CHAPTER 10 – RUNNING ROUND IN CIRCLES

Bowling For Soup - High School Never Ends

The whole damn world is just as obsessed
With who's the best dressed and who's having sex,
Who's got the money, who gets the honeys,
Who's kinda cute and who's just a mess

And I still don't have the right look

A/N: So much love to the reviewers. Thank you for the support to this story. I'm really enjoying writing this idea that I'd cooked up and it's so awesome to hear that you guys are loving it and looking forward to my updates.

So Bella decided to stick around…let's pick up where we left off.

I'd ended up missing World History and English Literature which I was annoyed about because I'd learnt that Angela shared the same class. I had gone to both teachers and apologised for missing the lesson but promised to catch up.

However, I did wonder what the rumours would be this time?

I could imagine them now – I heard she was pregnant…She did seem crazier today…I heard she was dealing drugs…She like totally spewed all over the floor…

In truth, I knew I was just trying to distract myself from the real matter at hand which was exactly why I next to my locker, breaking my rule again as I focused on other people's problems.

I know it was wrong and would be regretting in later but right now I didn't care.

Maybe I should've worn the red dress…

It is so on tonight…Got the candles…Marvin Gaye music...

Oh, she is so boring…can't she just shut up so I can dump her…I really did not give a fuck…Maybe I'll chase after new girl…

Look at her, she's so pale….definitely pregnant

I heard she was dealing…could she hook me up…

Soon enough I gave up when all I could hear was the insane chattering of what was wrong with me. It seemed to be the most interesting topic right now so I slammed my locker in frustration and stomped towards the racket coming from the cafeteria.

What if they were there? Would they be waiting for me?

It seemed thinking about them was inevitable so I decided that it was time for some answers.

Bursting through the cafeteria doors, I pretended not to be fazed by everyone's stares even though my skin prickled under their burning scrutiny. It was like they were waiting for something - waiting to gauge a reaction from me but that wasn't going to happen.

As quick as I could - without giving myself away, I shuffled to where they were serving food and bought a bottle of lemonade and a chicken salad not that I was hungry at all. I just don't want anymore questions to rise. Things were already going downhill.

With my head still bowed, I paid for the meal but was then met with the dilemma of the waiting eyes.

Trying hard to not meet any of their prying eyes, I scanned the room for them but couldn't smell them or catch any gold eyes out of the hundred of human ones that waited for an ignited reaction from me. They were not here. Yet.

As my gaze grazed over the length of the room, I caught sight of Angela who was gesturing to the empty table she'd occupied. It was like she was giving me an escape so I obeyed and practically ran towards her – anything to get away from everyone's stares.

Once I was in the seat that had been reserved to me, I dropped my bag next to my feet and turned to smile at Angela in greeting and gratitude, "Thank you" I whispered lowly hoping she would read the sincerity in my voice. It truly was comforting to have someone like her in this school because I don't think I could handle high school if every single person was staring at me and I was eating my lunch alone.

She suddenly began to fret over me in an almost motherly manner as she voiced her concern for my well-being. "I heard you were sick" she commented with anxiety laced in her fretted tone. Worry was etched in her features before she quickly asked, "You okay?"

I shook my head to brush off her unnecessary apprehension though it was much appreciated to know she cared, "I'm fine. I feel better now after taking my medication" adding a wide grin and hoped that it would be convincing enough to rid her of the sympathetic expression.

"Oh, that's good" she too smiled though hers was still wary but it appeared that she understood that I needed her to let it go which she did. "I was worried about you" she confessed, a small blush rising to her cheeks as if she was embarrassed.

The smile that graced my lips and I felt the urge to thank her with a hug but wasn't sure if she'd like that. I wasn't sure if I'd like that either, "You didn't have to be" I quickly added hoping that she wouldn't waste any more time worrying over me, "Thank you for caring" giving her one more smile.

She returned it and nudged my side playfully, "No problem".

Happy to be rid of the tense atmosphere, I tried to sidetrack my darkening thoughts by asking about Angela so I voiced my previous thought, "So where's Ben?"

Her expression fell and I felt guilty for asking but in a solemn tone, she still answered, "Oh he wasn't feeling well". a crease formed on her forehead when saying this and apprehension radiated from her and within her thoughts.

I should drop by after school and bring him something to cheer him up…maybe even offer to play that game he loves so much… I wished I could do something for her – ease her stress but also just to show my gratitude because she's the only student who has been genuine.

Dad used to call them jadeites as they were the rarest gems.

"Well I hope he feels better" I offered with a sympathetic smile and she returned it but it seemed more like a grimace and it didn't touch her eyes.

She was about to say something else but became sidetracked when she glanced behind me and whispered "Oh oh" but I don't think she intended for me to hear.

Turning around, I groaned when seeing Jessica and Lauren walking towards us with Eric, Mike and Tyler flocking their sides. Lauren as usual glared at me though there seemed to be some amusement in her eyes today. Mike and Eric grew ecstatic when seeing me and Eric even waved at me which I simply nodded at. Tyler had his arm over Lauren's shoulders but thought it was okay for him to send a suggestive wink.

I gagged and looked down at my food, breathing deeply as I prepared myself for the inexorable interrogation.

Jessica left Lauren's side and then rushed to the seat next to me much to Mike's disappointment, "Hey Bella, we heard what happened. You okay?" her voice had gone up an octave and her feigned worry reminded me of this morning. Biting back the growl that threatening to break through, I gripped the metal t hat stabilised the table and forced myself to not attack her.

"I'm fine" my snarled words were bitter but she simply ignored me and continued on with her questions fishing for an exciting blog-worthy explanation.

She placed a hand over mine on the table and in a patronising manner, she leaned in and asked, "So what happened?" nothing about her was real. At least Lauren wasn't putting on a charade that she didn't like me – her glares gave her away.

I shook my head, "Nothing happened", adding a shrug of my shoulders and hoping that my composed expression would give nothing away.

Her dark pink stained lips parted with the clear intention of asking something else but I beat her to it, "I just wasn't feeling too well" pleading with my eyes that she would just drop it but she opened her mouth ready to ask another question.

"Well I'm you're feeling okay" Mike interrupted whatever she would be asking and for a moment I was glad for his presence which I quickly regretted when he reached over the table to squeeze my shoulder – a little too firmly making me cringe as I shied away from his touch. "Got us all worried" he added with a nervous chuckle so I gave a half-hearted smile out of politeness.

Jessica glared at me before saying, "Yeah really glad" her sharp words were low in a frustrated grumble. She then flipped her long brown tresses and fully turned to the other side so her back was to me as she sparked a conversation with Lauren.

Thank God.

"Well I think you look better than okay" Tyler smirked and it was Lauren's turn to glare at me.

I don't remember the males ever being this…excited.

Still, this had been a good distraction but now I had to get back to reality – it couldn't be avoided forever. I needed to strategize but also keep my distance.

So even though I had lost my appetite, I continued to pick at it - forcing myself the small bites of the now tasteless chicken. Ignoring Jessica and Lauren's whispers about me as I continued consuming the cardboard-tasting food in a mechanical manner.

Pushing everyone away, I fell back into my thoughts wanting to deal with the situation as I considered the possibilities of the situation.

Maybe they wouldn't be able to tell what I am. Maybe I could maintain my cover and continue to live here. Plus if I shield myself – they won't be tempted to bite me.

"Edward Cullen is staring at you" Angela whispered and I snapped my head out of my optimistic wishful thoughts and grew puzzled but also intrigued with the evocative tone that she had used. Looking at her, I caught her hitched eyebrow as well as the mischievous glint in her eyes.

Replaying the name in my thoughts, I realized that I knew no one with that name so I murmured, "Who?"

In the interest of subtlety, she casually inclined her head towards the other side of the room, gesturing for me to look for myself.

Curiosity got the better of me which was why I was now following Angela's line of sight but I froze, dropping the plastic fork in the process. My nerves had now turned to lead as I was now weighed down to my seat as all air escaped my lungs.

My eyes were now locked with another pair of golden eyes although his were a lighter topaz and were laced with an unexplainable annoyance. A crease formed on his forehead as he continued to stare at me and the intensity of his gaze had my breath hitched and I instinctively acted on impulse as I brought the shield around me.

Whipping my head back to my table, I dug my nails into the table when panic set in and my breaths grew harsh and labored.

Another one…

Hurriedly composing myself in prevention from hyperventilating, I took deep breaths in attempts to calm my erratic heartbeat. He would be able to hear it from where he was and I didn't want him growing suspicious then finding out about me.

Feeling Angela's gaze on me, I disposed myself of the panic and spoke the words that first came to mind not wanting to worry her further, "I never saw him yesterday", I inquired finally meeting her eyes with a forced smile.

"Oh Dr. and Mrs. Cullen take them out when the weather's nice" I don't remember asking Jessica but here she was again. Lauren was ignoring us as she flirted with the Tyler Crowley. Mike and Eric were huddled together debating over some action movie that they'd seen.

Simple lives of the unknowing…

Taking in Jessica's words, I used my peripheral vision to glance at them again and caught sight of not three but five vampires. All with those unnatural gold eyes in their obvious inhuman beauty. They all had trays laid out in front of them but the food remained untouched – simply acting as props.

No human was sat next to them or even near them as I noticed the three tables near them were deserted. Not that I blamed any of them – their beauty could be intimidating but also every human was built with the innate sense of being warned away.

I needed to find more answers before deciding anything too rashly and then regretting it later. Were they hunting students – one by one?

"How long have they been here?" I whispered but inwardly cringed at how hoarse my voice sounded as the words scraped against my throat.

Jessica had now fully angled her body towards us and her glare had dissipated as she grew excited about being the one to inform me, "Moved here from Alaska about a year ago" her enthusiastic tone was a great contrast to her usual nauseating forced sweetness.

Obviously they weren't here to feed because most vampires took on the nomadic life – never settling in anywhere. Also considering what Jessica has told me, they were trying to be inconspicuous as she'd mentioned one of the 'parents' was a doctor.

Strange profession for a vampire. Why would a vampire even want a career?

Did he supply them with blood from the blood banks?

That still didn't explain their gold eyes – my theory about contacts didn't seem very likely as I knew about their venomous characteristics.

Plus I know that I've seen those eyes before.

Why couldn't I place them…?

Jessica leaned in before beginning her rambling, "The big burly one is Emmett" she pointed and I studied him. He was very muscular and had short dark curly hair. He was smiling at the gorgeous blonde next to him – and not one of the malicious vampire smiles I've been accustomed to – it was genuine and soft.

"…Next to him is his girlfriend Rosalie" I would kill for her boobs. Jessica mentally added and I cringed as my eyes scanned the next vampire. It was true the vampire was beautiful. Tall. Wavy golden locks with a model's body but Jessica thoughts didn't have to be so crass.

She continued, oblivious to my irritation, "The blonde guy who looks like he's in pain is Jasper and next to him is his girlfriend Alice" Lucky bitches, her thoughts sneered and I was back to fighting off the urge to let go of my physical shield and attack.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Edward's slight movement as he froze and clenched his jaw as well as fists on his thigh which were gripping his designer trousers.

He heard too.

This meant he was gifted – he could read minds.

Though not like Aro as he wasn't limited to touch.

With this revelation, I couldn't put it past Aro to have asked Edward to join him as a guard.

Pretending I hadn't heard, I looked back to the vampires Jessica had mentioned. Jasper was the one that 'looked like he was in pain' as she put it which had my interest piqued. Under his honey blond hair, his golden eyes were darker – almost a hazel color. Like before his arm was around the vampire who I now knew was Alice. she seemed to be almost pixie-like with her short height. Her hair was cropped, black and spiky.

Jasper and Alice had been the ones in my World History class and obviously remembered me as both were now staring at me, looking curious which was why I tore my stare away and concentrated on Jessica's blabbering, "It's so weird coz they all live together – like a family" she spat out disgustedly.

"Yeah but they're not related" Angela defended them like the sweet person that she was.

Still weird, she added in thought. "And last is Edward Cullen. Totally gorgeous. Obviously" she sighed and I peaked through my curtain of hair. Like his 'brothers and sisters', he was deathly pale with butterscotch eyes. He wasn't as muscular as his 'brothers' but was leaner and looked as if he was sculpted. His hair was unusual – untidy bronze colors locks in a disheveled state but I couldn't deny that suited him.

She was not wrong – he definitely was attractive…

Jessica's words cut through my inspection of him, "Oh don't think about it" she laughed at me. "Edward Cullen doesn't date" Nobody here is good enough for him, she mentally added and I wanted to laugh at her forlorn thought. Unfortunately I couldn't help it so I quickly disguised it as a cough. From my peripheral sight, I caught glimpse of Edward Cullen's small smile.

Once again, I had to compose myself as I turned back to them. I found that Lauren had been listening to us for a while and decided to chip in her part. She leaned in before whispering, "Don't take it offensively" she smirked as she added, "He's obviously gay" her whole expression

"Such a shame" Jessica sighed as if truly believing that he didn't want her because he was gay.

Glancing back at their table, I saw how his face had darkened and this ignited something in me and I allowed myself to voice what I really thought. "You don't have to be so horrible" I growled surprising the occupants of the table with the new volume in my words. "Maybe he just doesn't want to date either of you" not able to stop myself anymore as I allowed myself to let go. "I mean, you're not exactly God's gift to the earth".

Those last words had slipped out and I hadn't meant to voice them but right now I didn't care because for the first time in months, I didn't feel numb. At least this raging anger was an emotion. Any emotion would be welcome as I actually felt somewhat human.

Both of their eyes widened and all was silent in the cafeteria when Lauren gasped, "Excuse me" anger and shock broke through those words.

Breaking my composed expression, I allowed myself to unleash the dark glare I'd been restraining and hissed, "No" both of their eyes widened as both were taken aback. "Excuse me" annoyed with both of them to the point that I didn't even want to be around either of them.

In a hurried rush, I roughly yanked my bag onto my shoulder and picked up the tray before stalking towards the exit. Ignoring the stares that trailed after me, I irritably dumped my half-eaten meal in the rubbish and finally walked out.

Relieved to have an excuse to finally be leaving behind the world I clearly did not belong in.

A/N: Proud of Bella? Angry at Stanley and Mallory? Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Thank you all for your reviews.

Reply to the reviews for my last chappie…

Holidai – Yes the couple was Alice and Jasper. Sorry it wasn't clear. Jess is going to be an enemy in this one. Thank you for your support by reading and reviewing.

InLoveJA - I really appreciate your comments because I want to do better so don't worry about offending me. I do admit I was rushing and that was because I feel guilty about updating late but I will begin to proof-read. I also understand what you mean about the syntax – my sentence structures were a bit…urrrghhh so I will be going over the last chapter again – don't you worry. You're like my own personal Yoda/Jiminy Cricket/Mr. Miyagi. Thanks for reviewing and for your much help.

May Kynareth be with you.

Valentine Rain – I will try my hardest not to prolong their reunion. Can't promise that it will be easy for Edward to get the girl but it won't take so long. I find that tiring too.

maliciouspixie5 – Awesome name and thanks for reading and reviewing. I'm happy that you're enjoying the journey.

sujari6 – Thank you for reading and reviewing. I wouldn't make Bella run – then the magic wouldn't happen.

Kelly-Starfly – Thank you for reading my story and then reviewing. Matters a lot to me.

theGIRLwhoREADStooMUCH – Hope you loved this chapter. Thank you for your review.

Guest – Bella is pretty – almost in a supernatural manner. I'll include an EPOV so you can see her in another's perspective. Jessica is definitely a pain in the ass and extra annoying in this story. Yes it was Jasper and Alice – sorry for not being clear about this. Just thought at this point Bella would be irrational and would be panicking. Thank you for reviewing and reading.