Edward walked into the same class just before the second bell and made a bee line for the desk I was assigned. My heart skipped a bit at the realization we had this class together, without his family. He took a seat quietly and faced forward, giving me an opportunity to stare at him.

I didn't hear anything that happened in class.

All my thoughts were on Edward. He was perfect; perfect for me. I yearned for the time we could talk openly, the moment he would realize I was his mate and lay his claim on me.

He sent me a tight lipped smile and left immediately when the bell rang. I dragged myself from my high and went to last class. It was gym and was happy to sit out. The curious eyes of my classmates never stopped. A few girls looked like they were just waiting their chance to find me alone in a dark alley.

I made a bee line for my truck when the bell rang and started on the way home - catching a glimpse of a shiny Volvo at the parking lot in my rear view mirror.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Esme's POV

This day was too long. My daughter was here, in this small rainy town.

It was her first day at school. She was sure to see my other children and Edward. I wondered if she and Edward would have an immediate connection. Would this day be the day my son came home happy and whole?

I had calmed myself enough to appear normal when I heard their car approach from school. A car door was slammed shut loudly. Rosalie stormed into the house and climbed the stairs to her room; followed by Jasper, Emmett, Alice and finally Edward. I watched them all questioningly but none were talking.

My eyes studied Edward for anything different but he only seemed frustrated.

It was an improvement from being withdrawn and aloof. When Carlisle came home the children joined us in the living room to tell us about their day. I listened with interest.

Alice explained the strange girl who sat with them at lunch. Jasper said that she was very calm, unafraid to be sitted close to the predators we are. He had registered her mild curiosity and affection for Edward. She seeked his approval more than all of theirs; first to sit with them, take from his food tray and acceptance to their company. Her obvious affection for my son was very strong - according to Jasper.

Alice was troubled. She was unable to see anything Bella did before she acted on it. She couldn't have warned the others about her decision to join them at lunch. This news captured all of our attention. Alice explained that she was not completely hidden from her visions; Bella was becoming clearer as the day progressed.

Edward announced that he couldn't hear her thoughts. But unlike Alice, there was nothing for him to hear at all. We were shocked.

I was more shocked than the others. What did it all mean?

A small part of me noted how this would stop Edward from discovering Bella's past and my role in her life. They discussed her behaviour and the little information she gave to answer their questions.

Edward was indifferent to any mention of her feelings for him.

Rosalie was upset. She reminded the family that socializing with a human was dangerous to all of us and she was unhappy that the girl could block Alice and Edward's gifts.

Jasper added how Bella had quietly matched Rosalie's hostility eye to eye. He confirmed she hadn't been challenging Rosalie, but assessing her. I smiled inside, proud of my daughter. Jasper didn't miss it. It seemed Bella left them with a question to think about from lunch. I pressed, to hear how they felt about sitting with her at school.

"We cannot and shouldn't." Rosalie and Jasper agreed

"I don't see a problem with it, it's nice. She's not afraid of us and we don't have to tell her anything." Alice

"She smells appetizing, and is a welcome distraction."

Emmett shrugged. I zeroed in on him. What did he mean that she smelt appetising?

"I won't eat her."

He added quickly raising his arms in the air. There was no way to stay upset with him for long.

"Emmett is right. Even if we allowed this, she does have a distinct scent that is tempting."

Jasper agreed. I knew they were right. I experienced it myself but would not hear of them thinking this way of her. I noticed that Edward hadn't given his response to the decision at hand.

"Edward what do you think?"

Rosalie called him out. Edward's opinion was very important, with him being the second in charge after Carlisle. Rosalie usually put him on the spot when she was sure he'd side with her; but Alice had more of an effect on Edward.

"We shouldn't endanger her and ourselves."

He answered vaguely, making Rosalie smile. The children agreed not to interact with Bella going forward. I was not pleased with this but refrained from adding my voice prematurely.