Chapter Two

As I made my way to algebra my thoughts went to the new Cullen family. I wonder what they looked like. Were they all male, female or mixed? Were they nice? I hope they were. I don't like mean people. No one likes mean people. I hope they don't talk to me, why would they anyway? I get nervous with new people so if they did ask me anything I wouldn't know what to say and for me that would be awkward and they would think I was some sort of crazy person. I walked into the room for algebra and it was almost full. I was a slow walker due to me tripping over my own feet so I was usually the last one to get to class. I walked over to my seat and sat down putting my bag on the seat next to me. No one sat beside me so I would always place my bag there. I unzipped my bag and took out my textbooks, a notepad and a pen. I started doodling circles on my notebook waiting for the teacher to make an entrance and to start the class. I had my head down when I heard an unfamiliar voice. I looked up to come face to face with a small petite girl with short black hair.

"Hi. I was wondering if I could take this seat. It's the last one", she asked.

She had quite a high pitched voice. I didn't recognise her. She was really pretty. She must be one of the new students. She seems nice enough.

"Sure", I said as I removed my bag from the seat for her to sit down.

I placed my bag at my feet and she took the seat next to me.

"Thank you", she said.

I smiled at her. I'm not big in conversation as I said before and I didn't want to say something stupid. I continued to doddle circles in my notebook until the teacher came in. Mr. Jarvis was a nice enough teacher. He was strict when he had to be but if you listened and followed the roles then you'd get along with him. He approached his desk and I closed my notebook and put my pen to listen to what we were doing for today. It was pretty simple as we were just working from the textbooks but I knew it was going to be a challenge as I struggle with algebra. I don't know why we had to study this in the first place. It wasn't a very important subject. I wish I had the option to drop this subject. We had thirty minutes to work through as much as the textbook as we could by the end of class. I opened my notebook and my textbook and started my work.

"I'm Alice by the way", the girl next to me said.

I turned my head to look at her. She was looking down at me with a smile on her face. She seems very nice.

"I'm Bella", I said.

The smile on Alice's smile grew wider. The look on her face made it look like she knew me. I decided to brush it off. She must just be a very excited and bubbly person.

"Nice to meet you", she said.

She is very nice. I hope the rest of her family was like her if I ever met them. She seems like the type of person who would be chatting my ears off. She must sense that I don't talk much and I'm glad she doesn't keep the conversation going. I focused on my work until the end of the period it was difficult to focus as I had no idea what I was doing but I got on with it. Once the bell finally rang I put my books in my bag and zipped it up. I stood up and put my jacket on and left class and headed for my next period class. My next class was English Literature. One of my favourite classes. I wonder if any of the other new students were in this class with me. I walked into class and this class was yet another one where I sat on my own and the seat next to mine was empty. I walked to my seat and sat down placing my bag on the chair next to me like I did last period and took out my Romeo and Juliet book. I kept an eye out checking that no one was coming through the door, someone that I didn't recognize. The first few times I looked up from my book there was no one there but about the third time someone did walk through the door someone I didn't recognize. This time it was a boy. He was the most stunning boy I have ever seen. He looked like a model from one of those magazines. His face didn't show any imperfections on his face. This is the first time I've ever been attracted to someone. I quickly looked away and grabbed my bag in case he needed to take the set next to me. I placed my bag at my feet again and turned my attention back to my book. I heard footsteps make their way up the walkway and I lifted my head slightly to see the boy make his way up to the chair next to me. I looked back down at my book.

"Hi, I'm sorry is it okay if I sat here", a voice asked.

I looked up and it was the boy. He had such a soft voice like he was trying not to breath. But his voice was like a musical instrument; it was so soothing. I nodded my head. I felt like I lost my voice. How could I talk to Alice but can't find the words to talk to this boy? He sat down pulling his seat as close to the edge of the table as he could. That's strange. Did he not like to sit next to anyone? Or was it me? I continued reading until the teacher addressed the class. He explained that we were working on our Romeo and Juliet essays today. We were to continue reading the book but if we were finished we were to start our essays. I've read Romeo and Juliet a few times so I knew front to back. I grabbed my bag and took my book and pen out and started writing my essay.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but I was wondering if you had a copy of Romeo and Juliet", someone asked.

I looked at the seat that was usually empty and it was the new boy. Like an idiot I just nodded my head again and handed him my book. He carefully took the book from my hands and thanked me. I smiled at him and went back to my essay. How can I not muster up any words? He must think I'm really rude as I am not saying anything.

"You don't take much do you", he asked as he started reading the book.

I looked at him and he lifted his head and smiled a crooked smile. I quickly turned away. I suddenly had this feeling that I have never had before in my life. It was confusing. What was that? Did he just dazzle me?

"Not really", I simply replied.

I continued writing out my essay answering all the questions that I was giving. I could feel the boy's eyes on me every once and awhile. I would slyly look at him from the corner of the eye and everytime I would I would quickly look away and focus on my essay. After fifteen minutes I saw him put the book down on the table and bring out a notepad. How could he have finished the book already? He only started it fifteen minutes ago. As we were only given one sheet of questions per table I moved it from my side to the middle of the table so that he could see the questions as well. I hope he isn't a quick writer like he is a reader.

"How could you read that book that quickly", I said.

I was contemplating on asking him and I told myself not to be a chicken and I did it. I was very proud of myself for speaking up. I never would have. I looked across to him when I heard him chuckle. The chuckle affected me the same way his crooked smile affected me. He yet again dazzled me.

"I'm a quick reader", he answered as he looked down and continued on his essay.

We continued to work and I couldn't help noticing that he wasn't breathing. If I didn't see him moving I would have thought he was dead. He was also as far as the desk could go. He was sitting on the edge of the table as far away from me as possible. I felt self-conscious now. Was there something wrong with me? I looked at the clock and it was almost the end of the period. I was kind of glad about that. I was feeling awkward sitting here. He seems nice enough, just slightly weird. I put my pen down and closed my book, sighing in frustration. A few moments later the bell finally rang for the end of the period and I packed my books back in my bag and threw on my jacket. It was now time for a break so we had half an hour to do whatever we wanted. I usually meet up with Angela but right now I just need some time alone. Just as I was about to leave there was a voice behind me.

"I'm Edward by the way", they said.

I turned around and just now noticed how tall he was. He was towering over me. I had to look up to talk to him. His name suited him. It was kind of old fashioned like Alice's but nothing else would suit him. My eyes trailed off to the back of the room where Mike stood looking at me, slightly angry. What's with him?

"I'm Bella", I said and turned around and left.

I felt oddly claustrophobic. Not because of people but become of my feelings running wild. The way that Edward makes me feel is new. I really don't understand what is happening there and then with the way Mike looked at me. It scared me. I'm more anxious to be around him now. I continued walking until I made it out the building. It was raining now but the rain drops that dropped on my face was refreshing. It helped me clear my mind. I walked towards my truck and leaned up against it trying to make sense of my new feelings. The car park was empty as no one would even think about being out here when it was raining. After standing for a few moments I decided it was time to head back in. I picked up my bag from the hood and turned around to slightly scream as I came in contact with Mike. What was he doing here? I never liked being alone with him but right now I didn't even want to see him.

"Mike! What are you doing here", I screamed.

Mike looked down at his feet but he still looked angry about something and it was making me nervous.

"I was just wondering if you wanted to go and see a movie with me this weekend", he asked.

Is he kidding me? He's asking me out again. I've said no so many times anyone else would just give up.

"Mike I've already told you. I don't want to date", I said as I tried to make my escape.

I couldn't get away. Mike stood in front of me and blocked my way. He walked closer which made me back away and my back came in contact with my truck. I had nowhere to go.

"I'm sick of this. We've been friends since you arrived here and you know me but you'd rather be a skank to Cullen than go out with me", Mike said aggressively.

What the hell! Who did he think he was. He honestly thinks because I told a new boy for a few minutes, if that, that it makes me a skank.

"What the hell! I don't want to go out with anyone and no I don't want to be a skank to him or anyone else. Now let me go", I said as I tried to make my escape.

I walked around him only to have him tightly grab my wrist and twist it in the process. I out screamed in pain. I knew if it wasn't sprained there would definitely be a bruise.

"Stay away from Cullen if you know what's best for you", he threatened.

I didn't know what to say so I just nodded. He finally let me go and left me standing outside in the rain rubbing my wrist. I pulled up my sleeve and there was already a bruise forming. I bruised easily and quickly. I didn't want to stay here the rest of the day but if I left and went home then he wins so I decided to head back in. I walked to my locker and exchanged my first class books to my books for the next classes. Before heading to my next class I made a stop at the toilets. It was empty once I got there so I headed straight over to the mirrors. I looked in the mirror and saw that I looked drained. I turned on the cold water and splashed some on my face and ran my wrist under it to help swelling as much as I could. I turned of the water and left the bathroom and headed to my classes.

My next few classes went by slowly. Probably because Mike was in one of them and I was constantly on alert. A good thing was that Edward wasn't in my next two classes so that Mike would accuse me of anything. My wrist throbbed the whole time but I tried to ignore it. It was now lunch and I was not looking forward to it. I didn't feel like eating so once I made my way to the cafeteria I just picked a bottle of water and went to join Angela and the others. I avoided contact with Mike the time I walked over to our table. I sat down beside Angela and placed my bottle of water down on the table. Angela saw this and looked at me with a worried expression.

"That's all your having", she asked.

I nodded.

"Yeah, I'm just not hungry".

Everyone sat there engulfed in their own conversations. Angela and I were pretty quiet at lunch as we were sitting around people who could hear into our conversations. My eyes started to wonder around the room until I saw them. The Cullens were all sitting at a table at the far end of the room. It wasn't that big of a room so I could identify them from where I was sitting. There was Alice sitting next to a blond boy, two of them I didn't recognise a boy and a girl, and then there was Edward. I averted my eyes to something else so that if Mike caught me he wouldn't see that I was looking at Edward. I opened my water bottle to distract myself and took a small sip. I did this until Angela spoke.

"Bella, I think Edward Cullen is staring at you", she said loudly.

I looked over to him and she was right; he was staring. He wasn't the only one the blond boy next to Alice seemed to be staring as well but he looked like he was in pain. I looked away quickly to notice that Mike had heard Angela and he looked at me. Angry. Not again. I thought to myself.

"I don't see what ever girl sees in him", Mike said.

I looked at him and he still had his eyes on me.

"Isn't it obvious. He's super hot and I heard that the little one Alice and the blond boy Jasper are together. Not only them but the big guy Emmett and the blond girl Rosalie are also together. They were apparently all adopted otherwise that would just be weird. So Edward is the only single one", Jessica spoke.

"Maybe not for long. Right Bella", Mike said with a grin.

I shook my head. He really is so arrogant. Everyone turned to me. The girls looked pissed. I looked over to the Cullen table once more and Edward looked confused like he had just heard what Mike said. I tore my eyes away and looked at everyone at the table.

"I'm not interested. I talked to him for not even five minutes. I'm gonna make a move to class", I said standing up for myself.

I stood up with my nearly untouched water and through it in the bin with frustration. I walked to my locker and took my biology textbook out and made my way straight to class. This was another class I had with Mike and one where I sit on my own. I just hope Edward doesn't show up. Once I got to class it was empty so I took my personal notebook and started to write some lines of a short story. This is something I do when something negative happens. I find it's the best way to express myself. I've never been open about my feelings not even with my Mum before I moved here and she was my best friend. I wrote for about five minutes before people started to arrive. I kept my head down and in my notebook and prayed that Edward wouldn't walk through the door. Person after person filled the room and there was no sign of him but there was someone else that did arrive who I didn't want to see. Mike. He walked in the door and headed to the back of the class towards his seat which meant he had to pass me and this gave him an opportunity. I saw him stop right beside my desk and looked up. He leaned down so that no one could hear what he was going to say.

"Next time you want to speak to me like that. I suggest you don't", he threatened.

I simply nodded my head and he left. Great another two hours with him. Just what I want. I decided to put my notebook away as everyone had arrived and swap it for my biology textbook. When I looked up again he walked through the door. Great. Just what I need. More reason for Mike to attack me. I knew Edward would be sitting next to me as it was the last seat in the class.

"Hello, again", Edward said as he came up to the table and sat down.

"Hi".

Once Edward sat down I was thankful when Mr. Monro addressed the class so that meant that Edward couldn't ask or say anything else. I could feel the hair hairs on the back of my neck stand up as I knew Mike sitting at the back of the class and I could feel his eyes burning into my mind. I sat there taking in every word the teacher said as I don't want to miss a word he said as this was my favourite class apart from English and I wanted to get a good grade. To my surprise, we were working on onion root cells which I just completed at my last school before moving here. Since we were working on onion root cells it meant we had had to work with our lab partners which meant I had to interact more with Edward. The teacher came around to every table and placed some onion samples on our desks. I couldn't help but realize that Edward was yet again sitting as far away from me as he could.

"Ladies first", Edward said as he slid the microscope across to me.

"Thanks", I said, forcing a smile.

I began to study the onion root cell and as I studied I could feel his eyes on me. I don't think he has taken them off me since he arrived. It didn't make me feel the way Mike made me feel. I felt safe with Edward.

"Anaphase", I said as I studied the cell.

"Not that I don't believe you but do you mind if I check", he asked with humor in his voice.

I nod my head and slide the microscope back to Edward. I watched him as he studied the cell. His concentration is something else. It made him even more desirable if that was at all possible. Stop Bella I thought. It's dangerous to think like that about him. I felt like Mike could read my mind and I felt like I was in serious trouble as the thoughts of Edward flooded my mind.

"So", I asked, addressing the onion root cell.

He smiles.

"Anaphase", he said.

He smiles at me. Why does his smile affect me so much? It shouldn't affect me this much. I want to ask him all these questions about his life. Where did he come from? Where did he live before moving to forks? What was his favorite subject? But I didn't like to be nosy and I was scared of what Mike's reaction would be.. I looked out the window and it was raining which sent a shiver down my spine. I hated the rain. That's the worst thing about living in Forks, Washington. It was always raining. I miss the sun in Phoenix. The gloominess must have shown on my face.

"You okay", Edward asked, looking directly at me to bring me out of my gloominess.

I forced a smile as I turned to face him.

"Yeah. I just hate the rain", I said.

He chuckles like he just heard an unspoken joke.

"What's funny", I asked with a smile.

"Nothing", he said laughing.

He removed the slides in silence but I can tell he was still finding something funny which annoyed me slightly. He examined the slide and I couldn't help but stare at his face. It was like one of an angel. I can't stop my stomach from fluttering.

"It's prophase", he finally said.

"Mind if I check", I joked since he did that with the first slide.

"Sure", he said smiling down at his notebook writing down the answer.

I examined the slide. Damn, he was right. Part of me wanted him to be wrong. I looked up from the slide and Edward was sitting there looking at me, waiting for the answer. Even though he already knew.

"Prophase", I admitted.

"Like I said".

Damn him for stealing my line from before. He looked back down at his notebook underlining the answer three times before placing his pencil down and then looking at me.

"It must suck for you to live in a place where it constantly rains then", he said, answering an unasked question from before.

I sighed leaning back against my seat, picking at my chipped nails. I never have any effort doing my nails. I'm not one to paint my nails so I leave them plain.

"You have no idea", I said.

"Have you lived here all your life or moved", he asked.

I remember when I first moved here a few months ago. Everyone used to ask me where I moved from. I was used to people not asking anymore. I forgot that Edward was new.

"It's kinda complicated", I said.

"I think I can keep up", he smiled.