Chapter | Aberrations and Revelations | Nine


It was easy to get Charlie to let me stay home another day. I mean, it was a traumatic experience, one that warrants a few days of rest and recuperation, both mentally and physically. And even though when its quiet and I'm all alone and the "I could have died" thought comes creeping in, I remind myself that I've gone through worse. ...Only to realize it doesn't actually make me feel better. But I immediately dismiss it because I know I'd rather not face what school has in store for me when I get back.

I wonder if I could get away with taking Friday off so I wouldn't have to go back until Monday...

There was a catch however; Renee. Apparently, Charlie was so worried over what happened, notifying Bella's mother was the last thing on his mind. And since I am now okay, he wanted me to call her so he wouldn't have to do it himself.

And of course, since I'm a horrible human being, I lied and said I called her when in actuality I did no such thing. It was just pointless. Why worry her when there was no lasting damage? Besides, I really don't want to talk to someone I've never met before, who expects me to act like her daughter when I'm absolutely certain I am nothing like her. I was sure it wouldn't come back to haunt me, as to my knowledge, Charlie never just calls up his ex-wife to have a chat.

Thursday, I actually decided to be productive instead of sleep all afternoon. My time was mainly spent researching once again, quickly getting sick of pointless articles that had nothing to do with what I would type in the search engines. Like stupid pages about actual objects getting stuck in your body or ones about preaching self-help for people that don't like who they are. I called it quits for the day when I finally settled on reading horrible, grammatically incorrect online fictional stories of situations similar to mine, just to find out what solutions they had. I was really reaching a low point...

I decided to get my mind off it by getting some fresh air. It wasn't raining luckily, but it was still freezing, so I bundled myself in multiples layers in order to withstand the cold longer, intent on spending some time drawing the scenery around the house. I debated for a moment on whether to follow the road or make my way through the trees, but ultimately decided on the forest since it would block the chilly wind.

The crisp air was nice and I easily found myself enjoying the outdoors. Ice still coated the branches, the temperature not rising enough to melt it until this weekend. The crystalline shapes entranced me, creating a whole new world that instantly separated me from reality. If only the sun was shining today, I can only imagine how beautiful the rays would look bouncing off the frozen surfaces.

Eventually, I decided to stop walking when I found a nice arrangement of stumps, fallen tree trunks, and hanging icicle branches. Moss and fungi were peaking out from one of the toppled trees, creating an appealing contrast from all the white. Spreading out a blanket I brought with me to keep my bottom warm, I got to work drawing.

The peace that instantly flowed through me at the touch of pencil on paper was amazing. This was the feeling that helped me get through so many tough times in my life. Art has always had such a large influence over my emotions.

It eventually got me wondering about my future. When thinking about what I want to do for the rest of my life, becoming a professional artist always makes it to the top of the list. I've searched countless of colleges, scholarships, and internships in the hopes of figuring it all out. But even now, I don't have a clue what to do. I mean, I knew I was good, especially for my age. Not a da Vinci or a Michelangelo of course, but it would be stupid to ever compare myself to such masters. But I'm sure I could get far in life as an artist. I'm too passionate about it not too.

Still... being stuck here like this... I'm supposed to be graduating in a few months. What happens if I can't figure things out before then? I'll have to do this entire semester all over again. Not to mention it will take even longer to finally move out of my parent's house... And then the fact that I would be going back to a broken body, which will also take months to heal and prevent me from creating artwork and doing schoolwork... I cringed when remembering I broke my left hand.

No matter what way I look at it, there really wasn't much of a bright-side.

But I can't stay like this.

A dark mark suddenly appeared on the paper. I halted the movement of my pencil. A drop of water then landed on my cheek, and then another. I looked up above me at the thick, and now dark, cloud cover. At that moment, the rain picked up it's intensity. I quickly packed up my belongs and carefully sprinted back to the house.


Of course, the rain would show up just in time for the day I go back to school. It was almost as if nothing happened this past week. ...Until I walked into my first class of the day and was instantly bombarded by students. I deflated at all the voices trying to talk all at once. I wouldn't be so lucky as to get left alone it seems. Alice was right.

"How are you doing, Bella? The teachers told us you were alright, but you've been gone the past two days. We were beginning to think you were worse off than we thought," Eric explained, the only one I heard not speaking gibberish. I turned my attention towards him in hopes the others would get the hint to quiet down.

"I'm fine." I lifted my right arm, showing the brace off to the students. Some winced in sympathy, but I wasn't sure how real most of their reactions were. "S'all good. Only got a sprained wrist and a few bruises."

"Let me know if you need helping carrying your books or anything, 'kay Arizona?" Mike offered with a bright grin, practically forcing his way in front of everyone, particularly Eric, who frowned in annoyance.

"You know, I might have to take you up on that offer during lunch," I accepted, much to the boy's joy. I wasn't big on allowing others to help me when I know I don't need it, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have some help in order to heal Bella's wrist faster. I can let it slide this once, especially since I'm going to pile my tray full of food.

I sat back for awhile, listening to them describe in detail how they saw the accident occur. All of it was pretty much the same, with someone occasionally adding their own two cents. I was surprised, however, to learn that no one mentioned Edward. Not once.

My first reaction was one of annoyance. Edward saved my life and no even seems to know! He should be the talk of the school right now, not me! He's the hero in this situation.

But then I remembered my conversation with Alice the other day, and knew this was exactly how he wanted it. How the Cullens wanted it. To be unnoticed.

Well, they certainly didn't have to work hard at being unnoticed here, it seems. In a school like this, were the students stuck with the normal and the familiar, they wouldn't want to pay attention to things that were unusual and intimidating. Despite having memorable outward appearances, the Cullens simply seemed to repel the others easily enough.

But it wasn't my concern, I had told Alice as much already. And I would keep it that way. So I kept my mouth shut about the real story.

Though it was extremely difficult not to try and push all the attention on to someone else. Especially when Tyler found me right after English.

"Hey, Bella! Mind if I walk with you to Government?" he asked after jogging to catch up with me. Unlike myself, Tyler ended up getting more cuts than bruises. The blood on his face at the hospital certainly made his cut appear a lot worse than the small, five stitches wound it is. I was a little too pissed off to ask how he was then, but let out a sigh of relief after seeing the damage wasn't bad at all.

I shrugged, shooting him a sideways look, knowing immediately there was more to it. "Sure, it is where we're both headed."

After the silent, and slightly awkward, walk in the rain he stopped in front of our classroom door, blocking off the entrance. I patiently waited for him to speak.

A quick shuffle of his feet and Tyler finally looked back up at me with an ashamed expression. "Look, Bella, I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am. I don't deserve forgiveness, your right. I was stupid... showing off like that in the parking lot. I didn't even think..." So it wasn't just a simple accident, he was showing off to his friends. My left fist clinched tightly, but I forced myself to open it after a deep breath.

"Yeah, you didn't think," I stated bluntly, trying not to sound harsh while I crossed my arms. I still kept my voice stern and steady, knowing that was the best way to get my words across. "But lucky for you, the consequences weren't enough to ruin the rest of your life. You have the chance to make up for your mistakes, to learn from them. Best you start now, because I tell you, the consequences only get worse the older you get. And you may not be so lucky next time."

He flinched. And I was going easy on him. To think of all the lectures I've had to give my brother, it was nothing new to me by giving Tyler this wake up call. I only hope he takes it. Considering he only nodded and didn't interrupt me, I had hope for the guy.

I knew he wasn't a bad person, but that doesn't mean he won't go down a bad path if he doesn't change now.

Needless to say, I was going to have a follower for a while, I realized after Tyler sat down next to me in class. I knew he wanted to make it up to me, and it wouldn't hurt to have him try. Though I was serious in the hospital, the only way he could every really make it up to me was by learning and doing better. But I will most certainly draw the line if I have to.

I don't like to be coddled.


"Bella!" I heard someone shout behind me before I was practically tackled to the soggy ground. "I thought you were going to stay home again today?" Jen inquired after releasing me from her death grip.

"Charlie made me go. Caught on to my devious plan to avoid school sooner than I thought he would," I explained, grinning playfully as I followed along side her to the cafeteria.

"Well, he is a cop. It would be kinda sad if he didn't realize it eventually." I nodded along at the truth of her statement. "Wait- you call your dad by his name?"

I faltered for a second. "Um, sometimes? Not to his face or anything, I mean." Okay, not that big of a deal, Scar. Plenty of kids do it, it's nothing unusual. Don't overreact.

Jen made a face. "I tried calling my parents by their names once. They went bat-shit crazy over it. Really, I don't understand the big deal. I don't think I could ever get used to someone calling me 'mom' instead of my own name."

I nodded in agreement. "Same here." Not that I would need to be concerned with such a thing though.

Jen gave me the rundown of the schools happenings today as we made our way to the lunch line. She was the only one to actually call me to see how I was doing after not showing up for the second day in a row, concerned that I was worse off than she was told. It was more than I expected from her, considering we had a rocky first meeting in gym, and that we've only been friends for a very short time, a fact that I wished wasn't true. I so badly wanted to talk to her about what really happened during the accident, with Edward miraculously saving me. Just so I could get it off my chest and never think about it again.

But even if we had been friends longer, and even if I didn't make that promise to Alice, I know I have horrible trust issues and wouldn't ever utter a word.

It's just... the whole 'keeping silent' thing, about pretty much everything concerning me, was getting kinda... rough, I suppose.

"... oh, and Lauren started spreading a rumor about how you purposely jumped in front of Tyler's van to 'off yourself'."

I stopped abruptly, staring at her incredulously. "Whoa, whoa, hold up! What?"

"Yup, she used the advantage of you not coming to school the last few days to support her 'theory' that you were sent to a mental ward for being suicidal." Jen shook her head, looking more upset than myself. "I honestly don't understand why she's been acting like this, especially to you. We used to be good friends back in middle school and I mean, she had her moments, but was never this bad."

I rubbed my temples in annoyance. At least that explained some of the looks I've been given. "Ugh, whatever. Rumors are rumors and I'm obviously here now and not in a mental ward. You'd have to be stupid to believe her."

"We'll, it looks like some of the student population is then," Jen stated, gesturing to a group of sophomores staring at us with shocked expressions while whispering inconspicuously to each other.

"I'm done," I deadpanned, turning to walk right back out into the rain.

Jen laughed, grabbing my shoulders and pushing me back towards the lunch line.

Just as I was about to grab a tray with my good hand, Tyler appeared out of nowhere to snatch it up first. "Let me help you, Bella."

Crossing her arms, Jen scoffed. "It's a sprained wrist, Tyler. She isn't invalid."

I smirked in amusement at her attitude. Jen was even more upset than myself at Tyler, having known the insufferable idiot (her words, not mine, though they aren't too far off) all her life and always having to tell him off for his stupid actions.

But I wasn't going to stop him, though Mike might if he shows up in time.

We took a seat after getting our food, the rest of the group sitting down shortly after. Mike looked disappointed at his missed opportunity to help, before glaring daggers at Tyler sitting next to me. I did my best to distract the boys from possibly starting a fight, appeasing the group by giving another rundown of the accident.

My gaze slid over to the Cullens, only to see them focusing their attention on our table and trying and failing to not be obvious about it. I knew, though I'm not sure how, that they were listening intently to make sure I don't mention Edward's involvement. I wasn't going to, of course, and I have no doubt that Alice already notified her family of this.

By the time I was done and a new conversation started up, the Cullens all went back to their uneaten food. Edward's gaze caught mine for a split second before he looked away in a, dare I say, almost awkward manner.

I sighed, curious as to how Biology was going to turn out.


Edward was already in his seat by the time I got to class. He sat there very still, eyes focused solely on his notebook. I stood in the doorway for a moment, realizing that I didn't know what to say to him. What could I even say? Should I just not bring up the accident at all? Would he even accept any other conversations?

But Mr. Banner was already waving us stragglers to our seat and I decided it didn't really matter. I would simply say 'hi' and go from there.

"Hi," I practically whispered, cringing at how quiet my voice came out. Really? What was that, Scar? Just when I thought he might not have heard my greeting, Edward looked at me, nodded, and went back to facing the front.

My jaw hung open at his brief acknowledgment. I blinked for a moment, before slowly taking a seat on the stool, taking out my materials for the class.

Mr. Banner was busy doing something at his desk and the class hadn't yet quieted down. So I took the chances to get more out of the Cullen.

"That's it, then? A nod? And I thought we had moved past the whole 'cold shoulder' thing. I mean, we did go through a life or death situation together the other day."

After what seemed like another moment of awkward silence about to descend on us, Edward surprisingly spoke up. "...How are you, Bella?" It didn't come out as a forced, defeated greeting. It was more hesitant, as if he wanted the knowledge without having to ask.

He didn't turn to look at me, as if seeing my face would make him chicken out of a conversation or something. I didn't push it. "Very good. All thanks to you," I said lightheartedly with a cheerful smiling, knowing I could never give a very serious and heartfelt thank you again like back in the hospital.

Edward went silent again, as if he didn't know what to say to that.

"Alice probably already let you know, but I really have been fine. I only used the advantage to get a few more days off of school. Almost got today off too, but Charlie caught on to what I was doing. I kinda feel bad for fooling him, though technically I really needed the break. I honestly don't think I could have handled the attention if I had gone back the next day," I admitted sheepishly, not looking at him either. "Likely would have broke down and cried," I added as an afterthought, only to cringe at the admission, wondering why I brought up the secret to him of all people when I never even admitted it to myself. "And you're fine? I mean, you're alright, physically of course? Alice said you were, not that I think she was lying or anything! Just thought I'd hear it directly from the source..." I let out in a flurry, only to die out in an awkward silence. Stupid, stupid!

I peeked at Edward, surprised to see an amused smile fighting to grace his lips. My hopes rose a little.

"Look, I'm... sorry for the way things started out between us." Even though I have absolutely no clue why it did start out bad. "Whatever I did to upset you, it honestly wasn't intentional. Can we just... put it behind us? Please?"

He took a moment, debating my proposition, before finally looking back at me with a sigh. His eyes were a rich amber once again, making me wonder if I imagined the dark black on our first meeting.

"You have nothing to apologize for, Bella."

I frowned, obviously confused. "I-"

"My anger was... unfounded and unfair to you. My deepest apologizes for offending you in anyway." He sounded sincere.

I had to turn away from the intensity of his gaze, unsure of how to respond. Really, I had not expected that...

Luckily, or maybe not, Mr. Banner called the class to attention. I sighed when we found out it was going to be a lecture. All notes and power-points and no time to talk. Not that I actually knew what to say. I slumped in my seat.

This time, I was prepared for the bell, pushing my chair back just in time to stop Edward's escape. He looked at me, clearly surprised that I would pull such an act. I smirked.

"So we both apologized. I think it's time to move past this whole 'running away and then ignoring each other' thing, don't you?"

He narrowed his eyes. "I haven't been running-"

I smiled, eyes crinkling in amusement. "Yes, yes you have."

I glanced around the room, we where the only students left.

"C'mon, I'll walk you to class. What do you got?"

I caught the slight incredulous look on his face, one he hid fast enough that I doubt anyone else would have seen it. I held back my laugh at seeing his expression, not wanting to ruin the chance of him telling me. Despite simply asking for his last class of the day, the guy was acting as though he was giving out his biggest secret.

"Spanish with Mrs. Goff," he finally answered reluctantly.

I nodded and we took off towards building 7. "I originally had Spanish. Switched it to get Sketching though."

"How did you manage that?"

"Yo ya sé cómo hablar español. No soy completamente fluido en ella sin embargo."

"I see. Did you take classes back in Arizona?" Edward said, easily keeping up, to my delite.

I nodded. "Every year," I answer, and then realized too late that wasn't the explanation I gave Mrs. Goff and the conselor. Damn it, no changing it now... Not like he can look up Bella's records anyway.

"You any good yourself?"

He glanced at me briefly, as if debating. "Yo diría que estoy bastante decente a hablar el idioma. Soy un principiante rápido," he said, very clearly trying to hide his smugness and failing epicly. Decent my ass, his accent is perfect.

I was impressed. "How long have you been studying?"

"A while. Why did you tranfer to Sketching?" I almosted sighed at the obvious deflection, but ignored it.

"I like to consider myself somewhat of artist," I answered, a little bashfully.

"Alice tells me your very good."

"Ah, so she actually talks about me. I was kinda wondering where we lie." I replied somewhat jokingly but actually serious. We shared a smile and wave today in art, but it was a quiet individual practice day, so we couldn't talk even if she wanted to.

"Alice likes you, you know," Edward told me, though I wasn't sure why. Was he saying it so I wouldn't look down on her simply because of his own behavior? I wasn't the type to not like a person or snub them just because I didn't like someone they're associated with. That was a trait that thankfully didn't get passed down to me.

"I never thought otherwise," I replied with a slightly confused undertone.

He nodded, making a vague motion as if he was about to release a breath of relief, but stopped before going through with it. And it was something in that simple gesture that made me alert to the conversation abruptly going in a different direction.

Edward looked straight ahead, his face slowly changing to resemble that hard stoney look I despised seeing on him. "I'd like you to know as well, Bella, that I have no ill will towards you. Neither does the rest of my family, despite how... rude and unfairly we've been treating you."

"Aha! So you do admit to your behavoir!" I exclaimed in mock truimph, hoping to lighten the mood again. I don't like how serious it was getting.

His jaw tighten, and I could tell he had to force out the next bit after my comment. "And... it's because of this that I wanted to give you a fair warning, Bella- it's best if we don't become friends."

I... was actually surpised at the ache I felt being denied friendship. I mean, I've had people not like me before and knew that we would obviously never be friends because of it. But I've never been denied friendship with someone I actually was beginning to like. At least not before we even gave it a try, to see if it would even work out.

Honestly, I was a little disappionted as well. And not really because I was simply rejected, but that Edward rejected me when it was clear he was conflicted himself. He may have schooled his expression and voice perfectly, his eyes, however, told me the truth. Edward's rejection stemed from something much more complex than his own wants.

Man, this family...

I frowned. "You don't sound very certain of yourself."

"This isn't exactly a delicate matter," Edward ground out.

"Well, I don't see what's making this so difficult. Being friends isn't the end of the world. We don't even have to be close friends if that's too complicated for you!" I almost shouted, unable to hold back my budding irritation.

"It's not that I don't want to be friends-" he tried to explain, clearly getting frustrated that was trying to argue against him. Did he really think I was just going to take it and agree?

"Then what?" I said, throwing my hands up. "Cause I having a hard time understanding what's going on here."

"It's not really something I can explain. It would simply be better for you if we weren't friends."

I narrowed my eyes. "Oh, so now you know what's best for me, huh?"

"Yes- no!" he quickly retracted at my furious look, his frustration quickly turning to annoyance. "You're making this harder than it is!"

"I am not!"

"Yes, you are."

"Am not!"

"Yes you-" Edward stopped himself before getting caught up in the childish back and forth game. "Why must you be so insufferably difficult?" he hissed.

I ground my teeth. "You're the one spouting all this nonsense about not wanting to be friends when you clearly do!"

"I never said I wanted to be friends with you!"

I recoiled a little at his hash tone, before forcing my face to go blank and my voice cool. "You know what? Forget it. Clearly you have too much going on in your life to handle something as simple as friendship. I have enough problems in my life right now, I don't need this. Besides, if I'm lucky I won't even be around long enough for us to even worry about it."

That silenced him. I was too furious to even care I let out my plan to leave, physically or metaphysically, it didn't matter. Seriously, what was his problem, and why was it so easy for us to get into petty arguments? Like really, an argument over not becoming friends? Who does that?

"...You're leaving?" he inquired after enough time for my furious breathing to subside.

"Don't worry about it," I said bitterly. "We aren't friends, so what does it matter?"

I quickly turned around and walked away.

"Have fun in Spanish," I jeered, before turning the corner and not looking back.


Pheeww, that took forever! So more of Scar being worried about her future. I can tell you that the worrying will definitely mess with her and make her do some risky things later on.

Scar also tapped into her lecture mode with Tyler. I really felt like there could have been a lot of potential with Tyler and Bella, like one of them could have gained some major character development and/or character reveal with the whole van scene, specifically for Bella as the main character. I mean, Bella just lets Tyler's stupidity slide like it was no big deal. He could have killed her, or himself! Just because he felt guilt and decided to treat her with (unwanted) attention doesn't mean he was going to change! That could have been a big opportunity, and with Scar's own personality, she wasn't going to let it pass, thus the stern, though short (because Scar isn't too invested in this life), lecture. Now if it actually yields any results, you'll have to wait and see.

Oh Eddy boy. Scar is just not giving you an easy time. Everything starts out fine and dandy, but he just can not let it be. Scar never witnessed Edward impossibly run over to save her from the van like Bella, so that conflict between them never happens. But that doesn't mean the family "conference" over Edward possibly having exposed himself doesn't happen. And of course, Alice is still seeing some different futures, though what they're about you'll have to wait and see ;) So that stuff needs to be discussed. Actually, I would like to know what you all think happened during their little meeting, what may be different or similar from the book (specifically Midnight Sun, of course). I'm interested to hear it and maybe if your close I'll even let you know!

Unlike Bella, Scar wasn't going to let Edward ignore her after something so big happened, and just when its seems like things are going good and than can be civil with one another, they argue... about being friends. And just to be clear, it is only 'friend' no alter emotions whatsoever. Scar isn't Bella, so Edward's feelings aren't going to be the same for her. Don't forget that!

Thoughts, opinions, I always love to hear what you have to say! And I know my updating is horrible, so for those of you that want to make sure I'm still working on it, I post updates in my profile on my writing status.