I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

Beta'd by Fran. Thank you for taking your time to edit for me.

Ch. 4

EPOV

Our table in the cafeteria was in a dark corner but had an excellent view of the room. On the tray in front of me sat an apple and a bottle of water.

Jasper and Alice were having a quiet conversation.

My eyes remained trained on a table on the opposite end where Bella was sitting with Carver and few others. Bella's hair was acting as a curtain so I couldn't see her face. I hated when she did that.

I didn't want to use Carver's mind to see her. His thoughts would put even Mike Newton to shame.

Carver's hand rubbed Bella's knee, slipping under her skirt, dangerously close to being too high.

I couldn't help the low growl the escaped me.

She was mine.

I squeezed the apple so hard, and juice ran down my hand.

Bella's head turned slightly at she glanced in my direction. She frowned when she caught my eye. She turned back and tossed her hair once again so I couldn't see her face. I let out a discontented sigh.

Jasper turned slightly to me and tried to help me stay calm. Are you all right over there? We can leave if you want.

"I'll be fine. I want to keep my eye on things." I answered.

"Who is that joker anyway?"" He asked as he slowly picked at his burger pretending to eat.

"His name is Carver Striker and he's not good enough for her." I took the napkin Alice held out and wiped my hands.

"Are you saying that because he's not you, and you're jealous?" Jasper leaned back in his seat; he stared over at her table thoughtfully.

"No. He's involved with drugs, and his uncle owns the club you were at the other night," I explained.

"I wonder if his uncle was the guy we met. I didn't want to tell you this before, but he was practically trying to sell Bella to us for the right price." Jasper's face twisted in disgust.

My jaw clenched tightly as I tried to remain in control. "That place needs to be shut down. They sell the girls after they are done with them. The girls are so hooked on drugs at that point they have very little will to fight back," I stated in revulsion.

"Even more the reason to get Bella away from there. I don't think she hooked on any drugs. We would've been able to smell them in her blood." Jasper nodded in agreement.

"At least one of you is on my side." I tossed an aggravated look at Alice.

Jasper gave her a surprised look. Funny, I thought she would be first to help.

She barely glanced up from her magazine. "I never said I wasn't on your side. Just that you needed to do this on your own." She flipped a page. "I could've or still could go up to Bella, and tell her the truth as to why you left. However, it isn't my place to do that for you."

"But you're hiding something." I insisted, trying to make her slip and show me.

"I wouldn't call it hiding. You should know yourself since you don't go broadcasting everyone's thoughts out loud. If I'm hiding something, maybe it's because it's for Bella to share, not me." Alice flipped her magazine closed with a slap.

"I apologize; you're right. I don't like not knowing things, especially, when it concerns Bella." I apologized to Alice.

"Does she lo…like that guy?" I turned to Jasper; knowing he would get an idea of what she was feeling at least.

"I can't really tell. Right now, I'm definitely getting some curiosity brewing, as well as irritation. However, I can't say to whom it's being directed towards. All the different emotions in the room won't allow me to get a good reading."

Carver looked up at us and scowled, flipped us off, and then bent his head so he could talk to Bella.

"That jerk from earlier, is staring this way and so is the freak next to him." Carver commented.

"Freak? Is that the best he's got?" Jasper scoffed with a smirk.

"Just ignore them," Bella answered flippantly.

"I heard that he was trying to start a fight with you in first period. Want me to take care of him, Babe?" he offered, sneering in our direction again.

"Don't bother. He wasn't being mean; he just was arguing his opinion on a book the class is reading." Bella responded with a yawn.

"And true to Bella's form, she defends Edward, yet again." Alice grinned smugly behind her magazine.

"Do you have any plans for this weekend?" Bella asked casually.

"I have to go to Seattle this weekend to visit my grandmother." He lied to her.

"I've never been to Seattle; I've always wanted to go," Bella commented with a flirty smile.

I exchanged a look with my siblings at her bold face lie. She even seemed to have surprised Alice, judging by the look on her face. Why would she lie about going to Seattle? I know she has been several times — with me on dates.

"Maybe if you play your cards right you can come with me someday." He winked at her.

I wanted to rip his head from his body for even making that suggestion after seeing the plans in his head to seduce her.

"Edward, go cool off," Alice muttered. Killing him in front of everyone won't help anything.

I stood up with a scowl and stormed out of the room, and in the process scaring a couple of freshmen. I headed outside to the small courtyard and took a seat behind a bush that was just starting to bud.

I wasn't there long before I heard two guys approaching. I remained quiet as Carver and another guy, Josh, started to pass.

"Meet me after next period under the bleachers in the gym, and you better have my money." Carver threatened him.

"I do. Do you have any more…?" He paused nervously not wanting to say it out loud.

Carver looked around to make sure the area was deserted. "It will cost you."

"I'm good for it," Josh promised.

They continued on when the warning bell rang. I stepped out of my hiding spot and hurried to the class I had been dreading all day — Biology.

SG

I entered the class and paused when I heard a disgruntled sigh. I fought a sad chuckle —Bella was in the class, and once again — she wasn't very happy to see me.

I handed the slip over again to Ms. Bunsen. She was an elderly woman who was in her last year of teaching. She passed me a small stack of books and paperwork. "Take a seat with Miss Higginbotham.

I grinned and headed directly for Bella. She had a resigned look on her face as I sat down on the stool next to her. "Hello, again."

"Hi," she said curtly doodling random designs on her notebook page. Her pen was pressing so hard into the paper, making tiny rips.

Class started before I could say anything else. I laughed lightly when I caught wind of today's plans. Bella glanced at me out of the corner of her eye and raised one eyebrow.

"You'll see," I whispered.

"You'll find in front of you a small box of slides and a microscope. I'm passing out the worksheet now. I want you to follow the directions to identify the different stages of mitosis.

"You have got to be kidding me," Bella said too softly for anyone else to hear.

"Get used to the repetitiveness if you're going to make a habit of redoing high school," I commented lightly.

She pressed her lips into a thin line and didn't respond back.

She took the sheet from the girl in front of us who was now staring at me; she was trying to work up the nerve to ask if I had a girlfriend. Bella cleared her throat and gave the girl a pointed look making her spin back around and slunk down in her seat.

"Ladies, first."

She silently grabbed the microscope and box of slides. She took her time selecting one and placing it in the clips. She adjusted the magnification until she seemed satisfied.

"Prophase." She slid the microscope away from her. She reached for the paper prepared to write.

"May I have a look?" I asked, extending my hand slightly for the microscope.

She looked up from the paper looking slightly annoyed. She slid the scope towards me and waved her hand.

"Be my guest." She placed her elbow on the table then rested her chin on her hand as she waited.

I knew she was more than likely right, but I couldn't help antagonize her again. I looked in and announced. "Anaphase."

"What? That can't be right." She grabbed the microscope and looked again.

"This is Prophase. I'm sure of it," she said not looking up from the microscope.

I wrote the answer down and snickered. She glanced up with an exasperated look. I knew I was walking a fine line. She shook her head and closed her eyes briefly.

"Sorry," I apologized.

"May I have the next slide, please?" She took the first slide out and held it towards me.

I took it and then placed the new one in her hand. My hand brushed hers, and a buzz of electricity traveled up my arm. She pulled back sharply and bit her lip.

"Sorry, again," I muttered sheepishly.

"Wasn't your fault. Let's just get this finished, please," Bella responded softly.

We worked quietly finishing in no time. I tapped my fingers on the table and looked at her.

"We have time now, how about we talk?" I suggested hopefully.

"Okay. What is with you? For someone who is not supposed to exist, you are doing an excellent job of being a perpetual annoyance." She whispered under her breath; she appeared to be confused by my behavior. She was focused on the table in front of her so I couldn't see into her eyes.

"Well, I've decided I do exist," I commented lightly.

She huffed. "And I don't get a choice in the matter? You can't just reenter my life and expect me to be happy to see you. Nor can you tell me that I have to change my life since it's not up to your expectations."

She raised her hand, and Ms. Bunsen came over to the table.

"We've finished the lab. Would it be all right if I use this time in the library to get ahead on homework?" Bella asked sweetly.

Mrs. Bunsen scanned our sheet and was satisfied. "Everything looks good here. Go right ahead, Marie." She took the sheet and started to step away.

"Excuse me, Ms. Bunsen, but since I'm new, would it be okay if Marie shows me to the library? I need to get a card." I gave her what Bella often called my dazzling smile.

Ms. Bunsen nodded smiling with a dazed look. "That sounds like an excellent idea. You don't mind, do you, Marie."

Bella opened her mouth and then snapped it shut. She shook her head. "No, ma'am, I'll be happy to."

SG

She stood and flipped her hair over her shoulder as she picked up her backpack. I followed her out the door, and she turned to face me.

"I have to go meet someone. I'm sure you can find your own way to the library." She dismissed me.

"Who are you meeting, that kid Carver? You need to stay away from him; he's only going to get you into trouble." My hands balled into fists as my anger started to slip through.

Bella took a step back and gave me an apprehensive look. "I can handle myself just fine. So don't worry."

"What would Charlie say about what you are doing? Does he know that you are in high school, again? Why are you in high school," I questioned.

A dark shadow passed over her eyes. "I would think that Charlie would be proud of what I am doing? Now if you would excuse me."

I couldn't possibly see how Charlie would be okay with anything that I have witnessed so far.

She started down the hall, and I quickly followed behind. Just as we reached a supply closet, I grabbed her hand and pulled her into the room, locking the door. She moved away from me and backed up to the opposite side of the room.

"If you pulled me in here to make out, it's not going to happen," she snapped sarcastically as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.

I ignored her comment and tried to appeal to her sensibility. "Of course, I'm going to worry, Bella. How can I not — you're working at a strip club, and you're going to high school and hanging out with a guy who is serious trouble."

"I have my reason as I'm sure you have yours." Bella responded. "Look, this school is big enough that our lives don't have to cross paths. I'm not about to talk about your secrets, so please leave me to mine. You don't need to worry, your family is safe, and you don't have to pretend you care about me to keep me quiet." She promised coolly without any trace of emotion.

"Pretend? I don't have to pretend. Bella, I love you. I have always loved you!" I proclaimed earnestly.

Her calm and collected stance started to break. Her eyes harden over without a trace of love. "I don't believe you."

"Please, believe me, Love. I lied that day to protect you. My life was only endangering yours. I thought that if I left you would be safe," I implored.

She flinched, and she shook her head. A tear slipped down her face that she wiped away quickly. I think it was safe to say they weren't tears of sadness, but what she referred to as her angry tears, judging by the fury in her eyes.

"Safe without you," she deadpanned. She laughed humorlessly. "Then where have you been, Edward? Why now? If you love me so much why not….Where were you when…" She started off shouting then trailed into a whisper.

It killed me to see her this upset. "Love…" I reached for her to comfort her.

"Don't. You lost the right to call me 'Love' when you ditched me in the woods." She crossed her arm in front of her again in a defensive stance.

"I'm sorry," I said helplessly. I was out of my depth and grasping for straws. "I'm herenow and I'll do anything to fix it. I was sure that this was the reason Alice wanted us to move back, for us to have a second chance."

"Alice convinced you to come? Did you know before or after you moved that I was here?" Bella asked in an unsure voice.

"After. I didn't know until Jasper and Emmett saw you," I answered truthfully.

"I see. And tell me this, Edward. If Alice didn't push you in my direction, would still have come back to find me on your own?" Her eyes beseeched me for the truth.

"I don't know. Each day was harder to live without you. But I was convinced that you were better off without me and that you had moved on." I realized the best way to get through to her was to be completely honest with her.

She swallowed hard. "Better off?" she whispered so low I had hard time hearing her. Her eyes were clenched shut, blocking me from seeing into them.

She kept her eyes cast down when she spoke. "I have moved on, so please let me go." She moved to get around me.

"Bella, please, don't shut me out. Last night…" I started and she cut me off.

"I'm not going to argue with you about my job, again." She looked me straight in the eye. Behind her stubbornness, there was a haunted look.

I was starting to wonder if something happened when I was gone, that hurt her deeply. Or was it me that caused all this pain?

"This isn't about the job. This is about after, when I came to see you — in your room," I replied.

She gave me a wary look and stepped back. "You snuck into my room when I was sleeping again? How dare you, what gives you the right to do that? What did you hear?" she demanded furiously.

I grew flustered that she didn't remember. I was sure that she was awake. "You don't remember? We didn't exactly talk… I thought you were happy to see me."

Her eyes grew wide in mortification before anger took over. "Oh...my…god." Her face turned bright red. "I thought I was … You … You can't just enter my room without permission. I need to go, please, just let me leave," she snapped venomously.

I stepped aside mechanically as she fled from the room. I pinched the bridge of my nose with my fingers. What have I done? I did screw up and took advantage of her when she was sleeping. I had gotten it all wrong. It didn't matter that she started that kiss; I was the one fully awake and should have known better. She had every right to be upset with me.

She was more upset with me for leaving than I thought. Her words played over in my mind again.

Then where have you been, Edward? Why now? If you love me so much why not ...Where were you when…

Something had to have happened. But what, was the main question. I doubted she would tell me anytime soon. If Alice had seen something, surely she would've told me back then.

There was a slim chance Victoria had something to do with it. However, Bella wouldn't be standing here talking to me if Victoria had gotten a hold of her — she would be dead if not turned.

Speaking of Victoria, she had been quiet for too long. I lost track of her down in Brazil. Alice did assure me that she saw Victoria far away from Forks. It looked as if she was always on the move. My hope was that she gave up, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

SG

The bell rang, and I decided I should head to my next class. I kept an eye on the gym where Craver and Josh made a quick exchange under the bleachers. Josh took a package of white powder and stuffed it into a sock and then into his gym bag.

I wonder if I could make an anonymous tip. The Carver problem would be handled, and Bella would see how much trouble he was for herself. I just had to make sure she was out of the line of fire.

Curious to know where Bella was after she left, I scanned the minds of all the classrooms. When I couldn't find her, I grew concerned. Perhaps having our conversation at school wasn't the brightest of ideas. It seemed as though I was messing up right and left.

I could ask Alice to… No, she made it clear she was staying out of it.

She left after your conversation. Alice answered me from a floor below. She must have caught me asking her before I changed my mind. I know it was hard for you, but I'm proud of you for trying. You may not have chosen the best time, though. Give her time to process things and don't give up on her.

A/N:

I know some of you aren't liking Alice too much right now, and that's okay. She may have given Edward a push in the Bella's direction, but she does have a point. He has to make amends on his own and look to her for answers or for Bella's secrets. Bella's entitled to share them when she is ready.

Bella found out about him entering her room. And as many of you agreed, she was asleep or at least thought she was asleep. Do you blame her for being upset?

I know Bella may seem cold(bitchy) towards Edward, but remember the last time she saw him; he broke her heart. Wouldn't you be upset at first, running into ex that seemed to think you could just pick up where you left off? Especially, if you weren't sure of his motives.

Plus, we don't know all she has been through since he was gone that made her a bit bitter. Give her time.

Next Chapter is in her point of view so it may help clear up some things. Many of your theories are close on target.

Thank you for all your love and reviews!