A Little Over A Month Later:
Mid-November:
When we went back to school that next day, Serenity and I met with Principal Kinder when he called for us; we told him I would tutor her.
He said that was great—fantastic.
We were to figure out a schedule between the two of us.
Serenity said she didn't care—as long as Friday was free. I still don't know why.
Still, I agreed and got her to agree to Monday through Thursday for two hours after school: one hour for math and one for biology.
So far, so good:
She's slowly picking up biology.
Math, on the other hand, not so much.
Until last week, she never missed school; she missed all of last week.
It drove me crazy—not seeing her after a few days.
The first three days, I thought, fine, she's sick or something.
On the fourth day, I decided to drop off the school work she missed, but she never answered her door.
She usually kept her bedroom window open, but that had been closed this past week. It was like she wasn't even home; I couldn't see her through any of her windows.
I started to wonder if she had up and moved away. But nope: she showed up to school today.
Good thing too.
Figuratively speaking, because our hearts don't beat, I thought Emmet was going to have a heart attack.
Honestly, if Serenity weren't here, Emmet may die of starvation or something.
Carlisle said we could continue how we usually do and not eat. But I'd be lying if I said it didn't make things easier.
Eating human food made it so much easier to be around humans.
Except for Emmet, we never ate too terribly much—just enough. Emmet ate as much as he could—plus whatever the rest of us didn't eat.
"When do you have biology again?" Rosalie asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"After math." I answered.
"When do you have math?" She asked again.
I don't know why she's asking me this; she knows when and where all my classes are. They all do.
"You know when I have math—and biology." I duly replied, looking at her.
"What are you going to do? Who's going to watch over your precious Serenity?" Rosalie asked with malice in her condescending voice.
"She's not mine. I don't know why you're so pissed off with me, but whatever; I'd rather you be mad and hate me over Carlisle. Also, if you remember correctly, he's the one who told us to watch over and keep the girl protected; I never asked him to put all of us on this. If you have a problem with all this; take it up with him, not me." I hissed, glaring back at Rosalie.
She quickly shut up, but her thoughts were all over the place with insults.
"Maybe she'll trip over something and fall down some stairs. Or run into a wall. Ooh. Or maybe, just maybe, she'll trip a bug and fall over and light the biology lab on fire."
"She's not that clumsy… And yes, I'm aware she'll be alone in biology because it's blood typing day. The girl will be just fine. The worst thing that could possibly happen is she gets a little woozy from the blood. She's in a class of good students and an even better teacher." I stated, watching Rosalie.
Let's get one thing straight. … Serenity is kind of that clumsy—and accident-prone.
Bella Swan was very clumsy and accident-prone. But Serenity—she's on a whole new level.
I've asked before, I'll ask again, and I'll most likely continue to ask for as long as we know her: how the hell doesn't she have any bruises with how much she falls or smacks her face into something?
"Is it just me, or does it seem like something's off about Serenity today?" Jasper asked, somewhat changing the subject, bringing me out of my thoughts.
"I noticed that as well." Alice spoke up, looking over at Serenity; she was sitting at a table—alone with her head in her arms on the table.
"Yeah… I've noticed as well. Before last week, it always seemed like she didn't want to be here—in school, but now… I don't know… It seems like she'd rather be anywhere but here." I replied, then groaned.
Marty Nahvein walked over to her.
"Hey, girl. Why so blue?" He asked, looking at her.
"I'm not blue; I've been told I'm alabaster." Serenity softly answered, not getting what he was saying.
He didn't understand her because she barely lifted her head.
"So… The rumor is that Edward Cullen is tutoring you after school. It's not true, is it?" Marty asked her.
"It is." Serenity answered.
"Wh-what? Re-really? Wh-why?" Marty asked, stuttering in shock.
"Yes, really. Because I'm stupid." Serenity answered.
For some reason, when she called herself stupid, it pissed me off. It didn't just bother me; it pissed me off.
"Did Cullen call you that?" Marty asked, shooting me a glare, but quickly turned back to her when I glared back; I was in no mood.
"No, he didn't; it's just something I know." Serenity replied, becoming annoyed.
"Well, how would you like to have another tutor? I can teach you just as much as he can. And then we can talk about possibly doing something this weekend. My parents have a cabin; we could go there, and I can show you a real good time. I'm sure I can perform better than Cullen—any of the Cullens. I'm sure I'm far better than Hunter as well. What do you say?" Marty asked and then stated, full of himself.
"What are you insinuating?" Serenity snapped, narrowing her eyes at him.
She was pissed because I could smell that same smoky smell from when she snapped at her aunt.
"Insinu-what?" Marty asked, confused.
"Implying. What are you implying?" Serenity asked, standing up.
"Nothing. It's just Hunter said you and he had an intimate night and that he took your virginity. And now you and Edward are intimate." Marty answered Serenity, shocking her.
She was so shocked, she started to cry.
"I've never had sex with Hunter or Edward! I don't even like Hunter—and I barely know Edward! Did you bother to ask me or Edward if what you were hearing was true?!" Serenity pretty much screamed, getting the attention of everyone in the lunchroom.
"So you're a virgin then? Sweet. I can take care of that problem for you. Just ditch Edward and I'll tut—" Marty asked, completely ignoring Serenity, trying to persuade her. However, she didn't give him a chance to finish his question; instead, she made all the guys in the room cringe as she kicked Marty in the balls.
"No! I do not want a different tutor! I'll stick with Edward. At least he's not a pervert. He also listens and answered my questions instead of ignoring them. I do not wish to have sex with you or anyone I do not know or like!" Serenity yelled at the crumbled boy in front of her before grabbing her things and leaving.
I would've followed her, but she went to one of the places in this school I will not go—into the female's bathroom.
"I'll see you after school. Come, Emmet." Rosalie told me, Alice, and Jasper, before ordering Emmet.
"Something is definitely up." I sighed, standing in front of the bathroom.
"I'll see what I can figure out." Alice determinedly stated, walking into the bathroom; she was gone before I could protest.
Jasper just stared at me and shrugged.
"Thanks." I muttered; he just smiled.
Right now, Serenity was locked in a stall, crying.
So, she's sensitive as well.
I suppose… She's shy and has anxiety. Why would she being sensitive be such a surprise?
No matter how much Alice tried, Serenity wasn't coming out.
Just then, the bell rang, signaling for the end of lunch and for the next class.
"She's not coming out." Alice softly told us, walking out of the bathroom.
"We'll check up on her later. For now, let's get to class." I sighed, watching Alice; she looked worried, but nothing was going through her head other than a sign reading "Welcome to Massachusetts!"
That's because we're going to Massachusetts for a few days next month.
Carlisle and Esme wanted a few days for just them as a couple.
Well, Rosalie heard that and decided she wanted that same thing for her and Emmet.
And then, of course, Alice heard; she decided to make it a family vacation.
Five days.
For the first three days, everyone would go their separate ways and do whatever. The last two days we would spend as a family.
I wasn't allowed to ditch—any part of it—even though I don't have a mate.
Alice said she'd figure out something for us (her, Jasper, and me) to do.
Yay! I get to be a third wheel.
Ugh.
I was going to have detention today; I just knew it.
"Hey! What is wrong with you?!" I snapped.
I just couldn't help it; I saw Hunter and immediately thought of what Marty told Serenity—and how much it seemed to hurt her.
"What are you talking about now, Cullen?" Hunter asked, looking at me.
"Why the hell would you go around telling people you took Serenity's virginity when you know damn well you didn't?!" I demanded, standing right in front of him.
"Why? Why not? She shut me down one too many times—and embarrassed me in front of the entire class—and a good chunk of the school. And then, she got me suspended. But what she hasn't realized yet, is that it'll be true eventually; she'll lose her virginity to me." Hunter answered, pissing me off.
"That'll never happen." Serenity's small, soft voice spoke behind me; that was the only reason I didn't pummel this guy through a door or something.
"Well, it's so good to see you at school again. I've missed you. How are you feeling?" Hunter spoke to Serenity like he knew something.
For a split second, Serenity went ridged before standing up straight.
I don't know who or what, but that wasn't Serenity. That much I knew for sure.
No matter how upset or angry Serenity got, she NEVER smelt like whatever this smell was; it was dangerous or quite possibly deadly. It smelt sickly sweet like antifreeze. This was not Serenity.
She walked right up to Hunter, stood on her toes to reach his shoulder at least, and whispered in his ear:
"If you EVER lay a hand, fang, or claw on Serenity or Haru; it will be the last thing you ever do. I know who you are. I know what you are. I also know your secrets—each and every one. I can easily ruin you in one wave of her hand. Don't think I can't. Any move you make towards either of them, I will know. Be a good puppy, and backoff and behave."
After whoever finished whispering to Hunter, they walked to Serenity's seat and sat down while Hunter took off—a look of absolute fear all over his face.
I got to my seat and was going to say something, but Serenity was back.
Whoever was threatening Hunter was gone.
Just what the hell is going on?
Who was that just now?
Who is Serenity exactly?
Who and what is Hunter?
Does Serenity know what's going on?
"No, she does not know what's going on. She does not know when I possess her. She knows she's being possessed if someone warns her, but not if she's not warned. Only a select few can possess her; I keep a barrier up. Serenity is special; that's all you need to know for now. For you will eventually know everything. Hunter is evil and is after Serenity. However, there are far more evils and dangers coming after her. That is all I can tell you." An invisible voice spoke to me.
Clearly, they were either thinking to me or not human because nobody in the room could hear this voice.
I do not recognize this voice; it's not a voice I'd ever heard before.
"Who are you? What do you want?" I thought, hoping to get answers. But none ever came; the voice was gone.
Now I was insanely frustrated.
"Please pass forward your homework." Mr. Gage instructed.
Everyone did as they were told.
Just so she wouldn't fall behind, I did all of Serenity's math, biology, history, health homework she missed so she wouldn't fall behind.
Spending enough time with her, I was able to figure out how she writes and forge her handwriting.
I made sure to get some answers wrong in math and biology so the teachers wouldn't get suspicious and think she's cheating.
Also, so she would learn, I made copies of all the sheets so she could work on them later. I would make her.
Just then, the fire alarm went off, causing Serenity to cover her ears immediately.
Great… A fire drill…
What a dumbass…
Serenity didn't like loud noises like alarms, the school bells, or car horns; they seemed to bother her—and everybody picked up on that.
Fucking Marty was pissed off because she kicked him in his precious dick and embarrassed him in front of the entire cafeteria. So, he decided to take it upon himself and pull the fire alarm.
"Ok class… Everyone up. Leave your things and lets head out!" Mr. Gage dully but firmly instructed.
He was down because two weeks ago, he was caught by Principal Kinder making inappropriate gestures toward Serenity and a few other girls while their backs were turned. He immediately told his daughter, but she didn't believe him; she's still with Mr. Gage—much to her father's dismay.
He ever touches Serenity; I'll break his feeble neck.
It was raining.
Five Minutes Later:
"False alarm! Everyone can head in and resume their day!" Principal Kinder declared over a megaphone.
I could've told him that…
By the time we got back to class, it was half over.
Once he set our papers on his desk to later be graded, Mr. Gage started droning on and on about how X = bla, bla, bla.
I knew all this already—and could easily explain it to Serenity later.
I was vaguely listening to Mr. Gage as all my thoughts were on Serenity.
Who and what is she?
Who and what is Hunter—and why is he after Serenity?
Who or what could be more dangerous than whatever Hunter is?
Why am I so enthralled with this girl?
Why does it feel like I'm being pulled to her?
Why do I find her so attractive?
Damnit, I know better!
"Do you really?" That voice inside my head asked me.
Shut up. Go away.
"You love the girl; just admit it. Just give in. You can't and won't stay away from her. You proved that last Friday and Saturday after she didn't show up for school all last week. You proved it when you broke in through her bedroom window to look for her. You proved it by then searching all over Vermont for her. Just give up and give in. You love her. That's why—to all of your answers." The voice told me.
Damnit!
Just then, the bell rang for next period.
Thank God!
I left the room at a human pace and then quickly left the school to Emmet's jeep.
I knew that voice inside my head. It was mine. I knew that because I knew he was right. And that's what pisses me off even more.
This girl, though she isn't human, I still don't know what she was. I don't know how dangerous I am for her.
Carlisle was no closer to remembering the names of what she was than I was to figuring out anything about her.
The only things I knew about her were:
She has severe anxiety, mild ADD, severe PTSD (but I don't know what from).
She has severe asthma—more severe than she originally stated.
She loves cats, but not dogs (that's a plus).
She was insanely clumsy.
She loves to write and read—but I don't know what.
She likes to draw, doodle, sketch, paint.
She likes to do pottery but doesn't know where to go.
She has low confidence—especially in herself.
She enjoys listening to all sorts of music but doesn't like singing.
She seems to love soft-shelled beef tacos with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, white rice, corn, a little bit of non-chunky mild sauce, and doused with sour cream.
She also seems to like Chicken and Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo pasta dishes.
It didn't take me long to figure out she was addicted to ice cream.
I noticed she loves to sleep as well.
She's come to absolutely detest math.
She doesn't like onions, peppers, mushrooms, sardines, or pork.
She's allergic to pears, pineapple, coconut, shellfish, nuts, dragon fruit, star fruit, guacamole, so avocado.
There are a few medications she's allergic to as well.
Even in knowing all that, I don't know who she is.
I know she can't dance—but when it's just her, she'll "dance" around her house. It's more like jumping while moving her arms all around.
She denies it whenever boys at school call her cute or something along those lines. But she really is a beautiful young girl with an adorable personality—until she puts herself down; then it's ugly.
I was broken out of my thoughts when I heard something that would've made my blood run cold if I were alive.
"Come on, Serenity. You have to kind of help us." I heard Nick Jax from biology grunt and groan.
Serenity? What happened?
"I think she's passed out." I then heard Marty.
"Do you wanna help me get her to the nurse's station?" Nick asked, looking at Marty.
"Nah. Sorry. What I meant to say is I'll take care of her; you go back to class." Marty told Nick.
"Oh, yeah. I'll take care of her alright. Maybe take some pictures—or even a video."
I was about to break something; I knew exactly where Marty's thoughts were going.
"Hey! What's going on?" I called, quickly walking over, making it look like I was running at a human's pace.
"What are you doing here?" Marty asked, annoyed.
Nick wasn't a bad guy; he was one of the good kids here. And I know I don't have to worry about him hitting on Serenity because he was gay.
"I was in the office when I saw Nick trying to get Serenity somewhere. What happened to her?" I calmly lied and then asked, hiding my concern.
"Mrs. Brenner said today was going to be a real treat; we were going to be testing our blood types. She explained what we were to be doing and everything and then gave a demonstration. When took the needle out, Serenity started shaking and lost all color to her face. However, as soon as she poked her finger and blood started dripping, Serenity fell out of her chair. Once she was awake enough, Mrs. Brenner had me escort her to the nurse's station." Nick answered right away.
"Ok… Why don't you get back to class; I'll take her." I told Nick, smiling a little; he thanked me and went back to class.
I flung her bag over my shoulder before carefully lifting her small body into my arms.
"If there's nothing else, you should head back to class. I highly doubt Serenity wants anything to do with you after what happened at lunch." I told Marty before walking away.
"Oh, my. What happened?" Ms. Hale, the school's head nurse, asked, concerned.
"There was an incident in biology; she passed out." I answered, standing there.
"Who does she have?" Ms. Hale politely asked.
"Mrs. Brenner. Today was blood testing day." I answered.
"Ahh. I see. There's always one. Please follow me. The poor thing's not even conscious." Ms. Hale spoke, leading me to the back so I could lay Serenity on a bed.
"Serenity Aria, correct?" Ms. Hale asked, placing a wet rag on Serenity's forehead.
"Yes." I answered, kind of shocked.
"She's the only person at this school who has a cat on her. But that's funny; I thought she had two cats." Ms. Hale explained after seeing my expression.
She was right, though: Serenity had two cats: Haru and Kari.
I saw Haru climb out of Serenity's pocket and laid on her stomach, but no Kari.
I know for a fact that I didn't drop or forget anything when I picked her up and brought her here.
"Oh, there you are. How are you feeling, Dear?" Ms. Hale asked, watching Serenity, who was just staring at the ceiling—looking confused.
"What?" Serenity asked, dazed and confused.
"How are you feeling?" Ms. Hale asked again.
"Dizzy. Can I go home yet?" Serenity answered and then asked.
"With how you look, that may be what's for the best. Do you have someone who can come pick you up?" Ms. Hale asked, looking at Serenity, who looked down.
"I can take her home. I have study hall next period." I told Ms. Hale.
"I don't know…" Ms. Hale started but stopped.
"Yes, let Mr. Cullen take Serenity home. It's what's for the best, is it not? You do agree, yes? Have Mr. Cullen take her to see his family doctor. Call Mr. Cullen's siblings out as well; they'll need to be informed as well." That voice from earlier asked; however, it seemed that I wasn't the only one who could hear.
Ms. Hale looked like she was holding an invisible phone to her ear. Serenity was looking around, confused before passing out.
"Ok. It's all set up. You, Serenity, Emmet, Rosalie, Alice, and Jasper are all out for the day. Have a wonderful day. Feel better, Serenity." Ms. Hale spoke in a trans-like state before going to type everything into her computer.
I looked around, suspicious, for a few minutes before lifting Serenity again and took her to the jeep.
"Edward, what's going on?" Jasper asked as soon as they saw me.
"We just got called out of classes for the rest of the day. Is that Serenity? What happened?" Alice asked, going from concerned to freaked out.
"She didn't handle blood testing or typing well and passed out. We need to see Carlisle—now." I hurriedly told them, getting into the jeep with Serenity and Haru.
"What's going on?" Rosalie demanded.
"In math today, Serenity became possessed by someone and told Hunter off. Then she went back to normal. However, a voice talked to me, giving some information, also saying I'd get important information and know more later. Up until a few minutes ago, I didn't hear that voice again. It talked to Ms. Hale and told her to excuse us and take Serenity to see the family doctor. So Carlisle. So we need to go, NOW." I answered and then demanded.
"Ok. Do you want to drive?" Emmet asked, seeing something in my eyes.
"I can watch Serenity." Alice offered.
"Sure." I agreed, placing Serenity and Haru in the backseat.
"Didn't she have two cats?" Rosalie asked, confused.
"We'll figure it out later." I answered, getting into the driver's seat.
I drove with Rosalie next to me in the passenger seat.
Alice and Jasper sat in the back, watching Serenity, who was scrunched into a tight ball with her head on Alice's lap.
Emmet sat outside in the back, watching.
"Hey, I think we have company." Emmet informed us, tapping the window.
Sure enough, we were being chased down by what looked like werewolves, but at the same time, they looked different.
Damnit…