Chapter Eight
The next morning, I went to school without recharging my phone. I was in a bad mood due to last night's events. Even Charlie noticed it.
"What's up, Bella?" he asked as he looked up at me form his papers.
"Bad mood," I huffed, crossing my arms and glaring at the bowl of cereal in front of me.
"You had a fight with Edward?" Charlie mocked me.
"Shut it, Chief." I snapped at him.
"Whoa, scary." Charlie chuckled, raising his hands in surrender.
"Mind your own business." I told him with a glare.
"Okay, kiddo." He grinned.
After what felt like years, I had a ride with Charlie to school again. the last one I had with him seemed too long.
I suddenly felt lazy as we reached school property. The same as before Edward came; he dropped me off by the entrance, telling me to wait for him after classes at the same spot. As usual, I would nod at him and make my way. Today was no different. I felt like I came back to my life when I was a nobody. No friends, no image, no opinion, nobody. For a second I was wrong when I saw a group of girls which includes Lauren Mallory and her group of blonde bimbos were approaching me. They snickered at me, which they never did when I was with Edward. I was pretty much sure now that they didn't react to impress Edward with the thought that they were 'nice' girls.
The morning classes that I had passed in a blur except for Literature when I had to sit beside Alice right before lunch. She had bombarded me with questions. Turns out, Edward had been in a more sour mood when he had returned after he' taken me home.
"Bella, what's wrong with you, guys?" Alice asked me for the nth time.
Might as well get through with it.
"Alice," I started, facing her, "we fell apart." I sighed.
"No, that can't be. I won't let it happen." Alice said stubbornly.
"Alice, it already had." I told her.
"It's not yet the end. We can fix it." She smiled.
"We? No, no, no. Don't get yourself in it." I told her with a serious face.
"Too bad, Bell-a. I already had a plan." She smiled evilly.
Just as then, the bell rang for lunch.
Alice dragged me to the cafeteria while all the other students were staring in awe. Who knew a small girl like her could drag someone bigger?
"Alice," I whispered.
She kept on dragging.
"ALICE!" I shouted.
Finally, she stopped on her tracks.
I sighed and freed my wrists from her prying hands.
"I can actually walk, you know." I huffed at her.
"Then move faster." Alice told me coldly.
She's taking this seriously.
I collected myself and straightened my clothes and hair as we continued our walk to the cafeteria. As we entered, I quickly recognized the mop of bronze hair. I tried no to look but something inside me was merging so I risked a glance and fair enough, he was talking to Tanya.
My eyes fell downwards at the sight of them. I almost felt stupid when I thought of getting revenge at her. Who am I after all for Edward to fall with?
I shifted from where I stood and took my glance off of the floor. I didn't notice Alice was standing in front of me, waving her hands by my eyes.
"Bella, hello? Bella?" Alice continued her weird waving of hand.
Ii broke out of my reverie and snapped my eyes to her.
"I thought you'd pass on me." Alice sighed.
"I won't." I whispered.
"What's wrong?" She asked me again.
"Nothing," I mumbled.
"Don't use that shit on me." Alice huffed.
Without thinking, I slightly inclined my head to Edward and that Cow's direction. Alice subtly followed me with her eyes.
"Oh, shit. The bitch is talking to him and you're just standing here?" Alice asked, exasperated.
"It's not like there's something I can do about it." I whispered.
"Seriously, Bella? You'll let that bitch take over Edward?" Alice raised an eyebrow at me.
Would I?
"No." I smiled.
"Let's go then," Alice sang.
Alice again half- dragged me across the cafeteria to Edward's direction.
Neither seemed to notice us so Alice cleared her throat.
Tanya's eyes got wider. Edward's back stiffened.
"Edward," Alice sang.
"Oh my gosh, is that the freak?" Tanya asked in a fake voice, looking at me. I smiled evilly at her.
"Edward, I believe you're with the wrong girl." Alice said, looking pointedly at Tanya.
"Alice, we're just talking." Edward defended, facing us.
His eyes had this different gleam in them.
I had never seen it in him before.
Maybe it was because of Tanya. Could I take his happiness away?
But what about my revenge? I worked hard on it, spent almost four weeks on it and it goes to nothing? I have waited for it too long and it would end just like this? It can't be!
I may have been being selfish but Tanya already had everything and now she wanted what she left and I had.
"I believe Alice is right." I told Tanya with a sly smile.
"Bitch." Tanya snapped at me.
"You are one." I snapped back.
Tanya stood up, anger obvious in her features. She looked at Edward then at me. Then she gave me an evil grin. She turned around and started her flirty walk but stopped and gave me another glance.
"Isabella, just so you know. You may have dressed well, but a freak will always be a freak." She grinned evilly before continuing to walk.
"Bitch." Alice muttered.
Edward just looked on, not saying a word. This must be his new hobby.
And suddenly, I had no interest in eating. And all of it is due to that fat cow.
Neither of us tried to start a conversation. But every now and then, Edward would give me a glance and I would just shrug it away.
After lunch, Edward and I walked silently to Bio. None of us bothered to crash the silence.
My afternoon classes were a blur, most of it spent without me even knowing. I had been out of myself for hours now.
By the time the bell rang for dismissal, I was walking across the lot to my spot where Charlie would pick my up.
I was walking with my head down so I didn't notice earlier that someone was walking behind me. once I noticed, I slowed my pace and listened to the footsteps. It was all too quiet. I kept my slow pace until a hand stopped me from my wrist.
I looked at who it was in a daze. Once my eyes met a pair of green orbs, my erratic heart slowly returned to its normal beat.
"What?" I whispered.
"Get on a ride with me." he told me in a monotone.
"Charlie's—"
"I'll tell him." he cut me off.
"Okay," I mumbled.
Edward quickly started the engine and flew off the school's property as soon as we got in. I stayed silent. After a few moments, he skidded to a stop. My chest had met my spine due to the ferocity.
"Edward-"
"Tanya wants to start." He again cutted me off.
"That's…" I trailed off.
Stupid? Crazy? Idiotic?
"Great," I whispered.
"It won't be." Edward stated coldly.
"Why?" I asked him a low voice.
"You really have to ask?" he almost shouted.
"Oh, how come it's my fault?" I shot at him.
"If you'd just let us talk for a while there, we would have gotten together." Edward exclaimed.
"It was not my fault that you were always looking out for her. You know that she doesn't love you, right? You just keep on lying to yourself even it hurts too much now. Can't you see that she's just playing you?" I shouted at his face.
"Get out." He hissed at me.
Without a thought, I hopped out of his stupid car, away from his stupid face.
I took all my pride and looked around where I was. It came to me that I have no clue on where in the hell of the world I am standing. Crap.
Edward's engine started and his car sped off the road, his tires almost flying. Can't he drive a little slower? Can't he see that it's almost raining?
Darn it! It's raining! Why am I even thinking about him when he'd left me here?
Without thinking, I started to walk towards the direction Edward went. It must be the right direction, right?
With the rain falling heavy over my head, I walked about a mile until I saw a glimpse of our house. I walked faster and faster until I realized I was running.
As I reached our front door, it was till locked; which means Charlie hadn't been home yet.
I was shivering, from the rain so I quickly grabbed the thick blanket Charlie used to use whenever the weather would get uncomfortably chilly. I didn't mind the smell it had; I was cold for crying out loud.
I walked to the kitchen slightly less cold. I turned on the stove and boiled some water for hot chocolate.
My thoughts raced to Edward. Why did he send me away just like that? It's like we didn't share anything; like I didn't matter to him, even just a little bit.
Maybe you don't. My inner mind said.
Of course I don't. Who am I after all? Just a stupid, pathetic, fake girlfriend. My subconscious butted in.
You couldn't fight with Tanya. You know that. But hey, if you want to fight remember, there are fights wherein either you choose to fight or surrender, the result will never change. My inner mind countered.
"Shut it," I muttered to myself.
Darn it, I am crazy. I am talking to myself. I am confused as hell. And yet, I am thinking of him. What has this boy got that I can't get off of me?
I shrugged off the thought quickly, my head getting a little dizzy. I almost fell, good thing the counter was there for support.
I went carefully on the sofa, the thick blanket still draped around me. I was still shivering like crazy. Oh, right. I haven't changed out of my clothes yet.
By the time the water was at its boiling point, I was too dizzy to get up. I slowly approached the kitchen, all the way trying to balance myself. When I had turned it off, I went to my room to finally get out of my drenched clothes.
By the time dinner came, I was too high with fever. My head was spinning, my throat was aching, my nose was not producing enough air. In short, I was very sick. And it is because of Edward. Damn him to the pits of hell. Yet, a part of me couldn't find the urge to hate him. It was something… I really don't know.
When I woke up, something slightly drenched was almost covering half of my face. I rolled over to my side without a thought.
Whoa, I must have fallen off of the couch if I …
I opened my eyes and I wasn't lying on the couch, instead I was in my room, on my bed and in between my blankets.
It wasn't as dark outside as it was yesterday. My hand flew to my neck, and true to my suspicions, I am sick. And heck, it is a school day. Charlie must have sensed that I would be all stubborn and still go to school, so when I looked at my right, there was this note that was written by this person who has a very familiar scribble.
Bella, it said.
I know what you are thinking and I am telling you, no. I got your car keys and something rectangle from your truck, just in case. Take care. I'll be home by seven.
My so called dad got something rectangle from my truck? Great, just great. I stared off the ceiling with a sigh. I did not have the courage to lift my head even just a little tiny teensy bit because I knew I'd have a terrible headache due to the hours I had been lying on my bed without even knowing. And a headache isn't going to help now. I shut my eyes as tight as it could, wishing sleep could get me. But I can't go back to slumber, my mind had been too active for long.
By the time I thought it was noon, I tried to sit up very slowly. So slow that I might take a century before I got my back full against the head board. After a few minutes, I threw my legs on the side of the bed in a very delicate way, like they were made out of crepe paper. Once my feet hit the floor, I stood up with care, trying to regain my balance since I had been lying for almost 12 hours.
By noon, I was staring again at the nonsense in front of me. I was so bored that I had already done all the chores at home that didn't require much energy. My phone suddenly vibrated from the side table. Someone was calling. I picked it up, though I am not expecting a call, thinking it was Charlie.
"Bella! Why weren't you at school?" a voice shouted from the end of the line.
"Uhm, I was sick?" I told whoever it was.
"I was so worried about you!" the person exclaimed.
"Okay," I mumbled, I still didn't know who it was.
"When will you come back?" the voice asked expectantly.
"Well, I don't know who this is…" I trailed.
"It's me, silly! Who do you think? Tanya?" the other person at the end of the line sneered at the name. Well, at least I wasn't the only one who hates her.
"Alice?" I asked in a surprised voice.
I actually didn't notice that it was Alice. I was sick and… I can't figure out her voice over the line.
"Yes, Bella. It's me. Alice Brandon." Alice huffed in annoyance.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't know it was you." I apologized.
"It's okay. It's not like it is a big deal." Alice chuckled.
"Okay, so Alice, what makes you call?" I asked her.
"Nothing, I was just worried that you were nowhere to be seen and no human being has seen you." she chuckled.
"Again Alice, I was sick." I told her.
"I knew that." She said.
"Then why…" I trailed off.
"Just saying, Bella." Alice sighed.
"Okay, Alice-"
"Shit. Bella, I have to go. Hey people can visit you, right?" Alice cut me off.
"Uhmm, yeah? I think so." I muttered.
"Good then. Oh gosh, TTYL." Alice said in a rush.
"Bye," I whispered as I heard the stupid dial tone. What in the heck of the world is TTYL? And if Alice would come over, she could just say that she's coming over, not use the word people. Gosh, this girl is literally driving me crazy.
By the time the clock's hand stroke four, I sat on the couch in my waiting position. By waiting position I meant that I was sitting in front of the television, staring at the nonsense playing at the moment. My legs were tucked under me and my chin was resting against a pillow I held close to me.
My heart jumped a little when the doorbell rang. Assuming it was Alice, I hurriedly went to get the door, of course while trying so hard not to stumble my way there.
My hopes came crashing down when my eyes met a pair of green orbs. What. The. Hell.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I asked the first question that popped into my mind.
"So, uhmm, you see…" Edward freaking Cullen stuttered by my door.
"What are you doing here?" I asked him again, but now it comes with a glare.
"Well…" he trailed off.
"Alice sent you here!" I exclaimed as realization came to me.
So that's why she asked if people can see me… what a vile pixie!
"Uhmm, yeah." Edward whispered, looking down.
"Why in the hell did she asked you?" I asked, mostly to myself.
"Bella," Edward started.
I looked at him with an irritated expression on my face.
"I'm sorry." He said, looking down again.
Irritation got the best of me.
"Well you know, Cullen. Most people who apologize would actually look into the eyes of the ones they were saying sorry to." I told him with a huff.
His green eyes snapped to mine and made this connection.
I quickly drifted my sight off of him so I can't be under his spell or whatever it is.
He cleared his throat, when he has caught my attention, he held my gaze for a moment before speaking.
"I'm sorry, Bella." He said again, this time looking directly into my eyes.
"What for?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"For yelling at you," he muttered.
"And for making me walk in the rain." I added.
"Yeah, and for making you sick." He smiled shyly.
"Don't smile at me, I haven't forgiven you." I snapped at him. Quickly, his smile faded.
"Oh, sorry." He muttered.
I broke the stares and turned to the door. I was about to close it when he stopped the door from closing by putting himself between the door and the frame.
"What?" I exclaimed.
"Aren't you going to invite me in?" he asked.
"No." I snapped.
"Bella, c'mon! I'm shivering." He complained.
"Might as well you experience it for once." I told him, squishing him a little more.
"Shit! Ow!" he exclaimed.
"Language, Cullen." I told him with a smirk.
"Bella, please?" he pleaded.
"No." was my quick answer.
"Tanya left me with nothing, I really love her…" he started.
"Here we go again. Tanya, Tanya, Tanya. Can't you for one moment forget about her?" I almost shouted.
"It's not like I could just close my eyes and in a snap I would forget everything that was once mine. It's never going to be like that, Bella." Edward told me in a silent voice.
"Edward, can't you just see the reality?" I asked in an exasperated voice.
"No," he shook his head.
"Seriously? You're going blind over that cow that doesn't even care or know that you still exist?" I again almost shouted.
"It's not like that." Edward defended.
"It's exactly like that." I shot at him.
"No." He told me.
"Yes." I argued.
"No." he told me.
"Yes, Edward and you knew it." I finished him off.
"Time changes, you know? And so does people." Edward said.
"But Tanya wouldn't. And you of all people know it." I shrugged.
"Okay. You win." Edward chuckled, holding up his hands in surrender.
"I know." I smiled smugly.
"But that's why we're here." He grinned.
"We? Oh no, Cullen. Do it yourself." I squirmed out of his gaze.
"Come on, Bella." Edward pleaded.
"No," I told him with a smirk.
"Please?" Edward asked, this time with those puppy's eyes.
"No." I wasn't budging.
"Bella, please? Please?" he gave me those eyes again.
"No." I told him firmly.
"Please?" he knelt in front of me.
"Okay, fine." I surrendered.
"Yes!" Edward exclaimed, jumping up and down while grabbing me for a bear hug.
"Oh my gosh!" I gasped; I was utterly surprised because I didn't see this one coming.
Edward continued doing his little routine.
"Edward, stop!" I shouted as I took my new supply of air.
"Oh, sorry." Edward mumbled when he had finally let go.
"I have a condition." I told him firmly, staring directly into his eyes.
"Yes?" he quirked an eyebrow playfully.
"Never let me walk in the rain again, or else I'll use one of Charlie's gun on you." I told him in a serious tone but my lips were twitching.
"Yes, ma'am." Edward made this soldier salute, well, he was playing along.
"Good." I grinned.
We ended up grinning at each other like two goofs without a care in the world. But hey, who could blame me? I think everyone would appreciate it if the school's golden boy will offer you friendship.
First of all , I am very sorry for the late update. It's just that I was so busy in school that I no longer have time to do other stuffs.
I will now tell you in advance that I cannot update in the next few days because of the exams coming up. But you can have me all Christmas Break :)
Reviews are much appreciated. Thank you.
