Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer sadly owns Twilight and all Twilight characters. I, at least, own my OCs. And because I feel like it, Ashley Greene makes a beautiful Alice. In my mind.
School
Morning came faster then I'd wanted it to. Then again, I guess I kind of didn't want it to come.
Today was the day; my first day of high school as a part of the Cullen family. I really wasn't looking forward to it. Not one bit.
I had woken up to Alice's lovely face in my view, something I still had yet to get used to. Every time I saw her, I was always surprised by how amazingly beautiful she truly was. It seemed that she felt the same way, since she often had the same expression on her face as I did.
We exchanged a loving kiss for a moment before she scooped me into her arms and whisked me downstairs, where I already had breakfast waiting. Yet another thing I had yet to get used to, having such mouth wateringly good food every day. Esme was an amazing cook. I could definitely see her topping chefs around the world and told her as such. She smiled warmly and dismissed the idea, though I could tell the compliment helped boost her ego a bit.
Once I'd finished eating, it was off to take a shower. I mentally told Edward to prevent Alice from doing any peeking. I mean, I was actually pretty flattered—and a little excited, I'll admit—that she had in fact done that, but I didn't want her to be doing it without my knowing. That, and I enjoyed the idea of messing with her visions. Just a little bit, of course.
My shower was a quick one, since I didn't want to be a bother and make everyone late. Of course, that was stupid of me to think, since they all moved at super speed and drove like maniacs. There was no way they could be late, unless I slept in or something. Even then, I doubt it would've mattered much to any of them, considering that they had all graduated high school numerous times in their eternal lives.
Once I'd finished, I dried myself off and slipped into my underwear. I glanced at myself in the mirror, frowning slightly. I didn't really see how Alice thought I was so amazingly beautiful. I mean, I didn't think I was ugly. No way. I found that I was relatively pretty, maybe. But compared to Alice? To Rosalie, Amara and Esme? I didn't see how I could be compared to them in any way, shape or form. They were Goddesses. I was…well, me.
Then there were the bite marks on my arm, which only made me cringe when I saw them. They were permanent reminders of the past, nightmares that not even Alice could take away. I could only hope that my pursuers would be gone soon and I wouldn't have to worry anymore.
"Are you dressed like that for my benefit?"
I spun around to see Alice leaning against the door, wide eyed as she stared at me. Her eyes trailed up and down my body several times, causing me to turn ten shades of red.
"Alice…w-w-what are you d-doing here?" I stammered.
In a flash she was standing in front of me, her eyes wandering up and down once more before meeting mine and staring into them.
"My God, Bella. You are so incredibly beautiful…" she breathed, capturing my lips.
I was still blushing, not knowing what to say. "Why are you…?"
She took a step back and ran a hand through her spiky hair. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you or intrude. I just…well, I honestly didn't think to see if you were dressed, since Edward told me that you wanted some privacy. I thought you had gotten dressed and I just wanted to…um…"
She looked surprisingly abashed. Apparently she hadn't meant to see me like this. My blushing was toned down a bit, but I was still embarrassed. I mean, I hadn't expected this. It's not that I'm uncomfortable being around Alice, I just wasn't used to this kind of thing yet.
"It's…fine, Alice. I'm just a bit s-surprised to see you, is all."
"Sorry," she repeated. "I wanted to ask if you would let me do your hair."
"Oh. Um, sure thing. Can I, er, get dressed first?'
She bit her lip and nodded her head and turned towards the door. "I meant what I said, though, Bella. You're incredibly beautiful, far more than I or any other being on this Earth."
I couldn't help scoffing at that. She spun around abruptly and frowned at me. "Sorry, Alice, it's just I don't see myself like that. I can't mentally compare myself to the likes of you or your sisters or Esme. You're all ten times more attractive than I am."
"We've been over this before, Bella. You're too negative. You need to be more positive, to learn and appreciate your body. You have an amazing body, Bella, let me tell you. Forgive me for sounding perverted, but everything about you is perfect in my eyes. You have a great chest, an amazingly curvy waist, an adorable belly button, very nice legs, gorgeous eyes and…" She paused for a moment and glanced downwards, cocking her head to the side. "A very cute butt, may I say."
My face felt like it was on fire as I struggled to, well, think at this point.
Alice's eyes darkened minutely as she took a step back, clenching her jaw. "I'm sorry. I'll let you get dressed, Bella. I'm sorry. But you are beautiful. Don't doubt that, okay?" She gave me a slightly strained smile before exiting the bathroom, giving me my privacy once again.
It took me a moment to compose myself before I hurriedly slipped into my clothes. Alice had, of course, been the one to choose my wardrobe. I didn't mind it too much, really. My entire outfit was more or less designer clothes similar to what she and Rosalie wore, only it was far less fancy then Rosalie's usual attires, something I preferred. I was already going to be getting loads of attention anyways.
On cue, I heard Alice's knocking on the door.
"Come in," I called, calmer now. I wasn't upset with Alice. I was just a tiny bit embarrassed.
Alice danced into the bathroom and gave me an apologetic look. "You aren't upset, are you?"
I shook my head. "I'm just…I didn't expect you to, you know, pop in right then."
"I understand. I promise I won't do that again. Now go ahead and sit so I can do your hair."
I did as she told me and seated myself into the chair near the mirror. I'd noticed it before, but it never crossed my mind what it was used for. Apparently, I now knew.
Alice twirled over to me, a broad smile on her face. We spent the next ten minutes fixing my hair up. And when I say fixing, I mean everything possible; brushing, curling, kneading, spraying…the works. Of course, I didn't mind it. I actually enjoyed it, truth be told. Alice was incredibly nimble and gentle in her movements and would sparingly massage my head with one hand while working with the other, switching hands from time to time until she had finished.
"Done!" she chirped, spinning the chair so I could see. "What do you think?"
I stared back at my reflection, surprised by the detail that gone into my hair. For once, it actually didn't look too bad. I was amazed, really, at how well Alice had styled it. Then again, this was Alice. She could do anything and succeed.
"I love it," I breathed, running a hand through it. "Thank you."
She squealed delightedly before pecking me on the cheek. "Ooh, I'm so glad you like it. Now hurry up and get ready!"
I groaned and begrudgingly finished preparing myself. Once my teeth were brushed, I took one last look in the mirror. Everything seemed to be in order. I was thankful Alice wasn't making me wear makeup, since I'd probably just sweat it all off from nervousness. I was already started to perspire, which I doubted was a good thing.
For a moment, I considered punching the mirror just so I could avoid going to school for the day.
"We'll drag you if we have to!" shouted Edward from downstairs.
Ugh! Fuck you, Edward!
"No thanks!" he laughed.
Grinding my teeth in frustration, I trudged out of the bathroom and down the stairs. The others were all waiting, most with amused expressions, Edward especially. Alice was bouncing excitedly with my backpack in her hands, which she presented to me. I took it reluctantly, forever sealing my fate.
"Must you complain so much?" Edward asked teasingly. "It's not like we're asking you to cut your arms off or anything like that."
"Gives me a few ideas," chuckled Emmett.
"Emmett…" Alice warned, glaring at him.
"Kidding, kidding! Sheesh!" he shouted, holding his hands up. Rosalie smacked him on the arm before leading him outside. Jasper and Amara both snickered and followed, then Edward. Alice hovered near the door while I mentally prepared myself.
"Come now, dear, it won't be so bad. Have a positive attitude!" Esme stated, hugging me.
"I'll try, Esme," I murmured, hugging her as tight as I could.
She let go too soon in my opinion, but before I could protest Alice had me in her arms and dragged me outside. Eventually I gave up trying to escape and walked with her over near the garage. My car was gone.
"Your car is in the garage," Alice stated, knowing what I was about to ask. "We usually only take one car, but since there's more of us, we'll be taking too. Today you and I are going to be driving with Jasper and Amara."
And just like that, the garage doors opened and out drove Amara in her Thunderbird. Rosalie's red BMV peeled out of the garage and zipped past us, Emmett and Edward waving to us it passed by. It was gone in a matter of seconds.
"Let's go!" Amara shouted from her car.
Alice giggled and bounced over to the backdoor, opening it and inclining her head for me to get in. I nodded to her and got in, Alice following suit on the opposite side. Once I had buckled up—since none of them needed seatbelts, the jerks—Amara stepped on the gas. I had thought Alice drove like crazy. Amara drove even faster than she did. I didn't mind it too much, since I had gotten used to being in a fast car. It was just surprising.
I felt Alice squeeze my hand and turned to look at her. "It's okay, Bella. I'll be with you in a few of your classes," she said softly.
I sighed. "I know you will. I'm just nervous." She nodded in understanding and squeezed my hand again. "Is there anything in here?" I lifted my backpack up. It felt rather empty.
"Just a binder with some paper and pens is all. You'll get your books in class," Alice replied with a smile. "Speaking of which, we're here."
I looked out the window and sure enough, we were here. Forks High School. Oh joy. Rosalie, Emmett and Edward were already out of the car, waiting for us. Alice zipped over to my side and opened my door for me again. I always thought it was so sweet of her, too.
"Does Bella have her classes, yet?" Jasper asked Alice.
Alice frowned. "No, I never got around to getting them." She turned to me. "Bella, could you go grab your class schedule? The office is right over there. Just say your name and you'll get them. I'll be waiting right here for you, don't worry."
I frowned, but decided against arguing and followed her instructions. The parking lot was actually, well, empty save for us and a few people who, as I had expected, all looked at me as I walked towards the office, backpack slung over my shoulder. I ignored any wandering eyes as I entered the office, looking around for someone to talk with.
Sitting at the front desk was a rather heavy set woman with short, dark red hair. She paid me no mind as I entered and only looked up after I cleared my throat.
"May I help you?" she asked, squinting at me through her beady glasses.
"Uh, yeah, I'm here to pick up my schedule?"
She frowned. "Name please."
"Er…Bella Sw-Cullen." Wow. I had yet to vocally say my new name. It sounded weird, but at the same time, it sounded so right.
The pudgy woman gaped at me like I had five heads. She even dropped the stack of papers she had been holding, causing them to fly around the room. I swear I had heard some people chatting in the room behind the desk, but now everything was silent.
Awkward…
"Could…could you repeat that?" she asked. I groaned inwardly.
"Bella Cullen," I repeated, both louder and firmer.
It took about a minute for the woman to process what I'd said. She still didn't look like she believed me, but she shook her head and thumbed through another stack of papers before pulling out a sheet with, guess what, my name on it.
"H-here you are, dear," she stuttered as she handed it to me. She handed me two papers, one my schedule, the other one I didn't know what to do with. "Have that signed by your teachers and come back with it later."
"Thanks," I muttered, grabbing the sheets and walking out of the office.
More cars were parked in the lot and more students walking about. Some glanced at me curiously as I walked back towards Amara's car. Alice was the only one there, waiting rather anxiously for me. I smiled. She was always so adorable when she was like that, bouncing on her feet with a big grin on that angelic face of hers.
"Have you looked over the classes?" she asked when I had gotten over to her.
I opened my mouth to reply, but closed it when I realized I hadn't. So I glanced down at the sheet of paper in my hands and looked over my classes.
Math? Shit. English? I guess so. Biology? Boring. Spanish? As if I'll ever need it. PE.
My eyes bulged at the last one. PE. Oh God.
I felt Alice nudge my shoulder. "What's wrong?"
I looked up at her. "PE," I replied.
She furrowed her brow in confusion before a look of understanding came onto her face. "You don't like PE."
"Fuck no. I hate PE. I've always hated PE."
"How come?"
I gawked at her. Did she really need to ask? "Alice, I stink at everything when it comes to PE. Not to mention the fact that, as you should know by now, I can't walk across a flat surface for very long without falling."
"Bella…"
"I got kicked out of my gym class at my last school. Whenever I tried to do any sort of sport, my fucking crappy luck always got the better of me and I always ended up hurting myself and everyone around me. Eventually they just kicked me out of the class. Plus, all the kids used to make fun of me for it." I cringed when I remembered all the teasing and bullying I'd been forced to put up with at my old school.
I felt Alice's hand grasp my shoulder. "They won't make fun of you here," she stated.
"How do you-"
"I won't let them," she growled. She had that look in her eyes. She meant what she said.
"I guess we should get to class," I suggested, trying to change the subject.
She blinked and nodded. "Yes, that would be wise. The quicker we're there, the less gawking we have to deal with. Come along then." She looped her arm around mine and together we walked towards the school.
By now, the parking lot was mostly full. And nearly every student's eyes were on us as we walked together. Alice seemed utterly oblivious, humming to herself rather happily as she skipped along with me to our first destination. Having so many eyes watching me was unnerving, so I tried to concentrate on just Alice.
Eventually we made it to our first class, which was, of course, math. Alice opened the door for me before following inside, swerving over to her desk. The class was mostly empty, save for a few students. Two of them looked like they were asleep, one was on her phone and the only other one was staring at me wide-eyed. I looked at Alice like I was a lost puppy, uncertain of what to do. She gestured towards the teacher and pointed to her hand. I frowned even more before I remembered that I needed the teacher to sign the other slip.
The teacher, a balding man, had a similar reaction when I told him who I was. Thankfully, he didn't introduce me in front of the class when class started, he merely sent me off to sit next to Alice. Neither of us really paid attention during class and instead passed each other notes, which I absolutely loved. What I didn't love was the number of students staring at me throughout the class, even despite my location at the back of the room.
Alice told me just to ignore them. Easy for her to say, she was used to it. Better yet, she probably didn't think about trivial things like being stared at the way I did. Then again, I did notice her eyes darken slightly. She even shot a glare at a few people, forcing them to turn their gaze elsewhere. After feeling like decades, the bell finally rang, thankfully.
"That wasn't too bad," Alice said as we walked together out of class.
"You weren't bothered by all the staring?" I asked.
She shook her head. "Well, not really. I mean, I didn't like that they didn't stop staring at you, but I suppose you'll get used to it."
We walked a ways to my second class, at which point she stopped.
"You don't have this class?" I asked.
"No…" she grumbled, hanging her head sadly. "I'm sorry."
I was becoming worried. "W-when will I see you again?"
Alice bit her lip, looking even more ashamed. "Lunch..."
I cringed. "Oh."
"But we have the same classes with each other afterwards! Biology and PE!" she said, trying to cheer me up.
"I, uh, I guess I'll see you at lunch then?" I asked. I wanted to stall her as long as I could, dreading having to go into class without her. No such luck. She nodded and leaned in to peck my cheek before reluctantly dancing off.
I sighed and crept into the room, speedily moving over to the teacher. Half of the class watched me curiously as I handed the teacher, an older man with a beard, the slip. He had the same reaction as the first teacher, but again, he merely signed it and sent me off to a free desk.
"You must be the new girl," I heard a male voice say next to me. I turned to see a boy with tan skin, greasy black hair and a nerdy-yet-friendly smile on his face. I nodded. "I'm Eric Yorkie. You're…Isabella?"
"Bella," I corrected. Even as quiet as it was, my voice was loud enough to grab the attention of nearly everyone in the class.
Eric raised an eyebrow. "Bella…?"
I sighed. "Bella Cullen." That, in turn, got everyone's attention. I could already hear the whispers starting as Eric looked at me surprisedly.
Whoa. I could hear whispers. When did that happen?
"So she's the new Cullen," a boy whispered to his friend.
"She doesn't look like one of them," remarked a girl several desks in front of me. Two of her friends nodded their heads in agreement, shooting me a jeering look. Excuse me?
"Pfft. She ain't as hot as the other girls," grunted another boy.
"Yeah, man, especially that Alice. She's a babe," replied the boy next to him.
I twitched. Did he just…?
"Have you tried asking her out yet?" his friend asked.
The boy frowned. "Yeah, but she keeps turning me down. I'm certain she's into me, though. She just won't admit it yet. I'll get her eventually."
The fuck you will, asshole. She's mine.
I glared scathingly at the douchebag who dared to think he could have Alice. He caught sight of it and shuddered, shrinking back into his seat. I memorized what he looked like—short, blonde hair gelled into spikes, a goofy, baby-like face and thin blue eyes—because if I EVER saw him near Alice, there would be hell to pay.
"What's her problem?" the asshole's friend asked. The boy shook his head, not verbally answering. Smart move.
"You okay, Bella?" Eric asked next to me.
I blinked and realized that he had been watching me this whole time. "Er, yeah, fine," I muttered.
He frowned, but he didn't pursue the topic anymore.
The rest of class was droning. I spent most of it listening to the side conversations the students around me were having, all of which were centered on me.
"You think she's single?" a darker skinned boy asked the girl next to him.
"Ew. Yeah, why wouldn't she be? I mean, look at her. She's so pale…it's like she's albino or something," she replied.
I ground my teeth together when I heard that. Memories of being teased in years past for my pale complexion—among other things, like my chronic clumsiness—flashed before my eyes. It further reminded me of why I loathed school so much.
Once the bell rang, I brushed past most of the students and up to the teacher. He gave me my respective math book and wished me well with the rest of the year. Yeah, whatever.
As I exited the class, Eric tapped my shoulder. "Hey, it was nice meeting you, Bella. Maybe I'll catch you around some time, huh?" He seemed genuinely nice, unlike most of the other kids I'd seen so far.
I gave him a brisk nod. "Yeah, sure. Later."
He smiled and walked off. He seemed nice enough, I suppose.
"Who was that?"
I recognized that voice dead away and turned to see Alice leaning against the wall, looking fantastic as always. I swear she looked like a Goddess in my eyes. Like one of the Greek Goddesses. Which one was it? Aphrodite? Yeah, that one. That's who Alice reminded me of.
"Just some guy from my class," I replied as I walked over to her.
She crinkled her brow and stared after him for a moment, her gold eyes swirling darkly, before sighing and returning her gaze to me. We stared into one another's eyes for a minute or so, enjoying the feelings that came with it. I loved her eyes. They were far more beautiful than anything I'd ever seen before.
Of course, it felt like every moment we had together had to be ruined in some way.
"Hey Alice," greeted a male voice. I knew that voice too.
It was the same ass from my class. He walked over to us, hesitantly glancing at me, before smiling at Alice.
I clenched my fists together.
How DARE he look at her like that?
"Hello Mike," she deadpanned, clearly not interested in speaking with him.
"So I was wondering-"
I sharply cut him off. "Excuse me, but we were having a conversation," I hissed.
He seemed taken aback by my tone. "I, um…sorry, it didn't look like-"
"Well, we were Mike. And it's rude to interrupt," Alice stated firmly.
Mike scowled and muttered something under his breath. "Sorry," he grumbled before trudging off in a different direction.
"Asshole," I growled. I glared after him, seething. I'll teach him to look at my Alice like that.
"Bella?" Alice's voice jarred me from my thoughts, forcing me to look at her. Her gold eyes were smoldering with concern as she appraised me. "Are you alright?"
I took in a deep breath, then released it. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just didn't like the way he was looking at you," I responded. Alice frowned and pulled me into a hug.
"It's okay, Bells. I'm yours," she cooed into my ear.
"I know," I murmured. "I think it's the same thing you feel from time to time. That protective jealousy, you know?"
Alice cocked her head to the side. "Bella, that usually only happens for vampires."
I shrugged. "I think being your mate is just rubbing off on me."
Alice frowned, her beautiful eyebrows tilting downwards so far that her forehead started to crease. She looked so statuesque as she placed her hands on her hips, lost in thought over what I'd said. Apparently something wasn't adding up in her mind. Then again, I hadn't told her about my other odd moments. I wasn't sure if I would yet, truthfully.
"You should get to class," she murmured, looking up at me. "I'll save you a seat at lunch, okay?"
I nodded. "Okay, see you then." She smiled and pecked my cheek again before dancing off down the hall.
Unfortunately, I had no idea where my next class was…
I dug into my pocket and pulled out my schedule, studying where my next class was. I hated being caught with the stupid schedule in front of my face, since I felt like a total idiot gawking at it in the middle of a hallway.
"Are you lost?"
I looked up from my schedule to see a rather tall girl with long black hair and glasses giving me a placid look. Her eyes, a light shade of green, held sincerity in them.
"Yeah…" I admitted sheepishly.
She smiled. "What's your next class?"
"Spanish with Mrs. Nova," I replied. What a weird name for a teacher.
"Oh! I have that class next. Would you like me to show you the way?" she offered.
"Sure."
We started walking together towards our next class.
"So you must be the newest member of the Cullen family?" she asked. I nodded. "That's really cool. You're lucky. Dr. Cullen is a great doctor and a really nice man. I haven't met Mrs. Cullen, but I hear she's just as nice."
"They're terrific," I said. "I can't imagine having better parents then them."
"That's good!" she said, smiling. "Oh, I didn't get your name."
"I'm Bella."
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Angela. Angela Weber."
The two of us talked a little as we walked to class, even when we went inside the classroom. Angela was really nice, if not a bit shy. She was actually friends with Eric, the boy from my English class, who happened to also be in Spanish with us. After I handed the teacher the slip to be signed, I sat down next to her. Class didn't start for another few minutes, so we continued talking together. She asked if I knew anyone else, to which I replied no, only meeting someone I didn't like.
"May I ask who?" She was clearly the type who wouldn't push someone into anything. I liked that, and a part of me felt that Angela and I may become good friends.
"Some guy named Mike," I said, scowling when I thought of him.
She nodded in understanding. "I bet its Mike Newton you mean. Yeah, he's a bit of a jerk sometimes. He usually hangs out with other jocks and acts like he's the most popular guy in all of Washington. Do you know about his crush on Alice?"
I gritted my teeth. "Unfortunately," I grunted.
"I take it you two are together?"
That surprised me. "W-what are you…?"
She giggled softly. "I saw you two in the hall. I saw the way you looked at each other. I could tell you too were a couple. I think it's cute, actually. I'm glad Alice finally found someone."
I was speechless. "You don't…you don't think it's gross or anything like that?"
Angela shook her head. "No. I don't think that gender should matter when it comes to love. If you love someone, it shouldn't matter what color their skin is or how tall they are or whether or not they're the same gender. Love is love."
More students started filing in. Eric saw us and grinned, walking towards our table.
"What's up ladies? I see you met my girl Angela, Bella," he said, seating himself next to me.
Angela rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm not "your girl", Eric. You already have a girlfriend and I already have a boyfriend, remember?"
Eric shrugged. "So? Katie's my girl and Ben's my boy, too. No big deal."
The three of us continued talking, even after class started. I was really starting to like Angela and Eric. They were both really nice and they seemed genuinely interested in being friends with me. I wondered if Alice would be jealous of that. I guess I'd have to ask her later on, after class.
"So it must be different for you," Eric stated, playing around with a pencil.
"Huh?"
"Being adopted by the Cullens after what you went through and all."
I furrowed my brow. What I went through? What was he talking about?
"You know, how your parents abused you and you ran away from home and how the Cullens found you in the woods near death and took you in," Eric explained.
It dawned on me then that they must've made up a story as to how I came into the family.
"Oh, yeah," I said, trying to sound like I knew what he was talking about. I wish Alice would've mentioned that earlier.
I felt incredibly awkward. Both Angela and Eric looked at me confusedly for a moment, but they both shrugged it off as the teacher droned on. Thankfully, my body was actually able to save me. I raised my hand and was excused to run to the bathroom, which I took in stride.
After I'd finished and exited the stall to wash my hands, I noticed I wasn't alone. There was another girl, equal to my height with pale blonde hair and green eyes. There was something about the way her face was that just screamed bitch to me, which was confirmed when her fishy eyes narrowed at me.
"Who're you?" she demanded. Ugh. Her voice was high pitched and nasally sounding.
"Bella Cullen," I replied instantly. I'd gotten a bit more comfortable saying it by now.
Her eyes bulged and her mouth made a large "O", which I swear made her look like a fucking fish. I tried hard not to laugh at the hilarious expression on her face, which darkened as she studied me, scowling as she did.
"You're lying," she sneered.
"Excuse me?"
She scoffed. "There's no way that you're a Cullen. You don't look anything like they do and I doubt they'd adopt someone as unattractive as you into their family. Look, I don't have time Bella whatever, I have other things to do." She breezed past me, nearly knocking me over, before storming out of the bathroom.
Once I'd steadied myself, I glared after her. Who the fuck does she think she is?
"Bitch!" I hissed, slamming my hand downwards.
That might not have been the best course of action, since I was slamming it on the sink counter. A sharp pain shot through the knuckles of my left hand as I retrieved it, cursing myself for being stupid. When I looked at the spot where I'd slammed my fist, I was stunned. There was a small dent where my hand had been. I didn't have much of a chance to look, though, since I needed to hurry back to class, bruised knuckles and all. But damn was I pissed.
I stuffed my hands into my pocket as I trudged back to class, abruptly seating myself. My irritation must've shown well because both Eric and Angela noticed it.
"You okay?" Eric asked, clearly concerned.
I gritted my teeth. "Not really."
He took that as a hint and thankfully dropped the subject altogether.
The rest of class went on painstakingly slow, but as it did, I was able to calm myself down. I was actually feeling concerned about why I was so angry and why my temper was lasting so long. Normally, yeah, I was a hothead, but even then I usually lost steam after a short period of time, unlike today for some reason. Maybe that was another mate thing, too?
A few minutes before the bell was going to ring, I had calmed myself completely. Then the bell rang and I walked with Eric and Angela out of class. As we exited, I caught sight of the bitch from the bathroom and glared at her. She stuck her nose in the air and glared right back.
"Who's that?" I growled under my breath.
Eric glanced over his shoulder. "That's Lauren Mallory. She's one of the most popular girls here at Forks. I'm not too fond of her, personally, and she doesn't much like me either. She only hangs out with certain people, namely her boyfriend a couple girls like her. Don't pay attention to them, they ain't that important."
"She's not very nice," Angela agreed. "She treats everyone who isn't her friend like garbage and she gets jealous real easily. She's not very fond of the Cullens, truthfully."
Eric snorted. "Well, I gotta go meet up with Katie. You should meet her, Bella, she's a cool girl and I bet you'd get along. See you at lunch." With that he took off in another direction.
"I like him," I said. "He's nice. A bit dorky, but nice."
Angela giggled. "Yeah, that's Eric for you. But he's right, Katie's real nice. So is my boyfriend Ben. Speaking of which, I'm going to go meet up with him too. We all sit at the same table, so if you feel like it, you can sit with us. You could always invite Alice too, you know. It's up to you, though. Bye Bella."
"See ya, Angela." She smiled at me before departing in the same direction Eric had gone. She was really nice. I liked her too.
I sighed and trudged towards the cafeteria. At least I'd be able to be with Alice and the others.
I stared down at the floor as I walked past people, some ignoring me, others staring at me. I could hear several whispering about me being the new Cullen, something that the whole school was apparently aware of by now. It was a little unnerving, but I did the best I could to ignore both the feeling and the gawkers.
Unfortunately, my ignorance prevented me from noticing someone in front of me, causing me to bump into them. The brief collision caught me by surprise and caused me to fall over, bashing my right knee on the floor. I could hear snickering and laughing from the hallway as students passed me by.
I groaned and rubbed my knee with my non-sore hand. Seriously, today was full of a lot of ups and downs. Damn it.
"Oh! Sorry about that!"
I groaned again, though this time it was inwardly, and glanced up to see none other than Mike Newton, the boy who had a crush on my girlfriend. Okay, he didn't know she was my girlfriend, but the fact of that matter was that she was mine.
He offered me a hand to help me up, but I ignored it and stood up on my own. Stubbornness was also stupidity, since my legs nearly buckled and I almost fell again. He caught me, which irritated me at the same time as it helped me. I muttered a 'thanks' and collected myself, rubbing my knee to ease the pain. Since when did that ever work, though?
Seriously, how stupid am I?
Wait. Don't answer that.
"Sorry about that," Mike repeated, looking at least somewhat sincere. "I didn't see you coming."
"It's fine," I mumbled.
"Look, I'm real sorry about earlier too. I think we got off on the wrong foot. My name's Mike Newton."
"You know mine already," I stated.
"Bella Cullen, right?"
"Yup." Jackass.
"Cool. Well hey, maybe sometime you could sit with me and my friends?" he asked. He tried to give me some sort of puppy dog eyes, but God did he fail. Only Alice could pull that off on me.
"Sorry, but I think I'll sit with my family today. And the next day, too," I replied. And the rest of the year, away from you.
He frowned. Wait. Why was he looking at me like that? The fuck? Oh God. Don't tell me…
He was looking at me in a really creepy way. The same way he'd looked at Alice when he first walked up to us. Worse still, he was checking me out. Ugh!
I was in no mood for that, so I turned and started limping off. Maybe if I ignored him, he'd leave me alone. Then again, I got the distinctive feeling that he was staring at my ass. I wasn't about to turn around to double check, since I didn't want him getting the wrong idea. Ew.
"Hey, wait!" he called. Seriously? Why can't he just-
My thought process was interrupted when I felt a hand touching my butt. This wasn't the 'oops-I-was-reaching-for-you-and-missed' touch, this was on purpose. I quietly yelped when he actually grabbed my ass. Oh no he did NOT.
I spun around on my good leg, fists clenched and teeth bared, about ready to punch this dude's lights out.
"You son of a…" I stopped dead in my tracks when I caught sight of something moving quickly towards the two of us.
And I recognized it right away.
A very, very livid Alice.
A/N: Jealous Bella + jealous Alice + Mike about to get his fucking head ripped off. I'm having too much fun with this, I think. And I've only just begun!
Also, I find perverted Alice amusing. You know you do too. Who wouldn't?
Thoughts? I won't beg, but I always love reviews.
Off topic note, what Angela said sort of mirrors my opinion. Gender shouldn't matter in love, nor should race or religion or appearance.