Chapter 12: I hate the way I don't hate you
ENGLISH CLASS DAY
Mr Banner stands at his podium and faces the class with an open book in front of him
"All right. I assume everyone has found time to complete their poem. Except for Mr Donner…" Nr Banner begins to laugh very pleased. James sulks at his desk behind a pair of sunglasses
"…who has an excuse, Shaft lose the glasses" Mr Banner says to James
James reluctantly removes his sunglasses to reveal serve damage, the class snickers
"Alright anyone brave enough to read theirs aloud?" Mr Banner says
No one moves. Then Bella slowly raises her hand "I will"
Edward looks up.
Mr Banner is expecting the worst "Lord here we go"
Bella stands and walks to face the class, she clears her throat before reading from her notebook.
"I hate the way you talk to me
And the way you cut your hair
I hate the way you drive my car
I hate it when you stare
I hate your big dumb combat boots
And the way you read my mind
I hate it so much it makes me sick
It even makes me rhyme"
She takes a pause and then continues
"I hate it…
I hate the way you're always right
I hate it when you lie
I hate it when you make me laugh
Even worse when you make me cry"
She begins to cry as she continues to read
"I hate it when you're not around
And the fact that you didn't call
But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you
Not even close
Not even a little but
Not even at all"
She looks directly at Edward, he looks back this time miserable, thoughtful. Then Bella runs out of the class, the rest of the class remain in stunned silence.
PARKING LOT AFTER SCHOOL
Students are leaving school. Bella walks to her car alone. When she opens the door, she greeted with the same Fender Stratocaster guitar that Edward saw her playing in the store before, recline the front seat.
She picks it up slowly, inspecting every detail as Edward leans in behind her.
"Nice, huh?"
She turns to face him "A fender Strat? Is this for me?"
"Yeah, I thought you could use it. You know, when you start your band. Besides, I had some extra cash, you know some asshole paid me to take out a really great girl"
Bella is smiling "Is that right?"
"Yeah but I screwed up. I um… I fell for her" He blushes and looks down
"Really?"
HE puts his face at her level "It's not every day you find a girl who'll flash someone to get you out of detention"
Bella is surprised and embarrassed that he found out about the flashing.
"Oh god…" She laughs, Edward takes this as a sign to kiss her and he does, she lets him this time, then breaks it off suddenly
"You can't just buy me a guitar every time you screw up, you know" Bella tells him
He winces "Yeah I know. But then, you know, there's always drums, and a bass and maybe one day even a Tamborine"
He gives her another kiss, which she breaks off again "And don't just think you can…" He kisses her to shut her up, not letting her end it this time.
