Hi. Hello. I've at last returned from my incredibly long writing break! Sorry about that. I had some severe writer's block not just for this story but my others as well. So, the break happened until I could take some time to sit down and write something out without thinking it was utter crap, haha. As always, thanks for being awesome and sticking around. Hope to see you folks again much sooner than last time! -xoxo, Lovely

Lots of Love for CrystalVixen93, Jaygrl22, Sheridan111000, Crezir, bluerazzz, & GreenerGrass for your reviews! Also to eldarin01, for adding this story to your Edward x OC community! And you folks for 61 favs & 92 follows!

-The Wilderness

-Pairing(s): slowburn Edward Cullen/OC

-Rated: High T for colorful language, slight triggering elements, and minor adult situations

-Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. The canon characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. I only own the original characters introduced.

Chapter Five:

"Yeah, So Far (You're Pissing me Off)"

(Chapter Song: Migraine by Twenty One Pilots)

A wide yawn escaped burgundy colored lips as Warren strolled the crowded halls towards the cafeteria one Friday afternoon. Overall tired and apathetic; more than ready to possibly sleep the whole weekend away. Whatever little adrenaline brought out in gym vanished the instant she stepped foot in Mrs. Howard's World History class. The constant downpour outside didn't help either; being a background track played on low along with every teacher's lackluster droning. She couldn't count how many times she'd been close to slamming face first into the desk because of it.

April was here and brought along it's promised spring showers.

And the moment it did, her mood and energy level proceeded to flip back and forth. Like it was a light switch and a sugar-high five year old was constantly manning it.

One moment, she was bright-eyed and eager to accomplish anything thrown her way. Then the next, she wished for nothing more than to just curl up into a ball under her purple comforter and sleep all day like a hibernating bear. And today was unfortunately the latter of the two. She was desperate for a vacation, but that wouldn't happen for another two weeks. Spring Break in Forks came later than it did in Boston unfortunately.

Once inside the noisy cafeteria, the stark white lights caused her to instantly cringe. Her tired eyes were far too sensitive that day and couldn't handle sudden brightness well. Luckily, her trusty pair of Ray Bans was tucked safely inside her denim jacket. After Angela caught her off-guard with her impromptu photo shoot, she carried them around always. She slipped them on with a sigh before peering in the direction of where she usually sat now.

Her friends were gathered around the small circle table and appeared to be in a livelier mood than her. Chatting loudly amongst themselves and goofing around. No doubt excited for the weekend after a long dragging week of dull learning. Warren, ever the introvert, wasn't quite ready to deal with the cheerfulness just yet. So, she took her time weaving through tables and other teens.

Thankfully, no one bothered or paid too much attention to her anymore. The bizarre fixation over the young woman had dissipated for the most part. Probably due to her toned down clothing and indifferent attitude towards others who weren't a part of the selective group she chose to be around. But she was more than happy for the loss of interest anyway.

Even her almost deadly car accident was pretty much forgotten or brushed under the rug..except for Charlie though. Who insisted on driving his niece to school whenever the ice or rainfall was known to be awful ever since.

As for living with said person, it was easygoing so far which was greatly refreshing. She never felt like having to walk on eggshells around him. That taking a breath of air wrong wouldn't result in a verbal lashing. He was overly trusting of her and thankfully didn't hover either. He figured out early on she was mature and still outgoing but never to the point of engaging in any teenage recklessness. Even so, she strictly followed the few rules her uncle laid out..especially with her mother now keeping close tabs.

So, Cyan held her weight. Securing how much she truly wanted to stay around and remained on her best behavior. Such as taking over the duty of housekeeper and cook, much to the man's chagrin but secret relief. She really didn't mind the work.

To be honest, it was incredibly welcoming after not being able to in the past couple of years.

Her father had wanted her to have as much of a traditional upbringing as he and his brother did. So once old enough to handle such responsibilities, Evan taught his daughter how to take of herself and others in the future. The chores were all done by them—her mother was hardly ever home—until his death. She tried desperately to keep hold of that routine; much like with her outdoor trips. But Natalia strictly forbid her. Personal chefs, maids, and decorators instead came and took over, erasing an essential part of her childhood entirely.

"You're different from other people." the older woman had pressed after all that was left in memory of her late father was stripped clean, "The common folk should be always catering to your every little whim. Only ever having to lift a finger," A grin spread across blood-colored lips, making the expression appear dark and madden. "When striking one down if they refuse to comply."

That's why another revived tradition had been requested—to always enjoy at least dinner together.

Warren was adamant about it being a necessary element to her stay at the Swan residence. The staff back home never got too familiar, no matter how hard she tried. Like her, they were fearful of being on the receiving end of her mother's wrath to disobey.

She always ended up eating by herself if Becca wasn't staying over..

"Always alone in that empty cold place that looks and reeks of Mother." came the sad, angry reminder.

Thankfully, it became an accepted routine to do so whenever her uncle didn't work late. Whether at home in their tiny kitchen or a booth at Carver's. And during those moments, the two kept each other up to date with almost whatever was going on among them. Always listening to each other, no matter how trivial the topic was. She wasn't the only who desperately missed the familial companionship. She easily sensed Charlie really appreciated it after years of not having experiencing the same, without never saying so aloud.

On her lazy trek to her lively lunch table, an impassive glance behind black shades, that she wouldn't dare admit was genuinely curious, was given towards its opposite—the Cullen's.

The whole family decided to grace the lowly student body of Forks High with their ridiculously beautiful selves that day. She learned fast, thanks to Jessica and her Bachelor's in Cullen-ology, that having all of them present was almost as rare as sunny days in Forks. They sat close together as Edward heatedly ranted about something or rather..a certain someone with trays full of food in front of them that were gonna be left untouched and then carelessly thrown in trash.

Yet another oddity she couldn't help but notice about the peculiar bunch of teens. Still adamant about wanting nothing to do with them, her inquisitive nature tended to slip through the cracks at times and bug her with wild theories of what the hell was really going on with those kids. Answers that likely wouldn't get told honestly even if she wished; no matter if threatened or politely asked.

..Plus, the two teens weren't exactly on friendly speaking terms anyway.

Ever since the greenhouse trip, they stubbornly managed not having another full conversation with each other. Well..not by choice anyway. They unfortunately still conversed during their single shared class whenever forced to pair up and discuss work. Neither were about to let their grade suffer due to their silly feud; the one thing wordlessly agreed upon.

But boy, were their limited interactions the definition of 'hostile'.

Cyan kept her words short and underline frigid; her mocking sarcasm constantly slipping in. A note taken from the 'Bitch Book' written by none other than the Ice Queen herself, Natalia Warren. God, if she thought about it, her mother would actually be proud if she knew. Probably going as far as to say some of her malice was mixed in with her father's more dominant benevolent personality after all..

Meanwhile, Edward retorted in his usual calm velveteen manner of speaking, almost unperturbed by her bristled demeanor. Picturing she was nothing more than an angry kitten; even with her claws out and threatening hisses, ready to attack if provoked. And it would've been believable, if not for the little bit of bite sometimes subtly thrown into his tone when she managed to piss him off too much.

Their relationship overall was beyond irritating, to say the least. He was like an annoying nat that couldn't be swatted dead; especially when pestering her every now and then into remaining silence about his little secret. Lunch, Biology, and the parking lot were thankfully the only times they encountered each other. Though she'd much preferred if he disappeared again except extremely longer the second go-around, so the urge to throttle him didn't tempt her each passing day.

Finally arriving at the crowded circular table and hoping to clear her mind officially of everything 'Edward Cullen', the young woman plopped unladylike in the uncomfortable orange plastic chair between Angela and Jess. "Hello, my fellow cool people."

Eric beat everyone by eagerly greeting her first, practically wiggling in his seat. About to ask why he was in such a chipper mood, his follow-up remark made her stop short in surprise, "La Push, baby. You in?"

Slowly lifting her shades up so he could see dark browns narrowed at him, she replied in a serious tone. "..You coming onto me again, Yorkie?" His goofy smile dropped with fast flushing cheeks. He began to stammer, trying and failing to explain himself.

"La Push Beach down at the Quileute Rez is what he meant." Mike graciously volunteered to relieve the other boy of his awkward display, "We're all going tomorrow."

"Ah, I see." Warren drawled before smirking slightly, "Thanks for the explanation. For a second there, I thought Eric was yet again using some cringey come-on." A playful wink was tossed said person's way, making him blush even brighter.

Actually, Cyan was well aware of the place. She'd been down to the Rez for a few Sundays now with Charlie after their fishing trips. Either spent watching the games with him and Billy or goofing off in the old barn-turned-garage with Jake. During the visits, the younger teen kindly informed her of everything she needed to know about where he lived, including the beach side..

Jessica then tried to clarify further, "Yeah, there's suppose to be a big swell coming in—"

"A-And I don't just surf the Internet." a grinning Yorkie interjected to redeem himself of his earlier embarrassment, standing up now to mimic being on a surfboard.

Stanley clearly didn't like him interrupting. Glaring as she confessed in an unimpressed tone that he stood up once and on a foam board no less. Cyan inwardly cringed. Damn..the other girl had gone straight for the kill. Shooting dead center with her harsh verbal arrow at the poor boy's confidence. He physically seemed to deflate as he quietly slumped back down into his seat afterwards.

Well, the newcomer's next words weren't gonna help brighten his mood either. "Uh-huh..Well, I'm going have to take a hard pass on the surfing." A loud chorus of complaints erupted then; a few of their fellow students shooting slightly annoyed glares in their direction at the intrusive uproar. Once quieting down, an apprehensive Warren held up two defending fingers. "Because one, I'm not looking to get pneumonia and two, me and water—especially, open water—just don't mix."

"That's okay! There'll be whale watching, too." her bespectacled friend reassured, looking at her with pleading brown puppy dog eyes. Damn. Cyan was kinda a sucker for puppy eyes. "And a bonfire later on. So, please..come with us."

She, probably just like herself, didn't want to be the only other girl alongside Jess. Gotta keep the numbers even, I guess.Though, the real reason was most likely for some much-needed moral support if planning on finally asking her crush—none other than the school reporter, Eric Yorkie—to prom. And how could she say no to possibly knocking one of the boys off the short 'must get with Cyan' list.

"La Push, baby. It's..La Push." Eric drawled smoothly, thinking that would help push her into agreeing..which it strangely did; along with wanting to be there for Angela, of course.

She burst out laughing. "Alright! Fine! I'll cave, but only if you stop saying it like that, okay? It's creepy, dude." His face scrunched up at that, saying 'that's what it was called' defensively. Another laugh escaped her as Webber threw her arms around her, pulling her into a hug while the rest cheered; delighted their peer pressure worked.

Okay, she might be more willing now to overlook her abhorrence of the ocean to see her few friends happy.

"And who knows? It might even help change my mood completely spending the day with them." she noted, suddenly eager for the next day.

A brooding pair of topaz eyes subtly watched the joyful group from afar, eavesdropping for the hundredth time that past month.

At the moment, Cy was threatening Mike—who still hopelessly believed there was a chance between them—not break her expensive sunglasses after playfully stealing them off her face while trapped in Webber's hug.

Dismissing her threat and slipping them on, he struck a cheesy, over-the-top pose. "How do I look? Sexy, no?" was asked in a bad Spanish accent. His silly behavior resulted in being playfully called a dork before snatching the shades back, releasing that rare genuine laugh of hers.

And how beautifully tortuous it was to hear, he hated to admit.

Now, and the first time he ever heard it back at the greenhouse. Always so carefree and airy sounding. Cullen couldn't help comparing it to a gentle brush of wind blowing pass someone's ears. A caress never once directed at himself. Only a mocking scoff was all he ever received from the raven-haired girl..which was scarce nowadays. She hardly bothered to purposely meet his gaze too. When they unintentionally did, it was brief and either impassive or filled with pure animosity.

That's why he'd been inwardly astonished earlier when Alice announced merrily in her head before Warren's entered,

'She's actually gonna look over here, just so you know!' His ability also wasn't the only one behaving strangely around the girl. Since her arrival, Alice's visions towards her were never fully complete. Appearing as brief flickering images or short muted interactions with whoever she involved herself with. For the latter ones, she went by what was shown to understand or guess what was to come.

"Well, I don't." he snapped back a lie, dropping the chocolate chip cookie he was playing with down angrily.

His coven sister stared at him, unconvinced. 'Yes..you do.'

And she was indeed right.

The vampire quietly sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. God, he detested himself! Loathed the constant battle going on inside him because of her.

"Maybe Cyan was right.." he thought bitterly, "I shouldn't have saved her." The 'beast' locked inside roared angrily then, scolding him for thinking such a terrible thought. A mental eye roll was given in response. His monster snarled before returning to slam against its' figurative steel bars; displeased it wasn't them receiving such a rare wondrous gift like the other boy.

He had to turn his gaze away from the two friends because of it, barely suppressing the rising growl in his throat.

It didn't help his fragile control neither upon remembering tomorrow, they were hanging out together yet again; no matter if it was as a group. Because Mike planned on finding a way to get the two of them alone. And while he didn't necessarily believe Newton would do anything foul toward her, the slim possibility couldn't be brushed from his mind. Males, human or vampire, were unpredictable after all..

He gritted his teeth, frustrated. Of all the beaches, why La Push? The one directly on Quileute land—the only damned place he was unable to cross because of that damn treaty agreed upon decades ago. But he wasn't about to risk breaking it by giving into his persistent protective instincts and cause his coven to leave their home forever. That's why Edward hoped she'd say no due to her dislike for water when hearing about the trip. And she had at first, until sweet Angela persuaded her with other choices than going near the sea.

'..She's in a grand ol' mood now.' Jasper noted all of a sudden. Momentarily pushing conflicting thoughts aside, the auburn-haired vampire turned towards the southern blond. Fully intent on snapping at him for the obvious and yet unneeded comment but the harsh words vanished from his tongue.

Because he was smiling.

It wasn't big. Only a small upwards quirk at the corners of his lips, but genuine nonetheless as he peered over at the lively human girl. His posture—usually so rigid, it appeared to physically hurt—was much more relaxed for once; arm lazily around his mate as she leaned her back against him. This small side of him was never seen in public since starting his new diet. With the constant lingering smell of human blood, he always remained on alert to prevent a major slip up. Even when well fed, he wasn't as calm as he was at the moment.

The empath sensed his astonishment and explained, 'Her happiness..it's the strongest one in the room right now. So much so, it's affecting me..for the better, thankfully.' Golden orbs widen. Her emotions could be so strong, they canceled out everyone else's? Even in a large room like they were currently in?

The newcomer was affecting all of the gift users among their coven now.

"How is that even possible?" Edward inquired aloud, alerting the others of their mental conversation. Alice sat up from her comfortable position and swept a worried glance between her mate and brother.

"What are you two talking about?"

"Cyan. Her emotions..they're the only ones affecting Jasper at the moment."

"What?! Why the hell are you just now mentioning this?" Rosalie questioned her pretend twin angrily.

Jazz sighed. The sudden clamor was ruining his blissful buzz. "That's because this is the first time it's happen." His brows furrowed slightly. "They, however, keep fluctuating though. One moment they're extremely intense and the next, completely closed off."

Emmett raised a brow, peering curiously over at the new girl. "Well damn..your human just keeps getting more and more interesting."

"She's not my human!" the telepath snarled. The larger vampire brushed off his outburst with a roll of his eyes. He took a deep breath before repeating his previous question. "How's that even possible, Jaz?"

Said person gave a half-shrug, stating simply. "Maybe she's gifted, just like Alice always was."

Edward peered quizzically at the subject of their conversation. "If that's the case, is sheeven aware of it?" Memories of her startling somberness flashed to mind then. The parts of their limited conversations that struck him oddly afterwards;

"I'm sure I can keep up."

"I highly doubt that, Edward."

"All you need to know is, I have enough problems already complicating my life. I damn well don't need to know yours too."

"I know a lot more than you can even begin to imagine, Edward. And I really wish I didn't.."

Was that what she had meant those few times? Why she was so adamant and yet indifferent after witnessing what he'd done to Tyler's van? Because..she was also able to do things others shouldn't too?

"That explains some things.." the psychic interjected softly then. She'd been peering at her as well; her expression sympathetic. "Poor thing looks exhausted. The lack of control over it must be draining." It was true. While hidden it well with joyful demeanor, those brown eyes hinted every so often the tiredness laying behind all that mirth displayed.

"And why are we suppose to care?" Rose picked apart the slice of bread on her plate with her ever beautiful face was scrunched up in disdain. She was the most vocal of her disapproval over their current predicament. More than sick of hearing about the snarky human girl who was disturbing upon their once peaceful existence among her kind. Never missing a chance to badmouth Cyan either and how ridiculous the rest of them were being.

The small vampire's answer was directed more at the mind reader than the nettled blonde. "I think..maybe she's unknowingly experiencing some bad effects due to your hostility towards each other."

That received a doubtful scoff from their coven sister. "She doesn't give a single shit about Edward. I doubt she's losing sleep over him."

A frustrated noise escaped the psychic before stressing to Edward. "Push aside whatever uncertainties you have towards Cyan and your own feelings, and just go talk to her again." He couldn't help but rolled his eyes. There she goes again. Always persuading him to do just that. The last time he acted on her little encouragement, it resulted in his current bristled relationship with the newcomer.

"You think I haven't tried? Because I have," he informed, growing angry all over again. "And each time, we end up butting heads like a couple of rams." Which seemed like more than enough proof the two weren't compatible. It was just the alluring sweet smelling blood flowing through her veins that he craved, not her.

"Oh, stop trying to make that brief vision of you and her being friends come true." snarled the other female vampire. Emmett rubbed his mate's shoulder, trying but failing to calm her down. "It can't happen, Alice!" Before Alice could argue further, she froze. A daze expression soon fell onto her face; the familiar warning that a vision was coming.

Edward calmly braced himself as he was sucked into it as well—

Outside, underneath one of the school awnings shielding them from the light downpour, were Edward and Cyan. The vampire stood causally leaning against a metal pole, arms folded over his chest while his honey gaze laid attentive on the young woman crouched across from him. She appeared oddly relaxed in her seemingly uncomfortable pose and his present company, taking small bites from a chocolate protein bar while staring out at the rain-soaked landscape. Dark browns slowly trailed over in his direction before stopping fully on him. Mischief gleamed in her once tired eyes and coated the small burgundy-colored smile given as she mutely suggested,

"Shall we play a game then?"

The vision faded, allowing the psychic and telepath to return to their present noisy surroundings. The others looked expectantly at the two, waiting for one of them to speak of what they saw. But Edward was left speechless by it. His ever insatiable curiosity towards the mysterious girl grew even more now as questions over the scene filled his thoughts. Alice tapped his hand eagerly, gaining his attention before pointing somewhere behind him. Turning so fast that if human his head would've surely snapped, he discovered Cyan heading towards the wall of the vending machines.

"It looks like you should try again now." she told, smiling smugly. Blindly motivated now thanks to her vision, he listened once more.

After all, what could go possibly wrong this time?

The familiar buzzing in her ears alerted of the silent presence behind her; a very similar approach like he'd done back at the greenhouse.

"How lovely." Warren groaned to herself, "As if my internal battle over whether or not to just stick with my usual poison wasn't bad, the Fates made him appear." Experiencing deja vu was slowly becoming 'their thing' now, it seemed. She grimaced, disliking the very notion of them even having one. And how unsettling that his footsteps always remain utterly silent; like a predator stalking their helpless prey before delivering their fatal attack.

"If he truly wished..he very well could kill you." noted her little voice friend.

Dark browns rolled. As if she forgot what he could easily do.. "Jeez. Thank you so much for that lovely analysis."

Just like during their shared time amongst all the flourishing flora, Cyan selected to ignore him until he spoke or gave up and went somewhere else. Which resulted in uncomfortable silence and staring—her, blankly at the drink machine and him, thoughtfully at her tense back.

"I think you're suppose to put money in it if you want something. Trying to get it using just your mind unfortunately won't work." Edward smirked, hoping his little joke would break the tension. Instead, the strong urge to cringe made her shoulders stiffen painfully from suppressing it.

What the hell was that corny line just now? Maybe the real reason he didn't interact with others was because he didn't properly know how to.

"Poor thing." was noted sarcastically.

Another long stretch of awkward silence passed between the two.

God, were these the times he wished to read her. "Uh..that was a joke." he stated in a lame tone.

Her dark gaze slowly but finally met his golden one. "I figured." she drawled, clearly unimpressed before adding, "You know, I sorely hope you aren't planning on creating a career in comedy. Because frankly you suck, bud."

Her friends were no doubt observing and murmuring amongst themselves by now. Itching to know what was currently being said between the two. She mentally sighed, imagining the bombardment of questions she'd receive once this was over.

The vampire frowned. "Don't worry, I'm not."

"Wise decision, Cullen." The young woman faced forward again and selected a beverage. Coca cola, it was. The familiar drink would bring her comfort unlike her present company was. Said person held back a long sigh. Only a few minutes of conversation with her and he was already disillusioned by his sister's vision. But he wasn't giving up just yet, having come at least this far.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him move to stand beside her. Thankfully, he managed a decent amount of space between them which was a welcomed relief.

The boys always acted like they'd forgotten—more like, blatantly ignored—the definition of 'invasion of privacy' when around her. Always standing too close or with their arm draped over her shoulders. She didn't mind casual consenting touches from her friends, but not all the damn time! Too much stimulus caused her to feel uncomfortable and claustrophobic. Made the fake smile stretch on her face too tightly; to suffer the consequence alone later with sore cheeks. Spew out false happy nonsense while her mind wished to scream out into the fake reality she forced herself to live in—

'Don't get close to me!'

"It's all my fault, you know.."

'Let go! Stay away!"

"He's dead because of me.."

'Don't touch me or you'll die too!'

The jarring clap of lightning brought her mind back to focus, releasing her from that melancholic pit she found herself falling into every so mood swings were getting the best of her again. This wasn't healthy. If this kept up, she'd have to get checked out..which meant another lovely trip to the Death Palace.

She quickly distracted herself from the unwelcoming thought by grabbing her drink from the slot and asking her fickle classmate, "So, to what do I owe this sudden uncharacteristic visit? Besides witnessing firsthand your knee-slapping humor."

"To ask how you are." Her raven-haired head whipped to the left and stared at him, incredulous. He said nothing, only staring right back; pure sincerity easily spied in his odd gaze. As if he truly cared about her well being. Seeing it made her brows raise in surprise. She only ever receive such an expression from Charlie.

Bewilderment shifted into suspicion as her ever present distrust flared to life. What was going on? Had hell officially frozen over? Was she going to receive news next that the demon hag decided to become a nun? Why, all of a sudden, was he trying to be civil after a month of frigid interaction?

If she asked, would he even answer honestly?

That's all she really wanted—a genuine answer for once. Not just by him, but anyone really. Lies, false promises, and secrets circled around and consumed her entire life. She lived in a sticky web of them. Was controlled like a broken marionette by them with her terrible mother as the puppeteer.

Some would then dare say those were a 'normal' part of everyday life.

Not hers. Never hers..

If Cullen opened up to her at last, maybe she could be able to finally do the same and wouldn't still feel so alone afterwards. Also put an end to their petty feud even and start anew; possibly having another proper friend alongside with Becca.

The possibility was too tantalizing to pass up. "..Why do you care?" she questioned, however unable to keep the bite out of her voice or stop the skeptical narrowing of her dark eyes. Old habits die hard, after all.

Edward hesitated. His mind began jumbling with many replies—

Because of Alice's vision. His continued curiosity over who she truly was. Needing to know whether she was aware how gifted she was.

But most of all, he was fearful of exposing the real truth. That he was a vampire, the very deemed fictional monster of nightmares. Longing for her sea salt caramel blood. Desperately wanting to taste and feel the liquid warming his throat as it ran down smoothly. Of the carnal craving his Beast felt towards her. Who, if freed, would mark her peachy skin with claiming bites. Even dare try to take her in that very room for all to bare witness as he made her his—

"It's complicated." his voice strained out painfully, peering down at her with pleading eyes. Hoping she'd understand his confused reasoning. Unfortunately, Cyan didn't. Giving him her trademark scoff—which made him flinch and shoulders slump like a kicked puppy—her can of Coke was roughly shoved against his hard chest.

"You really need to sort out your own shit first, Cullen. And stay the hell out of mine's." was harshly advised before she walked away with a shake of her head, abandoning him and the drink she no longer wanted because of her now soured mood.

Leaving them both parched for various reasons..

A barbarous growling sounded; loud enough to rival the distant rumbling thunder.

Newton smirked. "Jeez, you hiding a bear in your shirt, Cy?" Said person continued watching the passing students, but lifted her middle finger to flip him the bird. He just threw his head back and cackled obnoxiously in response. The two friends were at the moment loitering outside Molina's class. Eric was missing from their usual trio. He was skipping to deal with something important for the Prom Committee.

But..Mike didn't know that. He believed they were waiting for him so she could give the other boy the promised playlist of possible songs for the awaited event. Only Cyan had done so earlier in their Algebra class. No, the real reason for them staying out in the crowded hall was because she didn't want to be the first one at her lab table. Left sitting there, alone with her thoughts. Thinking over everything and festering her sporadic feelings until they turned violent. Resulting in her lashing out at the very annoyance the moment they arrived that slightly provoked her current state of mind.

Still lightly chuckling, Newton rooted around in his bag for a moment before pulling out a chocolate protein bar.

"Here." he offered with a smile. "You seem to need it more than I do, heh." Brown eyes widen a tad, taken aback by the kind gesture. Her gaze shifted from the bar and the blond-haired boy a few times before tears filled the corner of her eyes, suddenly emotional.

Damn her rotten mood swings!

"Thanks, Mike.." was told softly as she slowly took the food item. Trying not to cry while keeping her eyes down so he wouldn't notice.

But unfortunately, he did.

"Aw, don't cry." His warm hand petted the top of her head as if she were a small sniveling child. A tender gesture that hadn't been done since she was young. Oh, this wasn't helping comfort her at all; instead messing up her hair and bringing up sad memories. Thankfully, Newton's ever joking personality kept her out of the past. "I wasn't gonna continue to let you starve after hearing that monster you're hiding."

"Oh, piss off!" The young woman lightheartedly shoved him. "And I'm just fine, by the way."

"..Are you though?" Cyan glanced up in surprise, meeting the sincere expression on her classmate's face. Almost as similar as Ed—

She mentally shook herself, putting a hard stop on any thought of him further. Enough was enough, she inwardly declared! If the voice in her head had eyes..they'd be rolling right then.

"Whoa, why the sudden change in gears there, Newton?" she queried in a casual tone while pocketing the protein bar for later. As if the remainder that this was second time someone was poking around about her well-being didn't bug her.

"Because of the conversation you were having with Cullen.." A short pause was given as he rubbed his neck awkwardly and glanced to the side. The young woman discreetly rolled her eyes. She'd been right. They were indeed spying. And none of them had time to ask her anything since she had returned to pick up her stuff and then stormed off into the crowd, angrily grumbling under her breath. Now, this was at least Mike's chance to get some maybe trashy tabloid worthy info.

"The people of Fork and their instinctual nature to 'spill some tea' as Becca would rightfully call it." She waved a dismissive hand as the warning bell sounded. Looked like Eddie wouldn't be joining them today.

Smart boy.

It was wise to stay far from her..

"Oh, that. It was nothing." Warren lied in second nature as she pushed off the wall she'd been resting on. And with such ease too. The flawlessness of it made her stomach twist in disgust towards herself. "I'm just emotional because I'm PMS-ing, not because or over what was said with him."

"You sure?" her blond-haired companion pressed further, much to her annoyance. Her left eye was threatening to twitch. "Seemed kinda heated back there." It was certain anything she said on the topic would be repeated back to the gang—Jess, their friendly neighborhood gossip, being first one since she and Mike shared their last class together.

Cyan sighed. "Well, might as make it something worth discussing about other than algebra equations."

"Yeah, well that's because he asked me to the Prom and I shot him down cold." A hand grasped the inside of her left elbow, halting her from entering the classroom. Secretly proud having not flinch or lash out at the sudden unwarranted touch, she peered over her shoulder; her expression exasperated and asking 'what now?'.

Mike stood there suddenly very serious; a characteristic she hadn't seen from the young man since befriending him. "He didn't say something offensive to you, did he? If so, I'll be more than happy to kick his entitled ass and put him in his place for you."

The young woman blinked, thrown off guard by his kindness once again.

Yet another thing she never thought she'd hear come from Mike Newton. Back home, Becca was the only one who offered such a thing if hearing about someone saying or done something rude to her best friend. It hit just then that the others actually might truly care for her..or most likely it was just him being worried about losing 'his chance' with her.

She decided, for the moment and to give him a little credit, to believe in the former.

Giving his hand a friendly pat, she reassured him Cullen hadn't and that she could easily take care of herself if he did. But afterwards quickly added with a small smile if it did happen, he'd be the first to know after seeing the unconvinced look cross his face. That seemed to thankfully return him back to normal as he released her with a goofy but pleased grin; quietly sighing with relief once his hand was gone.

Mr. Molina appeared in the doorway then, ushering them inside and teasing with a 'Come on, lovebirds' loud enough for their classmates to overhear. Equally red in the face, they parted ways and headed to their assigned seats while everyone chuckled around them. Once settled, the older man began class, not bother with calling attendance.

Stepping up to Mike's table in the front where three small cardboard boxes were placed, hiding whatever was held inside. "Okay, guys, I want you all to take one piece from each box," Not done messing with Newton, Molina told him to pass them around to each lab group. Removing a pair of gloves from his unwrinkled lab coat and putting them on, he continued. "The first should be the indicator card—" He removed said item from one box and held it up from the whole class to see.

Warren, listening with a blank expression while resting her weary head in her hand, shot up upon seeing it; lax body now painfully rigid. Giving her love of all sciences, she knew instantly what it was and meant—blood typing. Normally, seeing small amounts of blood wouldn't bother her too much. But not today. Not when she was already high-strung, exhausted, and overly sensitive.

Molina's voice tuned out as she couldn't stop watching him demonstrate how the process was done. Stared as Mike's partner—some girl who's name she didn't bother to remember—was chosen as his victim. Didn't breathe as water was dropped onto the four individual squares before taking the lancet and gently stabbing the tip of the girl's index finger, squeezing.

And sure as hell didn't wait to see the tiny bead of crimson liquid pool to the surface.

The young woman sped out of there like a bullet from a gun; almost taking poor Mike out in the process. Ran wildly down the quiet and too bright hallway. Burst out the doors of the suddenly claustrophobic building and into the icy drizzling rain; not caring about her or her clothes getting soaked. Only stopping once standing at the top of the stairs leading to the tarmac parking lot almost filled to the brim with various empty cars.

The need to escape surprisingly left her mind in the moment as alleviation seeped like warm bathwater into her tired bones and muscles. She dropped down onto the concrete step with an exhale, ignoring the burst of pain from her butt making contact with it too hard. That was gonna leave nice bruise, for sure.

The heels of her palms pressed into her stinging eyes then, blocking out the light as she caught her breath.

A shaky little laugh, that would have sounded crazed if in her right mindset, escaped her not too long after.

She did it!

She managed to stop another episode from triggering. See, Cyan didn't need to talk to some specialist about her issues. Didn't need the help of medication either. She could handle everything just fine all her by lonesome. Feeling smug, she let her hands fall into her lap before dark browns slowly opened—

And screamed godawful bloody murder in the pouring rain.

Lovely's Honorable Mentions

Penn Langley, bellabella123, Daydreamer003, Turner1999, animelady12, mrs Tall Blonde and Dead, Tech-cha, bluerazzz, itsolive, QueenV. V. theWild, Melissa Cullen since 1994, Avloth, Sheridan111000, blue2345, x0xshizukax0x, Wolf and Leopard, kathxx, Sapphire-Black13, Haibara2780, daisy2daizy, CrystalVixen93, Zauberkatze, ssooo, ViciousGingerLady, Goddess of magic, & Girlinlovewithbooks

GreenerGrass, htethtet12, zenstarrflower, Astrid Claire, lauren. souliere, WordsAreFun, Rosa. Carmesi, Axarell, quantumleap13, Gabcik, oz-cocoa, starlily16, Disreality, lmmiller93, hillybutt, tinyNecile, Harlie, TheBabyZee, poyochan, purplereigns, Flute1516, YourSavingGrace, & ristina. hinata

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