Chapter 11 - Quileute
It would seem as though I wasn't the only one with questions. As soon as I got to Edward, he spoke;
"How long have you known Jacob Black" he enquired.
"On and off for a few years" I replied, "each time I came to Forks during the summer, we'd hook up…" my voice trailed off. Edward didn't look particularly pleased with me answer.
"Why?" I asked.
Before he could answer, I felt a hand on my arm. Without looking, I knew who it was.
"Good morning Bella".
I turned.
"Hi Alice"
Alice smiled and linked her arm through mine, like she had at the hospital. Before she could speak, Edward spoke.
"I didn't pick her up this morning Alice".
I looked at Edward, and then at Alice.
"Jacob Black did" he added.
Alice's arm fell from mine. Edward shifted his penetrating gaze from me to Alice "see you after school" and he left.
"Okay" I interrupted, "what exactly is going on here Alice. First I get bad vibes from Jake about you, your family… now I get the feeling you're anti-Jake. Have I missed something here?"
Alice shook her head, "No – I have nothing against Jacob Black, Bella. Honestly. I asked Edward if he could pick you up this morning, I didn't think you'd be able to drive with your hand like that, and I had to help Jasper with something…" She quickly linked her arm through mine again, "I'm glad you got a lift in" she added, and smiled again. That smile, the one that mesmerised and completely enthralled me. The same smile that made me forget all the questions I had.
"It was nice of you to think of me" I replied, quickly adding, "I mean, with the lift thing…"
Would I ever be able to speak to her without getting all tongue-tied?
Alice squeezed my arm, "I always think of you Bella".
I got the feeling she would have said more, but the bell sounded.
"I have to get to class" I continued, "but, well, would you like to meet me at lunch?"
I was mentally crossing my fingers that she would say yes…
"I'd love to Bella".
It was music to my ears.
I walked into history class and sat by Angela. The teacher followed me in.
"Hi Bella – lucky you arrived before Mr Tate!"
I nodded "I got held up with Alice" and Angela smiled, "She seems very nice".
I smiled. Angela, I had noted, was always nice about everyone, a total opposite to Jessica who always found a way to criticise most people. "Yeah, she is" I replied.
My mind wandered back to the small discussion I had earlier with Alice and her brother. So much for getting some answers, now I was more confused than before. Edward clearly didn't like Jacob, and Alice… well, Alice had just seemed concerned that Jake had brought me to school. I needed to speak to Alice about it. Alone.
Most of the lesson went by with a blur, Mr Tate wasn't the most engaging teacher, but something he said held my attention:
"Legends, Folklore – Myths – they surround us, take the Quileute Tribe, Native Americans who reside in near-by La Push…"
Angela nudged me, "Isn't your friend Jacob Black from there" she asked. I merely nodded.
"That's your homework, research the tribe, and explore their folklore… and next week we'll discuss further".
As the lesson came to an end, I realised I was eager to do my homework for the very first time. Jake had mentioned his ancestors; would I find out any information about them during my research?
And, more importantly would I come across anything about the Cullen's?
I walked to the school canteen, my arms laden with books. Before I even sat down at my usual spot, a delicate hand was removing the books from under my arms where they were balancing precariously.
Placing them on the table, Alice spoke gently "Bella, you really shouldn't carry too many of these books - that's how accidents happen". She sat down.
I joined her. "Thanks Alice".
"How was class" she asked, as Angela joined the table.
"Bella has found her new major I think" was Angela's reply.
Alice raised her right eyebrow a fraction, "really" she asked, adding "care to share Bella".
I shifted in my seat a little, "Angela is just teasing, Al".
Angela laughed, "Teasing? Alice, you should have seen her in history – engrossed is the only word I can use". She then stood up, "Anybody want anything getting?"
I looked up at a smiling Angela, "A juice would be great, thanks. I already have a sandwich, Alice?"
Alice shook her head, "Nothing for me thank you Angela".
Angela left.
I looked at Alice, "are you feeling okay" I enquired. Of course, she looked okay. She looked more than okay, she looked beautiful. Her pale blue silk scarf was wrapped a few times around her neck, but a small part of her throat was exposed, and the urge to lean in and place my lips on the very spot was overwhelming. I seriously needed to get grip on my thoughts.
"Fine, I'm more interested in your love of history Bella, any particular period of time fascinate you?"
Angela returned with my juice, "sure you don't want a drink Alice" she asked.
Alice smiled, "I'm okay, not really that thirsty".
I opened my juice and took a sip, "Are you sure you don't want a taste" I asked.
Alice's eyes seemed to sparkle as she looked into my own.
"A taste" she repeated, looking a little confused.
"Juice" I continued.
Alice broke out of her daze, "Not really a fan of orange juice" she continued, "but thank you for asking".
I smiled. And my thoughts kicked in, again. Okay, so that was a little odd. To be honest, I hadn't seen Alice drink any kind of juice in my presence, but maybe she preferred something hot?
Angela placed her tray on the table, and shifted some of my books to one side. My trigonometry book that was on top slipped to one side, revealing the title of the book underneath "Myths, Legends and Folklaw". Alice picked it up, and turned it over in her hands.
Angela was the first to speak – "Bella's reason for liking history all of a sudden". She laughed, and started to open up her sandwich.
I watched as Alice placed the book back down on the table, looking back up at me her gaze seemed thoughtful.
"History, from the Greek historia, meaning "inquiry, knowledge acquired by investigation…are you investigating anything in particular Bella" she asked.
"The Quileute Tribe" I replied.
I watched for a reaction, any kind of reaction. There was none. Angela was now talking about setting up a study group. I couldn't concentrate. For some reason I felt a charge of energy radiate from Alice, who was now staring seemingly into space… a frown had appeared on her delicate face.
"Alice" I asked, waving my hand in front of her face. She didn't flinch. I rested my hand on her arm, "Alice, are you okay".
Then Edward arrived.
"Hi everyone"
Angela literally dropped her sandwich and mumbled "hi" back. I merely nodded before adding "I think Alice may be getting a…"
"Migraine" he interrupted. He lent down and placed his hand on Alice's. "It's okay Alice" he whispered. His voice seemed to bring her out of her daze. "I think I'd better get you come" he carried on, but Alice spoke.
"No, I'm fine, really. Thank you Edward, but I am needed here".
Edward merely nodded, and walked back to his brother Emmet, who had been watching the whole scene from a distance.
I took Alice's hand in mine, cold. It was still so very cold. "Are you sure you're okay Alice, because I'm sure Angela could ask Eric to drive you home…."
Alice placed her hand on top of mine, and I felt the same rush of heat enter my body.
"I'm fine, really".
Angela went back to eating her sandwich. Alice started to converse about a shopping trip she wanted to take us both on. I sat and listened as Alice's last words to Edward rang around my brain, "Thank you Edward, but I am needed here"…
