyebrows. "Oh, those are the Cullen's! Didn't I point them out? I guess not, their not really important here. Very stuck up, they don't talk to us other juniors."
What a relief for you guys, Bella thought anxiously.
"You see, those boys are the Cullen's, Edward and Emmett, along with their sister Alice Cullen. But Rosalie and Jasper are the Hales. Their all adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, because they can't actually have children themselves."
"How noble of them," Bella felt herself murmur, her feelings exactly the opposite of her words, "To take in so many teenagers."
"Yeah, I suppose," Jessica allotted, her tone uninterested, before it brightened for the last bit. "But you know what? Jasper Hale and Alice Cullen go together! And so does Emmett Cullen and Rosalie Hale! A bit scandalous don't you think?"
"Not much really," Bella said, compared to what secrets they really hide! "Have they been in Forks for long?"
"Oh, they came around 3 years back. I think somewhere from Alaska. They don't really talk to us, so I don't really know anything else. Nor do I want to!" Jessica turned up her nose. "They're not really great company. I had to have that Jasper boy once as a partner in class. He doesn't look you in the eye and he acts like you stink or something."
"I'm sure you smelt good actually," Bella said, pretending to be assuring. She hoped Jessica hadn't smelled too good.
Bella studied the group closely, making positively sure she was correct in her assumption that…
They couldn't be vampires. It couldn't be the white, white walls of the cafeteria that made them look that pale, was it? Maybe they were naturally fair, like she had once been, or maybe they were all feeling a little peckish…
The dark smudges under their eyes could be from late nights and lack of sleep. Maybe they were drug addicts; that could explain the pale features and the bruised lids.
But, they looked too well groomed to be drug addicts, and there was no getting around the fact they were absolutely gorgeous! And not in a normal way some lucky kids were. It was almost—no, it was too unnatural.
Deciding to end the debate, Bella stood abruptly. Eileen shot her a glance in confusion, but didn't try to get up and follow her. Eileen was surrounded by several eager gentlemen intent of hearing every single little bit of her story without remembering a word of it.
Slipping her water bottle back into her bag, Bella strode purposefully towards the back table, skirting around several others. She barely saw them she was so intent on the the one. When she was nearly upon them, Bella drew in a quick breath. Her nostrils flared as the air went in.
The sweet scent of vampires hit her full force. Her head spun with the pleasant smell, unlike the normal, dry smells of humans and animals. Her mind spun in pleasure at the same time it galloped in fear.
For they had smelled her too.
All 5 of them.
Part III
The three on the far side of the table merely lifted their heads, looking at her fully: the petite girl and two boys, one with auburn hair. The other two sitting with their backs to Bella turned in their seats, looking at her fully too.
Bella stood frozen, merely several paces away, staring right back. She was trying to think fast, around the shock of finding 5 vampires in a normal school setting. They looked in their teens, like juniors. But that wasn't any indictation of how old they really were. What were they doing here? Who were they really?
More importantly, what threat did they pose to her and Eileen?
Was it coincidence they were here in the same town where they had decided to hide recently?
Bella didn't believe in coincidences. Minor ones perhaps, like running into your aunt in a Wal-Mart, but not Major ones like this.
Bella assessed their body language quickly. She could sense others in the room start to take interest in her sudden pausing in front of the Cullen's table, and the Cullen's equal attention on her. She had to be quick.
Bella took in their faces, and had her assessment. They weren't staring at her in a hostile way that meant attack was possible. Their faces were drawn, cautious. Bella had the sickening feeling that they'd known about her and Eileen all day. They didn't look surprised in the least to see her standing there.
But it was their eyes that caused Bella some twinges of apprehension. While most of their eyes were on the golden hinge…
--Indicating they'd fed quite recently. Bella repressed a shiver—
…Several of the vampires had anger blaring from them, despite the outward calm of their faces.
The auburn haired boy in particular looked so uninvitingly at her that Bella found a distinct feeling of unease run through her body.
THREAT. That's what flashed through her mind.
Bella felt her right foot step back, then her left. Seeing that they didn't move to get up and follow her, she turned fully around and accelerated into a run for the cafeteria doors. She had to force herself to keep it at human level; she wanted to run so fast she disappeared into the air.
Her palms collided with the push in handle, sending the door shooting open. Bella hit the wall on the other side. Pushing off it, she stumbled a few feet down the hall, her hands going up, her fingers sliding into her hair.
Bella started to curse. Minor words, but with enough heat that even the most crass of speakers would give her room to rant.
Bella heard the doors to the cafeteria come open, with less force than she'd slammed them shut.
"Bella?" Eileen questioned, her voice tilted up in confusion as she stepped into the school hallway. The door shut behind her, shutting off the noise from the cafeteria.
Bella felt Eileen put a hand on her shoulder before Eileen pushed in front of her, stopping Bella's assent down the hall.
"What's happened? Why'd you run suddenly? You're as white as a ghost, and you're eyes are dilated." Eileen's eyes narrowed on Bella, her face filling with concern. "You're afraid! I haven't seen you this shaken since…" She stopped. Her voice was suddenly flat. "Tell me, what's wrong."
Bella gripped Eileen's upper arms hard. "Oh, Eileen, we should never have come here!" She made a noise close to a sob bordering on hysteria. "This could ruin everything!"
Eileen's own grip was tight on Bella now. "What are you talking about?!" She demanded, frustrated.
Bella pushed away from Eileen, her eyes blazing as she stepped back down the hall to the doors. She stopped, thrusting her finger at the glass that looked in on the cafeteria. "There! Look back there, at the far table."
Eileen frowned at Bella in utter confusion, then moved to the window. Her brows drew in as she glanced around the tables. "Bella, I don't see what…"
Bella bit down on her teeth, trying not to snarl given her mood. "Keep looking at the back tables. You'll know it when you see them."
Eileen let out a frustrated breath, her eyes scanning around and around. "I still don't see what…"
Her words abruptly cut off. Her eyes stopped roaming, and then her body went completely still.
Bella watched as her friends posture stiffened, her hands clenching, and her own eyes dilating. "Can you smell it? I'm surprised we didn't catch the scent when we arrived, but I guess I just subconsciously assumed it was yours or my own."
Eileen's nostrils flared as she straightened, still looking in at the Cullen's table through the glass. "Vampires," She said tonelessly.
Bella nodded. "Five of them. We need to get out of here. Now!"
Eileen folded her arms, pondering this dilemma they were in. "Why?"
Bella, who had been about to start moving for the car, stopped. Stunned, she repeated, "Why? Why?! They're monsters. Smart girls run from them."
"We're monsters ourselves, Bella," Eileen pointed out. "Besides, look at them. They're not exactly rolling in a blood bath right now, are they?"
"Their eyes are golden, Eileen. That means they've fed, and they will feed again. And that's not my worry at the moment. Vampires in our lives have never been a good thing." Bella spread her arms wide, her voice going into a deep hush. "What if they're here for us?"
Eileen blinked several times, before shooting a speculative glance at the table of vampires through the glass. "They don't look like the bounty hunter types, Bella. They look like a bunch of teenagers just trying to blend in, like we are."
"Vampires don't settle in one spot for a school year, much less for 3, unless they have some sadistic reason in mind!" Bella shot back. "Vampires roam, in vicious packs of two and three. Five? Plus two adult vampires, it's like an army!"
"Whoa!" Eileen reached out a hand and gave Bella a firm shake. "Don't let your imagination run away before you think about the facts. You're good at that sometimes."
Bella took a deep breath, nearly swallowing her tongue. She could feel venom filling up in her mouth in response to her accelerated feelings. "What do you mean? This many vampires in our radar cannot be good."
"I didn't say it wasn't regrettable," Eileen corrected, "But, to call them an army sent to get us is silly. If they were, why meet us here, in a cafeteria full of witnesses. They pride secrecy, Bella. They would not send an army to meet us here. So, why didn't they attack us back at the Manor? Or, in our car on the way to school today? It would be cleaner."
Bella didn't like the facts, but Eileen's logic did make sense. The Voluturi liked their vampire kingdom to stay a myth to humans. This wouldn't be how they'd deal with two rogue vampires such as Eileen and herself.
No, and it would be nastier. And far more painful.
"Army or not, our cover won't be secret from them for long with these others around. What if they know the Voluturi, and they send word? What if they--the Cullen's--don't want us around and attack us?"
"Don't you think they would have gotten rid of us already if they didn't want us around that badly?" Eileen interjected. "They had all morning to attack, especially when we were alone, separated from each other by a school building. I honestly don't think they're as big a threat to us as you're making out."
Bella studied her friend's calm features; beautiful, and completely decided on the matter. "You're not honestly suggesting we stay put here, are you?" Her voice really was hitching up into hysteria now.
"Bella, there's no logical reason to be worried. We've barely settled in again. Unless we get officially threatened or attacked, I'm not budging."
She meant it; Bella could see when Eileen had made up her mind. Her stubborn Irish side would not be convinced otherwise now.
"You've got to be finally going insane," Bella muttered. "To not want to run…"
"I'm tired of running away," Eileen said quietly, cutting off her rant. Eileen studied Bella's face, sensing her hesitation: wanting to run, but wanting to stay with Eileen. "Please, Bella."
Bella felt trapped, a feeling she thought she'd left behind long ago. "You know I'd never leave you," She told Eileen, force and deep emotion behind her words. "I promised."
The bell ending lunch rang shrilly from the intercom above their heads. They both glanced at it with guarded expressions.
"Let's stay together as much as we can today, alright?" Eileen told Bella. "And stay away from the other vampires. Give each other space."
Bella felt giddy with fear at facing the rest of the school day with a bunch of vampires around every corner. "Okay."
They departed quickly for their next classes, even before the first mob of students exited the cafeteria.
Bella kept her back to the cold side of the Biology II science building. She was hiding, but she was too scared to feel embarrassed about it. She could hear students entering the building, the door shutting and closing. She could hear the teacher, Mr. Banner, greeting a few of them as he wrote instructions and notes on the board through the thin wall between her and him.
She was watching the hands on her wrist watch, waiting desperately for the last second before she too entered the dreaded classroom.
It was considerably warmer in the room compared to outside. The room was equipped like most labs, with high counter topped desks with sinks and room for experimentation. Two people sat at each desk on high stools.
Everyone of the students were turned in their seats, looking at her. Joy...
She recognized Mike, and he grinned back at her. Sadly, he already had a lab partner. She'd have preferred having someone she already knew.
Mr. Banner called her forward, to the front of the room. Bella walked up the aisle, feeling like she was walking the green mile. She shyly met a few of the curious students expressions. Halfway up the aisle, her eyes landed on the one student without a lab partner.
It was the vampire with the auburn hair.
Bella nearly stumbled. She felt her breath stop, then remembered to keep breathing. She managed to keep walking too, although she could feel his gaze bore into her back like a hot brand as she stepped up to Mr. Banner's desk.
He took her name, filled out the paperwork he needed, checked her in, gave her a Biology Book, the whole sha-bang. Bella barely registered it. She imagined she could almost hear her dead heart galloping in fear.
Mr. Banner told her to go sit at the one seat that was empty. Bella had known she'd be assigned there, but she somehow had hoped to be put somewhere else.
Mr. Banner told her his name was Edward Cullen, and that he'd be her lab partner. So, he was the Edward one. Space! How was she supposed to give him space when she had to sit next to him!
Bella hefted her stuff and turned, heading back down the aisle for her lab table. She didn't dare look at him, even as she slid into her seat. Without looking up or over, Bella pushed all her long hair over her right shoulder, creating a curtain between her and him. A poor defense, but all she had to use at the moment.
Gods, she could smell him! Why was his scent so much more poignant then other vampires? Bella had come across several male vampires through her travels. Usually the experience had not been very pleasant, but none of them had had this sweet a scent.
Bella found herself not even paying attention to Mr. Banner as he started discussing water plant enviorments. She found herself breathing in the air more than she should be, even for human standards. But his scent was appetizing to say the least, a sensual tingling to her system.
Intrigued, Bella peeked through her curtain of hair, looking at him.
He was looking straight ahead, but she could tell he wasn't listening any more then she was. Every part of him was tight, and concentrating on her sitting next to him.
Bella was slightly relieved he wasn't looking at her. He'd looked at her with such derision and suspicion earlier; she feared such a look again. Perhaps they weren't obligated to like each other, but Bella didn't think she deserved to be hated this strongly. She'd never even talked to him yet.
But…she couldn't help noticing that he was good looking. It wasn't like his vampire trait was impressiveve. All vampires were gorgeus. But she would bet her lifetime that he'd been attractive as a human even.
He had thick hair, a deep auburn brown. He wasn't large like his one brother, but he had a build under that white sweater of his. His muscles stood out extra at the moment because he was so tense. Especially along his collar bone and neck. She could imagine a thick pulse there, like he'd once had probably a long time ago...
Bella flexed her own tense fingers, realizing that if she were human she'd need a chiropractor to make her feel better after this class period.
He had such a strong face too. Bella kept running her gaze over the angles and the shapes. How did the girls in this school ignore the Cullen boy? Vampire or no, Bella knew she'd be taking double looks and dreaming something sweaty at night. Best to snap that thought before it even started.
Then his face turned, and her thoughts did snap. His eyes locked with hers, gold on gold.
Bella forgot to breathe. She forgot to think about his threat, or about his features. There wasn't room for any thought at all really.
Such intensity blazing there in those orbs of his! His glare into hers seemed as if he was mentally trying to hack in, to discover her secrets. And he looked utterly frustrated at not succeeding. That made him all the more angry at her. Bella could feel his emotions in the air, taste them as they mingled and changed his scent.
She wondered if her scent tasted just as terrified as she felt.
Mr. Banner began to pass out papers for them to do together. Edward never took his eyes off hers, even as he reached out for their papers and took them with ease. He drew the top paper from the stack and held it out for Bella.
She hesitated, her fingers not wanting to leave the safe desktop, before she reached for it tentatively.
Their fingertips brushed absently underneath the paper.
The electric shock that passed through her system was abrupt and stunning.
Bella pulled her hand away fast, in a blur. She was dazed enough to not care if anyone saw or didn't.
He'd pulled away too, just as fast. The paper fell, barely missing the table to flutter to a stop on the floor.
Bella looked from it to Edward, her eyes widening. He looked just as shocked as her about what had just happened. But surprisingly, his eyes were a deep, deep black!
Bella took a stunned breath, and felt her own eyes change, her vision increasing in intensity. Her eyes had gone black too! She could see the air around him now, see his scent, how its colors mixed with the heat in the room, with the different arrays of cologne and perfumes or body odors of every boy and girl in the room. Bella found herself completely centered on him, though, on the changing colors.
She felt the animal side of her, the vampire side, began to take over in a way she'd never experienced before. She feared that lax in control as much as a part of her eagerly started to leap for it.
What was it exactly she wanted right now? Her instincts were crying for a release of something.
Edward shifted in his seat, straightening. His expression was wild with thoughts and disdain now. His fingers curled into tight fists on the table top. Bella looked down at his right hand, watching the tendons and skin stretch over his knuckles.
What she wanted to do became blatantly obvious. Shocked, Bella gaped at his hand and realized every instinct demanded she pick it up, that she spread his fingers and stroke them, that she put her lips on his curved wrist, and bite.
Not to kill, or to feed. To arouse.
The vampire in her leapt unexpectedly toward him. Bella jerked in her seat, her hands grabbing onto the chair back and the table top like vices. She barely kept herself from going to him, to sink her teeth into more than just his wrists.
He was close to her too, his own hands curled around the desk. Was she imagining the same war in his eyes that she felt in hers? Gods, they had to keep control!
Her mind kept leaping to the witnesses in the room. If Edward or her gave in, none of them would survive it. Animals didn't care about life or innocence. Vampires only cared about blood. They'd be their sacrifices, their toast and banquet while they gave into their desires. Every instinct would be sated. And it would feel so good.
Bella's eyes closed tight, blocking out the room as she battled with herself. Her anger welled up, along with bitter humor. A Biology Lab wasn't exactly the ritz to relieve sexual tension, now was it?
For some reason, that thought was her lifeline. Before the vampire could pull harder, she drew down on her anger, and started to crank it.
How DARE he mess with her like this! This was his damn fault!
Bella's eyes snapped open, sharpening on Edward.
It was his fault she felt this way! It was his fault she was losing control!
Bella found enough control in herself to sit back, drawing herself away from him and temptation. Damn, it was so hard to do!
Center your anger on him!, she commanded herself. And she did.
"You stay away from me!" She hissed at him, low enough no one but him would hear.
His eyes, still black, flickered uncertainly at the venom in her voice.
"Don't you come any closer, or touch me ever again!" Bella continued, her voice low and deadly. If he'd have made a move then, she might have done something in defense, justified or not. Thank Gods he just sat there in his seat.
Bella shrank back in her own seat, struggling to maintain her control. She was slowly getting it back. All 8 years of it. It wasn't much, and it had a lot to fight.
She managed, barely. Bella shot one last glare at the vampire sitting next to her. She could see he'd gained back some of his control too. His pencil was moving across the papers they should have gotten done minutes before the others.
The bell rang much later, an infinity to Bella. She stood quickly, wanting out desperately.
"Bella Swanne," He whispered tightly.
His voice was enough to have her pausing.
He looked up at her. The flat derision in his eyes mirrored her own. Bella understood then how they stood. Friendship was out of the question for them.
Bella didn't give him any more time to say anything more, even if he'd been planning on it or not. She'd never been more anxious in her life to get to Gym.
Part VI
Somehow she survived Gym. Maybe it was the fact there was something else on her mind that kept her from concentrating on the fact she was holding a tennis racket trying not to plow Mike. If she hit too hard, she could damage his face; and that really would be tragic.
Mike was so nice, automatically volunteering to be her partner. To be fair, Bella had warned him about her klutzy attribute. He'd raised a brow, so she knew he hadn't believe her.
By the end of class he did though. Surprisingly, he laughed about it when she should have gotten teased or rebuffed. Bella was liking the human's here at this school more and more.
Angela was in her gym class too. What with the sudden appearance of the Cullen's, Bella hadn't had time to focus on her earlier at lunch. Bella liked her especially. Angela wasn't like Jessica at all; she was pretty, that was sure, but she had a perception of people and the world around her that was much keener than Jessica's. Bella sensed she was more on the shy side too. Angela didn't feel the need to fill silence with chit chat, which suited Bella just fine. Silence was refreshing to be around sometimes.
Bella shoved her gym clothes into the little red locker and pushed the door closed. The latch didn't snap instantly, and Bella awkwardly shoved at it until it cooperated. Her sense of embarrassment spiked when she heard the absent giggling of girls as they left the locker room.
Bella left quickly after that, dressed back into her normal clothes. She'd taken her time so the hall was relatively empty of students. Without the humans around, Bella felt like she was missing a shield against the other vampires. She doubted they were done with her and Eileen yet. Especially after what had transpired in Biology.
Shuddering at the memory, for it was still fresh on her mind, Bella set off for the doors to the yard with purpose. She had something to do fast!
Bella sprinted over the lawns, ignoring the cement paths that marked where you should walk. She made a beeline for the office where they'd checked in earlier. The friendly office lady had told them that if they had a problem with their schedules they could come in and change it. Well, Bella definitely had a problem with her Biology class! If she had to, Bella would drop science and take a cooking class, as revolting as that would be, if it was all that was available.
Anything to get away from him.
She would have kept running right up to the desk if she hadn't seen the pale person leaning against the wall in front of one of the office windows. Bella slowed, stumbling slightly as her eyes widened on the vampire boy.
Him again. Edward Cullen.
The hands which had given her so much bother earlier were deep in his jacket pockets. He looked up when she stopped, his lips pulling up in an amused smirk. He looked like he was daring her to go on and pass him.
Bella felt her face slide into a furious scowl. Damn it, somehow he'd known she'd try and back out. Was he waiting here to stop her?
Bella knew she was too much of a coward to walk past him that few feet. She was afraid to get close to him period. Fine, she wouldn't change her schedule—today. There was always tomorrow morning.
Bella nodded her head sharply at him in recondition of his presence, and turned around. She heard him push off the wall and start to move at a slow pace after her.
Don't follow me! She begged in her mind, picking up her pace as she skirted around building 3 and down the cement steps. She could hear him breathing about 6 paces behind her, as well as his steps on the cement.
Eileen was waiting at the front of the parking lot, sitting on the cement wall with her foot propped up against a bench. She looked as attractive doing that as she did strutting her stuff. A slight drizzle gave her hair a damp sheen, but Eileen loved the rain, how it would gently patter on her cold white skin.
Eileen grinned when she saw Bella coming towards her quickly. "In a hurry to leave the madness of gym far behind you, Bella?" Eileen called out, chuckling at the end.
Bella's smile was strained as she strode up to her. "Gym…wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but I'm still going to roast you for that—later!" Bella grabbed Eileen's arm without stopping and started to drag her along behind her.
Eileen bit her lip and tugged her arm casually out of Bella's grip. "You aren't still worried about those vampires, are you? I wasn't bothered all day, and I even had the most beautiful of the girl vampires in my French class. She ignored me, really."
"Of course I'm worried," Bella hissed, "Especially when that boy vampire is stalking me right now!"
Eileen looked over her shoulder as they skirted around the first row of cars. She raised her brows. She tried to make light of the situation. "Well, Bella, personally if I had a boy vampire who looked like that following me around…"
"Don't you start that!" Bella interrupted her, seeing their yellow jaguar ahead. "He's not interested in being nice at all!" The cars promise of safety made her feel absolutely giddy with relief. Finally, she was leaving!
The relief was shattered as the rest of the Cullen vampires stepped in front of the car.
Bella and Eileen stopped together. Both instantly went into alert, watching the formation of the teenagers blocking their escape from the school premises.
Bella felt Eileen's hand squeeze her upper arm in support. They had each other, for whatever was about to happen.
Bella sensed Edward arrive behind them. Bella spun, keeping her eyes on him as he skirted around them to join his brothers and sisters. He stopped next to the small girl vampire. They both glanced at each other, not saying a word but still silently communicating before they looked back at Bella and Eileen.
Eileen leaned over to whisper in Bella's ear. "Let me do the talking alright? This can't get out of hand."
Bella hoped it wouldn't, but she nodded her head in agreement.
Eileen took one step forward, her arms stretching out to her sides in request to speak peacefully. "Well, this must be where we finally get introduced. Although it sounds completely old fashioned, I'll go with tradition and say 'Greetings.'" Eileen kept her smile plastered on her face as she motioned towards Bella and herself. "This is my sister Bella. My name is Eileen. We're both the new students here."
"We know," the biggest boy vampire grumbled. He looked like a football player without the equipment on. "You're presence here has excited people. It's annoying."
Eileen shrugged, her smile apologetic. "Can't say I didn't try to excite things, but we both hope our sudden appearance hasn't been too much of a bother."
"One day on campus isn't a problem," the other boy vampire who Bella decided must be Jasper Hale, "We want to know what you're doing here in Forks."
Now this was just downright annoying! Bella found herself stepping forward, taking the stage too. "Tell us what you're doing here," She shot back, ignoring Eileen's hiss of warning. "I don't like answering questions for creatures whom have no right to ask them."
The most beautiful vampire bared her teeth in displeasure at Bella. "No right? This is our territory, Bella Swanne. We don't like finding strange creatures in our home."
"Oh, I'm sorry, didn't you know?" Bella found herself flippantly replying. "This is property of the United States of America. There is no territory for you to claim! So back off from our vehicle, Cullen's, because I don't care how many acres of land you suck pulses on: we have a right to be here without your bloody permission!"
The entire group of vampire's narrowed their eyes, displeasure at being antagonized apparent in their body stance.
The boy called Edward spoke. "There's a whole school of pulses, Bella Swanne," he said flatly. "Some you even got friendly with. We don't feel like sharing any of them with you."
Bella thought of Angela and Mike, and even of Jessica. She felt lightheaded at the thought of them being attacked. "You sick bastard," she hissed, taking a step towards him in full intention of forcing him to swear he wouldn't kill them.
The Cullen's went instantly into a crouch, low snarls of warning coming from them. Bella's lips drew back, a growl growing in her throat.
Eileen quickly pulled Bella back through the mud, putting herself in between Bella and the suddenly hostile vampires. "Please, Bella, behave!" She begged her sharply, before she implored the Cullen's. "Look, we don't want to fight. We just want to get in our car and go home. If you want, we'll pack up and be gone, never to return."
Bella shot her sister a look of astonishment. Go? Eileen didn't want to leave. She had said she was tired of running. Bella didn't want to leave Forks if Eileen didn't really.
Looking at the Cullen's though, Bella didn't know if it would be possible for them to live together in harmony. Vampires didn't get along for the very reason they often set each others tempers a flying. Bella felt so angry and hostile she was shaking with it.
Then suddenly, it was hard to feel angry at all. An odd feeling of calm was wafting over her, sneaking into her system. She blinked in confusion as the Cullen family too seemed to all relax.
The one boy named Jasper stepped forward from the group, his expression guarded and tranquil. As if about to discuss a business deal.
"No one said anything about leaving." He said calmly. "We may be shocked at having unannounced guests, but we aren't uncivilized."
Bella nearly snorted at that. Nearly. It was hard to feel bitterly humorous when you suddenly felt like saving dolphins or proclaiming world peace.
"Our family doesn't want trouble between you. We consider you our guests. We just want to talk. And go over some ground rules." The Jasper boy was close now, almost diplomatic. He lifted a hand, moving towards Eileen.
Bella watched his palm lift, his fingers open as he set them on Eileen's lower arm in appeal.
His white skin touching hers set off a memory in Bella's head. It was only a flash, but it was enough. Fear was swift and lethal.
No vampire would touch Eileen or herself ever again. Never!
The feeling of calm was broken. Bella's right hand shot out in a jerk, too quick to be seen. She called the air around her silently. Her power grew in her hand in an instant, and she used it, throwing it at his chest.
Jasper was lifted off his feet, despite his strength. The blast of air shot him backwards, through his family who made a grab for him. He hit the Jaguar, flipping over the top. He landed hard somewhere on the other side.
The petite vampire was over the vehicle instantly, by his side. The other three encircled Bella and Eileen, intense anger in their eyes now.
Bella and Eileen were back to back, hands curled in ready for attack. Bella was livid, almost anxious for one now. They'd overstepped! They'd done too much to her today to warrant she take care and curtsy for them!
"You will get away from the vehicle now!" Bella ordered them. She looked directly at Edward who was circling in front of her. "Go circle your own vehicles if it amuses you so. I am not amused!"
"Neither are we," The petite vampire said in an aggravated tone, coming around the vehicle with the boy Jasper at her side. They joined the circle around them. "You're making this impossible for us to cooperate with you, Bella Swanne. Why don't you just calm down!"
Bella's eyes narrowed on Alice. Bella's lips pulled up into a knowing smirk as she pressed her shoulders back into Eileen. "You want to cooperate? Fine, I'll show you how to calm things down!"
They all tensed as Bella lifted her arm, but they needn't have. All she did was lift her hood from her black jacket over her head. It was large and shrouded her face. The vampire Eileen took one look at her friend and pulled hers over her own face too.
Edward Cullen frowned at them in confusion. "What are you doing?" He demanded.
Bella's eyes closed, her smile remaining. She called her power to herself again.
Only this time she gathered the air in all.
The sudden wind that picked up sent the vampire's hair flying. Eileen and Bella took a firm grip on their hoods in response as they nearly were taken off.
It took only seconds for Bella to accomplish what she wanted. Her lids opened to reveal triumphant eyes.
The sudden wind pushed at the clouds above them, and the clouds split, sunlight streaming down onto the parking lot of the school.
For a short second of time, there were 5 vampires, surrounding two shrouded girls, who sparkled like angels in the sunlight.
The next second they were gone. Only Bella and Eileen remained, skin shrouded in shadow from the sunlight.
Bella strode forward, over the barrier the Cullen's had made and pulled open the Jaguar door. "Got the car back," she told the motionless Eileen. "I'm driving, so get in."
Bella turned the key, revving the engine. She pulled out the instant Eileen clicked her seat belt in. They didn't speak to each other for a while, each not knowing what to say. Both were livid. Only at different people.
Eileen happened to direct her anger at Bella. "THAT WAS ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT!" She erupted finally, about several miles away and out of city limits. "They just wanted to talk! Why'd you have to go and get everyone all in a violent frenzy!"
"He touched you, Eileen!" Bella argued. "He was a direct threat and I wasn't going to just stand there while you let yourself be bullied by those vampires!"
"He is NOT Jane, Bella!" Eileen exploded, "He doesn't have the power to hurt me! He couldn't have done anything!" Eileen gritted her teeth and rubbed a hand over her eyes. "Bella, when are you going to quit seeing our past in everyone we meet! When are you going to quit second guessing everyone and mistaking every move that's made as a threat! You're freaking paranoid!"
That stung, partly because it was true. And Bella knew it.
The argument continued all the way home, and part way through the night. They had to decide: Should they stay in Forks after what had happened, or go?
Edward's glare was smoldering. Alice was surprised the front glass window wasn't glowing hot where he had his face in front of it, watching the yellow jaguar take off from the school parking lot.
The sun had yet to go behind the clouds that surrounded it. They'd all hightailed it for their cars the instant they'd realized they were sparkling for all the school to see. Thank goodness no humans had seen that split second of vulnerability. Edward had checked. Everyone was still blissfully ignorant.
"That did not go well," Alice said out loud, getting more comfortable in the passenger seat.
Edward made a noise of hostile intent. Alice hoped he didn't break something the minute they got home.
"I tried calming things down," Jasper assured them. "Her emotions were unsteady to begin with, that Bella. For some reason even my power wasn't able to control her rush of fear she received right before she attacked me." Jasper frowned at Alice, his hand reaching up to rub at the left side of his chest. "It was intense, her feelings. Almost painful. I think even almost a reliving of something, like a memory."
Alice leaned over the seat, her hand stroking his face. "Are you okay? She threw you before I could do anything, I didn't even see it coming!" Alice felt partly responsible for that failure too. To not even foresee her own love be attacked…
"She wasn't going to attack, until Jasper tried to touch her sister, which is when she snapped." Edward said, being reassuring in response to Alice's thoughts. "You couldn't have foreseen it because she wasn't planning on using her gift in front of us. You are not responsible for what happened."
Edward sighed deeply, leaning back in his Volvo's leather seat. "I am."
He thought about the murder case.
He thought about Bella, about how she'd acted through the day.
He thought about how she'd been with Mike a lot, and how she'd smiled and played him into thinking they were friends.
He thought about Biology. Oh yes, he thought about that intensely. She'd had the same reaction he'd received at their simple touch. The raging war between his vampire side and himself was mirrored in her eyes as they tried not to leap at each other.
She'd been angry at him, blamed him for it. He did the same, but for her.
Her angry words at him to leave her alone…
If he'd have done just that, Jasper would never have been attacked. The fault was his for thinking they could push Bella so far and still have her cooperate.
If her actions had proven anything, it was that Bella did not cooperate and followed her own agenda.
No, Edward recognized it was his fault for dragging his family into this mess, when it was clear he needed to take care of this himself.
Bella Swanne was his mess to deal with. And he'd deal with it soon.
bnthridiot: I revised some mistakes on this thing, and recently combined three of the chapters into this one. I think this is going to be the only chapter I put up that has 14, 000 words. Anyways, keep reading and review, of course!