11. Friends

I wish I could say the rest of the week was exciting. Sitting at home all alone after the outing to Port Angeles was boring, to put it lightly. Mike hasn't come over since the afternoon before Edward came. Since the situation with Tyler and Ben in the school cafeteria, Mike has been grounded and suspended from school. Charlie also went over to his house to tell his mother and Mike that he was prohibited from seeing me. Even I know that's not gong to stop Mike no matter what.

He wasn't expelled from school so there's a chance he'll be let back in. He was suspended until further notice. Turns out, Tyler's leg was horribly bruised and he was in the hospital for two days because the doctor's were afraid the bone was cracked. Unfortunately, his arm is in cast for a good month from the force Mike pushed him into the floor. If anyone had checked Mike, his bloodstream would be contaminated with drugs. That's the only way he would be able to shove Tyler into the floor with that much force.

Tyler wouldn't be able to allow him otherwise because Tyler's the quarterback of the football team, the pitcher of the baseball team, and the fastest on the track team. Tyler really cares about Mike as a friend so he didn't even try hard to defend himself.

The only good thing about all of this, I won't have to deal with Mike at school for a little while. I avoid Port Angeles at all costs not even accepting invitations from Angela or Alice to go shopping. I learned the hard way that Alice isn't easy to say no to. I say no to shopping, she brings back two to three bags full of clothes from her shopping adventure.

It's hard to believe that so much time has pasted in the little amount of time. Turns out I was out of school for a few weeks instead of just one. I had pulled out a couple stitches one day and Dr. Cullen had to put them back as well as check other things. Charlie agreed that I would stay home until my arm was completely better since it was so easy to pull out the stitches.

Halloween is just around the corner and my arm is all better. In all honesty, I'm not looking forward to Halloween. Since some of the Cullens have been hanging around me, Alice thought it would be fun to have a huge Halloween party. Most of the school is surprised by her actions but I'm not. Alice is the type that craves attention for some reason and she loves any reason to splurge on money.

As far as I know, the Cullens have plenty to share.

Edward, Alice, and Angela have been coming over during the week and the weekend to keep me company. They've been switching roles on who brings my homework. Alice and Edward tend to be busy on certain days and can't make it.

When Angela comes over, we've have time to talk just us. Of course I haven't said anything about my relationship with Mike and she doesn't ask. I couldn't ask for a better friend that Angie. Ben, on the other hand, has been giving me the same strange looks Alice and Edward have been giving me. If anyone could figure out what goes on behind closed doors between Mike and I, it would be Ben. Ben might be quiet and everything but he's been here since Mike moved from California.

His best friend, Austin told me a while ago that just because Ben is quiet doesn't mean he doesn't know anything. I have to remember to get Ben some new comics the next time I go to a bookstore in Port Angeles.

My arm is much better now as I can go to school on Monday morning without a problem. I'm kind of nervous about going though. I haven't seen Jessica or Lauren since that disaster of a birthday party.

The other thing is I've begun to notice certain things about the Cullen family. They haven't invited me over to their house yet and since I haven't been in school I haven't sit with them yet. Rose and Emmett I haven't talked to either nor have I met their mom, Esme.

Everyone says their mom is sweet and so nice not to mention gorgeous beyond belief.

Anyway, Charlie has been talking with Billy again about something. He doesn't want to say anything to me which is beginning to get on my nerves just a little bit. Those two remind me of two old women in the south sitting on the porch talking about everyone. They gossip worse than teenagers at Forks High and that's saying something really.

I believe it has something to do with Jake. He's been acting strange according to Charlie. It doesn't help that Billy's been bringing up the Cullens in everyday conversation. As of right now, they aren't talking much because of the things Billy has been saying.

Instead of going fishing with Billy, Charlie has been fishing with Harry Clearwater. I heard their kids are going through a rough time right now. Leah's daughter has been going through something that she doesn't like to talk about. Charlie hasn't gotten much out of Harry but I'm sure I could get something out of Sue if I ever went over to La Push.

Sam Uley has been running around La Push causing some trouble. Just last week Charlie was called from home to go into La Push because some bonfire was being thrown. I believe it had something to do with the Cullens. A false rumor had spread like wildfire one sunny day when the Cullens weren't in school. Someone had heard Carlisle talking to a receptionist about going out of town soon because he was offered a new job in the city. The rumors were false as the Cullens weren't in school for about four days because of the sunny day.

Charlie was surely angry when he came home from La Push that night. I had just gotten back from the hospital for a last check up with Carlisle to check the cut. He had removed the stitches days ago but wanted to check on it and I was in the kitchen eating and working on homework that Angela had brought in. She was actually at the table eating some of the dinner since her mom said it was alright.

"I can't believe those kids in La Push! They should know better than to believe in rumors."

Charlie came stomping into the kitchen his face thunderous. He spotted Angela at the table stuffing her face and immediately he sobered up. I grinned toward him glancing up from my work, "What's wrong now?"

Charlie sighed grabbing a bottle of beer from the fridge, "Some kids in La Push believed that rumor about the Cullens. It's absolutely annoying. I had to go over there and talk with Esme about it all and she explained Carlisle turned down the offer but took the kids camping and hiking."

That night Angela left after dinner and I was positive the entire school would hear about this by morning. Charlie gave me a kiss to the forehead and told me to get plenty of sleep since I was starting school again. I had been about for about three weeks. I was sure I was going to be the talk of the school for next few days. Once I continued school, the hype would eventually die down.

The only problem was the popular girls Jessica and Laruen. Laruen was more popular than Jessica but Jess wouldn't hear of it.

My alarm went off early this morning. I stood to my feet moving to the window hoping for cloudy skies. I haven't seen Edward or Alice in days because of the weather. Whenever they aren't in school, Angela and Ben come by to bring me my work. Most of the time, it's just Angie because Ben is at home.

The sky is overcast with a few drizzles. I squeal quickly running toward my closet. I grab a few articles of clothing from the closet grinning as I toss them toward the bed. Since I showered last night, I don't have to shower this morning.

"Bella? Are you awake?"

A hesitant knock sounds on the door as I tell him to come on inside. Charlie opens the door smiling at me, "Tonight, I'm going to bring home some pizza or takeout. Something like that. I'm sure you aren't going to want to cook after a full day at school. If you decide not to come home, please let me know something."

I smile nodding, "Sure thing, dad," my smile falls as I bite my lip picking at my arm, "How is Mike doing?"

Charlie shrugs, "I went over there yesterday to check in. No one was home. I suppose Mike's not really grounded as his mom said."

My frown deepens as Charlie turns at the sound a beep from downstairs, "That's my coffee. How are you getting to school?"

"I'm taking my truck. I would like some type independence, dad."

He smiles nodding as he walks out of the room. Taking one last look outside, I quickly move to get dressed. I stand in front of a mirror smiling at the green long sleeve shirt I decided to wear with a pair of jeans. I grab my converse grabbing my backpack making sure that all my books are inside. Stopping at the bathroom, I comb my hair pulling through a hairband and hairclips.

I trudge down the stairs a smile on my face entering the kitchen. Charlie smiles at me from the table as I drop my backpack into the floor. I decide to eat a bowl of mixed fruit and a glass of chocolate milk.

"Not eating cereal?"

I shake my head taking a seat across from him, "Nope. Fruit sounded better in my opinion."

Charlie takes a sip from his mug as I crunch a piece of fruit between my teeth, "Have you and Billy made up yet?"

Charlie glances at me his face slightly pink, "Why do you have to say it like that, Bells? You make it seem like we are dating or something," he ends with a sneer.

I giggle smiling, "Sorry, dad. Have you guys…"

Charlie sighs, "Billy's being stubborn. I'm waiting on his call to apologize."

I roll my eyes shaking my head, "Dad, you two are being highly childish. Call him and make up before you two lose a good friendship."

Charlie nods standing to his feet placing his mug in the sink. He sighs as he smiles back at me, "Have a great at school, Bells. Call me if anything goes wrong. If Mike shows up give me a call or better yet come home with Edward or someone. I don't feel comfortable with you driving that truck incase he shows up."

I nod toward Charlie, "I understand, dad. Just go to work and don't worry about me."

He nods walking out of the kitchen toward the front door. I hear him grab his gun belt as well as his gun before he walks out the door. That's Charlie for you. He hates awkward silences so he tends to leave when things get too emotional.

I glance down at my bowl to see it nearly empty. I'll probably want to leave soon as I need to stop by the front office. I place my bowl and glass in the sink just as I hear Charlie's cruiser start and leave the driveway.

Grabbing my backpack, I search the pocket on the front for the keys to my truck. That's the last place I remember putting them. I smile clutching them in my hands as I turn out the lights in the house. I step outside smiling to myself at the feel of the mist of the drizzle on my face. Quickly, I lock the front door before turning toward my truck.

My poor truck has only been driven a couple of times. Considering Edward is Carlisle's son, he takes me to most of the appointments. Edward was apparently home yesterday as well as the rest of the Cullen kids because Esme was taking them out of town for something. It wasn't really sunny all day yesterday but the kids and their mom were gone all day. It was the talk of the school according to Angie last night at the dinner table.

I climb in my truck softly and lovingly rubbing my fingers across the steering wheel. There's just something about driving your own vehicle that just makes you smile and feel independent. For the first time in a very long time, I don't completely dread school. I look forward to school to be able to see Edward and the rest of the Cullen family because I've grown so close to them in such a small amount of time.

I toss my backpack toward the passenger seat pulling my seatbelt over myself. I quickly start the truck smiling as I leave the driveway. I turn up the radio singing loudly to myself. Since Mike always took me to school once we got together and started dating, my truck hasn't been out much. In the past three weeks the small times I've come to use it, are the most times I've used it in months.

Mike refused to be driven around in it and insisted we drive in his mom's car. That was even before he changed and everything happened as a result. The school parking lot is more packed than I remember it to normally be. I pull my truck in a spot near the back so that I can get my bearings before greeting the school. A small notepad sits under the radio staring back at me as I reach out to grab it.

I've started a list of things I've noticed about the Cullens. Most people probably wouldn't notice but I do because I've haven't been around as long as they have. Most of the school believes them to be snobs with good looks and rich money so they don't pry too far into their lives. The teenagers around here just take things as they come and don't poke around the edges of things they probably wouldn't want to know about anyway.

I flip on the notepad checking my list.

Strange things about the Cullens

They don't go out on sunny days

Their hands or any part of their skin always seems ice cold, even in sweaty room

They are all unusually pale for people that travel frequently

They all look related even though they are adopted

Their eyes change color all the time (from gold to black mostly)

They are all beautiful beyond belief

I sigh shaking my head closing the notepad. This is stupid. No wonder they don't hang out with people other than family. Someone is always trying to get in their business. I should just consider myself lucky they are even talking to me in the first place.

I jam the notepad back under the radio turning off the truck and grabbing my backpack. I take a deep breath before I step out onto the concrete.

"Bella!" I hear the voice of Angela coming closer to my place at the back of the lot.

I suddenly feel bad that I parked so far back. Mike used to park right in the middle of our cluster of so called friends. Angela and Ben are the only ones I really consider friends at this moment. Tyler hasn't really been close with me that why I was so surprised by his actions the night of the party.

I smile toward Angela and Ben as they approach me, "Hey guys."

Angela grins, "It's so good to have you back in school. I've going insane listening to Jess and Lauren go on and on about you."

Ben sighs sliding his arm around Angela's shoulders, "You might want to be prepared for Jess and Lauren today. They weren't too pleased that you were coming back to school even though Mike's been suspended. They think you provoked Mike and made him hurt Tyler. It's complete talk but it's a rumor going around school that just got fired back up because of your arrival."

I nod stuffing my key into my jeans groaning. Just what I need when I get back to school. Rumor upon rumor that I started what happened in the cafeteria. In all honesty, I'm not that surprised by the turn of events. Jessica and Lauren haven't liked me since I arrived and started dating Mike. It's not something they loved as Jess has her eyes on Mike herself. She can have him all she wants but I have a feeling if she got him, she'd thrown him off a cliff. Then again, Jess isn't that confident as Lauren walks all over her most of the time.

"Listen, guys, I have to stop by the front office since I've been absent for so long. Angie, do you mind coming with me? I don't want to deal with the crowds alone."

Angela grins nodding turning to Ben, "Go ahead to class, I'll catch you later."

Ben smiles at her, "Alright, just be careful."

Us girls walk together toward the front entrance. My eyes scope out the parking lot locating the Cullen's place.

"Alice said they'd probably be running late. Considering they were all out of school yesterday, they probably have to get things ready," says Angela.

Apparently, Alice didn't just become my friend but Angela's as well. It seems as if the Cullens have a way of being able to tell the good decent people from the bad ones.

True to Angela's talk the Cullen's cars weren't in the lot. I could only hope they showed up by lunch time as I don't want to be force into sitting near Jessica or Lauren.

Angela and enter the front office to find Mrs. Cope behind the counter as usual. She spots me smiling, "Oh, Bella! It's so good to see you. We've been missing you. I was beginning to think you'd miss the rest of the semester."

I smile shaking my head, "No, mam. I'm sure you've heard by now that I hurt my arm at my birthday party. I was going to come back earlier when a couple of stitches came out. My dad thought it'd be best to stay home instead of risking infection because of the darn stitches."

I slide my slip from Carlisle over the counter toward her awaiting hands. She smiles reading the paper, "Ah, it seems you've met with Dr. Cullen. Such a dash he isn't he?"

She shivers in delight causing me to glance toward Angela. Angela just smiles pleasantly at me but her eyes say something differently.

"He most certainly is something. He's just a little too old for me, I'm afraid."

It's better to act as if I'm unaffected by his beauty. The only person in the Cullen family that sparks any interest in me slightly is Edward himself. There's something about him that just intrigues me and pulls me into him.

She frowns nodding coping the excuse before writing on a piece of paper, "Just turn this back into me at the end of the day, dear."

I nod smiling, "Thanks Mrs. Cope, I most certainly will."

Angela and I step out of the office just in time for the bell to ring for us to get to class. Angela smiles at me, "Good luck, Bella. I gotta get to class. We'll meet up for lunch and figure something out."

I nod hesitantly waving as she walks off in the direction of her own class. I take another deep breath before merging with the huge crowd moving down the hall.

My class right before ends thanks to the ringing bell. I never thought I'd be so happy for lunch before. All the whispers from the other students all day have been overly annoying. I grab my backpack pulling my shirt over my hands as I walk out of the room.

"Bella?"

I turn my head toward the sound of Alice's voice. She comes bouncing toward me in a highly priced outfit as usual.

"Hello, Alice."

She grins, "Bella, how has your day been so far?"

We walk side by side toward the cafeteria as I shrug, "It's been alright, I guess. Bunch of whispers as usual."

"I suppose you should get used to that. My family and I certainly have. Our actions are watched quite frequently."

"Alice?"

We turn our heads toward the voice of Jasper causing Alice to grin, "I'll be in the cafeteria shortly, Bella. I just need to have a word with Jazz."

I nod watching her walk away with Jasper Hale. Jasper is also a member of the Cullen family and like everyone else; I find it slightly strange that she's dating a family member. Then again, you can't help whom you fall in love with.

I tug on my backpack as I enter the cafeteria. For the first time all day, the voices don't stop or lower as I walk deeper into the room. I join the line for a food tray attempting to ignore the stares at my face.

"I can't believe her. Mike didn't deserve all of that," I hear whispers from a familiar voice of Jessica beside me.

I turn my head to see her and Lauren glaring at me. Lauren's glare is stronger than Jessica's own glare from her face.

"Mike didn't deserve what you did to him, Bella. I mean seriously, his father left his family already. He's been through enough with that and the store going under. You are despicable, Bella," finishes Lauren sneering toward me.

I can feel the warmth on my face and the stinging of oncoming tears. They don't know, Bella, I repeat in my head. If they knew everything I went through behind closed doors, would they even care? Would they believe I was telling the truth or believe the lie from Mike's mouth?

"Jess, Lauren, you should both know that's not what happened," startles Angela toward Jessica and Lauren.

Angie comes toward me smiling wrapping her arms around my body, "Come on, Bella. Let's go take a seat. I'll get you some food later."

I smile at her allowing her to pull me away from both Jessica and Lauren.

"Thanks, Angie. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't shown up."

She chuckles, "I saw your fist, Bella. I knew if I didn't step in soon, Jessica or Lauren were going to walk away with a black eye."

"Bella? Angela?"

I hear Edward's voice causing me to glance up quickly. I can see Alice's fashion expertise in his clothes.

"What's wrong? What happened?" Edward demands as he notices my slightly shaking form.

Angela sighs, "Jess and Lauren said some things to Bella. She'll be alright."

Edward sighs placing his arm around us both, "You guys can eat with us. Come on."

Angela notices Ben enter the cafeteria and she leaves us to get Ben. Since Angela and Ben are on my side in this whole scenario, they aren't welcomed at the usual lunch table. Edward pulls me with him to his table smiling as we take our seats.

Rosalie and Emmett stare at me before glancing toward Edward. He avoids their curious gazes, which only strengthens the nausea I feel deep in my stomach. The food trays in front of Rose and Emmett look untouched as Rose glares toward me. I glance around the table smiling at Alice noticing Jasper with a strong pained look on his face.

Alice discreetly rubs her fingers across Jasper's knuckles attempting to soothe him.

"So, Bella," begins Angela smiling, "despite the almost fist fight with Jess, how has your day been so far?"

I shrug my shoulders picking at my gloves, "eh, it's been alright. The whispers have gotten annoying."

Suddenly Rose's glare strengthens toward me as she and Emmett stand to their feet walking away from the table. I frown knowing my presence at the table is the cause of Rose's departure. Glancing over at Edward, he just smiles completely ignoring Rose's behavior.

Angela talks about what she and Ben had to do during History, which captures Jasper's small attention. I catch the hint of a smile on his face before I glance toward Alice. She smiles at me her own tray completely untouched as she turns toward Jasper.

It's almost as if they are having a complete conversation just with their eyes. I've never really seen someone have a conversation like that before.

"Bella?" asks Edward grinning at me.

"Yes?"

"We have English class together next. Would you mind being my partner for the project we have about Romeo and Juliet?"

My eyes widen toward him catching the sight of his bright gold eyes. If I remember correctly, they were slightly black the last time I saw him. The strong gold flecks mesmerize my attention completely causing me to gulp.

"Sure, that would be fine."

He chuckles nodding as he winks toward me. I can feel the warmth in my face shaking my head returning to Angela's conversation.

"I mean the civil war was horrible but there were more people that died during that than anyone wanted to talk. Ben and I chose to track people from certain states over the course of the war. Ben's actually kind of excited about it as he wants to get Austin to draw a few pictures for a comic."

I nod vaguely paying attention. I can just imagine all the rumors going around town by the end of school about Angela and I sitting at the Cullen table. Ben had decided to sit with Austin instead of sitting with the Cullens. I suppose he's a little intimidated by most of the Cullen's.

While Angela is still talking, I notice Alice staring into space. Edward flinches beside me but otherwise shows no emotion to her actions. He even smiles at me, which begs the question what's going on with the Cullen family. Something is going on with Alice, and I'm going to find out even if they don't want me to.