Again, I know this is very late, like everything else I write. I'm a horrible author, I know. But here's the update from Edward's point of view. And it even has a surprise at the end, so maybe you'll forgive me?

Disclaimer: Edward isn't mine. He's Stephenie Meyer's... Damnit.

I spent all day worrying about what Bella could do in Biology. I hoped she would understand that I just couldn't do that. I couldn't have a relationship. I couldn't get close to anyone.

At lunch, I began to worry even more and couldn't even stay in the cafeteria. I went outside and spent the half-hour working on not hyperventilating. I knew Emmett was looking for me, but I didn't have the time or patience to look for him and explain where I had been. Jasper could tell him.

A few moments before the bell rang, I was in my seat. I closed my eyes, feeling my heart pound with anxiety at the prospect of seeing Bella again. It seemed to chant, Don't talk, don't talk, don't talk. I exhaled slowly, trying to calm myself. My fingers automatically began to play a piece I had learned a month or two ago.

I opened my eyes and continued playing, feeling the weight of several stares on me. I tried to quell the urge to fidget uncontrollably, but just barely. I saw Bella walk through the door, and my chest clenched tightly.

I tried to breathe normally, but it wasn't working. She sat down next to me, and I felt her stare, over everyone else's, the worst. I felt my mouth grimace and realized that my hands had frozen and were slightly shaking.

The weight of her glance disappeared, and I exhaled slowly, softly. She wasn't going to talk. I was safe. But just as I thought I would be able to relax, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed her mouth opening. I was instantly rigid, my heart beating so fast that I thought it would jump right out of my chest.

My hands balled up into fists, and my jaw snapped shut, silently warning her. Her lips closed, and I allowed myself to relax slightly.

"Hi. I'm Bella."

I inhaled sharply but silently. She had spoken to me. The rude thing to do would be to ignore her, and that wasn't an option. She had merely introduced herself. It was only polite that I do the same. I turned toward her slowly, trying to calm myself in the process.

My eyes flickered to hers, trying to make her understand that there was nothing wrong with her. It was me. It's all me, Bella. Don't try anymore. "Edward," I said tightly. I turned back to the front of the room, and Bella seemed to sigh next to me.

I felt bad that I had hurt her feelings, but it was all for the best, really. I wasn't capable of holding a relationship with someone. Even someone as good as Bella. Perhaps if it had been another time, another place.

Bella left me alone the rest of the class, and I could sense her wanting to look over at me which made me equally uncomfortable. But she seemed determined to let me have my space and for that, I was grateful. It allowed me to slightly relax and focus on what the teacher was saying rather than worry about her intense gaze.

The bell rang, and I shot out of my seat again, heading to study hall. My mind couldn't help but show me what could have been. I could have been waiting for Bella, walking to her study hall, having Jasper, Alice, Bella, and I at one table, not doing work, but talking about our day. I could have been taking Bella's hand and squeezing it gently, smiling at her, and she could have been doing the same to me.

But this was a different time, a different place. This would never happen. When I got to study hall, Bella was already there, talking with Alice.

I mentally begged, Don't look back, don't look back, please don't look back. Something already told me that Alice knew Jasper was here because she had a huge grin on her pixie-like face.

As if by the fate of God, Alice's eyes snapped up and met mine for a short second before flicking away. She lowered her head, and I saw her mouth moving.

"Shit," I hissed. "Jasper, keep your girlfriend under control, would you?"

Jasper's eyebrows dipped. I rarely snapped around him. "What's wrong with you?"

My eyes flicked up to where Bella and Alice were sitting, and I saw Bella turning around quickly. I groaned. "Bella talked to me."

"You didn't pass out, did you?" Jasper teased.

"I nearly did," I admitted, letting my head fall into my hands. "How are you and Alice?"

"We talked a little during lunch. Speaking of which, Emmett was looking for you. He was worried about you." Jasper paused. "Is there anything you want to tell me?"

"Jasper, we've discussed this," I muttered. "You agreed that I wouldn't have to tell you anything I didn't want you. You said we could just hang out."

"I know what I said, Edward," he snapped. "It's just kind of hard to figure out what the fuck is wrong with you when you won't tell me anything."

"I'm fine, Jasper."

"Tell it to someone who believes it. I'm going to sit by Alice." My head shot up.

"What?"

Jasper chuckled humorlessly. "You think I'm going to sit here and mope with you when Alice is over there? I don't think so. You're welcome to join us," he offered, his face softening slightly.

"No. I'm fine." Jasper sighed.

"Suit yourself." He picked up his things and went to Alice and Bella's table. He sat next to Alice and hugged her quickly. She looked like she was on cloud nine.

I resisted throwing things like a two-year-old. I buried my face in my hands, trying to calm my irrational anger. I'd been left. He had left me for her.

I heard the chair scraping across the floor and worked on not punching Jasper in the face. But the hand on my arm was not Jasper's. My head shot up to meet warm brown eyes looking back at me.

"Are you okay?" Bella whispered, concerned. Her hand was still on my arm, and it was . . . soothing. It was almost like a hug from Esme.

"Yeah," I breathed, searching her eyes. "Why are you here?"

Bella stammered a bit, and her eyes widened. "W-Well, you looked upset, so I just thought – you know, that maybe you wanted some company?" Her voice had trailed off to a whisper.

I stared at her for a long minute, shocked by her offer. I had been everything but kind to her, and she was being compassionate toward me.

"You look tired," she whispered, her eyebrows dipping.

I shrugged, and a small smile tugged at her lips. "You want me to stay or leave?"

"Either way is fine."

So we stayed that way all period. Bella kept her small hand on my arm, sometimes rubbing reassuringly, sometimes motionless as I stared contemplatively at Jasper and Alice, wondering if there was a way I could be that for Bella one day.

Edward talked to Bella without being a complete jerk about it! ^^

Review?

- J.C.