Bella
Edward's POV
She was strange, to say the least.
While most humans had a natural aversion to us she seemed to prefer our company.
She never spoke a word after that first day and always ate from my tray. I must admit that I liked it. Jasper too noticed; of course - he didn't miss the opportunity to tease me about it. It gave me a small sense of purpose and accomplishment to be able to feed her. I had started making an effort with what I picked for lunch knowing she'd be eating it.
Though we all watched her closely and listened to all her conversations; she only ever seemed to care about what I thought of her. That too, I secretly enjoyed.
We all turned to look at the new Volvo approaching the student parking area on Monday morning. I smiled when Bella stepped out, unable to hide my approval. Unlike myne, Bella's had three doors. It fit her perfectly. She had barely glanced my way before she was surrounded by all the boys who dared to speak to her, appreciating the car.
Morning passed quickly; as it always did since Bella joined us for lunch.
"Nice car,"
I complimented when she came to sit. She gave me a genuine smile. I had missed her smiles. I ignored Jasper when he kicked my leg under the table.
"Thanks, it was a gift."
Interesting, but I guessed since she was an only child her parents could afford it.
"I picked it up on Saturday. I swear that truck is on its last legs."
"I'm surprised it runs at all."
Rosalie seemed to have spoken her thoughts out loud. It was clear she had no intention of speaking to Bella, ever. Bella gave her a tentative nod and tuned to take her lunch from my tray.
'ah! At least that hasn't changed ey Edward?'
I ignored Jasper who continued to chuckle.
'It's not fair, why can't I see her clearly. She's right in front of me!'
Alice was still frustrated with her inability to see Bella. Sometimes she had clear visions of her although nothing significant. Mostly she only saw her as a blurred figure. Her frustration was only matched by her excitement over all things Bella. She had held back from befriending the human girl because of Jasper's concerns.
I still couldn't hear any of her thoughts.
Jasper could assess her feelings without trouble.
Bella felt a strong connection to us, to me especially. Esme had asked us not to be rude to her. Carlisle was dying to meet her and maybe try to understand her strange behaviour. That is how Bella was welcome at our lunch table, somewhat.
I too was curious about her, but chose not to act on it. Her silent mind was fascinating. I enjoyed watching everything she did without forewarning or expectation.
She didn't elaborate further or talk more. Once lunch was over, she left the table. I walked with her since we were going to the same class. It seemed to please her and she reached for my hand. That was unexpected.
I walked slightly behind her with my eyes glued to our hands.
She was warm and soft, seemingly ignorant of my hard cold hand. Even more shocking was the spark that seemed to flow from her warm body right through our hands to my unbeating heart. I was saddened when she let my hand go once we took our seats in class.
I would have happily held on to her.
As it was, I watched her the whole hour - like I did every day. I was disappointed when she left immediately after school. She passed me standing by my car waiting for my siblings. I don't know what I expected to happen but I was disappointed nonetheless.
The next day I hurried to arrive at school early, determined to speak to Bella in the morning.
I hadn't been able to distract my thoughts from the feel of her hand in myne. I selfishly longed for the feel of it again. We were shocked to hear the loud truck approaching instead of the smooth sound of the Volvo. Bella got out of the cab slowly, using the truck bed to maintain her balance. There was ice on the ground. I suddenly understood, the truck had snow chains fitted on the tyres. I was happy to see she was sensible about her safety.
Suddenly, a horrific vision clouded my mind from Alice as soon as we heard the screeching tyres of an oncoming van. It was headed straight for Bella; to where she stood at the back of her truck. I don't remember making the decision to act but my body sped forward, placing itself between Bella and harm. I reached her just on time and shielded her with my body. The stupid truck kept coming at her, making me work harder to keep her from harm. When it stopped I searched Bella for any injuries.
She was curled into me with her tiny hands fisting my shirt at the sides – completely relaxed and smiling?
That was unexpected.
"Are you alright Bella?"
I asked with curiosity, suspicion, and worry for her.
"Yes I am, thank you Edward"
She was calm although her heart beat furiously out her chest. It could have been adrenaline. When I moved to sit her on the ground she held on tighter.
"Please, stay" She asked.
I was enjoying the warmth of her body too much to refuse.
'What did you do Edward?'
'You shouldn't have interfered'
'It's okay Edward; I don't see this getting out of hand. Bella hasn't talked about us to anyone yet, this won't be different.'
'Dude! I'll see what I can do when you get out from there but be warned, Rose is on a war path.'
My sibling's thoughts reached me from across the parking lot. I knew there'd be a lot to explain later but my current concern was Bella. I needed to get her to Carlisle. She sat comfortably on my lap, leaning against my shoulder as we listened to the panicking humans and waited for the cars to be moved.
I had been listening to all the thoughts around us with such focus, I hadn't realised that I was rubbing her back in soothing circles. She didn't seem to mind and I couldn't make myself stop.
The EMT and Chief Swan arrived as soon as the cars were pulled apart. Bella was taken off me to be examined while her father fussed around her. I refused medical help and offered to ride to the hospital with her. She reached for my hand as soon as the doors of the EMT van were closed.
"I'm fine you know. They didn't need to put this thing on me."
She grumbled, unhappy with the neck brace placed on her.
"It's for your own good Bella. I'll ask my father to check on you. If you don't need it they'll take it off."
I offered her comfort. I was still distracted by the warmth of her hand.
A part of me knew that I needed to make sure she wouldn't tell anyone the truth of what happened. She didn't seem shocked and wasn't injured, making it difficult to pass her experience as anything but. Before I had thought of a solution we were already at the hospital. I was pleased to see Carlisle waiting for us
