Chapter 2

Closed Book

I awoke suddenly, my head was throbbing and my body felt stiff, most of all I felt exhausted. I rubbed my eyes and looked around me; I was back in my room with Dad sleeping in the rocking chair which was now standing in front of my bed.

I sighed, poor Dad, he must have been worried. I checked out the window, it was morning already which meant I had slept through half a day. That was probably the most I've slept, ever. My powers must have taken a lot out of me.

I threw the covers off and attempted to stand, my legs were shaky though and I had to steady myself. I shook Dad a bit, and he woke up quicker than I thought he would. "Isabella! You're awake. Are you okay? How are you feeling?"

My heart stuttered a bit at his concern and I smiled. "I'm okay, Dad, just a bit tired still."

He nodded solemnly, "You should stay at home then, get some more rest..."

"No, I don't think I could sleep any more. I'm good, Dad, really. I don't want to miss school. I'm sure I was just tired from the traveling and all that."

He didn't look convinced and instead of getting my way I had to compromise, I could go to school, but afterwards Dad would be taking me to the doctor to get checked out. I agreed with a small smile and we both went on our way to get ready for the day.

I was still wearing my clothes from yesterday, minus my jacket and shoes. I showered quickly, got dressed in some jeans, a t-shirt and the same jacket I wore yesterday. My shoes were plain black sneakers and my hair was tied in a bun on the top of my head.

I served eggs and bacon for breakfast and after we ate Dad dropped me off at school. The rest of the day went on kinda like in the book, Mike, who I missed yesterday, still came up to me, introduced himself and sat with me in English.

I luckily lost him as I walked to my next class, but he joined me later on again. My body was still stiff and I felt even more exhausted than I did this morning. Most of the students still stared at me, my fainting after lunch probably the reason.

At least Angela, who had been my savior, came to sit with me at lunch with Jessica on my other side. I knew Edward wouldn't be here today and I was incredibly thankful. He was most likely in Alaska wallowing in self-pity because of the non fact that he almost killed me.

I doubted he could have killed me, whatever had surrounded me would have stopped him, maybe even have killed him, I had no idea, but it did seem that my powers were growing and I needed a way to control this new part of them for fear that it might leave me vulnerable.

I kept my focus on Angela, chatting with her about my life before Forks, I mostly told the truth, omitting some details or morphing them to match Phoenix. Jessica seemed upset at the fact I was ignoring her, but I didn't really care.

The vampires were at the same table as yesterday, each with their own prop tray, each looking in a different direction. I was surprised to see Rosalie glaring at me, her eyes now a soft amber color. They had hunted last night and I found myself staring at the color, it was so natural, but also so not.

I smiled at her and her glare turned into a frown. Jessica, who had probably waited for the chance to gossip, spoke to me then, breaking me away from the vampire. "Seems like Edward isn't here today, wonder where he went?"

I nodded my head, "Yeah, seems like it, I hadn't really noticed." I kept my eyes on Rosalie, hoping she was listening to me, "I was looking at Rosalie; she's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen, though I'm sure she would be even more breathtaking if she smiled."

Emmett let out a roaring laugh, but I was watching Rosalie's face turn from anger to confusion instead. Jessica snorted and turned away from me once more. I glanced at the other three before I turned back to Angela as well.

I silently committed myself to sitting in the school library during lunch time from now on, that way I'd get to avoid Jessica and Mike. I'd sit with Angela sometimes though, since she was the only one that had things in common with me.

Seems like I wouldn't be making a lot of friends here, I really didn't mind that much. I had my Dad, he was enough for me. You couldn't miss what you never had, right?

Suddenly Marianna's image appeared in my mind, was she my friend? I didn't really know, maybe, what we had, wasn't really like what friendships were described as, right? She never knew me, although her presence had given me some sense of companionship. I silently hoped she was safe and that the man who had killed me was gone from her life.

Angela and I walked to Biology in silence, Mike was behind us, he had tried to initiate a conversation more than once, but I shut him down pretty quickly. I had this look I perfected over time, it sounds really cliché, like 'if looks could kill', but it wasn't like that.

I lived on the street my whole life; I was just a child when they had left me there. And even though some people had tried to take me in, some had even called the authorities, none of them succeeded. Over time I kept them away from me with a simple look.

I couldn't explain it; my face was placid, my intentions written in my eyes. Maybe it was in some part connected to my powers, but I didn't really know.

Mr. Banner was surprised to see me; he asked about my health and then directed me to my seat. It was empty of course, since Edward wasn't here. I smiled to myself, knowing that I was the reason he was off sulking.

The class went by slowly; I listened, took notes and read through half of my handbook. When gym rolled by I took my slip to be signed by the coach. He was nice, told me I could sit out, but I simply shook my head with a smile.

We were playing volleyball, and it was really fun. I was eagerly participating, jumping and running to hit the ball, all in all it was pretty awesome and by the time it was over I was breathing heavily. I had never really been out of breath before and I found myself wishing to play more sports.

When I walked out into the parking lot, Dad was already waiting for me. I greeted him with a hug and climbed into the cruiser. We stopped at the diner first to have some lunch. We each ordered a burger and then avidly chatted about our day.

"I've been invited to go fishing next weekend, Bells you could come if you'd like; we'll go out for some driving lessons this weekend and on Sunday we'll go buy some clothes for you."

I nodded my head, a bite of food still in my mouth. Once I swallowed I smiled and replied, "Yes, please!"

Dad chuckled at my enthusiasm, "Billy's having a barbeque, Harry and his family is also coming, so there will be other teenagers for you to talk to as well."

I nodded and continued eating. So I'm going to meet the wolves earlier than I thought I would. This was dark territory for me. I hated the way the tribe went about things, keeping people in the dark only led to devastation. I always thought that that was the reason why all the wolves were always so angry, because they didn't know what or why anything was happening.

I had mixed feelings about this, on the one hand I really didn't want to interfere in anything remotely supernatural, but on the other hand I could possibly help avoid horrible mistakes and heartbreak. I had a soft spot for animals and I loved wolves in general, not that I'd even seen one for real though.

I'd just see what happens next weekend at the barbeque, once I meet everyone I'd make my decision.

Soon after, we were on our way to the hospital. I didn't know why we didn't just visit a private practice, the street I had lived on had two separate doctors' offices alone, but I didn't question it.

When we got there we were immediately led to a private office, Dad had kindly made an appointment so we didn't have to wait long for the doctor to arrive. I had expected it to be Carlisle and had to stifle my laughter when a grey haired man with thick glasses and a friendly smile walked into the room.

We explained what had happened, and I answered his questions about me diligently. Then he led me to a taller table with a small pillow. He listened to my heartbeat and breathing, checked my throat, my ears and my eyes, he took my pulse and blood pressure and then he pricked my finger to test my sugar.

When we were done he smiled brightly and said, "Well, Isabella, you are as healthy as a horse. It was most likely just some stress because of the move, but to be a hundred percent sure, I'm going to take some blood and get it tested, okay?"

I nodded and watched with fascination as he went about getting my blood, the needle only hurt for a second and then my blood was spurting into the small tube.

Dad thanked the doctor and walked me out of the room with a contented smile. As we walked down the hall to the elevator that would take us down I saw Dr. Carlisle Cullen. Of course I knew immediately who he was; his pale beauty was hard to miss.

He was walking towards us with a smile on his face. I was stunned as I watched him, he was amazingly beautiful, but it wasn't his strong jaw or his superstar hair that made him gorgeous. No, it was the look in his kind eyes, the twitch of his brow as his face lit up in a bright smile that would possibly be able to light up a dark room.

Dad stopped when he reached us and greeted him with a smile. "Carlisle, it's so good to see you again. This is my daughter Isabella."

Dr. Cullen turned his gaze to me and I clearly saw the question in his eyes. He knew why Edward had left, he knew I was the reason and he was curious. "Hello there, dear, it's a pleasure. I hope you are not ill."

Dad immediately understood the question in his statement, "Well, Isabella passed out at school yesterday and she didn't wake up until this morning, so I just had to make sure she was alright."

Dr. Cullen's gaze became even more curious, if that were even possible, as he watched me. I just smiled and nodded. "Yeah, the doctor thinks it's just from stress, so I'll be okay."

Dad exchanged some more pleasantries and then we were on our way again. Soon we were back at home and I was standing in my bedroom with a frown on my face.

I knew I had to check Bella's email, her mother had sent her three. I would reply to them like she had, with less familiarity, though. Within the hour I had done all my homework, sent the emails and conjured a copy of Twilight for myself. I was halfway through it when I realized how ridiculous it was.

I was living this story, this universe was mine now and I had a guide that told me what to expect. How did this happen? I tossed the book and it disappeared. I needed to just relax and be myself. I didn't need to cook like she did; I'd just conjure some food like I used to do at the library. I made a mental note to ask Dad what his favorite dishes were.

The rest of the night was uneventful; we had a nice peaceful dinner, Dad promised to buy me a starter kit for fishing and when the food was done and the kitchen clean we each went our separate ways. I spent the night reading my handbooks and novels for school and by midnight I was sleeping soundly in my bed.

The rest of my first week went by quickly, I got used to the routine of school and the people. I mostly stuck to Angela, only greeting the others or simply smiled at them in passing, and I spent my lunch hour in the library perusing the shelves for material that I had yet to read.

Somehow I was still invited to the group outing to La Push beach, which I accepted happily. The Cullen's, more over Rosalie, didn't glare at me so much anymore, and of course, Edward was still nowhere to be seen.

The weekend was spent in peaceful bliss. Dad took me out to his office, where he and some of the other officer's taught me how to drive in the cruiser. It was a lot of fun and I picked it up pretty quickly. Sunday we went to Port Angeles for some shopping.

We ate breakfast from a vendor on the street and then went to a small furnisher shop. We picked out an espresso colored wood dining table with four matching chairs for the kitchen and a dark brown leather couch for the family room, Dad opted to keep his lounge chair.

Next we went to the hardware shop to buy some paint for the house. We just bought some paint for the kitchen, an off white color which would do for the walls and the cupboards, and paint for the outside of the house, gray and some white for the trimmings and window boarders.

I had, of course, paid for everything myself. I had left Bella's purse at home and instead used my power to conjure the exact amount, like I usually did. Dad offered a few times to help and of course I accepted the money he offered. He was the man of the house and I wouldn't want to make him feel bad because his daughter was paying for everything.

When we were done getting all the supplies for our painting adventure we stopped at another little cafe for some lunch. We chatted for some time just about our day and the next week, and when our food was cleared we made our way to some of the fashion outlets littering the streets.

I went about buying some warm jerseys and jackets, and bought some cute patterned socks that I just had to have. I also stocked up on beanies of every color I could get. With a big smile on my face, we made our way back to the car after an exciting day out.

Dad surprised me by letting me drive back home and I was proud when I got us back in one piece with almost no mistakes at all. The rest of the night went by like usual, I conjured some dinner and Dad and I just relaxed in front of the television.

I felt content for the first time in my entire life, and to think I would have never experienced anything in this life if I hadn't died. I suppressed those morbid thoughts and went about my night, when midnight came I was sound asleep.

Monday morning only Angela greeted me in the parking lot. I was more relaxed and less excited than I had been the previous week, now I knew what to expect and I really didn't like some of it, but luckily people avoided me just like they did the Cullen's, although I still managed civility.

When lunch time came I stopped in front of the library. Should I sit in the cafeteria instead? Today was the day Edward came back, the day he talked to Bella, I knew what was coming, but instead of going with the motions this time I'd do my own thing.

I had already shunned all but one of Bella's friends, I wasn't Bella, I was me. I walked to my selected seat at the very back of the library and opened my book. Relaxing my mind and body I spent the entire lunch time just reading, and it felt good.

It felt familiar. This would be my safe haven then, somewhere I could escape to if my new life got too much for me. Once lunch was over I walked to class and took my seat, like I had the previous week. Mr. Banner was walking around the room, distributing one microscope and a box of slides to each table. I greeted him with a smile as he placed the equipment on my table.

The room had filled with students, some were complaining about the rain washing away the snow and others were wondering about the lab for today. My mind had already readied the order in which our slides were, I grimaced at the thought but didn't bother to think any further. Even though I knew today's assignment didn't mean I was cheating. I could identify them easily, since I had already read the Biology handbook last week.

I was eyeing the slides when I heard the chair next to me move. I didn't need the noise to alert me to Edward Cullen's presence, I knew he walked into the room the moment that feeling overtook me. My power was on alert and I felt myself stiffen.

I was just about to flee when he talked to me, "Hello, my name is Edward Cullen," he continued. "I didn't have a chance to introduce myself last week. You must be Isabella Swan."

I looked at him then and immediately my eyes fell on his. They were bright amber, as I took in their meaning, the feeling inside passed and my power was once again bottled up. I relaxed and smiled at him, "Yes, hello."

He seemed surprised, but before he could say anything else Mr. Banner started explaining the lab we would be doing today. The slides in the box were out of order. Working as lab partners, we had to separate the slides of onion root tip cells into the phases of mitosis they represented and label them accordingly. We weren't supposed to use our books. In twenty minutes, he would be coming around to see who had it right.

"Get started," he commanded.

"Ladies first, partner?" Edward asked. I looked up to see him smiling, his signature crooked smile I presumed. I nodded my head as I snapped the first slide into place under the microscope. I stopped suddenly before looking into the scope. I eyed Edward from the corner of my eye and decided that I was going to use my knowledge of the future to mess with him.

I would have chuckled if I were alone, seemed like I had a playful side to me after all. I was sure he would pursue me like he had Bella, he couldn't read my mind so I was a mystery to him, but unlike Bella, Alice couldn't see me and Jasper couldn't sense my emotions either, so why not give them some more puzzles to chew on.

"Prophase." My face was placid as I pushed the microscope towards him. He frowned, but still examined the slide.

With a raised eyebrow he looked up, "Prophase" he wrote it neatly in the first space on our worksheet and then quickly switched out the first slide for the second, glancing at it.

Before he could say it, I spoke, "Anaphase."

He jerked his head up and stared at me, he looked as if he was trying really hard to get a peek in my mind. I held the third slide up. "Interphase."

He blanched and I couldn't help smiling. "You can identify the other two, right?" he nodded his head and continued with the lab, when he had written down all the phases I pulled the microscope towards me and one for one looked at the slides.

Mr. Banner never came to our table when we had packed everything away; he knew from last week that I had an uncanny memory. Edward was silent next to me, I was actually disappointed, I was convinced he would accuse me of something.

"It's too bad about the snow, isn't it?" Edward asked his voice shaking a bit. I smiled and turned to look at him.

"Maybe." To be completely honest I didn't mind the snow, but the idea of snow in my hair just put me off for some reason.

"So you don't like the cold then?" his questions were kind of starting to bug me.

"I don't mind the cold, but I'd prefer the sun to snow." It was an honest answer, where I had lived it snowed in the winter and it was blazing hot in the summer, I enjoyed the summers more since no-one was staring at me as much as they did in the winter time.

"Why did you come here, then?" I sighed and turned to look at him, he was staring at me in frustration.

"That's personal, and I don't want to talk about that with a stranger." He seemed taken aback but kept quiet.

I relaxed my features and looked around the room; most of the students were finishing up. Class was almost over then. I looked back at Edward who was looking straight ahead. "Can I ask you a question?"

He perked up and nodded his head. "If you knew that something bad was going to happen to someone you knew, would you tell them about it or let it play out without interfering?"

He looked intrigued by my question, seemingly thinking through what I had asked. I saw his lips move, but no sound came out. Was he...was he asking Alice? Was I getting advice from the pixie psychic? Silently I hoped so.

Edward looked back at me when he answered. "It depends."

I frowned, "Depends? On what?"

He glanced at Mr. Banner and quickly answered, "It depends on you. Will you be able to live with yourself if you remain silent?"

Mr. Banner called the class to order then, and I turned to listen. I tried to appear attentive as Mr. Banner illustrated, with transparencies on the overhead projector, what I had seen without difficulty through the microscope. But my thoughts were elsewhere.

When the bell finally rang, Edward hurried out of the room, probably at his limits. His words still echoed in my thoughts. Would I be able to live with myself? Was I invested enough in this life now that the people here, the wolves, would cause me sleepless nights?

I'm sure they would. In my mind the wolves were already my friends and I would most definitely help them in any way that I could, so I would tell them everything I knew about their future, and I'd help them as well.

Gym was exactly what I needed, so I took some of my pent up emotions out on the ball, when I walked out into the parking lot the rain was simply a mist. The Cullen's came into view as I walked towards my Dad's cruiser.

Instead of Edward, I found Alice Cullen leaning against the hood, looking at me with something different in her amber eyes. I smiled as I passed her and she actually smiled back at me.