First of all, a big shout out to my team of pre-readers and beta: NimNimBonjangles, bevey99, and Fran. Thank you so much for all the help with this story.
Also, a huge thank you to all of you who've read, fav'ed, followed, and reviewed this. It means a lot to me.
I researched all the info presented in Bella's class, but if something is not accurate, don't hold it against me.
[Bella]
Long after Edward had left, a thought occurred to me. How in the world did he know where I lived?
To keep my head busy and not let my imagination run wild, I decided to clean the apartment for the rest of the day.
On Sunday, I indulged Jake with a trip to the beach in La Push. It was an odd experience. I had never imagined being on a beach with heavy clouds above me and below sixty degrees. Thankfully, it didn't rain, which allowed us to enjoy lunch on the patio of a small pizzeria.
Without realizing it, I must have gone over some debris in the road on my way back to Forks because on Monday morning; I had a flat.
I was running late because I hadn't heard my alarm. I'd left my phone in the kitchen when I returned home last evening.
I decided to test my luck and call Jake, hoping he could answer. I knew he came to school with the bike.
"Yes?" he answered after several rings. I could hear the wind blowing, which meant he was on the bike.
"Uh, it's Bella. I have a flat."
He chuckled. "I can come to pick you up. I'll be there in five minutes."
"Thank you so much."
I ended the call, not sure how he'd answered anyway. I checked my attire – knee-length black velvet dress with long sleeves, leather jacket, and black ankle boots with high heels. I didn't exactly have time to go and change into something more suitable for riding a bike.
Jake arrived not long later. He climbed off his bike, inspecting the damage on my rear tire.
"If you want, I can help you change it after school," he offered.
"I know how to change a tire, thank you very much. But sure," I added, realizing how snotty I sounded.
He smiled brightly, handing me his spare helmet. I arranged my dress so it wouldn't blow in the wind, and then we were off.
When we arrived in the school parking lot, I could see all eyes on us. The way some people believed whatever they wanted was insane.
I climbed off, bracing myself on his shoulder before I handed Jake his helmet. Our eyes met, and he eyed me worried.
"What?" I asked, confused.
"I think we just put fuel on the rumor fire."
I sighed loudly, taking my bag from the trunk, watching him stowing away the helmets. "I don't care. We know the truth."
As we walked toward the door, I elbowed him. "So why are you late?"
His cheeks pinked. "Long night."
"Oh, Jacob Black blushing?" I teased.
"It's complicated. I might tell you one day. What about you?"
"I didn't hear my alarm. I'm going to need to make a strong coffee to be able to face the juniors."
"I have freshmen first thing this terrible morning. You're lucky to be absolved of their presence."
"Don't worry; my classes are not as easy as you imagine."
Inside the staff room, I poured myself some coffee before heading to the biology lab. Near the stairs, I heard a girl's voice shouting from around the corner. I made the mistake of checking what was going on.
Rosalie and Edward were almost nose to nose spitting curses at each other. His back was to me, but when she saw me, she took a step back, her beautiful face contorted in anger.
"Oh, backing down already? Keep telling me about what a soulless monster you think I am," Edward gritted.
Rosalie's eyes cut to mine over his shoulder. He tensed, slowly turning around. Some tension left his body when he noticed me, but his eyes flashed dangerously.
I knew this wasn't a scenario where the teacher escorted the students to the principal, but a verbal reprimand was needed. I had no idea what to tell them. I'd always avoided conflicts if I could.
"Violence is frowned upon," I commented, internally rolling my eyes at what I just said. "If this escalates, I'll have to take you to Mr. Whitlock."
"We're sorry," Rosalie mumbled.
"Go to your classes. You don't want to be late," I warned.
She hurried the way I'd come, but Edward didn't move. He fully turned to face me, folding his arms across his chest.
My heels brought me almost at eye-level with him. "You shouldn't fight with her when you're guilty. She has every right to be mad at you for the way you treated her friend."
"Look who's talking," he spat, his words filled with venom.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "I'm late and in no mood to rehash our conversation." I turned to head back to the stairs, but Edward grabbed my elbow.
"Do you like playing with men's hearts?"
What the hell? "Don't touch me," I snapped, pulling my arm out of his. There were cameras in the hallways.
"Are you dating coach?" he insisted, keeping me rooted with his piercing green eyes.
"Not you, too!" I groaned. "It's none of your business. But if my dating status is so important, I'm single, and I plan to stay that way for at least another month."
The corner of his mouth curled up, his gaze softening. "Do you usually plan the day when you'll start dating?"
"Not often," I said cheekily. "Now, go to class."
I arrived ten minutes late to find chaos. Of course, kids would be kids when the teacher was late. Thankfully, they quieted when I entered the lab.
By lunch, everyone was talking about Jake and me. Alice had even dropped by during one break to ask why I hadn't told her about dating Jake. I reassured her we were just very good friends, and some people couldn't understand the concept of a woman and a man simply being friends.
In the cafeteria, I got a salad before heading to our table. I was surprised to see Jake already had someone there – Edward. They were bent over some papers on the table, their food forgotten. Jake had told me yesterday about the stress before the last game of the season.
I took my seat; they barely spared me a look while in a heated debate over the best strategy to win. The game was scheduled for that upcoming Saturday. Their rivals were a team from Spokane, and they were going to play on neutral ground in Seattle. Jacob had told me how everyone was interested in the team's success and followed them out of town.
Last year, most of the students, parents, and faculty had taken over Raymond, another small town one hundred-thirty miles south. The local hotel hadn't been prepared for the several dozen people taking over their town. Some had even slept in their cars. At least with the game in Seattle, that wasn't an issue.
It was the first time I saw Edward so serious and focused on something without joking around. I'd seen him playing, and he was one of the best on the team, but I hadn't seen him so invested in something.
I ate at my salad while they discussed tactics, seldom picking at their own food.
It happened that Edward and I left the cafeteria at the same time, but not before Jake reminded me to wait for him. He'd drive me home and help me with changing the tire.
"What happened to your car?" Edward asked curiously.
"I got a flat. There was no time to do anything about it this morning."
"Sucks. I got a flat only once. The road home is through the forest, so it's inevitable to get punctures at some point. I got stranded in the middle of that tiny road late at night. My phone's battery was dead. It wasn't the ideal situation. Oh, and it was pouring rain, but when is it not in Forks?"
I laughed. "Did you walk home?"
"That's what I wanted to do, but then Carlisle pulled up behind me, returning home from his late shift. He towed me, giving me an earful about staying out so late." He shook his head. "That was last summer. Believe it or not, I'd been at the local park with Emmett, shooting hoops."
"I bet you don't make it easy for them…"
"They clearly didn't think through their decision to take me under their protective wing," he joked. "I wasn't going to stay young and cute forever, but if I do say so…I didn't turn out a total ass."
I pursed my lips, opening the door of the lab.
"What?" he pressed, following me inside.
"I'm just…not sure why you're pretending to be someone you're not."
He slumped at his desk. "It's complicated. You probably forgot how teenagers are."
"Believe me, I remember," I said seriously, leaning against my desk while standing in front of him. "I never tried to impress anyone."
"Because you were the goody-two-shoes, probably," he mumbled. "The basketball captain can't be a star and a nerd."
I was about to tell him he was better than being a stereotype when Rosalie stepped into the room. She scowled at him, taking her seat.
"Did you apologize?" I whispered, hoping she wouldn't hear our conversation.
"Fuck, no."
"Language!" I kicked his sole, making him grin.
I'd been right on Saturday. Everything had changed, though, and he seemed to have backed down. I had never talked so casually to him, not without his intense eyes making me squirm.
Once everyone arrived, I introduced them to what new chapter we would focus on that week - Molecular Basis of Inheritance.
Newton's hand shot up, and I restrained a groan. He was one of those students who didn't care about school, who had no goal in his life yet.
"Yes, Mr. Newton?" I hoped my voice didn't sound as impatient as I heard it.
"Where are the results of our tests?"
The tests! I realized with horror that I hadn't looked them over this weekend.
"You'll have your results by tomorrow," I said as calmly as possible. Thank God Jasper hadn't asked for the results.
"DNA and RNA. Any of you know what these terms mean?" I chose to start the lesson before anyone else caught me in off-side.
Angela's hand shot up, and I nodded to her. "Both DNA and RNA are made from nucleotides, each containing a five-carbon sugar backbone, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base."
That was on point if we focused on the chemistry part of the terms, but I was trying to teach them biology.
"Actually, Deoxyribonucleic acid and Ribonucleic acid are perhaps the most important molecules in cell biology, responsible for the storage and reading of genetic information that underpins all life. They are both linear polymers, consisting of sugars, phosphates, and bases, but some key differences separate the two. These distinctions enable the two molecules to work together and fulfill their essential roles."
I pulled my laptop closer, opening the lid to show the picture I had prepared.
"Let's have a look at the differences. If you can't see the picture, you have the same one in your textbook at chapter six."
"Chemistry," Edward mumbled, leaning forward to squint at the picture on my laptop.
"Biology and chemistry are related," I told him. "Okay, who wants to try again to explain what DNA and RNA are?"
Angela scanned the page in her textbook, most likely trying to get the information from there, but Edward's hand rose. Like always, his elbow was firmly planted on the tile covering the working desk.
"Yes, Mr. Cullen." I had to be careful not to say his name, though, I'd become close to some of them, and I called them by their names.
"DNA replicates and stores genetic information. It is a blueprint for all genetic data contained within an organism. DNA consists of two strands arranged in a double helix. These strands are made up of subunits called nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a phosphate, a 5-carbon sugar molecule, and a nitrogenous base, like Angela said earlier."
I was impressed by how he decided to include his classmate in his answer.
"RNA converts the genetic information contained within DNA to a format used to build proteins and then moves it to ribosomal protein factories. RNA only has one strand, but like DNA, it is made up of nucleotides. RNA strands are shorter than DNA strands. RNA sometimes forms a secondary double helix structure, but only intermittently."
"Very good. Thank you."
I had yet to be left unimpressed by how smart he was. He didn't search for his words; he didn't stutter. I wondered when he's started studying biology in-depth.
I started talking about DNA, making sure they took notes because I planned to ask questions at the end of the week. I doubted they would pay attention in class on Friday, considering it would be the day before the last game. So far, all game days had been chaos, especially when the team missed school to get to the away games.
By the time school let out, I was waiting for Jake by his bike. Somehow, I'd forgotten his last class had Edward and his friends. The gymnasium was closer to the parking lot, so a flock of seniors invaded the quiet space. A few boys spotted me and elbowed each other, but Jake was close behind them, cuffing them on the backs of their heads.
Edward ignored me completely, heading to his car. It was what I wanted, but why did it sting?
Jake joined me, winking, before taking me in his arms. He wanted to put on a show for his class, and sadly, half of the school was slowly heading to their cars. We wouldn't hear the end of it, but this could be my best cover story in case shit hit the fan.
I cupped his cheeks, winking back before I leaned closer. Even in my four inches high heels, he was much taller, but that didn't stop me. I did the oldest trick in the book, covering his lips with my thumb before pressing my lips over my finger.
His shoulders shook in silent laughter as he groaned for effect.
The loud sound of an engine revving and tires screeching made us pull apart. Most of the parking lot was staring at us in shock. Maybe I'd gone too far, but Jake didn't seem to mind. Though, the car that was just turning onto the main street was Edward's. Was he jealous?
"Who pissed in your water?" Jake joked.
"I had a little run-in with Tanya earlier." I'd made the mistake of going to the staff room after my AP Bio class, where Tanya was ready to ambush me. "I hope you don't mind."
"Mind? You got them off my back with this stunt."
I liked riding the bike with Jake; it reminded me of Alec. During that relationship, I'd been the most reckless. Now, though, I was plain stupid for entertaining the thought of dating Edward. Even though he'd no longer be my student.
I left Jake with the keys to Giulia while I went to change into comfy clothes, which were much more suitable for working on the car. By the time I returned outside, he had the punctured tire off, and was about to put the spare one on.
I crouched by his side, reaching out to help, but he threw me an amused look. "I've got it, Bella. I heard you know how to change a tire, but I've got it."
I scowled, deciding to let him be the bigger man. I went to inspect my punctured tire. It looked shredded.
"You caught some broken glass. We've been trying to catch the kids down in La Push who get drunk and drive, throwing bottles out of their windows, but it's easier said than done."
"Does that really happen?" I asked, appalled.
"Yeah. I did some crazy shit at their age, too, but never so life-endangering to others."
"You were a bad boy?" I leaned against the hood of my car, watching as he worked.
He shot me a wide smile. "My friend back then had this old pick-up truck. I used to lie on the hood while he drove at top speed…which was about fifty-five miles per hour. That truck was old and slow."
"Jesus. I had a picture of you as this chill kid."
"Yeah, right. I gave my dad many white hairs back then."
I bit my lip, imagining how much fun he had as a teenager. I couldn't say I had fun during high school. However, I was the nerd with my wild side, ready to burst out of my shell. That happened only in college.
"Want to come upstairs and clean up?" I suggested when he was done.
"Thanks. Bring that tire over next time you drop by. One of my best friends has a garage."
"I don't think it can be salvaged."
"It can't, but we can always use any scrap parts. I help them in my spare time," he explained as we walked into my apartment.
"I see. Coach by day, mechanic by evening?"
He laughed. "Something like that."
I pointed him to the bathroom while I checked my phone, which I'd abandoned on the counter in my haste to help Jake with the tire. I had a missed call from Alice, followed by a long string of text messages from her.
"Tell me about this last game," I said, once Jake returned. I knew that was what Alice wanted to talk about; she asked me earlier if I wanted to come.
"You have to come. It's a huge deal. For that one night, we're all united. Last year's game was the first time in over a decade when our school went to the final stage, and we won. I have no doubt we'll win this year, but these guys like to play dirty. I've seen clips on the internet with them."
"That's what you were talking about with Ed…Mr. Cullen?"
"Yeah. Look, you'll get to see what all the Spartan spirit is about! Jasper booked several floors in the closest hotel to the arena."
"Several floors?" I repeated.
"It's a small hotel. He wants to make sure everyone will have a room, unlike last year in Raymond," he said, amused.
"Okay, okay. I'll come."
"It's going to be so much fun! We're also carpooling there. You could ride with me if you want."
I winced. "As much as I'd like nothing more…nothing could convince me to be stuck in the rain for hours when I could be inside my warm car, away from the wet and cold."
"Boo!" He wrinkled his nose. "See you tomorrow."
"See you."
Once he was gone, I called Alice, letting her know I would go to Seattle with the rest of the school. After cheering about my decision, she jokingly asked if I wanted to room with Jacob. We might as well do it, not like either of us was interested in the other that way.
I had yet to find out more about his life, but he said he'd tell me. I wasn't going to pry.
All I could think of was how being away could help with sneaking around. My body seemed to be disconnected from my mind, seemingly being ruled by my rampant hormones. It had been over six months since I'd had sex.
Are they going to make it for one month? *insert evil laugh*
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This story is fully pre-written and there will be regular Sunday updates until it's completed. I'm currently working on the sequel. =)
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PS: My entry for Bodice Ripper Contest was awarded the "Best Smooch" prize. Go give it a read, please.
Electrifying. Summary: Bella's birthday turns out to be all her fantasies coming to life when her girlfriend decides to surprise her with a sexy cop in the form of Edward Cullen as her gift. Part of BodiceRippersContest - Best Smooch award winner.