Chapter 11
Problems
As we enter the room; all eyes were on us, watching as we walked together to our lab table. I noticed that he didn't do his normal angling of the chair to sit as far from me as the desk would allow. Instead, he sat quite close beside me, our arms almost touching; I couldn't help but smile at this.
Mr. Banner backed into the room; pulling a tall metal frame on wheels that held a heavy-looking, outdated TV and VCR. A movie day, the lift in the class atmosphere was almost tangible.
Mr. Banner shoved the tape into the reluctant VCR and walked to the wall to turn off the lights.
The room went black; I crossed my arms on the table, resting my head on top of them. The opening credits began, lighting the room by a token amount. My eyes flickered to him. I smiled at him warmly, his arms across his chest, hands balling into fists peering down at me. He grinned back, his eyes somehow managing to smolder, even in the dark. I looked away before he dazzles me again. It was absolutely ridiculous how he had that effect on me.
The hour seemed very long. I didn't pay the movie any attention. Occasionally I would permit myself a quick glance in his direction, but he never seemed to relax. I tried unsuccessfully to not fall asleep, my eyes felt so heavy; a few times I did nod off but I quickly opened my eyes before I could fully dozes off. I breathed a sigh of relief when Mr. Banner flicked the lights back on at the end of class, and stretched my arms, moving them out in front of me, flexing my stiff fingers. Edward chuckled beside me.
"Well, that was interesting," he murmured. His voice was dark and his eyes were cautious.
"Uh-huh," was all I was able to respond.
"Shall we?" he asked, rising fluidly.
"Time for Gym." I groaned.
He walked me to my next class in silence and paused at the door; I turned to him to say goodbye but the expression on his face startled me. It was torn, almost pained, and yet so intensely beautiful. My goodbye stuck in my throat.
He raised his hand, hesitant, conflict raging in his eyes, and then swiftly brushed the length of my cheekbone with his fingertips. His skin was as icy as ever, but the trail his fingers left on my skin was alarmingly warmer then usual. Like I'd been burned, but didn't feel the pain of it yet.
He turned without a word and strode quickly away from me. I watched him go confused; I wished He could have stayed and I won't have to go to gym…God, I hate gym…
I walked into the gym, a light lightheaded; I guess to much blood flowing to my cheeks. I drifted to the locker room, changing in a shorts and a t-shirt, only vaguely aware that there were other people surrounding me. Reality didn't fully set in until I was handed a racket. It wasn't heavy, yet it felt very unsafe in my hand. I could see a few of the other kids in class eyeing me furtively. Coach Clapp ordered us to pair up into teams.
Luckily, some remainder of Mike's good manners still survived; he came to stand beside me.
"Do you want to be a team?"
"Thanks, Mike; But you don't have to do this, you know." I grimaced apologetically.
"Don't worry; I'll keep out of your way." He grinned. Sometimes it was so easy to like Mike.
It didn't go smoothly. I managed to hit myself in the head with my racket and clip Mike's shoulder on the same swing. I think I apologized like a million times to him before spending the rest of the hour in the back corner of the court, the racket held safely at my side. In spite of being handicapped by me, Mike was pretty good; he won three games out of four single-handedly, of course. He gave me an unearned high five when the coach finally blew the whistle ending class.
"So," he said as we walked off the court.
"So?"
"You and Cullen, huh?" he asked, his tone rebellious. My previous feeling of affection disappeared.
"Yeah, I guess…I'm not even sure that we are a couple, and beside that's not really any of your concern, Mike." I warned; I really wasn't sure about us; Edward didn't really say that we really were one just that it would a good reason for Jessica. Speaking of her; she needs a nice trip straight to the pits of Hades.
"I don't like it," he muttered.
"You don't have to," I snapped.
"He looks at you like…like you're something to eat," he continued, ignoring me.
I tried my best to not laugh my butt off, seeing how he was kind of right; but a small giggle managed to get out despite my best efforts. He frowned at me. I waved and fled to the locker room.
I changed quickly, something stronger than butterflies beating recklessly against the walls of my stomach, my brief argument with Mike already a distant memory. I couldn't help but wondered if Edward would be waiting, or if I should meet him at his car. What if his family was there? I felt a wave of real terror. Did they know that I knew? Was I supposed to know that they knew that I knew, or not? Hm…That's a tongue twirler…
By the time I walked out of the gym, I had just about decided to walk straight home without even looking toward the parking lot. But my worries were unnecessary. Edward was waiting, leaning carelessly against the side of the gym, his breathtaking face untroubled now. As I walked to his side, I felt an odd sense of freedom.
"Hi," I breathed, smiling hugely.
"Hello." His answering smile was brilliant. "How was Gym?"
My face fell a bit. "Horrible, as always."
"Really?" He looked amused. His eyes shifted their focus slightly, looking over my shoulder and narrowing. I glanced behind me to see Mike's back as he walked away.
"What?" I asked, curious.
His eyes slid back to mine, still tight. "Newton's getting on my nerves."
"You weren't listening again?" I was horror-struck. All traces of my sudden good mood vanished.
"How's your head?" he asked innocently.
"For the love of peat! You're unbelievable!" I turned, stomping away in the general direction of the parking lot, though I hadn't ruled out walking at this point, tho I hate the idea of walking.
He kept up with me easily.
"You really seem to not like gym; it made me curious." He didn't sound apologetic, so I ignored him.
We walked in silence; an angry and embarrassed silence for me, to his car. But I had to stop a few steps away; a crowd of people, all boys, were surrounding it.
Then I realized they weren't surrounding his car, they were actually circled around Rosalie's red car, with unmistakable lust in their eyes. None of them even looked up as Edward slid between them to open his door. I climbed quickly in the passenger side also unnoticed.
"Ostentatious," he muttered.
"Remember; use small words…" I smiled to myself.
He chuckled. "So what kind of car is it?" I asked.
"An M3."
"I don't speak Car and Driver."
"It's a BMW." He rolled his eyes, not looking at me, trying to back out without running over the car fanatics.
I nodded; I think I've heard of that one.
"Are you still angry?" he asked as he carefully planned his way out.
"Most definitely." I said, closing my eyes as I rested back into the seat.
He sighed. "Will you forgive me if I apologize?"
"Maybe… if you mean it. And if you promise not to do it again," I insisted; opening my eyes a bit to peek at look at his reaction.
His eyes were suddenly insightful. "How about if I mean it, and I agree to let you drive Saturday?" he countered my conditions.
I considered, and decided it was probably the best offer I would get. "Alright," I agreed.
"Then I'm very sorry I upset you." His eyes burned with sincerity for a protracted moment; then turned playful. "And I'll be on your doorstep bright and early Saturday morning."
"Um, it doesn't help with the Mom situation if you're at my doorstep well she's home and, or an unexplained Volvo is left in the driveway."
His smile was condescending now. "I wasn't intending to bring a car."
"Then how would you —"
He cut me off. "Don't worry about it. I'll be there, no car."
I let it go. I had a more pressing question.
"Is it later yet?" I asked meaningfully.
He frowned. "I supposed it is later."
I kept my expression polite as I waited.
He stopped the car. I looked up, surprised; of course we were already at my house, parked behind the truck. It was easier to ride with him if I only looked when it was over. When I looked back at him, he was staring at me, measuring with his eyes.
"And you still want to know why you can't see me hunt?" He seemed serious, but I thought I saw a trace of humor deep in his eyes.
"Well," I explained, "I was mostly wondering about your reaction."
"Did I frighten you?" Yes, there was definitely humor there.
"Not really, no." I lied. He didn't buy it.
"I apologize for scaring you," he continued with a slight smile, but then all evidence of teasing disappeared. "It was just the very thought of you being there…while we hunted." His jaw tightened.
"Would it really be bad thing?"
He spoke from between clenched teeth. "Extremely."
"Why…?"
He took a deep breath and stared through the windshield at the thick, rolling clouds that seemed to press down, almost within reach.
"When we hunt," he spoke slowly, unwillingly, "we give ourselves over to our senses…govern less with our minds. Especially our sense of smell. If you were anywhere near me when I lost control that way…" He shook his head, still gazing resentfully at the heavy clouds.
I kept my expression firmly under control, expecting the swift flash of his eyes to judge my reaction that soon followed. I hoped my face didn't give anything away; I was a little scared at this fact, that didn't stop the still wanting feeling I had to be with him.
Our eyes held, and the silence deepened, and changed. Flickers of the electricity I'd a sudden feeling that my head was swimming realizing I wasn't breathing. When I drew in a jagged breath, breaking the stillness, he closed his eyes.
"Diana, I think you should go inside now." His low voice was rough, his eyes on the clouds again.
I semi-unwillingly opened the door, and the frosty draft that burst into the car helped clear my head. Afraid I might stumble in my woozy state; I stepped carefully out of the car and shut the door behind me without looking back. The whir of the automatic window unrolling made me turn.
"Oh, Diana?" he called after me, his voice more even. He leaned toward the open window with a faint smile on his lips.
"Yes?"
"Tomorrow it's my turn."
"Your turn, for what?"
He smiled wider, flashing his gleaming teeth. "Ask the questions."
And then he was gone, the car speeding down the street and disappearing around the corner before I could even collect my thoughts. I let a small laugh before smiling as I walked to the house. It was clear he was planning to see me tomorrow, if nothing else.
That night Edward starred in my dreams, as usual. However, the mood of my unconsciousness had changed. It thrilled with the craziness of yesterday; I tossed and turned restlessly, waking often. It was only in the early hours of the morning that I finally sank into an exhausted, dreamless sleep.
When I woke I was still tired. I pulled on my green turtleneck and a pair of clean black cotton pants. Breakfast was the usual, quiet event. Mom fried eggs for herself; I had a bagel with cream cheese with a slice of American cheese in the middle. I wondered if she had forgotten about this Saturday. She quickly answered my unspoken question as she stood up to take her plate to the sink.
"About this Saturday…" she began, walking across the kitchen and turning on the faucet.
I winced. "Yeah?"
"Are you still going to Jacob's house?" he asked.
"That was the plan." I grimaced, wishing she hadn't brought it up I really didn't want her to find about Edward just yet and really didn't want to lie to her.
She washed water her dish before placing it the dish washer. "And you're sure you can't make it back in time for the dance?"
"I'm not going to the dance, Mom." I glared; why is she so sudden interested if I do school dances or not?
"Didn't anyone ask you?" she asked; the concern very plain in her voice.
"It's a girl's choice dance, mom."
"Oh." She frowned.
Mom left then, with a goodbye wave, and I went upstairs to brush my teeth and gather my things. When I heard the van pull away, I could only wait a few seconds before I had to peek out of my window. The silver car was already there, waiting in Mom's spot on the driveway. I bounded happily down the stairs and out the front door, wondering how long this bizarre routine would continue. I never wanted it to end.
He waited in the car, not appearing to watch as I shut the door behind me without bothering to lock the dead-bolt. I walked to the car, pausing shyly before opening the door and stepping in. He was smiling, relaxed and, as usual so perfect and beautiful to an unbearable degree, in a good way of course.
"Good morning." His voice was silky. "How are you today?" His eyes wandered over my face, as if his question was something more than simple good manners.
"Good, thanks." I was always good; much more than just good, when I was near him.
His gaze lingered on the circles under my eyes. "You look tired."
"I always look tired." I smirked
He smirked back. "More tired then usual."
"I couldn't sleep," I confessed.
"Neither could I," he teased as he started the engine. I was becoming used to the quiet purr. I was sure the roar of my truck would scare me, whenever I got to drive it again.
I laughed. ""That's right. I slept just a little bit more than you did, huh?"
"I'd wager you did."
"I was wondering about something, that I want to ask you about." I started.
He chuckled. "Not a chance. It's my day to ask questions."
"Oh, yeah; So…Um…What do you want to know?" I couldn't imagine anything about me that could be in anyway interesting to him.
"What's your favorite color?" he asked; his face was a funny serious, that I couldn't help but let out a small giggle.
"Black, Red, and Green."
"Why, three different colors?" He was still serious that I had to purées my lips for a bit to not start laughing.
"Be…Because they go so well together."
He snorted, dropping his serious expression. "Is that the only reason?" he asked skeptically.
"Yup, I love how red and black go so well together and how red green go together," I complained.
He considered for a moment, staring into my eyes.
"You're right," he decided, serious again. "That is a good reason." He reached over, swiftly, but somehow still hesitantly, to sweep some of my hair that got loss, behind my ear. Making my heart through a big fit.
We were at the school with in what seemed seconds. He turned back to me as he pulled into a parking space.
"What music is in your CD player right now?" he asked his face as serious as if he'd asked for a murder confession.
I realized I'd never removed the evanescense CD from my CD player. When I said the name of the band, he looked at me confused. "It's a gothic band." I explained
"I never thought you'd be a goth." He raised an eyebrow.
"I'm not; well not actually I like that style of clothes and music. But I'm not really all brooding and deep, if that makes any scene."
He seemed to be thinking about what I was trying to say; He then nodded. "I think I can see your interest in it." He looked me over from top to bottom.
"What?" I asked a little confused; myself now.
"Nothing, I'm just trying to picture you wearing that type of clothing."
"oh…well?" I asked, now curious.
"I'd say you would good in anything you wear…" That made me blush in turn made him smile. "…But I'd have to say that style would suit you very well…"
"Thanks" I smiled.
"You're very welcome."
It continued like that for the rest of the day. While he walked me to English, when he met me after Spanish, all through the lunch hour, he questioned me relentlessly about every unimportant detail of my existence. Movies I'd liked and hated, the very few places I'd been and the many places I wanted to go, hobbies and books.
I couldn't remember the last time I'd talked so much. More often than not, I felt self-conscious, certain I must be boring him. But the absolute absorption of his face, and his never-ending stream of questions, compelled me to continue. Mostly his questions were easy, only a very few triggering my easy blushes. But when I did flush, it brought on a whole new round of questions.
He'd been tossing questions at me with such speed; that I would answer with out thinking, and then I would have to check myself. I felt like I was taking one of those psychiatric tests where you answer with the first word that comes to mind.
"What kinds of flowers do you prefer?" he fired off.
I sighed; "Red Roses…"
"Are these questions bothering you?" He sounded apologetic.
"No, it's just your going so fast I don't think my brain can keep up."
"Sorry, I'll go slower." He smiled that half smile I loved.
"Thanks."
"Anytime," He said before continuing with the psychoanalysis.
Biology was another lay back day. Edward had continued with his quizzing up until Mr. Banner entered the room, dragging the audiovisual frame again. As the teacher approached the light switch, I noticed Edward slide his chair slightly farther away from mine. I row an eye brow, a little confused; but brushed it off.
I leaned forward on the table, resting my chin on my folded arms, I took this chant to rest from all the questions; I slowly closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep. When I woke; Mr. Banner had just turned the lights on, I glanced at Edward; he was looking at me, his eyes unsure.
He rose in silence and then stood still, waiting for me. We walked toward the gym in silence, like yesterday. And, also like yesterday, he touched my face wordlessly; this time with the back of his cool hand, stroking once from my temple to my jaw. Before he turned and walked away. I sighed happily; touching the cheek he had just touched.
Gym passed quickly as I watched Mike's one-man badminton show. He didn't speak to me today, either in response to my mostly likely in love expression or because he was still angry about our fight yesterday. Somewhere, in a corner of my mind, I felt bad about that. But I couldn't focus on him. My mind was filled with thoughts of Edward.
I hurried to change afterward, very eager, knowing the faster I moved, the sooner I would be with Edward. Eventually I made it out the door, feeling the same freedom when I saw him standing there, a wide smile automatically spreading across my face. He smiled in reaction before launching into more cross-examination.
His questions were different now, not as easily answered. He wanted to know what I missed about Florida, insisting on descriptions of anything he wasn't familiar with. We sat in front of my house for hours, as the sky darkened and rain plummeted around us in a sudden overflow.
I tried to describe impossible things like the feeling overflowing happiness I got from just going to Disney. That just going to that theme park was like being a kid again. I found myself using my hands as I tried to describe it to him. Finally, when I had finished detailing my cluttered room at up stairs, he paused instead of responding with another question.
"Are you done?" I asked in relief.
"Not even close; but your Mother will be home soon."
"Mom!" I suddenly recalled her existence, and sighed. I looked out at the rain-darkened sky, but it gave nothing away. "How late is it?" I wondered out loud as I glanced at my cell phone's clock. I was surprised by the time; mom would be driving home now.
"It's twilight," Edward murmured, His voice was thoughtful, as if his mind were somewhere far away. I stared at him as he gazed unseeingly out the windshield.
I was still staring when his eyes suddenly shifted back to mine.
"It's the safest time of day for us," he said, answering the unspoken question in my eyes. "The easiest time. But also the saddest, in a way… the end of another day, the return of the night. Darkness is so predictable, don't you think?" He smiled wistfully.
"predictable?" I asked.
He chuckled before answering. "It means unsurprising, expected, boring."
" Oh…Well I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the Moon or the stars." I frowned. "Be like where I used to live you can't really see them much; mostly just the moon."
He laughed, and the mood unexpectedly lightened.
"She will be here in a few minutes. So, unless you want to tell her that you'll be with me Saturday…" He raised one eyebrow.
"Thanks, but no thanks." I gathered my stuff, realizing I was stiff from sitting still so long. "So is it my turn tomorrow, then?"
"Certainly not!" His face was teasingly outraged. "I told you I wasn't done, didn't I?"
"What more could there be?"
"You'll find out tomorrow." He reached across to open my door for me, and his sudden closeness sent my heart into hyper drive.
But his hand froze on the handle.
"Not good," he muttered.
"What?" I was surprised to see that his jaw was clenched, his eyes disturbed.
He glanced at me for a brief second. "Another problem," he said glumly.
He flung the door open in one swift movement, and then moved, almost cringed, swiftly away from me.
The flash of headlights through the rain caught my attention as a dark car pulled up to the curb just a few feet away, facing us.
"Your Mother is around the corner," he warned, staring through the downpour at the other vehicle.
I hopped out at once, despite my confusion and curiosity. The rain was louder as it was soaked into my sweater.
I tried to make out the shapes in the front seat of the other car, but it was too dark. I could see Edward illuminated in the glare of the new car's headlights; he was still staring ahead, his gaze locked on something or someone I couldn't see. His expression was a strange mix of frustration and defiance.
Then he revved the engine, and the tires squealed against the wet pavement. The sliver car was out of sight in seconds.
"Hey, Diana," called a familiar, husky voice from the driver's side of the little black car.
"Jacob?" I asked, squinting through the rain. The rain drops on glasses making it even harder to see him. Just then, Mom's van swung around the corner, her lights shining on the dwellers of the car in front of me.
Jacob was already climbing out, his wide grin visible even through the darkness. In the passenger seat was a much older man, a heavyset man with a memorable face; a face that overflowed, the cheeks resting against his shoulders, with creases running through the russet skin like an old leather jacket. And the surprisingly familiar eyes, black eyes that seemed at the same time both too young and too ancient for the broad face they were set in. Jacob's father, Billy Black. I knew him immediately, though I couldn't recall the last I've seen him; and though I managed to forget his name when Mom had spoken of him. He was staring at me, examining my face, so I smiled uncertainly at him. His eyes were wide, as if in shock or fear, his nostrils flared. My smile faded.
Another problem, Edward had said.
Billy still stared at me with intense, worried eyes. I groaned inside. Had Billy recognized Edward so easily? Did he really believe the impossible legends his son had made fun of?
The answer was clear in Billy's eyes. Yes. Yes, he did.
