Chapter | Aberrations and Revelations | Ten

Loud banging on the door woke me up for the fifth time this week.

"Bells," Charlie shouted hesitantly through the door, "you awake?"

I rolled over with a groan, burying my face into the cooler pillow.

"School starts in half an hour..." he explained after no response.

I opened my eyes slowly, blearily glancing at the red numbers on the clock. He was right. If I spend any longer laying here, I won't have time to get ready.

But I didn't care.

"Bella? I've gotta leave to work now. Don't be late for school," he ordered, a note of sternness replacing the uncertainty.

I grumbled just loud enough for him to hear me and know I was awake, not bothering with a goodbye or anything coherent. There was no more talking or knocking after that. Charlie must have trusted I would get up and make it to school.

Well, sorry to disappoint, fake Dad.

I closed my eyes, glad the sun wasn't shining through my window to keep me awake, and promptly fell back asleep.

Charlie never found out I slept in all day, missing school completely. I pretended to do homework when he got home to keep up pretenses. I even made dinner in order to seem more productive, a flavorful vegetable orzo soup, because I know he doesn't eat nearly enough veggies. He looked off put by the lack of meat, but couldn't deny a second bowl due to all the delicious flavors.

By the time we settled down and watched TV together, making sure to put on a comedy so I would be seen smiling and laughing, Charlie stopped shooting me skeptical and concerned looks. No doubt I wasn't completely in the clear. I'll simply have to be more careful how I act around him from now on.

The guilt did get to me however, so I forced myself to go to school the next day and not skip any classes, despite it being the last school day of the week. I would be home free in the next few hours, but the thought still didn't erase the solemn mood I entered English in.

"You okay today, Bella?" Eric asked in concern. Mike looked over in interest, waiting for my answer as well. "You weren't here yesterday."

I shrugged, flopping down into my seat and pulling out books and folders. "Wasn't feeling good. Must have been something I ate."

And so that was my excuse for the day. Uncaring and noncommittal, not the best lie I've ever used, but surprisingly a lot of people bought it. Including some of the teachers, though others simply just didn't acknowledge my absence. I wonder if it was because I looked the part of someone getting over a sickness. With Bella's pale complexion, the bags under my/her eyes were a deep purple bruised color from the lack of sleep, or too much of sleep depending on the day.

Lauren had no trouble making offhanded, offensive comments about my appearance throughout the day. I think the most creative ones were always during lunch. Lauren and her friends had started sitting at the table right next to us ever since Tyler started sitting at our table. It was pretty obvious she was crushing on him and hated the attention he was giving me. The kid was just trying to make amends for the accident, but of course she couldn't comprehend that, and her jokes and rumors only continued to get more vindictive.

No one at our table seemed to hear her gossiping about me, caught up in some talk about a trip Mike was planning to La Push beach when the weather gets better. But I could hear it plain as day, having been silent and uninvolved in any conversations.

"I heard back in Phoenix she was a part of some drug ring." A gasp from her friends. I turned my head from looking out the window, catching the smirk on her face. "Mhmm, that's the only reason she's here. Her mother had to take her to the hospital after almost overdosing. She was so sick of dealing with her after that, she sent her to live with her Sheriff father. I doubt even he wants her around. She looks like she's close to a mental breakdown." The girls giggled, as if talking about boys instead of creating cruel rumors.

Someone elbowed me, and I teared my eyes away. It was Jen, and based on the look she was giving me, had caught onto them talking about me.

"Ignore them. No one ever believes Lauren's dumb stories anyway."

I gave her a deadpanned look. "I thought it had already been proven that's not true."

Uncertain this time, she replied, "Well... no one that matter's anyway."

I shook my head. "Don't worry. I honestly don't care what she says about me."

After saying this multiple times already, Jen knew it was the truth. Unworried now, she went back to the group conversation.

And just when I thought I had blocked them out, Lauren spoke up again.

"To be honest, I wouldn't even be surprised if she totally started flipping out right this instance."

Ignore, ignore, ignore.

"I mean, it's completely possible she'll snap from her druggie haze any minute now and go on a homicidal rampage."

Just breathe. It's simply the tiredness getting to you, otherwise her words wouldn't mean a thing. No, no, her words don't mean shit regardless of anything you are feeling right now, Scar. Just ignore her...

"Then Sheriff Swan would have to show up and save the day."

I held my breath, glancing sharply at her from the corner of my eye at the mention of Charlie, irritation now bubbling to the surface. My fists clenched.

"Finally he'd have an excuse to get rid of her, put her down once and for all-"

My chair squeaked loudly. "Would you shut the fuck up?!"

I breathed out from my nose, mouth tight and gaze narrowed as I glared her down.

The cafeteria went deadly silent. Lauren's mouth gaped open, startled from my shouting and abrupt motion. She and her friends appeared terrified, leaning back and away from me, and I was reluctant to admit I was almost gleeful at being the cause of it.

But gaining the attention of the entire room quickly made the feeling dissipate. Way to go, Scarlette...

I turned away without another word, before I could give myself the chance to look at everyone's faces, and walked out of the cafeteria, wondering all the way to the parking lot if I was going to make a habit of shocking entire rooms into silence.

The loud music of the alternative rock station didn't do much to block out my thoughts. Thankfully, it did help easy my haywire emotions.

As soon as I got in the truck and turned it on, I knew I was so close to just driving away from this place. All the reasons I had for putting up with it were quickly becoming less important. I really could just leave, right now. I have the money, I have the vehicle. That's all I needed. Don't put anymore thought in to it, Scar. Just go.

And right as I put the truck in drive, my senses came back to me. Calmness instantly washed through me, my shoulders abruptly easing out of their tense stance, and I knew I was just being hasty and recklessly impulsive. I wasn't really ready to leave now. It was only supposed to be a last resort.

Instead, I leaned my head back against the seat and closed my eyes, listening to the emotional, cracking voice of Kurt Cobain.

A tapping noise woke me up. I'm realized I must have passed out at some point. Looking at the clock, though it must not have been too long because it was still lunch time. Only five minutes left until 5th period. I contemplated just going home and sleeping; I was so tired. It took a lot of mental conflict before deciding not to. I didn't want it to seem like Lauren affected me so much that I needed to leave the school.

Another tap. I sat up straight and turned to look out the side window. Alice stood outside the car with a cautious smile, waving when she caught my attention. Apart of me was surprised she went to find me, but then again I wasn't really. Along with Edward, Alice had stopped interacting with me. But of course, when an occasion rises where she can express her sympathy, she's going to take it.

I slowly rolled down my window.

"What are you doing out here?" I asked, my voice sounding hoarse. I coughed to clear my throat.

Her brows furrowed a little at the sound. "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

I rubbed my eyes. "I'm fine, just tired. Figured I'd take a nap before class," I lied.

Alice obviously wasn't buying it. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked hesitantly.

My jaw clenched. "Nothing to talk about," I answered casually, gathering up my bag and exiting the vehicle after I rolled the window up.

Alice stepped back from the door, looking uncertain now, but clearly wasn't going to budge and opened her mouth to speak up again.

I stopped her, getting irrationally irritated suddenly. "Just don't, Alice. I don't need this back and forth. I don't want your friendliness one day and your snubbing the next. Okay?"

She looked guilty. "I'm sorry, Bella. It's not my intention, it's just-"

"Complicated?" I interrupted. "Believe me, I get it. My life has been nothing but complicated this last month. So let's just save ourselves the trouble and not combine our complicated situations."

I walked away before she could say anything else, grudgingly heading to Biology. Soaking wet, because of course it had to start raining again.

Angela smiled sympathetically at me when I entered the classroom. I shrugged back at her with a half-smile to let her know I was okay. It helped that she no longer sat with Lauren anymore. She and Jessica usually sat at our table now. I wasn't sure when they made the change, but I wasn't against it. Jessica never spoke to me, but we were civil with one another.

I sat down, ignoring Mike who was clearly trying to get my attention. I didn't want to get into it now, especially since I know he will be inquiring over what happened all throughout gym.

Edward was already there of course, stiff as a statue. We both did a poor job of ignoring each other since the fight. He would sneak a look when I wasn't looking, I would sneak one when he wasn't. But we both knew it was happening.

Well, he got his wish. We aren't friends. Outside of lab work, we never speak, not even a hello.

Which is why I was so startled when he spoke.

"Hello, Bella."

I blinked, and then narrowed my eyes in suspicions.

Edward was silent for a second. I refused to glance over at him, instead pulling out my notebook to doodle. After a moment of his continued silence, I figured a simple greeting was all he aimed for.

"How are you?" his voice was smooth and practically devoid of emotion. I withheld a groan. He shouldn't have asked that. He wouldn't have any other day. Obviously he witnessed the short incident between me and Lauren in the cafeteria. That was the only discrepancy.

I didn't think the slight altercation would have him talking though. Maybe he just wanted to get the details to pass it on to his family. Give them something to gossip about and hate on.

I skipped any pleasantries, offering my typically blunt response instead. "Don't worry about it. It's not your problem."

I finally turned to look at him. Clearly he understood I knew that was the direction he was going for, as his expression wasn't one of confusion. I couldn't tell if he was amused or exasperated. "Is that your answer to everything?"

"It is when it's true."

"Do you ever allow anyone to be concerned for you?"

"Do you?" I threw back. Edward didn't answer, his mouth forming a straight line. I sighed, exhaustion hitting me for the umpteenth time today. "Besides, no one would want to know about my problems. They couldn't handle it," I mumbled the last bit incoherently with a humorless laugh. Because it was true. No one would believe me, they wouldn't be able to handle the truth.

"There is no reason for anyone to show me concern." I could hear in his voice it was lie. One that he was obviously trying to convince himself was the truth.

"And what makes you think I do?"

His eyes narrowed in on me, sympathy reflecting from his dark amber irises. "...She shouldn't have spoken about you in such a way."

I stilled, a stinging sensation starting to burn around my nose. I hastily turned away, blinking my eyes rapidly. Great, first Alice, now Edward? "People will say what they want," I replied quietly.

"It doesn't mean they should."

"Doesn't matter. That kind of mindset won't change anything."

"You don't deserve that sort of treatment."

"As if you're one to talk about how people should treat others," I scoffed, though the malice was nonexistent. I wasn't holding a grudge over that. But I was done with this conversation. "Careful, I might start to wonder how it is you know Lauren was bad talking me."

He frowned, beginning to explain his reasoning to me as if I was a toddler. "Lauren's behavior, especially towards you, isn't unknown throughout the school, Bella."

But it still worked. Edward was silent the rest of the class period.

"Are... you okay, Bella?" Jen asked in gym as we played basketball one-on-one in an attempt to avoid the other students inquiring about lunch. It was bad enough I had to give some halfhearted excuse to Jen and Mike as soon as I walked in, I didn't want to sate the rest of the students' desire for drama. Thankfully, it was my last period of the day, so I won't have to worry about school much longer.

I gave her a false confused look. "Yeah, of course I am."

She clearly wanted to argue that, but I knew I looked innocent enough and sure of my answer. And by the way her face scrunched up the tiniest bit, I know I had her mentally questioning whether she was even picking up the right ques or not. Of course though, she wouldn't be Jen if she didn't pry.

And for a brief second I felt the aching reminder that, even though I like her and consider her my friend, she just wasn't Sidney. Sidney would have led me into a false sense of security, pretending to buy my lie, before tricking me into spitting out the truth when I finally believed I was in the clear.

My lip twitched in amusement and fondness at the thought, however bitter it was. She and Grams were the only people who could get me to admit my true feelings out loud.

"Sorry, I just... I mean, Lauren has never gotten to you so much before... and you've been skipping a lot of classes lately..." My brow furrowed, wondering how she knew that last part. I never skip the two classes we have together, it was a lot easier to sit through them with her to goof off with. She caught my expression, shrugging her next words, "Mike talks about you. Said you've been skipping English and Biology a lot the last two weeks. Seems to think it has something to do with him, but I know it's just a coincidence you've been missing the classes you both share." She rolled her eyes. "Boys, always thinking everything revolves around them." We both shared amused smirks.

I kind of felt bad for Mike building up the idea it was because of him. Really, I only skipped those two because English was my first class and I often slept through it, and Biology was after lunch, where I've been spending most of the time in my truck listening to music.

"And well, you didn't even show up yesterday. Overheard Mr. Varner say your absence was unexcused too, so I know your dad didn't approve it," she concluded, dribbling the ball without looking at me.

I faked a laugh. "Wow, getting all detective on me, huh, Inspector Ford?" I shook my head with a smile. "Honestly, you are looking way too into this." I forced a little truth next in order to sound more real, "Everything is good. The weather has me a little down in the dumps sometimes is all. Just not used to suddenly having the sun disappear from my life," I joked it off.

Jen looked slightly reassured, enough at least to placate her for now. "Okay, okay. Just know if you need to talk I'm available during office hours from 3-9. Except on Tuesdays."

I chuckled, catching the ball she passed to me. "Oh yeah, why Tuesdays?"

She grinned. "Uh, Tacos of course! Nothing is more important than Taco Tuesday!"

"Of course," I smirked.

The rest of gym thankfully went by like that, full of silly banter back and forth as we fought to get the ball from each other. Eventually, we parted ways in the parking lot, me halfheartedly agreeing to get a hold of her this weekend to try and do something fun.

As soon as I got in the Beast, I frowned, my mood instantly deflating in my isolation.

Four weeks.

I've been stuck here for four weeks, and was no closer to figuring anything out.

I groaned, dropping my head onto the steering wheel. The toll it was taking on me was starting to show, if Jen's concern in class was anything to go by. Charlie was beginning to notice my behavior too, though he was obviously hesitant to confront me on it. I could only assume it was because he was afraid I wasn't liking it here with him. A fear I've no doubt he's had about his daughter his whole life.

I felt so bad, but in the end, he wasn't my dad. My dad wasn't a policeman, watching out for and even risking his life for the people of this town, who despite often working long hours, still came home and spent time with his daughter. No, my dad was a workaholic executive, the CFO to an investment agency back home, who rarely has time for his children and their problems. Therefore, never had a clue when they were upset and never acted to try and fix it.

Charlie tried, and it wasn't something I was used to.

He didn't even know I missed yesterday, or that I've been skipping my classes fairly often. The school was no doubt close to notifying him. They probably haven't done so so far because half the time my teachers didn't even know I was missing. That's how quiet and unresponsive I've been in class the last few days. I feel so guilty for going behind his back like this, but honestly, it's just so hard to sit there and pretend I am someone else and that everything is okay.

My only reprieve was Sketching. My teacher was even noticing the recurring theme of dark tones my artwork was taking on. We were studying outdoor landscapes and mine often had a gloomy, stormy feel to them.

Our projects no longer called for partners either. It made me wonder, if it had, would Alice still have talked to me the last few weeks? And not just out of the blue to show her sympathy. She would always smile and wave, but it was always across the room and we would never actually speak to one another.

This time I wasn't bitter about it. I was simply tired. I didn't blame her, or Edward even, for not accepting my offer of friendship. I knew now, especially after Edward's violent reaction to it, that their family secret was even bigger than I had first assumed. Confirmed once again during class today after he stayed silent due to my remark. It was clear now they couldn't invite anyone close enough to risk the chance of them figuring it out. And I suppose I can respect that, as in a way, I was in the same boat.

After I had stormed away from Edward two weeks ago, I realized I was probably making the wrong choice in befriending him anyway. My goal wasn't to make a life here; I wanted my own back. How selfish would it be to get close to someone with the intention of leaving them behind? Granted, I had even told Edward we didn't even have to be close friends, but it would be dumb to completely rule out the possibility of it happening.

So since that revelation, I pretty much stopped talking to a lot of people. I mean, I couldn't avoid it in every situation and I was still polite and never snubbed anyone, I just kept my circle as small as I could without looking like a martyr.

Jen, of course, was an exception. A necessary evil to keep me sane, I suppose. She was just one of those people, who as soon as you hit it off with, was absolutely impossible not to befriend. It practically snuck up on me without any warning.

I shivered, realizing I had spent quite some time stuck in my thoughts. The cold was quickly getting intolerable for Bella's tiny body. I turned the key in the ignition, shivering from the cold air instantly hitting me, and waited for the heat to kick in before putting the truck in drive.

Looking up to see if the coast was clear, I easily spotted the Cullens surrounding the silver Volvo. In one of the rare family moments that actually made them feel real for once, the Cullens were laughing happily, Emmett playfully shoving Jasper, who looked smug at something he must have said. Edward and Rosalie smirked in amusement at the two while Alice grinned cheerfully at all of them.

The ache I felt at watching them was surprising. And for some reason it triggered the unbearable sadness that's been suffocating me.

My bottom lip trembled. "I can't do this anymore..." I whispered to myself, taking in a shaky breath.

I pressed on the gas pedal, just wanting to go home and sleep it all away.

As I checked my rearview mirror, the Volvo appeared in my view once again. All of them were already seated in the car. Everyone but Edward, who stood before his open door, staring back at me with a furrowed brow as I drove away.

"Bella?" Charlie shouted from downstairs.

I lifted my head from the pillow in a start. Quickly getting up, I brushed my clothes out so it wouldn't look like I was sleeping. The only reason I heard him was because I left the bedroom door open, too exhausted to even think about closing it when I got home. Thank goodness I did.

I coughed throatily to make sure my voice wouldn't sound drowsy. "Yeah?" I shouted back evenly. I looked at the time, noticing it was the exact moment Charlie walks into the house after work. Thankfully, he wouldn't have seen me laying down.

I wasn't stupid and neither was Charlie. Over sleeping, or lack of it, was one of the major signs of depression. I wasn't sure if I really was, or if it was just a matter of not being ready to admit it to myself. Either way, I didn't need Charlie worrying himself to death by letting him catch onto my behavior.

"Can you come down here?"

I hesitated, wondering if I was imagining the slight authoritative tone to his voice. "Be down in a sec," I answered, and then quickly I tiptoed to the bathroom, using the mirror to fix my hair and any makeup smudges, before going downstairs.

Charlie was standing by the kitchen table, skimming through the mail, his police jacket still on.

I suddenly felt nervous.

"I got a letter in the mail. From your school." He paused, not looking at me. My anxiety skyrocketed at the news, but I kept my face straight as possible. "It says you've been skipping most of your classes. And if you don't start attempting to make those hours up, you'll be expelled."

Charlie looked up at me, disappointment clear across his face. I couldn't help the flash of hurt at his look. It made matters worse knowing he was disappointed because he cared. I was no stranger to being a disappointment to my family, but theirs often came from a place of judgment and vindictiveness, not love.

"Are you having problems with the students or teachers?"

I shook my head, throat feeling dry. "No, everyone's really nice." Despite my answer, Lauren popped into my head. I knew, even after telling myself I don't care what the girl says, that I was being bullied by her. And if my reaction today at lunch told me anything, it was that I was more affected by her than I originally thought. But it was only because of the stress, I'm sure. If I had been feeling any other way today, Lauren's words would have meant nothing to me and I would have continued ignoring her.

Charlie sighed, running his hand through his hair, and I could see his parental act crack a little. "Then what is it Bella? Do you not like it there? You had perfect attendance in Phoenix and then you come here and start skipping. Do you want to go home? Is that it?" he prodded, looking hurt and defeated, the letter hanging limply at his side.

My own stony façade began breaking away. "No, that's not it at all!"

"Then what's the problem? I can't help if I don't know what's going on, Bella."

I've told myself countless times- the last thing I want to do is hurt Charlie through this big mess. But I don't know how to make things better. It's just getting harder and harder to hide my feelings.

"It's just a stupid teenager phase, I'll get out of it. Don't worry," I explained, pretty pathetically, wringing my hands together.

Charlie's brow furrowed. "'Don't worry'? How can I not worry, Bella? It doesn't even look like you're taking care of yourself," he raised a hand, gesturing towards me.

I frowned, knowing he was right. I either over sleep or suddenly have insomnia. Despite having gotten in the habit of cooking, I rarely eat any of the meals. Honestly, I probably only took up cooking so I could control the portions, alluding him into thinking I was eating enough when I suppose I really haven't been. My hair and nails were a clear sign of that. Even though this isn't my real body, I suddenly felt self-conscious in it.

"And I may not have the most experience being a father, but I know no teenager willingly admits they are going through a phase to their parent. Something bigger is going on with you, Bella." He looked so uncomfortable, but forced through it for his daughters sake. "Why won't you tell me what's going on? I can help."

I stayed silent. There was nothing I could say. I hated that I couldn't come up with a lie, anything to make things better.

Charlie eventually realized I wasn't going to say anything. He sighed deeply. "I want you to be able to trust me, Bella. But as your father, I can't keep letting you behave this way. You're grounded." I flinched. "And no more skipping classes. You'll stay grounded until you've attended all the required Saturday schools and improved your grades."

I looked down at my feet, for once in my life not fighting over being grounded.

He turned away and walked towards the hall, likely to put up his police jacket. "I'll call you down when dinner's done, and you'll be eating everything on your plate," he dismissed.

Luckily, I made it to my room before my eyes could start watering.

So, wow. Losing a bit of inspiration for this story. I'm not giving it up, don't worry. But ideas or suggestions of what you'd like to see happen might help me get these chapters out easier. I honestly only have the basic plot down, so otherwise I'm making it up as I go.

Scarlette is beginning to show signs of her depression, and after four weeks of being in Bella's body, people are starting to catch on to her behavior. Despite trying to hide it, it's beginning to wear her down, and Scar just doesn't have the energy to lie anymore, not with Charlie at least. Ah, poor Charlie. It seems like everything is going great with his responsible and mature 'daughter' and then suddenly he's realizing she's still a teenager with real teenage emotional problems that make her act out. So I hope it was realistic how he handled her.

Also, I'm glad that everyone is happy with the pace Edward and Scar's relationship is going. I'm a firm believer in actually befriending the person you like before hooking up. Every relationship I've witnessed like this turns out to be the most healthy and long-lasting.

Feedback is appreciated!