September

Bella's Point of View

Today we were returning for the first day of school. Summer break had come and gone so quickly. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to do very much, I would have at the very least wanted to go on a little vacation. Maybe a trip to some place a little warmer.

And even worse yet, my pregnancy bump was getting almost to big to hide. I didn't recall getting so big so quickly with my last pregnancy with Darius. I hoped that after school Carlisle could give me a little incite. I didn't want to worry to much, but it was hard not to.

I had a lot on my mind, even more now that Darius was now enrolled in school. Darius appeared to be about thirteen years old, so we enrolled him into seventh grade. Luckily he wouldn't be in high school with me, he would be in another building. At least until he entered tenth grade.

Of course he was over the moon about all of this. But I couldn't help but worry. He was really mature for his age and so smart. I just was nervous about his self control with all those other kids around him.

But I trusted him.

When I woke up today and went to his room to wake him up for his first day, he was already awake, showered and dressed.

I made sure to take a few pictures of him; I wanted to remember his first day of school. Maybe I would end up making a scrap book of memories as well.

On the ride into school, he sat with anxiety in his eyes.

"What if no one likes me? What if they think I'm weird?" He asked with a nervous look between Edward and I.

"Just be yourself." I said with a smile. "Don't worry, everyone is kinda shy for their first day."

Darius nodded, turning to look out the window. "I wonder if there will be any... girls there." He muttered lowly.

I raised a brow, looking back towards him. "Of course there will be girls there."

Edward cracked a smile as he peaked back at Darius. "Be nice to them if they speak to you. They are different from boys."

Darius made a face, folding his arms across his chest. "I've never even talked to a girl before... I better just steer clear of them for now."

I couldn't help but laugh quietly to myself.

There was no doubt in my mind that Darius was beginning to get curious about the opposite gender. It wouldn't be long now... he would possibly want to start dating.

That terrified me, but also filled me with hope. I knew that this was going to happen sooner or later. I just didn't know if I was ready for all his hormones to start kicking in.

What could I say to him? I knew nothing about a teenage boy's thoughts and feelings. I just hoped... I didn't have to worry to much about that yet.

Should I have given him the talk?

To late now, we were pulling up to his school. There were a bunch of kids all walking towards the building. Edward parked right along the curve so it would only be a short walk into the building.

Darius paused, his face already getting red as he saw all the kids. "I-I'm not so sure I want to do this anymore."

I reached back giving him a squeeze. "Darius, it's ok, once you get in there and start making friends you will love it. Just remember what I said."

He nodded with a reluctant look. "Ok, but if I call, you will come pick me up, right?"

"Of course," I said with a smile. "Now, have a good day."

With that Darius slowly got out of the car and went walking towards the school. He looked so nervous, he didn't even realize that he had ran right into someone.

My jaw dropped as him and another student fell to the ground.

They looked at each other and suddenly busted out laughing. The boy he knocked over got up and gave Darius a big smile as he began to talk with Darius.

Darius now appeared completely fine as he talked with this new boy. They walked up to the school together and didn't even turn around once as they went into the building.

"He is undoubtably your son, isn't he?" Edward chuckled with an amused look in my direction.

I nudged him with a grin. "I think he is going to be just fine."

"He is a charming kid, something tells me we might have our hands full with him." Edward said with a crooked smile. "It was only moments that he left the car and several young girls are more than a little interested."

I groaned, letting my head fall back against the seat. "Of course, I just hope... he makes good choices. I really... haven't even gave him the talk yet... about girls."

Edward raised a brow. "If you would like.. I'd talk with him about it. It may be... less embarrassing if that conversation doesn't come from his mother."

I nodded in relief. "I'd really appreciate that, if you would."

Edward and I made it to our school in less than five minutes, our school wasn't much farther away than Darius' school. And like Darius I could feel my anxiety swelling inside my chest. The first day back to school was always a little stressful, you weren't sure who would be in your class, or where you are suppose to go...or even find your locker.

But I felt much more at ease with Edward around. He made everything just a little bit better. What I wasn't anticipating was seeing Tristian and Demetri come jogging over to Edward and I.

I instantly took a few steps back, noticing Demetri's intense gaze in my direction. Edward got in front of me; a glare on his face.

"Easy, let's not make a scene here." Tristian said holding his hands up as he glanced around at the other students passing by.

"If you don't want a scene, I suggest you leave Bella alone." Edward said with an even tone.

Demetri glared at him heatedly. "She is the mother of my child, I have ever right to speak with her."

He had a point, as much as I hated to admit it.

I slightly moved away from Edward, just enough for Demetri to see me. But I wasn't willing to come any closer.

"What is it that you need?" I tried to keep my voice light.

Demetri inhaled slowly, keeping his sights on me. "I just wanted to know how you are doing. Darius mentioned last night that you had been up puking all night."

I really wasn't ready to talk with Demetri about my pregnancy. Especially here in front of all these other people. He would be liable to murder all of them... including Edward and I.

"I'm fine now, just... I think I got the stomach flu." I lied smoothly.

Again Demetri took a tiny step forward and took in another deep breath. He glared furiously between Edward and I.

"Sorry if I have my doubts Bella. But you reek of that bastard." He nodded towards Edward. "You've been... sleeping together haven't you." He spoke to me in an accusting manner.

"That isn't even your business." I glared back at him as I backed up away from him again.

This seemed to throw him into a fit of rage, he flew his arm out, hitting it into the car next to ours. A huge dent formed from his fist. The car alarm instantly went off.

Tristian quickly pulled Demetri away from us, talking with him quickly and quietly. He gave Demetri a little push towards the school, while he stayed back to face us.

"I'm sorry about him... I didn't tell him anything, but I think you are going to have to tell him... the longer you keep this hidden from him the worse it's going to get."

"No, Tristian it's not his business. We have ended our relationship, what ever that is happening in my life is no longer a concern for him. He needs to stay away from me."

Edward lightly embraced me, holding me close. "Calm down my love, getting worked up like this isn't good for you."

He was right of course, but I couldn't turn it off. I was so angry. I just wanted to go off and find Demetri and give him a piece of my mind. How dare he?

"I honestly just want to see the two of you happy." Tristian said with a sigh. "I'm beginning to think that's not going to be possible... even for you to stay friends."

"Are you friends with your ex girlfriend?" I asked, watching his expression closely.

"No, I'm not. But I also don't have a child with her Bella." Tristian said with the shrug of his shoulders.

"Darius wants even less to do with him, than I do."

"That may be so, and this might be hard for you to realize... but Demetri is incredibly depressed without you both. He loves you both so much and wants the both of you back... he can't let go."

I shook my head, lightly touching Tristian's shoulder. "You have always been a loyal friend to him. And I understand that you want to help him. But there is no going back to how things use to be. Demetri made me feel miserable and depressed. And he has ruined his relationship with Darius almost completely, since he had tried to make Darius into a murderer. It's never going to happen. I'm with Edward. I'm happy. And I am pregnant with his child. This is my life now."

Edward cautiously, pulled me back behind him again as Demetri came charging back towards the car.

He must have heard what I said.

Tristian quickly got between us, taking a hold of Demetri; forcing him away from us. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Tristain threw us a few appologetic looks as he drug Demetri away.

Demetri appeared to be losing complete control over himself again. And for a moment I was terrified of what he might do. But Tristian seemed to be in complete control as he lead Demetri off school property.

"Where are they going?" I asked, looking up to Edward.

"Tristain is taking him somewhere he won't be a danger to all the students. Hopefully they won't be returning for the rest of the day." Edward sighed as he walked us into the school.

I hadn't realized that I was trembling until I made it to my assigned locker and attempted to open it. Edward gently turned me to him and pulled me in for a tender kiss.

"Please don't worry," He said quickly, looking deeply into my eyes. "I won't let anyone hurt you."

My heart sprang in my chest at his words and I nodded. "I know... I just... wish that he would just leave me alone." I kissed him back; letting myself melt into him.

We kissed for a while, until I hard a throat clear.

I turned to see Morgan. She offered me a big smile as she pulled me in for a hug. Her dark curly hair that had just touched her shoulders, had known grown down past her shoulders. Her light sun kissed skin was a little dark. She was just a pretty as I had recalled. And unlike before, she had a glow to her. She didn't look so depressed.

"Bella, it's good to see you." She glanced towards Edward with surprise. "Who is... this?"

I blushed, chewing my lip.

That's right, she has no idea who Edward is. When we had left for summer break I was still dating Demetri. She never met Edward.

"I'm Edward Cullen," Edward offered her a slight smile.

"Nice to meet you." She responded with enthusasm. "Does this mean that Demetri is on the market?"

To be completely honest I wasn't surprised that she was asking. Although she was lacking in tact. She always had been more attracted towards vampires. And she had told me countless times that I was lucky to have Demetri.

I nodded with a laugh. "Yeah, he is."

She appeared embarrassed that she said that, her face got red, but she continued on as if nothing happened. "Not that I'm interested or anything. I found myself a wonderful man over the summer."

"That's great, I'm happy for you." I said wagging my brows. "I'm looking forward to meeting him."

"You'll be meeting him at lunch time, he will be sitting with us." She gushed, twirling a piece of her hair. "He is such a gentleman... I'm pretty sure he is rich to... and obviously a vampire." She spoke quietly, just above a whisper.

This news was surprising. I had know idea that there were other vampires in the area. Other than the Cullens. She couldn't mean... Emmett could she? Or Carlisle? No... neither one of them would get involved with a human relationship. I'm sure they would have told Edward about it... but this news only seemed to confuse Edward as well.

"Can't wait to meet him." I gave her a nervous smile.

"I'll see you at lunch." She said with a laugh, giving me one more hug before dashing off to her next class.

I turned to Edward, raising a brow. "I had no idea there was other vampires in the area?"

"Alice hasn't said anything about any new vampires. I tried to look into her thoughts, but I was having trouble hearing it. He thoughts sounded very... muffled. Unclear. It gave me a bit of a headache." He admitted.

I frowned deeply. "I wonder why that is?"

"I'm not sure, there isn't many people that I can't read their thoughts. I believe if I was to learn a bit more about her... I could dechiper her thoughts... It isn't the same way it is for you. With you... I can't hear anything. No matter how close I get. No matter how close we become. It's nothing but silence."

"That's strange," I said with a frown as Edward escorted me to my first class.

He nicely kissed me once more, before we went our seperate ways. The moment he was gone, I instantly felt very alone and detached from the rest of the world.

But as I went into the class room I was relieved to see Rose was there. She waved over to me with a serious look on her face.

I quickly took the seat next to her. "Hey, what's up?"

"I'm really sorry about the stunt Tristian pulled today. I told him to mind his own business and leave you and Edward be happy."

"It's alright, it's not his fault..." I paused as curiosity chewed at me. "But can I ask, why he cares so much about Demetri and our relationship?"

"From what he mentioned to me... you and Dememtri... he has seen the same thing happen with his parents when he was human. He told me... that it could have been different. He lived with his father and after years... his father changed. But he passed away before he could fix things with Tristian's mother."

I nodded, feeling a bit better now that I knew why he was trying so hard to keep things peaceful between Demetri and I. He had gone through something similiar. It sounds like he didn't want any of us to go through what he had went through.

But not all relationships are meant to work out. I came to this conclusion the hard way. I had done everything I could to give Demetri a chance... but I couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't handle of abuse. If I didn't make my choice to leave... I'd be dead by now. If not by Demetri... by my own hands.

I'd never admit that to anyone. It was something I really wasn't proud of. But that chapter of my life was over. I was only looking forward to the future.

"I understand," I said quietly. "But I'd appreciate it... if I just had space and time away from Demetri for a while...Right now is just not a good time to try to get along and be friends. I'm pregnant with Edward's child and we have been planning on dealing with the Dawn Guard soon. I have a lot going on."

"I know that and I tried to tell him that... what can I say. He is incredibly stubborn. But I think he gets it now. After that little talk the two of you had this morning in the parking lot."

"Really? Does that mean he is going to leave me alone?"

Rose shrugged her shoulders. "At least for a little while. He ran back home to... probably to take out his frustration on some other innocent person." The look on her face turned sour.

The class room was now full, it was beginning to get hard for Rose to talk back and forth now, the room was so loud with everyone talking. Thankfully the noise level decreased as the teacher entered.

She was a thin, pale looking woman with a messy grey bun at the top of her head. She looked nearly sixty years old, but regardless of her age... she looked so pure and innocent. Almost beautiful.

When she spoke, her voice was sharp and full of authority, which caused the room to go completely quiet. She was a very demanding teacher, if she caught anyone not paying attention she as quick to call them out.

She was everything you would imagine from an english teacher. She was so proper and old school, she reminded me of a teacher that would hit kids with a ruler. I'd have to keep myself out of trouble in this class.

Luckily; english class was usually one of the classes I did the best in. But it was hard not to look over to Rose and continue our conversation. I had wanted to to asked her about the newest addition to their family.

Jada, the young girl that Darius had turned.

Apparently, she was attending classes here at school as well. She was enrolled with the sophmores, along with Alice. They appear to becoming good friends.

There was so much on my mind today and more things just seemed to pile up. Carlisle was coming over to the house for a check up, but also to talk some strageties with Edward.

Carlise had himself and Emmett protrolling Charlie and Rene's house as often as they could. While Tristian and Rose protoled my house. I'm sure it was beginning to become tendious. We needed to figure something out soon. We weren't even sure where these Dawn Guards were hiding. But nearly every night Demetri was heading out and picking them off one by one when he went out hunting.

He only seemed to spot them at night, it was like they disappeared during the day time. I just hoped that didn't mean that the Dawn Guard was going to start turning their members into vampires.

That would only create a bigger mess for us.

The class drug on, with everyone looking so intent towards the teacher; probably out of fear. So when the bell rung to dismiss the class, everyone was quick to get out.

"Miss, Swan, may I have a word." The teacher called out to me as I stood to gather my things.

Rose paused at the door; watching the old teacher with suspicion.

"I'll see you later Rose," I said giving her arm a squeeze, before heading to the front of the room to see the teacher.

Hesitantly, I watched as Rose nodded and slowly left the room. She didn't take her eyes off the teacher.

"What did you need?" I wondered as the teacher closed the door behind Rose.

She gave me a slight smile. "I just was wondering how far along you are."

My face instantly got warm at her words.

How did she know?

I glanced down at my outfit, taking note that my baby bump was sticking out slightly from under my hoodie. I hadn't even noticed. Surely no one else noticed as well. I pulled my hoodie down quickly.

"Please, don't tell anyone..." I spoke quietly. "I'm... just a couple months."

She nodded, searching my expression. "Well, I didn't mean to get into your business. I just wanted to offer you a place to come if you needed to talk about it. When I was about your age I had my first child. It was my senior year in high school. It was a tough time for me..."

My heart warmed. "Thank you... that means a lot."

The teacher nodded, her expression staying serious. "If you need anything. Let me know. That's all I wanted to say." She than to her seat as the next class began to come in. "You may gone Miss Swan."

She was an odd woman, but kind. I felt a little better as made my way out of the room. Rose and Edward was waiting for me outside the door with concerned looks on their faces.

"What's wrong?" I asked, glancing between the two of them.

Edward lightly put his hand to my lower back to lead me quickly away from the room. "She knows... a little to much for her own good."

"What do you mean?"

"It means... she knows that your baby isn't completely human." Rose said lowly. "I don't know who that old bat is... but I don't trust her."

Edward nodded in agreement. "It's true, I read her mind. She knew the moment she saw you... that you were with child and by a vampire."

"What does this mean?"

"Maybe she is part of the Dawn Guard." Rose said with a hard look. "We should get Bella out of here,"

I shook my head, stopping in my tracks. "No way. I'm not going anywhere. Wouldn't it seem a little suspicious if I was just to leave for the day?"

"I'd prefer if I could take you home. I don't have many options of protecting you here." Edward said with a sad look coming to his face. "Please Bella?"

"I'm sorry, I know that you both are worried. But I already made up my mind that I wasn't going to run away from my problems anymore." I said stubbornly.

Edward sighed, watching me with a look of frustration. He pinched the bridge of his nose and breathed out noisily. "Ok, fine... but if anything happens... anything at all. I'm taking you home. Deal?"

"Deal," I said with a slight smile.

I took his hand in me. "Don't worry about me. It's going to be ok."

"You're both insane." Rose snapped, giving us looks of disappointement. "You have a baby to worry about and you would be so stubborn to let yourself stick around and be in danger?"

"What danger?" I said folding my arms across my chest.

"Just because we don't see it yet, doesn't mean it isn't here. It's a gut feeling Bella. Please. Just listen to reason." Rose said stopping us right in the middle of the hall.

"Rose, what exactly is your problem? Has Alice seens something bad happening? Or is this purely a gut feeling you are having."

"It's just a feeling. Alice hasn't really been paying close attention, she is to busy watching over Darius and Jada's futures. Should could easily miss something happening here today."

"I appreciate your concern, but Rose... trust me. Everything is fine. I'm not leaving." I said firmly and began to start in the direction of my class.

That was final. I was tired of people thinking they could control my life. I knew that Edward and Rose was doing it for my safety. But it didn't matter. I had to live my own life and make my own choices. It was up to no one else but me.

Rose looked completely annoyed with me, and marched off away from the both of us, muttering under her breath.

"She is mad at me now, isn't she?" I asked, glancing up at Edward.

He nodded slightly. "She is furious. She takes offense that you would risk the chance of harm coming to our baby."

There was a pinch in my heart at his words. "It's not like that... I just... don't see where I'm in any danger here.. it just seems like she is overreacting, or being dramatic about all this." I balled my hands into fists as we paused outside of my next class. "If I was to run home and hide every time Rose had a bad feeling about something I'd never leave the house."

Edward nodded with a look of understanding on his face. "I have to admit, that Rose was being overdramatic. But... as for me... This child... is everything to me. I want to protect this baby. I'm am so ... excited to be a father... I would never forgive myself if somethinfg was to happen to the both of you."

I leaned up and gave him a soft kiss. "I know your worried. I'd just appreciate it... if you would trust me."

"I do." He said with a small smile.

"Good, now, I'll see you after class." I said opening up the door to the class room.

"You let me know if anything happens." He said before turning and walking the other direction.

I took in a big breath and made my way into the class room. Luckily there was at least one person here that I knew. Avery waved to me, siting in the back corner.

She honestly looked... awful. She was now even skinner than she had been when I last saw her. Her eyes seemed to sink into her bony face. Her hair was a dull blonde and patchy. I noticed that she had attempted to hide that by pulling her hair tightly back in a bun.

"It's good to see you." She said in her quiet timid voice.

I sat down cautiously, giving her a smile. "And you... how was your summer?"

Her soft blue eyes danced with an emotion that felt very familiar to me. But I couldn't read it.

"It was long enough, I missed you." She admitted with a tiny smile. "I wish we could have stayed in touch."

"Yeah, my summer was... absolutely crazy. I didn't have much time for anything." I said feeling guilt squeeze my heart. "I'm sorry..."

Avery smiled wider. "Don't feel bad, maybe we can start hanging out. I could really... use a distraction."

"Is everything ok?" I asked, watching her closely.

"Yeah... uhm... well no." She muttered lowly, tears began to slide down her cheeks. "I'm not ok."

"What happened?"

"Well... something happened... about a month or so ago. I was walking home from the store, it was late... I was attacked." Her voice trembled as she spoke. "Who even it was stayed out of sight. I think they knocked me out. But when I woke up... I was in the hospital. They said that I was close to death if someone hadn't have found me."

I felt my jaw drop as I watched her. "Oh my god, are you ok? I mean... what happened? Did they find the person who did that to you?"

She shook her head, wiping at her eyes. "No, b-but that isn't even the worse part." She paused, before her hand slowly went down to her stomach. "Who even it was... they raped me... and now... I'm pregnant."

My heart ached for her. Instantly I was crying as well.

I could understand her pain, I've gone through something similiar. She needed support more than anything else. I had planned on telling her about Edward... and my pregnancy. But it just would make me feel heartless to her situation.

"If there is anything... anything at all I can do for you... please don't hesitate to ask." I said stroking her shoulder.

She leaned over and hugged me for a moment.

"Thank you Bella, that means a lot." She sniffed. "I haven't had the courage to tell my mother yet. I just know she will kick me out of the house."

"There is no way she could do that." I said with a frown.

Avery gave me a sheepish look. "That's what she did when my older sister got pregnant. She kicked her out."

"But you didn't get pregnant on purpose." I spoke quietly.

"In my mother's eyes that doesn't matter." Avery sighed, resting her head in her hand. "It's that... or she will make me abort it... and there is no way I could do that."

Her mother sounded awful. It wasn't her mother's choice if Avery was to keep the baby or not. That was a choice that only Avery could make. And to kick her out of the house over something like that... it was pure evil.

"Like I said, if you need anything... at all... you call me." I said looking at her with a serious expression.

Avery nodded with a weak look on her face. "I appreciate that... just... please don't tell anyone about this. If Morgan finds out... she is just going to make things worse."

I nodded. "I won't tell anyone,"

There was a part of me that wanted to tell someone about this. Avery really needed help... not just emotionally but physically. She looked like the life was just being drained from her. Her skin looked so thin it was translucent.

Something wasn't right with her health. Maybe I would talk with Edward or Carlisle about this later. A normal pregnancy should be making her gain weight, not lose to.

We spent the rest of the class period talking quietly back and forth. I was thankful this class was just a study hall perioud. Everyone just sat around and socialized, while the teacher appeared to be dozing off at his desk.

It was a lot different than the English teacher I just had the last period. So I didn't have to worry about anyone noticing my pregnancy bump. Everyone was busy chating away.

This class seemed to fly by faster than I was wanting it to. Avery and I walked out of the room together, still talking. But as Avery noticed Edward standing at my locker waiting for me, her eyes widened.

"Who is this waiting at your locker?" She paused, whispering in my ear. I could see the curiosity and attraction in her eyes.

I attempted to push the slight envy that filled me. "That's Edward Cullen... I started dating him over the summer." I whispered back.

Avery let out a sigh, but smiled weakly at me. "I had know idea that you and Demetri had split up." For a moment she paused, fear coming to her eyes.

"What is it? What's wrong?" I asked touching her shoulder.

She backed away from me, tears starting to fall down her cheeks again. "Nothing... I just... I need to get to class."

With that she went running away from me.

That was odd.

I walked over to Edward with a raised brow. "Can you tell me what she was thinking? She left so suddenly... I know something is wrong."

Edward paused, a pained look on his face. "Are you sure... that you would like to know?"

"Yes of course, if there is something wrong with my friend I'd like to know what it is. Maybe I can find a way to help her."

"Avery... believes that the man that had raped her... might have been Demetri. She could recall the voice... and she thought it was familiar. She truely thinks... it might have been Demetri."

I gasped, my hand covering my mouth.

A bunch of emotions overwhelmed me at once. Angry, sorrow, fear, confusion, heart break. I felt it all at once and for a moment I thought I was going to explode. How could he do this? To Avery? To me? How dare he get angry with me for making love with Edward... while he is out... raping women?

The thought of that sickened me to my core.

I would figure this all out. I needed to know the truth. Because... if Avery is pregnant with Demetri's baby... her pregnancy is going to be far from normal... maybe that is why her health seems to be declining.

I hated to admit it, but it really bothered me that Demetri was sleeping with other women. It wasn't that I wanted him back... It wasn't that I wanted him. It was hard to explain. The thought of just bothered me. I hoped that one day... I didn't care what he did. But in this situation, I cared. If it was true and he raped Avery... this would change everything.

Edward pulled me in close, kissing my forehead. "I know this pains you... I wish there was something I could do to help." He said quietly.

I shook my head. "No, I'm not hurt... I'm furious." I lied.

It would be cruel of me to tell Edward that I was still heart broken over Demetri. It didn't make sense to me... I don't love him... so why did I hurt so badly?

"Tell me what I can do?" Edward asked, looking down at me with concern in his eyes.

"Find out the truth... I don't want to go anywhere near Demetri. But I need to know if he was the one to get Avery pregnant. If he was... we need to help her. She looks to be in poor health." I said wiping the tears from my face.

Edward nodded. "Tristian and Demetri have returned to the school. Maybe I can discuss the incident with him during lunch."

"Ok, thank you." I said trying to regain my composure.

Edward and I had the remander of classes together to my relief. I needed him now more than ever. I felt awful and I was very worried about Avery. We talked about her for the entire time... all the way up until the lunch.

I was anxious to find out the truth, I couldn't wait another minute. Edward and I rushed to the cafeteria, we were one of the first ones there. So, we picked up our lunch trays and made our way to the lunch table that I had sat in last year.

Patiently we waited for the room to fill up with students. Stephany was the first to show up, with the twins Malcom and Andrew following at her heels. She radiated with perfection as she approached the table.

"Bella, so good to see you, looks like you had an interesting summer." She said with a smirk, looking at Edward and I. "I'm Stephany, nice to meet you."

Edward nodded to her. "Edward Cullen,"

"I'm impressed with you Bella, you're always finding the most handsome men to court." She said with a wink.

Andrew pulled out Stephany's chair for her to sit, while Malcom placed her tray down in front of her. They both took seats at both sides of her. It was sad to see things still haven't changed. The twins were still under her spell. I had hoped that something would have changed.

Malcom and I was the only ones eating at this point, since everyone else here was a vampire.

There was one things different about the twins. They pretended like the other wasn't even there. Before summer break they would get annoyed with each once in a while but they seemed like the best of friends. But now, they wouldn't even look each other in the eye.

Stephany was pulling them apart.

I was about to comment, when Morgan came strolling in with Avery. She had a wide smile on her face. "Hello dear friends." She sang as she took a seat across from me.

Avery sat down next to her, adverting her eyes from Edward and I.

"Morgan, I thought we were going to be meeting your new boyfriend." Stephany said raising a brow.

"Calm down, he is on his way right now." Morgan said waving her hand. "You're all going to love him, right Avery? You've met him already today."

Avery nodded, glancing at the others at the table. "He seems like a real gentleman." She spoke barely above a whisper.

It blew my mind that no one seemed to notice how upset Avery was right now. It was as if they were blind to how uncomfortable she was in this situation. I wanted nothing more than to comfort her. But she still wouldn't look in my direction.

The next to show up was Tristian and Rose. They walked over to the table, hand in hand. Rose didn't look in my direction as she sat down on the other side of Edward. Tristian on the other hand seemed to pause as he and Morgan's eyes met.

"Nice to see you." Morgan said waving to the both of them. Not an once of sadness came to her face, even as she spoke to Tristian.

"And you," Tristian muttered, letting his eyes drop as he went to sit next to Rose. He seemed confused and almost bothered by Morgan's lack of interest.

"Where is Demetri?" Edward turned to Rose and Tristian with a low voice.

"He's in the lunch line." Tristian said raising a brow. "Don't bother with him. He still isn't in the best mood."

Rose rolled her eyes. "When is he ever?"

"Oh really, I didn't take Demetri for being an angry guy." Stephany asked with an innocent smile. "I guess that may explain the change in relationship."

Andrew shrugged his shoulders, indifference in his eyes. "I had a feeling there was more to him than meets the eye."

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Avery flinch. She appeared to be trembling just slightly.

Stephany noticed. "Something wrong?" She eyed Avery with concern. "Are you feeling alright? You look pale as a ghost."

Avery was about to open her mouth to answer when a cold voice spoke up from behind her.

"Oh joy, looks like the gang is all here." Demetri said with a sour look on his face.

Avery froze in her seat, slowly turning to make eye contact with Demetri. The moment their eyes met Avery gasped and quickly was getting out of her seat.

"Avery, where are you going?" Morgan reached out to grab a hold of her arm.

Instantly Avery ripped her arm away with fear in her eyes. "I-I have to go." That's all should said, before turning and running from the table.

Edward narrowed his eyes at Demetri as he took Avery's seat. "You are... repulsive."

Demetri glared towards Edward. "Why don't you mind your own business." His eyes briefly went to me.

"What did you do Demetri." I said, the feelings of pain and anger filled inside me once again, but stronger than before.

"Nothing, I don't know what you are talking about?" He muttered, now looking away from all of us.

I couldn't say anything out loud, not with everyone else sitting here watching our whole exchange. I wanted to keep what Avery told me secret. She trusted me with this information. So I wouldn't betray her trust.

Morgan squealed, bouncing up to her feet. "There he is, guys... my new boyfriend." She gestured to the doorway of the lunch room.

The moment I saw him, I felt my heart erupt in my chest. I began to hyperventilate.

It was Caius.

Leave a review if you are enjoying the story. What do you think? Was it Demetri that raped Avery? Or is it possibly someone else?