AN: Happy valentines everyone!

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Deadly Affection – Reimagined

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of it's characters. I just make them do silly stuff.

Chapter 21: Quiet Apprehension

Bella PoV

I huffed into my pillow, now with a new case, annoyed that sleep seemed to elude me. I had been awake like this for most of the last hour, desperate to get at least a few more minutes in before the alarm goes off. My mind wasn't all that willing however, as it dredged up memories about a certain little pixie.

I stared into the ceiling, feeling the butterflies in my stomach. Tracing the lines, I tried to ignore it. Hoping the monotony would slow my mind down. But not luck.

And then the fucking alarm went off. It probably would have scared me less if the tune had been at all familiar, though no such luck.

I hit snooze as quick as I could without smashing the poor electronic device. It was still really early, as I had set it to a time where I could manage a small run before having to leave for school. And I really should do it, but I'm loathed to get up from bed. I could just reset it and get another hour in. Not that I'd get any sleep anyway, probably. But I'd be warm and comfortable. And have to try to ignore my own mind even longer. I just wish understanding that I'm still a teenager could mean I could ignore the hormones. But they're just another part of me I can't control. And that won't go away, no matter how hard I wish for it.

I picked my phone back up and turn the future alarms off, before stretching out. And with annoyance being my only companion, I get up.

In an act of active self-sabotage I dress light, and skip the shower before heading outside. I even go as far as to hinder my powers from keeping me too warm as I head up towards the trail. As if hurting my body would punish it in some way. How spiteful is that.

It wasn't until I found the entrance to the trail that I let my powers heat me back up. The tingly sensation keeping me company as I ran faster and faster. Having opted out of music today, I was left with the sound of the wind rushing past me. The occasional sound of birds crying out from my disturbance barely reaching me. I was aimless in my running, choosing to not follow the path as I had last time. I'd headed into the denser woods, focusing on dodging stray branches trying to stand in my way. I ended up with more than a few scratches, one even tearing a hole in my sweater. The offending tree ended up being my target for topping off my energy again.

The skies were getting lighter with each passing moment, and I looked around for a place where I could get a view of the sunrise. There were none within range of my other senses, but I spotted trees on a much higher elevation through the tops of the one I was around. Figuring the only reason would be a cliff, I headed in that direction. And sure enough after a short while it came into view. There was a stiff incline, followed by a straight cliff. In total it was probably forty of fifty meters high.

It was daunting, but I had a goal in mind. And besides. I've got powers.

The incline had me climbing with both hands and feet, digging into the dirt. Some roots from trees long gone helped too, as I reached the bottom of the cliff. There were no obvious paths I could climb, so I'd have to figure out a way to make points for me to grab. And even though I've punched rocks to smithereens, this was a single piece of rock. If I punched my fists into it, the cracks that would leave might mean it'd crumble as I tried to make the next one. Meaning this would require more finesse than I had trained for.

As I let the cloak envelop my hands, I tried to dig out small furrows horizontally. But I wasn't having much luck with it, rubbing back and forth and waiting for the cloak to make the rock porous before it would crumble, and repeat the process. So I started trying to jab my fingers straight into the rock, which wasn't much better. Not to mention I nearly tumbled back down the hill as the dirt came undone underneath my foot.

What gained me the most ground was trying to punch the rock sideways, cracking off small bits one after the other. It left longer openings in the rock, but after enough repeats there was enough of a groove for me to grab onto.

It took a while, but I eventually got halfway up. Only to notice the light from the sun starting to shine directly on the top edge of the cliff. Which annoyed me all the more, as from up here I could see a path I could have likely run up in less time it had taken me to get to where I was now.

I looked back up to the edge, trying to measure the distance. It had to be easily more than ten meters left. More like fifteen, and I hadn't ever jumped that high, even from a flat surface. There was no way I could make jumping up there like this. I chanced a look back down, only to flinch from the height, hugging the cliff face tighter. A part of me regretted doing this, but that didn't help me in this moment.

The sun was still creeping down from the edge when I thought of the other cloak. I'd been able to stop Alice in her daze, like it was nothing. I felt a lot stronger then, so maybe that could help me here. And it wouldn't mess up my clothes.

I tried to find it within me as I hugged the wall, but it felt like something was resisting my attempts. So I pressed harder, feeling like I had a grip on it in my mind, then pulled. I cried out in pain as my entire body felt like it was enveloped in flames. Every fiber of my being screamed in agony. And at the same time, the red cloak vanished, my increased strength with it. Fear gripped me, as I felt my fingers actually meet the stone for the first time, and feeling it slip away. I looked on in horror, feeling like time was slowing down. And little by little, my left hand slipped completely off.

In desperation, I tried to evoke my red cloak again. Only to feel the sensation as if I didn't have enough energy to pull it out. The pain still fresh in my mind, I tried to get the blue cloak to come out again. But there was a barrier there as well. The fingers in my right hand was aching, and my pinkie gave out. I clasped back onto the ledge with my left again, hoping beyond reason someone could come help me out. Only to remember there was no one that could. I'd fucked that up too.

Dread filled me as I imagined crashing into the forest below. First I would start to tumble. Maybe crack my head on a rock if I'm lucky. Knock me out or kill me, either would be a blessing. The speed I would pick up before slamming into one of the trees would be less merciful. Would I survive? I would say I'd hope for it, but right now I was angry with hope. It's what got me into this mess.

What would Charlie think? The day after a confrontation with the guys down from the rez. As a cop, he'd be suspicious of the timing. And mad. And sad. Same thing with Renèe and Phil. A knot forms in my stomach, imagining them staring at a closed casket. Wouldn't want my mangled remains being displayed.

The ring finger on my right, and both the pinkie and ring finger on my left slips. I glare at them, angry at what it means is coming. Not long now, with how my shoes also feels like they're about to give out.

The innocent little pixie in the corner of my mind flashes before me. How would she feel about this. It was barely hours since we... Rage starts to flare in my mind. Directed at myself, when I realize how Alice will blame herself. For not saving me. For not having seen what a stupid thing I would do.

I dug in tighter, using my nails to cling get a grip on the uneven surface. The pain I ignored. I could see blood starting to prickle out underneath them, as the first gave away. Pinkie again, of course. Smallest nail means the least nail-bed to keep it attached.

The self-loathing crumbled away as I remembered her smile. And something just clicked. I hadn't really thought about it before, even in the month since everything started. But I always felt angry or sad whenever the cloak emerged on it's own. Or even just scared. And that wasn't too far off, even when I'd pulled it out intentionally.

I should have seen it when I popped the blue one in Alice's room. Even before that, when I'd hugged my dad in the hospital. I was always happy then. So maybe my powers were based in my emotions. Maybe that was the barrier.

The nail on my left index finger gave out as the idea finalized in my mind. Letting go of the edge with my left hand, I put the tips of my fingers directly against the rock. Then I recalled vivid images of Alice smiling at me, or just making jokes. How it made me feel. How the butterflies made me giddy and nervous at the same time. Slowly then, I tried to pick at it in the back of my mind. Trying to peel the energy out from inside me with care. And there was no barrier this time.

Strength bloomed in me, the cold pressure pulsing through my body. And with that I pressed my left hand forward. It went slowly at first, but as the cloak started to bloom, it got easier. And as each digit of my fingers slowly pressed their way into the stone, I had to grip tighter with my right. My fingers were almost entire embedded by the time the rock in my right hand crumbled and gave away. But I had enough leverage to hold on with just my left. In fact I felt strong enough so as to lift my entire weight easily with just my left hand.

I used some momentum, curling my fingers inside the rock to anchor me, and pressed a little faster with my right. It went in all the way to my wrist with ease. Almost like the rock was clay beneath my hands.

I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the worry being overtaken by a heady rush of excitement. I repeated the process with determination, being as methodical I could be. I didn't make any holes for me to step into, though I could use the ones made. But there just was no need to. I felt secure with the strength that I had, and just kept moving. I didn't stop to look up even as the heat of the sun hit my back. I just repeated each step one after the other. And before long I was within reach of the edge. I grabbed onto it with both arms and flung my body up and over it, not caring that I got a little too carried away and almost hit a tree.

I just rolled over onto my back, and gave the sun the middle finger salute.

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It wasn't until I got back home that I knew just how little time I had to spare. Charlie was once again surprised by my entrance, though not as badly as before. He did admonish me for not putting up a note that I had gone out again. My excuse of being sleepy goes about as well as could be expected. Hiding my damaged hand from view probably kept him from blowing up.

I didn't get to take a shower with how late I was. I had to make due with just washing my face and hands, fingertips now caked with dried blood. I had managed to keep pressure on my index nail on the way back, and it had already started to heal decently. The only evidence of the injury was the blood trapped underneath the nail, being almost black. The pinky nail was all gone. I could already see the nail starting to grow out, but it was obviously going to take some time.

After scraping out as much dried blood as I could get to, gritting my teeth through the pain, I ended up putting a band-aid over it. It was uncomfortable with how sensitive the nail-bed is, but that would have to be the prize to pay for my stupid stunt.

Then I switched out my damaged sweater, putting it on the bed so I'd remember to sew it back up when I got home. And I had to change most of my clothes anyway, due to the sweat I had built up.

When I headed back downstairs Charlie was at the door, about to leave. ''Drive safe kid.'' He said with a wave, closing the door behind him. It didn't feel good to have him dismiss me so casually. But that might just be me reading into it.

I managed to make a couple of slices of bread before I had to run myself. Having to eat it in the car while jamming to a tune on the radio that sounded like Coldplay, but mixed with something else. It sounded wistful, yet hopeful, though I was too preoccupied to follow along to the text.

Most of the parking lot was filled up by the time I got to school, and to my dismay the Volvo and the Beemer were parked and unoccupied. Not that I'd expect vampires to be tardy. Then again, what would be their rush? Having to repeat high-school over and over must get tedious. I know I consider it hell, and I'm not even done the first time around. Wonder if I'm going to have to do the same, if I'm immortal like them.

That thought lead down dark paths, so instead I focused on getting to my locker. In the back of my mind I noted the distinct lack of vampires within range of my senses.

''Good morning Bella.'' A familiar voice says right next to me. I turn to see Angela closing her locker, a smile on her face directed at me.

''Morning Ange!'' I responded, kind of loud due to my surprise. I almost stumbled in my half turn to the locker, in an attempt to act casual. And it's not before I start to turn the dial that I notice something off. There's something inside my locker. It wasn't the near void of just my books, something was definitely sort of alive in there. It was a dull orange, and it was crammed tight. So tight that I couldn't make out any shapes.

''Is something wrong?'' Angela asked with worry, having no doubt noticed my lack of movement. I wonder what I must have looked like to her. Was it as if I was trying to stare a hole in the locker?

''No, I'm just tired.'' I said back, trying to deflect the attention. If anything, I hoped she'd move on so she wouldn't be able to see what had actually caught my attention. She's one smart cookie, and I wouldn't put it past her. Would it be stupid to just walk away from my locker, and claim to have forgotten my textbook at home? Probably.

It would be a leap for her to believe I could have known about something inside my locker without seeing it, so I resigned myself to the risk. As the final click was heard, I had to press my hand against the door for the latch to give away. And when it did, a small avalanche of roses fell out. The initial surprise of what it was didn't last long. Even less so, considering I had reacted by slowing everything down. I closed my glowing eyes and started to pick each flower out of the air before they hit the ground. No reason to ruin them further, even if they were crushed together inside the tight locker. While doing so, I pressed my senses out further to find the culprits. There was little chance any of them would do this without wanting to see my reaction. The fact that none of them were in the hallway only strengthened my suspicion. And, lo and behold, up there in the edge of the forest.

Having secured all the roses in my hands, I forced my powers to recede while looking in their direction. As I opened my eyes to peer out the window, the smiles of Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett, I couldn't help but give one back. Even from this distance, I could tell Emmett was cheering. The startled gasp from Angela was the thing that finally got me back to my senses.

''Holy shit, how did you do that? Wait wha-... Who-.. Why were there roses in your locker? Wait, how many are there?'' It was like ice, the dread running down my spine. I'd moved way too fast for a human, in front of Angela! What the fuck is wrong with me?!

Thinking of the best way out of my new conundrum, I elected to focus on the flowers in my hands. ''I don't know.'' It was in fact a lie, as I knew both the who and the why. I just didn't expect Alice would go this old-school. I held out the bouquet for Angela who was currently counting, when I noticed the warm liquid drip from my left hand.

A sting of pain came when I released the tight grip on the stems, and I saw that two thorns had cut into my fingers. One of them even looked a little nasty, having gone into the join near the tip of my pointer finger. Fucking great. Well at least none of the Cullen's were close for this. Is this why they waited outside? Had her visions come back?

''...-Thirteen.'' I heard Angela mutter to herself, having finished her self-imposed assignment. ''Oh, here.'' She said a little louder, having noticed my injury she handed me a handkerchief. Not that I really needed it, as the wounds were already closing up. I took it anyway, if only to ease her mind. I peered out of the corner of my eye to where the vampires had been standing, and noticed they were gone. Show was over, it seems.

''It seems you have a secret admirer, Bella. Any idea who it might be?'' The worry was gone from Angela's face, having been replaced by curiosity and excitement. I struggled to hide a smile. Well more like completely failed, but what can you do when feeling like you're on top of the world. The most annoying thing with this was the struggle to keep my powers contained. Guess I was due some training in how to suppress that in the near future.

''I could hazard a guess.'' I teased Ange, walking off with a smirk. She ran after me demanding an answer, to no avail.

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The will to hide who my admirer was had gone from being fed by humorous teasing, to obnoxious stubbornness right quick. All that was needed was the snide remarks of a certain gossipmonger. From the start of trig, Jess had pestered me about it. Not that her questions had turned pointed during that lesson, instead having done so in Spanish. Perhaps due to her not having to sit right next to me in that class. Or to impress Angela maybe? Who knows.

It was obvious who the main contenders were of course, which was probably the reason they both dragged me to their table at lunch. The way Mike looked like a hurt puppy at the thought of me liking someone else only served to annoy me further. Jess kept grilling me about what I thought of Emmett. A few times about Rosalie even, though she looked repulsed at that idea. The world will move on without wiping a tear at that loss. I noticed Edward rumble with silent laughter shortly after that, so I'd guess he was listening in.

''For the last time Jess, it's not Emmett! Does he look like the kinda guy to hide his affection? I mean really, look at him!'' I said- okay, more like shouted at this point, my hand stretched out in the direction of the two main targets of her inquiries, outright fondling each other.

She opened her mouth to protest as she turned to look, only to turn red and avert her eyes. And for a whole ten seconds she was silent, twiddling her fingers. I actually started to believe she'd shut the fuck up about it. Leave it to Stanley to prove me wrong, I guess.

''Then it has to be Edward. It is, isn't it?'' I just gaped at her, feeling like I was loosing brain cells from sheer stupidity. Managing to close my mouth, I started to rub the bridge of my nose, sighing loudly. And the whole table was silent, expecting an answer.

''Why would you-... Is-.. Have you even spoken with him?'' I started with a scoff. Her nails were suddenly really interesting all of a sudden. ''What the fuck is up with her obsession over the Cullen's?'' I asked everyone, instead of giving the idea another second to live. The four other people around the table all shared looks, but not a word was spoken. Not that it was any challenge to guess the reason with that reaction.

''When did she get rejected?'' I asked a little more quietly. Not that I wanted to spare her feelings in the moment, but there was no reason to gloat over it. The way Jessica froze verified my suspicion.

''A couple of months before you moved here.'' Angela answered after the brief silence. The sound of Jess gasping, and the look of betrayal was clear on her face. ''What? You were being sort of a bitch. It's only fair she knows why.'' Wow. Did not see that coming.

''You promised you wouldn't tell!'' Jessica hissed back. Her entire face was becoming red as the seconds passed, indicating just how upset she was by this. Angela didn't back down, instead meeting the hateful gaze head on. She didn't even cross her arms.

''You were being entirely unreasonable. And besides, she already gathered it happened. I just clarified when.'' There was not a tremor in Angela's voice to indicate any discomfort on her part. I really didn't see this coming, with how timid she usually was. Probably should be a little more cautious with what I reveal around her.

Jessica, none to happy with the way the conversation was going, opted to bail. She got up from the table, gathered her stuff, and was just about to leave when a certain pixie decided to clear her throat behind me. Loud enough for everyone around the table to hear.

Her intentions were probably not entirely amicable, as the timing was just a little too good to be true. To be fair, I couldn't help but smile as I've already figured out what was about to go down. Or close enough, as proved by the single rose she was twirling behind her back.

''Hey Alice.'' I uttered as a greeting while turning around. My smile only grew when I saw hers in turn. It was mischievous as all hell. Even a little predatory, though it detracted little in how my body reacted.

''Hello Bella.'' The sight of her pearly whites made me glad I was seated at that moment. But my gaze was drawn more towards the rose she promptly brought forth and held underneath her nose, smelling it. ''I was wondering if I might steal you away from your friends.'' The gasp, and utter dumbfounded look on Jessica was priceless. It almost made me regret not turn around to witness it with my eyes.

I hadn't caught onto the fact that I was more charged up than I should be. I was a subtly reminded when I saw Alice's eyes dilate a fraction. I managed to reign it in time for Alice's motionlessness to not be too conspicuous, her smile widening even more.

I manged to break the spell she had me under, and turn to Angela to ask if it was okay. Only to be greeted by her shooing motions, one hand not so gently pushing me away from the table. The shrill, strangled cry from Jessica was highly amusing, as she turned on the spot and stomped out of the cafeteria.

I could clearly hear the boys behind me whisper in hurried succession as I got up, but elected to ignore it. Alice held the rose for me to take, before taking my hand and leading me towards an empty table. I faintly recall the cafeteria being really really quiet at that point. I do remember seeing Angela jumping in her seat as we walked.

Alice let me go as we approached the table, sitting down and patting the spot beside her. My body felt entirely too light in that moment, so I took care not to crush the rose in my hands. The only thing I could hear, was my own heartbeat thundering in my ears. Had Alice really gone and done that? Basically announced to the whole of the school, well everyone in the cafeteria, that we were gay? Oh I feel lightheaded. What a rush. Sounds starting coming back to me as I focused on the flower between my fingers. It started out as hushed whispers, but quickly grew to a cacophony. Tyler even wolf-whistled.

I only dared look back into Alice's eyes as the blush erupted on my face. She was grinning from ear to ear. In exultation, I felt the urge to kiss her. Madly, deeply. If only to prove to her how happy this made me. I had been a little apprehensive to reveal to everyone in school that I was gay. Not that I thought it was something I had to keep hidden. It was just that I didn't want the extra attention, while still being so new to the school. That was the main reason I hadn't shouted to the skies that it was Alice who had hid the roses in my locker.

It was still probable that I'd get more attention because of this, but at least I didn't have to worry about it anymore. Leave it to Alice to find a painless way to rip that particular band-aid off.

''Your eyes are blue.'' Alice utters quietly. The words doesn't compute for me, being to caught up in my own thoughts at the moment. ''Strikingly so.'' It takes a few extra seconds before I figure out what she's talking about, and I curse myself internally for having gotten lax with my use of the shades recently. But I don't want to put them on either. It feels rude, even if it's for a purpose.

I move to close my eyes, only for Alice's hand to blur to my chin. ''Please.'' She whispered. The simple request makes my blush stay even longer than it would have, and I try to pull my strength inwards while keeping my eyes open. It's harder than I would have thought, but after a few seconds, I manage. ''Exquisite.'' Alice murmurs, her hand dropping again. My mind races, trying to come up with a witty response, but I find none. Instead I turn away, embarrassed.

My eyes flicker to the Cullen table, four pair of eyes staring in our direction, three of them with accompanying grins. I'm too happy to care. ''This your idea of courtship? Dazzle me into silence?'' I ask, not daring to look at her. It feels like my nerves are on fire, every strand of hair standing on edge.

Alice chuckles before responding. ''Just a lucky side-effect.'' She leans her chin on her hand, continuing to stare at me. The urge to hide behind my hair strikes, but I instead choose to bask in her gaze. I think I would have felt self-conscious if she had done this a few days ago. Right now though, it only makes me more giddy.

''Hey, did Carlisle figure out what was wrong with Billy Black?'' I was glad for a distraction, even if it wasn't the most happy of topics we could talk about.

Alice sat up at the mention of the Quileute tribe member, the smile dimming slightly. ''Yeah, well no, not really. He didn't show any symptoms of being ill when Carlisle examined him. He's running blood tests just to be sure. You can probably guess how well that conversation went.'' Her nose flared a bit in amusement, and I couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped me. Billy being asked to take a blood sample by a 'filthy leech'. Good thing it happened in a hospital. It was most likely a good substitute to test his condition under stress as well. Wonder if Carlisle thought of that?

''I hope your dad didn't mind me sending him his way. He really didn't look good when we talked.'' I said, hoping it wasn't too much trouble. No doubt he was a complete ass every second he was around a vampire, but he was still important. Not to me in particular, but I really don't know how Jake would take it if anything... Not even going to go there.

''I don't think he will hold it against you. Apparently the look on Billy's face was worth the insults.'' She said with a chuckle of her own, leaning forwards again. ''So. Now that I've made the first move, where do you want to take it from here?'' Her voice was slightly more husky, and not at all suited for a talk to be had in the cafeteria. The immediate reemergence of my blush was probably clear as day to everyone that looked in our general direction.

''What do you mean?'' I asked, flustered. My mind was running with presumptions before I knew what was happening. ''We-well, I'd like to hang out with you more. Get to know you better on a more personal level. Maybe go on a date. Or several.'' By the end, I was a muttering mess. Unbidden images floating around in my mind. Again. Curse my vivid imagination.

The laughter, holding the usual characteristics of chimes, coming from beside me was loud enough to draw the attention of people around us. As if I'd said something worth of laughter. I just wanted to curl in on myself and disappear.

''Is that all?'' Alice teased, laughter dying down to a single chuckle. I peered in her direction, feeling somewhat insulted. By the smirk on her face, it was clear that wasn't the intention. ''Well, have you put any more thought into what you want to watch friday?'' Her tone was hushed, and I found myself having to look away again. I was suddenly reminded, very painfully so, that all the vampires several tables away were listening in. It was as clear as day, by the look on Emmett's face.

''Would be more romantic to plan such things when we don't have an audience.'' I muttered, sticking my tongue out to the big goofball. He only smiled wider.

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It took some convincing for Alice to stop pestering me to come directly to their house after school. I even had to play the sympathy card, about how I felt like I was neglecting Charlie. He'd been silent during dinner, which seemed to be the new norm. He didn't hesitate to answer me when I spoke to him. But he never brought up a subject on his own. And his body language had changed. It was as if he wasn't as open anymore. I could understand it, to a degree. But this was getting to be a little much. Or was that just me being hyper aware of the changes? Maybe I was being delusional. It was honestly a little hard to tell, these days.

The sun had already set by the time we were finished eating, and I was starting to get frustrated by the silence. So I excused myself, and headed upstairs. Firing off a quick text to Alice, I asked if I could come over for a while. It didn't take long to get an answer. That's when I found myself in the bathroom, taking off the band-aids to inspect the progress.

The blackness underneath the nail on my index finger was gone by now. I tentatively tried to lift the end of it, and was happily surprised that it didn't hurt at all. My pinky was another matter, only having grown maybe a third of the way out. I washed my hands again, before getting another band-aid out. Only for another box to fall out of the cabinet at the same time.

It caused me to freeze up, seeing it between my feet. In my head, I started counting the days since I moved here. And it didn't add up. I got my phone out and checked my calendar, just to be sure. My math wasn't wrong.

It had been more than a month. Something was up.

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AN: Hope you guys enjoyed that, and I hope you've had a good day! As always, please do tell me if you feel something feels off. Then again, that might just be the point in this chapter. :P