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Here is Chapter 7. Edward's first day at Forks High School. In this chapter Bella get's questioned, Edward gets challenged and they both start to wonder more about each other.

Chapter 7

Bella's POV

Tuesday morning's alarm jolted me awake. It seemed as if I had just fallen asleep. From bed I quickly went right into the shower. After my shower I slipped into my white terry cloth robe and padded downstairs to start the coffee, then headed back upstairs to get ready. Today I opted to wear my hair down in it's natural subtle waves. I chose a cream colored sweater, dark blue designer jeans and simple makeup. As soon as the coffee was ready I grabbed a cup and headed out the door, wanting to get there early so I could get my bearings before I had to deal with Edward.

As I parked in the parking lot I saw Louise getting out of her car. "Morning Bella," she smiled. "Do you want to come with me for a cup a coffee before your first class?"

"Great idea," I smiled back walked along side her to the teacher's lounge. The coffee wasn't made, since we were there early so we started brewing the coffee and headed into the mail room while we waited.

"So, will you tell me about you and Jacob Black?" She asked coyly.

"Oh, Jake and I are good friends. Our fathers have been friends since before we were born. I went to high school here and just moved back to Forks after being gone for five years. We really missed each other, that's all." I answered honestly.

"It sure didn't seem that way last night. I'm pretty good at reading body language and he seems very close to you."

"He's kind of protective of me if that's what you mean." I wondered where she was going with her questions.

"Why did you ask me not to tell him about your conversation with Edward?" She asked

"Oh, that? Well like I said, Jake's very protective and I thought he might not like it if he knew I was speaking to Edward privately." I lied, not knowing how to explain my past relationship with Edward to Louise.

"That doesn't make sense. Edward is going to be supervising all of our programs. Jacob knows that." She shook her head. "I think there is more to the story, Bella but you can tell me when you're ready."

As we exited the mail room we walked right into Edward. My breath caught in my throat, my heart started to race and I could feel my face flush as I looked at him. I was thankfully able to control my voice as I smiled and quickly said

"Good Morning." Then I glanced at Louise out of the corner of my eye. She was grinning but looking straight ahead as we continued walking to the lounge.

"Okay Bella. I rescind my previous observation. There is definitely more to the story than you're telling me."

I simply smiled, poured my coffee and headed to my classroom.

Edward's POV

I arrived at work early my first day so I could organize my office and get a start on scheduling some appointments. I first went to collect my mail and ran into Bella in the hall outside of the mail room. She looked amazing, a breath of fresh air to start the morning. But I knew I had to keep my head on straight. She was distracting me and I needed to stay focused on my work. When I got into my office I began calling the teachers to schedule our initial meetings. Many of them had not arrived yet, but I left them messages on their voicemail.

When I dialed Bella's extension she answered. "Isabella Swan."

I cleared my throat before I could speak. "Miss Swan this is Edward Cullen, I need to see when I can fit you in for our initial meeting. Is there a day this week during your lunch break that you could set some time aside?"

"Certainly. I can do today or Wednesday at 11 o'clock. Does either of those work for you?"

"How is today? In my office?" I offered.

"Good, I'll be there." She was brief and to the point.

"Thank you." We both said goodbye and hung up.

Bella's POV

My morning classes went by quickly. In Exploratory Writing students were still working on their screen plays. The class didn't include any lecture time, it consisted mostly of questions and answers as I made my way around the room giving advice to the small groups. In Poetry we were reading and evaluating some Robert Frost poems and in journalism the students were working in pairs on reading and analyzing each others' journal writing.

With morning classes over, it was time for me to meet with Edward. I walked downstairs to his office which was off of one of the music rooms. When I arrived he was standing with his back to me, at the filing cabinet. It appeared he was organizing stacks of sheet music. His office was in complete disorder. (This was not dissimilar to his hair, I thought smiling to myself). There were boxes stacked in several places, his desk was full of papers and file folders. He was wearing a blue button-down shirt and gray pants. He looked incredible. Before he turned around I took a moment to admire him and licked my lips by instinct. "Cool it Bella…' I thought. '…He's your boss!'

I pulled myself out of my daydream and knocked on the side of the door. He turned around and ran his fingers through his already disheveled hair.

"Thank you for taking time to meet with me, Miss Swan. Could you please close the door?" He asked sitting down and motioning for me to sit in the adjacent chair.

I closed the door and sat down. "You can cut the 'Miss Swan' nonsense, Edward. Call me Bella." I looked him straight in the eye.

Edward smiled at me "Okay, I will. Since most of the faculty is older than I am, and out of professional courtesy I've been using the customary titles since I was hired. I still think it's kind of amusing that some of the faculty was here when we were students, don't you think?"

I nodded in agreement. "Yes, I haven't seen many of them myself though, thankfully."

He was gathering papers while he listened. "How long have you worked here, Bella?" I noticed he swallowed hard when he said my name.

"Just over a week," I replied.

He stopped what he was doing and looked straight in my eyes. "A week?" He sounded very surprised.

I nodded. "I received a call about this job in September when the writing teacher decided not to return from her maternity leave. It took me a while to wrap up things in Phoenix so I could move here."

"That's such a coincidence. September is also when I heard about this job. I had to sublet my flat in London before I could move." Edward told me.

"Life's just full of surprises," I commented.

Edward explained to me that each class in the collaboration would be compiling a panel of professionals in our various fields. This panel would help us evaluate and select the best of our student work for some of the events we would be scheduling. He suggested I call our local library, newspaper and colleges to get names of writers and journalists who might be interested in helping. He would be drafting a letter to send to these individuals once we got the contact information. He had some excellent ideas for the project and I was impressed.

"If you have any questions please let me know right away. Thank you again for making time in your schedule. We should meet again next week to follow up if that's okay."

"I told Greene I would do what ever I could to support this project. I meant it. Next week is fine." I replied honestly.

When I stood up and turned to leave the room he cleared his throat. I stopped and looked at him. "Bella, have you given any thought to what I asked you?"

I instantly felt my face get hot and replied, "I meant what I said, I'm considering it." I smiled at him and he smiled back and I walked out the door. I knew if I didn't get out of there quickly I might embarrass myself once again, and I definitely didn't want that.

Jake's POV

As soon as the final bell rang I quickly locked up my area and walked up the hall to head to Bella's classroom. I hadn't gone far when I ran into Cullen. I glared at him. He looked so arrogant and the way he strutted when he walked just pissed me off. He and I had never been friends, the exact opposite actually. But when he left Forks, he left Bella in such a state of anguish, any reason I had to be open minded had vanished. He hurt her so badly, left her hanging on by a thread, and I couldn't forget that.

Suddenly he turned to me. "Black, it's no secret that we have never been friends. It's been five years and I was hoping we could call a truce. Is it too much to ask that we at least be civil to each other when we are here at work?"

I stopped short and decided to speak my mind. "Oh I can definitely be civil to you here at work. I think I've actually been quite tolerant in the past two days. In my opinion I've done well considering how much I detest you."

He became instantly defensive. "I would think that five years would have helped you put that jealousy behind you".

"Jealousy?" I asked. "Is that what you think this is about? I'm not jealous. I hate what you did to her! I am not the 'forgive-and-forget' kind of person. I hold grudges, for a long time. You deserve to go to hell for what you put her through." I said gritting my teeth as I spoke to him.

He looked shocked. "I'm afraid you will have to be more specific, Black. I wasn't here so I really have no idea what you mean. Although I can only assume you mean Bella, how could I possibly know what happened after I was gone."

"Damn right I mean Bella, and I'll be happy to be more specific but not here. Some night you should meet me at the Roadhouse. I'll fill you in on the details."

"I just might take you up on that, Black." He replied, nodding and continuing up the stairs with me.

When we got to the second floor I walked into Bella's classroom and noticed she was putting homework into her briefcase. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Cullen's head turn when I entered her room. I didn't stop to see which way he went after that.

"Hey, I came to see if you wanted to have dinner tonight." I smiled at her as she looked up.

"I'd love to but I'm exhausted. I really want to go home and put my feet up. Plus I need to read through this stack of homework."

"Okay, how about we stop at the market and I'll make us dinner. You can put your feet up and never have to lift a finger" I smiled again, knowing my smile was nearly irresistible.

"That sounds heavenly Jake. Thanks!" She answered as we headed out the door together.

Edward's POV

I was nervous about what Black had said to me. It sounded much worse than Emmett told me five years ago. I'd have to ask him when I got home, I thought. I stuffed questionnaires into the teacher's mail slots and exited through the main entrance. When I got out to the parking lot I saw Bella climbing into the passenger seat of a dark silver Honda Civic as Black sat into the driver's seat. They were leaving together. That looked like same car I had seen at Bella's old house on my way into town on Saturday. Could she be living there? Was it possible that Black was living there with her? That last thought seemed ridiculous to me but I supposed anything was possible. The reality was…I didn't know Bella anymore. So I had no way of knowing what to expect from her.

I followed them out of the parking lot and down the main road through town. I noticed they pulled off into the market. I kept driving on my way to Emmett and Alice's house. I parked in the driveway and as I got out of my car, their Golden Retriever Annie came running up to greet me. "Hi there girl." I leaned down to pat her. I walked into the house and the nanny, Marie was making a bottle for Baby Emma. I smiled, said hello to Marie and I cooed at Emma on my way past. I found Alice arranging flowers on the mantle in the living room.

"How was your first day at work Edward?" Alice was so perky. Her voice had sort of a sing-song quality to it.

She was petite, maybe five feet tall, although she wore heels often, probably to make her appear taller. She wore her dark hair shoulder length and always dressed to impress. Today she wore black Capri length pants, and a printed shirt over them. She had on large hoop earrings and a silver choker that matched. Emmett was massive compared to her. He was over six feet tall, had broad shoulders, huge muscles, and short curly blonde hair. He was definitely linebacker material.

"It was good. I think I'm going to like it. I had meetings with some of the staff today. By the end of the week I hope to meet everyone." I sat down on their cream colored sectional sofa and thumbed through a magazine on the coffee table. "Is Em home yet?"

"Yes, he's in the study I think. On the phone with his agent, last I knew. You can go on up if you want. He won't mind. Dinner won't be ready for another two hours or more so take some time to relax. I'm sure you need it after your first day." Emmett was in his on-season for the Seahawks but today was an off day so he was home catching up on some business.

"Thanks Alice. I just might take you up on that offer" and I headed up to the study to see Emmett.

Their house was spacious, and well decorated. Alice had a flare for decorating and had chosen earth and cream tones for much of the house. I was comfortable being there and was grateful they had offered to let me stay until I could find a place of my own. When I reached the door to the study I found it was open and Emmett was on the computer facing me. I entered and sat on the leather sofa closest to the desk.

"Hey, how was your first day back at Forks High?" He was always unrestrainedly happy. When I was in high school it used to make me sick but now I quite enjoyed it. "Run into anyone we know?" He was joking but what I was about to tell him was no joke

"Yeah… actually I did." I cleared my throat and hesitated "...Bella..."

Emmett's voice boomed "Bella Swan?" He asked and when I nodded he started laughing so hard I wondered if he would fall out of his desk chair. "You've got to be kidding, what are the chances of that? I thought she was living in Phoenix, working for a newspaper there. I told you that, right?"

"Yep, that's what you said except…you're never going to believe this. She was hired to teach writing and journalism here in Forks. She just started last week." I waited for him to respond.

"No shit?" he laughed right out loud again. "Sorry Dude, I'm sure it's not funny to you but that's just too bizarre to be true."

"Yes, it's bizarre and even worse is that the writing classes are all part of the Collaboration I was hired to over-see."

"Oh my God, so you're kind of like her boss?" His smile was relentless "Bella working under you, how ironic is that"

"Screw you, it's not funny Em. I could use a little support here." I couldn't help but laugh a little with him at the irony. "To make matters worse, Jacob Black also works there."

"Yeah, I had heard that. I almost forgot about him and the competition you two used to have over Bella's attention. Man, Edward this story keeps on getting better and better." He crossed his arms behind his head and leaned way back in his chair.

"So today I ran into Black in the hall and he told me some things and I was kind of hoping you could shed some light on them for me."

Emmett nodded, "shoot."

"Black said that he hated me because of what I did to Bella. He said she was going through hell after I left. I asked him to be more specific and he said he wouldn't unless we were out of school. He wants me to meet him some night at the Roadhouse and he says he'll give me details."

I took a breath and said, "Level with me, Em. What really happened after I left?"

"Edward, I didn't tell you more five years ago because I knew you couldn't do anything about it. I told you just the bare minimum. I didn't know how much you could handle then. I don't see any purpose in you knowing now either. Tell Black to shut the hell up and forget about it. It's over."

"Emmett that was my decision, not yours. I trusted you. She was my whole life back then. I want to know." I was determined.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling Emmett nodded in agreement. "What I know is probably much less than Jacob Black but I'll tell you what I remember. She sat at our lunch table every day but I never once saw her eat anything. She rarely spoke to anyone, even Alice. You remember how close Alice and Bella used to be?" I nodded at him.

"Well every time Alice would invite her to the movies or shopping she declined, saying she had to study. Her eyes became dark and sunken in, she looked like she hadn't slept. She looked like Bella, only skinnier, and definitely not like the girl she had been when you were here."

Even though it was years ago, I still was deeply disturbed by this news. I never wanted to hurt her. I wanted only happiness for her. My heart ached remembering my own pain at the time. I'd always hoped hers was never as bad as mine had been. I guess maybe it was.

"Thanks Emmett. I needed to know. Maybe it was just morbid curiosity. Like you said, there is nothing that I can do about it now, of course."

"What's she like now? Did you talk to her at all?" he asked.

"A little….she is different, kind of the same…I can't explain it"

He lifted an eyebrow at me and shook his head. "Can't explain it, huh? It's funny you should say that. Because the only other times I remember you being at a loss for words was when you were talking about Isabella Swan."

I shook my head back at him. "It's nothing like that Em, trust me."

Or was it?

Some of my personal writing goals were met in this chapter:

Glad we finally got to hear from Alice and Emmett, albeit briefly. I'm wondering what you think of the Alice/Emmett pairing? It's not up to me to question the original canon pairings but I have always thought they made a better couple than...well you know.

Jake got a bit mouthy in his small confrontation with Edward. Even though it was a bit mild this time...More to come on that.

Bella remained professional as was her goal, and kept her composure ie. no fainting.

Edward is really wondering about Bella's life after he left Forks...and rightly so.

UP NEXT: Bella and Jake have a quiet dinner at her place and Edward wonders about Bella and Jacob.

And Coming Soon: My first lemon...

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