So I hope all of you have been looking forward to this chapter as much as I have. So far, this is my favorite chapter seeming I had so much fun writing on it. Dissing on Mike is becoming my favorite hobby! Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 9: Apple Juice and Stomach Acid

I stumbled to my seat and spent all of first class just trying to get my head on straight. Second class was spent going over his wording again and again, trying to understand what was going on. Third class I was trying to figure out what he meant by his last comment. Did he just mean he would see me or was he insinuating something else? Was he planning on sitting with my friends and I? I scoffed at that, imagining the outcome.

When I walked in to art, Alice must have known that something was up. She was practically bouncing in her seat and her smile was blinding. I contemplated turning and walking back out the door but the teacher already saw me.

I sighed and took my seat next to her.

"So you've got a date then?" She asked, slyly.

I groaned. "It's not a date." I told her.

She scoffed. "Oh please, if you weren't so opposed to dances then he probably would have asked you to that."

I raised an eyebrow at her, wondering how she knew I didn't go to dances but I shrugged it off. That was part of being friends with Alice. She just knew things about you. "Why do you say that?"

Alice rolled her eyes. "Please, he's smitten with you." She told me.

I almost wanted to laugh at her word choice but the words themselves had me shaking my head. "Sure, whatever you say." My voice was heavy with sarcasm.

She sighed in frustration but at this point I refused to believe her. There have been to many things that pointed to the opposite. He, more then likely, was just bored and wanted someone to hang out with that day. Although I'm still confused on why he asked me of all people.

Art passed and then the bell rang for lunch. I spent most of the walk there twisting my fingers together. I was still unsure of what Edward had meant by his comment. Alice must have known how I was feeling because she was grinning next to me. I kept shooting her glares but they didn't seem to effect her.

When we got in line for food the thought of actually eating made my stomach heave. Instead I just settled for a thing of apple juice. I paid for it and then Alice and I headed towards the table. Alice set her tray of food that wouldn't be touched down and we sat. I quickly flickered a glance at the table that the male Cullens usually sat but I was surprised to find it empty.

I looked back around to find Alice smirking at me. I turned towards Lauren, Alice being to much to deal with right now. Lauren was picking at her food, looking at it dejectedly.

I bumped her shoulder with mine to get her attention. "You okay?" I asked.

She shrugged her shoulders. "I'm fine."

Warning bells went off in my head. Whenever a girl said that she was fine, something was definitely not.

"You sure?" I questioned, trying to look her in the eyes.

That made her more mad than anything. "Yup," she said, popping the p. She then looked away, turning towards Jessica and Mike who were talking about a trip down to the beach that was happening this weekend.

I was flabbergasted. Although Lauren at least got along with Jessica, unlike me, she still wasn't her favorite person. Something was definitely going on. I bit my lip, wondering who I could talk to. Jessica would probably know to some extent but if she would be willing to tell me was another matter entirely.

Before I could think on the matter to long Alice tossed a chip at me. I looked up, scowling at her. She pointed at the table the other Cullens usually sat at. Edward was sitting there by himself and he smiled when our eyes met.

He motioned for me to join him and my mind went blank. He wasn't serious, was he?

I looked to Alice and she chuckled.

"Does he really want me to go sit with him?" I asked her.

She nodded and made a shooing motion. I rolled my eyes but stood none the less. I felt like everyone was looking at me as I walked to the other side of the cafeteria. When I got to his table, I stood behind the seat across from him.

"Do you want to sit with me today?" He asked, gesturing.

In answer I sat in the seat, placing my apple juice in front of me. Silence descended as I tried to get my brain to work again. "Well, I wasn't quite expecting this." I told him truthfully.

"I decided that as long as I'm going to hell, I might as well do it thoroughly." He said, smiling.

I waited for him to explain but when he didn't I just heaved a sigh. "You know I hate your cryptic comments, right?"

He chuckled, his eyes alight. "I know." His eyes flickered to something behind my back. I turned to see both Lauren and Jessica gaping at me from my usual table. At the other end, Alice sat with Rosalie, Emmett and Jasper.

I swiveled back around, facing Edward again.

"You're friends are angry with me for stealing you." He looked mischievous and pleased when he told me that.

I snorted. "Yeah, sure." I said, resting my chin on my hand. "If anything, Jessica wants to kill me and Lauren wants to jump me later to ask what's going on."
"You're probably right," he said, but the way he said it made it sound as if he knew I was. I tucked that away with everything else.

I snapped the cover off my apple juice and took a swig. If anything it made the nerves in my stomach worse. "So I'm still confused about what brought all this on," I informed him.

He titled his head to the side, regarding me. "I told you earlier that I got tired of staying away from you so now I'm done being good."

So then does that mean being with me is bad? I swallowed against the block in my throat. "What do you mean being good?"

He took a breath and then explained. "From now on I'm just going to do what I want and let what happens happen. I'm done fighting so in that way, I'm done being good."

I was even more confused than before. "I still don't understand," I let on.

He grinned again, looking boyish in his merriment. "I always say too much when I talk to you so I'm counting on that fact."

I rolled my eyes, realizing that I wasn't going to get any explanation. I took another sip of my juice and that seemed to help my stomach settle a little. I glance up at Edward but he was staring at the table now. "So then what does this all mean?"

He looked at me, his eyes tightening slightly. Was he getting annoyed with all these questions?

"Now, I don't think I understand." He said, looking slightly frustrated.

"What does this make us?" I clarified, using my hands to gesture between us. "Yesterday you weren't even talking to me, not really any way and now you're wanting me to sit with you. To be honest it's giving me a bit of whiplash."

He looked at the table again, seeming to be thinking over the answer. "I'm not sure." He finally said.

"Well, are we friends then?" I questioned. "Or not?"

He tilted his head to the side, his eyes piercing mine. I couldn't find it in myself to look away. "I guess we could try but I need you to know that I'm not a very good friend for you."

My hands tightened around my juice. "You say that a lot."

He nodded. "Partly because you seem to not be understanding. If you're smart, you'll leave me alone."

His comment reminded me of his other ones about my brain cells. I gave him a small glare and he flinched back, surprised. "I think you've made your opinion on my intelligence clear."

He gave me a small smile in apology before he glanced behind me again. "Mike seems to think that I'm being too menacing with you. He's debating on whether or not to come over here himself." He informed me.

I dropped my head to the table, a bang coming from it. "I need to get a really big guard dog." I mumbled.

Edward laughed and I found myself smiling in spite of the confusion I felt. I tilted my head back, my chin resting on the table. Our eyes met again and the silence deepened as neither of us looked away. His smile widened slightly but it softened at the same time. After a few more second I found my head spinning and I tore my gaze away, sucking in a breath.

"What are you thinking?" he asked.

I looked back to him. The question was a little unexpected but he looked curious, his face open. "I guess I'm just trying to rap my head around all this. In truth this it going to take a little adjusting to after a month of silence."

He nodded in what I hoped was understanding. "I'm sorry for the way I acted, it just seemed like the best thing to do at the time."

Another cryptic remark. Why couldn't he just be honest with me and fully explain some of this stuff.

"Are you okay?" He asked, suddenly.

"Slightly annoyed," I told him honestly.

He made a motion with his arm, encouraging me to continue.

I took a deep breath and launched into my rant. "I just don't like being kept in the dark. I have so many questions that go unanswered because of you and it's driving me nuts. To some extent I understand, especially after what happened when you saved me from Tyler's van but I need you to understand that I still want to know. I haven't spoken about it again and I don't even say anything to Alice and Rosalie, although I know they know what's going on as well so I can obviously keep a secret if that's what you're worried about. I mean, I feel like I'm wearing a blindfold and we're all playing Marco-polo, only when I yell Marco, no one answers me."

He cringed slightly be a smile still tugged at his lips. "I like the example."

I flushed, my face going red. "I have a seven-year-old sister, you're just lucky you're not getting Dora the Explorer at this point."

He laughed and the mood lightened considerable. "I'm sure soon enough you'll have your answers. Like I said before, you see more than most people do."

Although that wasn't a promise or anything close it still made me feel a lot better. He was implying that I wouldn't be left in the dark for much longer and after how long I've already waited, I could be patient for a little bit longer if it meant I would get answers.

"So I have a question for you." Edward started, a smile appearing on his lips.

I gestured for him to continue.

"You've obviously thought a lot about my family. What I want to know is your theories."

I winced as I'm sure my face became even redder. "Not happening." I said.

"Why not?" He questioned, grimacing.

"Well, it's not so much that's I have theories as it is that I'm gathering information." I explained.

"Well, then what have you gathered?" He pushed.

I bit my lip, considering whether or not to say anything. I looked up and I was locked in his eyes again. "You're strong, and fast. You don't eat," I glanced down at the empty table in front of him and he grimaced. "You're cold too and indestructible from what I've seen."

I paused, tilting my head as I thought over what I had said. "It sounds like I'm describing super man."

He smiled at that but it was strained. "What if I'm not the hero?" He looked down at the table. "What if I'm the bad guy?"

I leaned back slightly, shaking my head. "How do you expect me to believe that when you've saved my life? I'd be dead right now if it wasn't for you." The earnestness in my voice must have shocked him but I meant every word that I spoke. He had saved me and for that I was going to be eternally grateful.

I held his eyes until they flickered down to the table again. When he looked back up his head was titled slightly to the side, something I was coming to see meant he was curious. "Aren't you hungry?" He gestured to my juice.

I shrugged. "Not really. I'm guessing you're not."

We both smiled at that, especially because I knew that they didn't eat.

That was when I noticed that the cafeteria was mostly empty. I jumped, looking around in surprise. "What time is it?"

Edward reached forward and grabbed the cap of my juice. "Class starts in a few minutes." He answered, starting to spin it.

I stood, pushing the chair back. "Then let's get going, we're going to be late." I waited for him but he didn't move.

Finally he looked up, smiling softly. "I'm not going to class."

"Why not?" I demanded. God, I was starting to sound like Mike.

"Sometimes it's healthy to skip." I sighed again at the cryptic answer but knew I wasn't going to get anything else.

"Well, I'm going. I guess I'll see you later." I told him.

He nodded, spinning the top even faster.
I headed for the exit and right before I went through the doors, I looked back. Edward still sat in his seat and for some reason, he looked lost. The late bell rang then and I hurried down the hall but I felt like my mind was still back there with him, spinning faster than that top.

When I rushed through the door, Mr. Banner was passing out things that would be needed for a lab. I hurried to my seat, ignoring the look he gave me.

I set my bag down and sat heavily in the chair. As soon as I did the room seemed to spin. I blinked, trying to get rid of the feeling but it persisted. I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths through my mouth. That seemed to help a little bit.

I tried to pay attention while Mr. Banner demonstrated the blood testing lab we were doing. I even wanted to smile as I heard Mike yelp when he was stuck with the needle but I couldn't. There was a ringing in my ears and I found that the voices of everyone around me seemed to be coming from further and further away. Slowly, carefully I lowered my head to the desk. The cold top felt good against my heated forehead.

As I sat there, trying to breath, I felt my stomach heave. My mouth was warm, I felt like I had just taken a sip of hot water. Oh no. Maybe nerves weren't the only reason my stomach had felt so messed up.

It heaved again and I found myself fighting the urge to gag.

"Annabell."

I struggled to open my eyes. When I did it was to see a concerned looking Mr. Banner standing in front of me.

"Are you okay?" He asked, putting his hand on my shoulder.

I shook my head no, not trusting myself to speak.

He turned and addressed the class. "Is someone willing to take Annabell to the nurses office?" He asked.

Of course it was Mike who volunteered. He pulled my arm around his neck and he heaved me up. I was probably putting a little too much of my weight on him but I didn't care. At this point my head was spinning too much to do anything about it.

Despite how much I wanted to hurry, because I knew what was coming, Mike was walking slow to the nurse, probably savoring his time that he was basically groping me. If I didn't feel so bad, I would have kicked his ass to make him move faster.

We were only about half way there when I started gagging.

"Mike, stop." I managed to get out.

"But you needed to be in the nurses office." He said, still pulling me along.

I opened my mouth to argue but before I could say a word I puked apple juice and stomach acid all over his shoes. I felt bad, or at least I did until he let go of my arm and I dropped to the ground next to him.

"That's disgusting!" I heard him screech. He started kicking his feet to try and get my puke of them as he continued. "I can't believe you just got sick on my shoes. I'm probably going to have to throw these away now."

I couldn't find any part of me that cared about him in that moment as I lay on the pavement, trying to keep my stomach from ejecting anything that it might have left in it. If anything laying down like this seemed to be helping a little bit. It was at that moment that I heard my named called by a voice I really didn't want to hear while I was in this predicament.

Edward walked up, seemingly out of no where. He knelt down next to me, his gold eyes raking over my body. "Are you okay?"

Mike answered for me, his voice still disgruntled. "She was almost passing out in Bio. I was supposed to be bringing her to the nurse but she puked on me instead."

Edward hid his chuckled and I could see him trying not to smile.

"I'll take it over from here." He said, authority ringing in his voice.

I tried to shake my head no but that just made me more dizzy.
"But I was supposed to-" Mike started.

Edward cut him off, sending him a glare while he was at it. "You can head back to class."

He was already down next to me so all it took was for him to slide his arms under my legs and around my back for us to be moving. My eyes popped wide when I felt the ground leave me. I was about to protest but the motion of Edward walking sent my stomach into another fit. He must have seen my face go green or something because the next thing I knew, he dropped my legs, holding me up with his other arm and faced me in the direction of the trash.

This was something I didn't need him seeing but I couldn't help it as what was left in my stomach was rejected. I was thankful though as I felt his cold hand brushing back my hair. It was an intimate gesture but right now I was glad for it, both for the relief at the temperature and for how soothing it was on my still spinning mind.

By the time my stomach was empty I had tears leaking from my eyes and my noise was running. God, I hated getting sick. Before I could move to wipe them away, I felt Edward's hand go from my hair to my face, sweeping away the tracks. He then pulled a tissue from his pocket, holding it out to me. I took it and blew my noise before smiling in thanks to Edward.

Now that my stomach was empty I felt a little bit better.

"You ready to go to the nurse?" He asked, his voice gentle. Absentmindedly I noticed that he was still rubbing my back with his other hand.

I nodded. "Just don't try to carry me again." I informed him.

He chuckled but instead offered me his arm. Making it the rest of the way was slow going, even with Edward holding up most of my weight but eventually we made it into the office. Ms. Cope was startled up from her seat when she saw me and she moved around to the front of the desk. "Oh dear, are you okay?" she asked.

Edward nodded for me. "Just a little case of the flu." He explained.

She nodded and moved forward to open the door to the nurse. An older lady sat inside, reading a novel. She looked up when I entered and then jumped into action. I was pulled onto one of the cots before she rushed off to get an ice pack for my head.

As soon as she was gone, I looked to Edward who was huddled in the corner. "You were right before." I told him.

He smirked. "I usually am but about what in general?"

"Ditching is healthy." I explained.

There was a pause before Edward spoke again. "You know you had me worried for a minute there. You were so still," he told me, his eyes not leaving my own. "I thought I would have to avenge you."

I snorted at his comment but didn't miss the hidden meaning behind his words. Great, I must look like a corpse. "Well, I might take you up on that at some point, especially if it concerns Mike."

He laughed and a small smile settled on my face. I liked making him laugh, it was definitely better then his glares.

"Just give me the word." He told me.

I nodded, filing that away for later. At the very least I could get Edward to intimidate Mike and make him leave me alone. Although maybe Emmett would do it to. Definitely something to think about. "I bet he's super pissed right now."

Edward nodded, jubilantly. "He absolutely loathes me."

Although I was sure that was true, there was that note of confidence in his voice again, just like it had been there earlier at lunch.

"So what happened?" He asked, gesturing to all of me.

"Alisha got sent home sick yesterday. She was all better by this morning though. I didn't even think to consider that I might have gotten it." I informed him. I had just thought my stomach and my head had been caused completely by him. I kept that part to myself though.

The nurse returned then. She gave me the ice-pack and I pressed it against my forehead, sighing at the icy temperature.

It was at the moment that Ms. Cope opened the door back up, calling in. "We've got another one."

I pushed off the bed giving her the ice pack back. Someone else needed the cot right now. Edward helped me out into the outer office where Mike stood waiting as another boy was ushered in to the nurse. I leaned against the wall, only focusing on my breathing.

"You look better," Mike said, sullenly. Yup, he was definitely pissed.

"There's nothing left to upset my stomach any more." I told him.

He nodded before continuing. "You going back to class?"

I blanched at the thought, knowing that I was sure to be heading home after this. He must of read that in my expression because he nodded before I could say anything.

"So you're going on the trip, right?" He asked, his eyes darting to Edward.

"I told you I would earlier."

He seemed to cheer up a little at that. "I just wanted to double check. We're going to be meeting at my dad's store at ten." Again his eyes flickered to Edward and I found myself rolling mine.

"I'll make sure I'm there." I told him, just wanting him to leave at this point.

"I'll see you then." He said, heading for the door.

"See ya."

He finally left then and I sighed when he was completely gone. I sank down into a seat, my legs starting to give out on me again. Leaning my head back, I closed my eyes. I was drained at this point and ready for a nap.

"Ms. Cope is going to call your dad." Edward said, his voice close to my ear.

I kept my eyes closed but still shook my head. "He can't come and pick me up. I'll just bring myself home." I said and I went to stand up.

Edward put his hand on my shoulder, pushing me back down into the chair. "I'll take care of it."

I cracked my eyes open and watched as he walked up to the desk. "Ms. Cope?" He asked.

She paused, reaching for the phone. "Yes, Edward?"

"I was thinking that maybe I should bring Annabell home. Her dad is working right now and wouldn't be able to come get her." He explained.

She pressed her hand to her chest, seeming shocked at the gesture. "Why, how nice of you. I've already excused her from class, do you need to be as well?"

He shook his head, his smile stretching. "No, that's okay. Mrs. Goff won't mind."

Ms. Cope nodded in understanding. "Well, then you're all set. Feel better Annabell."

I waved my hand, deciding that was enough of a reaction.

Edward walking back to me, the smile still in place. "Should I carry you or will an elbow do?" He asked.

In that moment I had the urge to hold my arms out just like Alisha had yesterday. I knew that probably wasn't the best idea for my stomach though so instead I stood, holding onto his arm for dear life. We made our way out to the parking lot and I found myself for once happy for the cold air and slight rain. It felt good on my flushed cheeks.

I walked in the direction of my truck but I quickly found out that wasn't where Edward was heading. He was steering me towards his own car. I poked him in the side and he looked down at me.

I pointed towards my truck. "That way."

He laughed but shook his head. "I just told her that I would take you home, besides, you're in no condition to be driving."

I thought about arguing that but I was still relying on his arm for my balance. Besides, despite me being sick, I liked being in Edward's presence. I didn't want it to end yet. "What about Alisha and my truck?" I asked.

"I'll have Alice drop off your truck and I'm sure Rosalie will be more than happy to pick up Alisha." He told me as we came up to his car.

I nodded in consent. If anything that would make Alisha's day. He opened the door and helped me in before walking swiftly around to his side. He climbed in and started the car. Almost instantly the car was blowing heat into my face. Although it mostly felt nice, it was also stifling. To solve the dilemma, I reached down and grabbed Edward's hand that had been laying in his lap and then pressed it against my forehead.

"Mmm," I sighed, content.

I heard him chuckle from beside me. "Does this mean I'm not allowed to use that hand to drive?"

I shook my head no. "It's not like you need it anyways."

Silence settled. I cracked an eye open to see Edward focused intently on the road ahead, although there was something in his expression that seemed a little off. It was like he was trying to figure something out. I could see the gears working in his head.

"May I?" I asked, motioning to the radio.

"Of course." He gave a curt nod.

I reached forward and turned it on, searching through the channels until I came across a country station. The song "Close enough to Perfect," by Alabama was playing. It was an older song but one that was special to me. I turned it down low enough so that it was almost background noise.

"You like country?" Edward asked, giving me a sideways glance.

"It's a Mainer thing." I told him, smiling. I moved his hand from my forehead to the back of my neck and sighed as I felt it against the heated skin. "I'm starting to like that you guys are always cold."

He full out laughed at that and in that moment, I was completely content. I knew the ride to my house wouldn't take long but at this point I would have liked it better if it would never end.

"How old are you?" His question came a few minutes later, out of no where.

"Sixteen."

I got another look for that. "You don't seem sixteen." He almost sounded disgruntled.

"Younger or older?" I asked, finally releasing his hand.

He pulled it back, setting it on his leg, his fist closed. "Both."

I smiled, biting my lip. "You're not the first to tell me that." I told him. "I was almost ten when Alisha was born so my childhood was kind of prolonged through her. I can be quite childish sometimes. At the same time, when my mom died, I had to grow up."

He nodded, as if he understood. Suddenly I was incredible curious about his childhood.

"What was your mother like?" His eyes didn't leave the road as he asked the question.

I nibbled on my lip before answering. "She was always energetic. She's the one that pushed me into doing all the sports I've done. She was always encouraging me to do the best I could and indulging me in any interests I had when I was little, no matter how foolish. Once, I told her I wanted to be the president so she jumped on board. We looked up all the requirements that you needed to meet and she even helped me plan out things I would change. My biggest plan was more recess and better cafeteria food."

There was a soft smile on Edward's face as he listened to me reminisce. "She sounds like an amazing woman."

I sighed, nodding in agreement. "I miss her, more then I care to admit."

"It's not wrong to miss someone." He said, turning towards me.

It was then that I noticed we were outside my house. I turned back to him. "It is when it hurts those around you. Alisha still has nightmares sometimes and she always wants to play house where she has a mom. She's trying to fill the void and my dad, he works as much as he can, partly so he doesn't have time to think about her. You should of seen him when we got the call about the accident. He was so broken and he stayed that way for so long. Before the competition, any mention of her would make him flinch most of the time." I explained, my voice getting bleaker as I continued. "It's not like I can really say anything to either of them so I can't miss her, even when I want to."

"You know you don't have to be the grown up all the time." His face was grim, as if he was sad about the life I had lived. "If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm sure any of us will listen. We all know how you feel to some extent."

I smiled in appreciation at the invitation. "I might take you up on that at some point." I paused, considering and then launched into my next question. "If you don't mind me asking, what happened to your parents?"

There was a soft smile on his face as he answered. "They died a long time ago. To be honest I don't even remember them that well. I've been with Carlisle and Esme for a long time."

My heart ached hearing him say that. "They seem like incredible people," I said.

His smiled stretched as he nodded eagerly. "Carlisle was the doctor that treated my parents. He got close with our family so when they both passed away he took me in. I'm really very lucky." He spoke with such sincerity that I was left speechless.

After a moment he turned to me, his eyes assessing my form again. "We should get you inside."

The walk inside went quicker than the walk to the nurse had. Even though I was feeling slightly better, my stomach had settled and my head wasn't spinning so much, getting sick like I had usually left me weak after.

Edward stayed with me for most of the night after that, even after falling asleep on him a few times. Alice showed up eventually with my truck and Rosalie followed her not long after with my sister. For dinner that night, Rosalie and Alisha worked on macaroni and cheese which I did not partake of, I wasn't even able to keep water down yet.

As the day started to fade into night dad showed up and the three got ready to leave after they had informed him of what was going on. Alice was out in the car, Rosalie was saying goodbye to Alisha and Edward was in the living room with me.

"So, you should come down to the beach with us. You guys can all go." I told him.

He seemed pleased about it. "According to Mike, it didn't really sound like I was invited."

"Well, I just extended the invitation." I told him, sighing.

He chuckled. "Were are you going to be going exactly?" he asked.

"Down to La Push. I think someone said it was called First Beach." I explained to him.

He seemed to grimace. "How about we not push Mike to far. We don't need him to have a coronary."

I sighed, wistfully. "All the more reason for you to go."

"Sorry, I have plans with Emmett anyways." He informed me.

"Oh," I said, the disappointment clear.

"I'll see you Monday though."

He started heading towards the door when I understood his words.

"What about tomorrow?" I called after him.

"Emmett and I are starting the weekend early. We're going on a hiking trip."

I sighed again. "Well, have fun." It sounded false even to my own ears.

"And you have fun sun bathing." He grinned, motioning to the rain outside.

I laughed. "I'm not sure that I remember what the sun is," I told him truthfully.

He waved one last time and walked out the door. I listened carefully, concentrating on the sound of his car taking off until it completely faded. Was it bad that I missed him already?

Okay, so I just wanted to give everyone a heads up. On Thursday when I would usually post the next chapter, I will be away from my computer and not able to do so. Instead I will post it on Friday. Just wanted to let all of you know. I hope the fact that this chapter was so hilarious will make up for the late one coming up. See you on Friday! Oh and thank you for the reviews to anyone who has been leaving them. You have no clue how excited I get when I see that I have them because I love hearing what you have to say. I think that's it. Okay, bye again!