Thank you for your continued support with this story. It means a lot!
Big thanks to Fran for beta'ing and to Mr G and Me and Monica03 for pre-reading. You're all awesome! (Any mistakes you see are my own.)
SM owns everything Twilight.
With a muffled groan, I lay my head down on the desk, willing an idea to come into my head to help me out of this mess. I could ask the teacher if I could work alone, but most likely, the threat of taking points off isn't an empty one. It'll be hard as hell to catch up, and my grades need to be decent in order for me to get a scholarship if I decide to go to college.
I half-listen as the teacher begins to explain the project and what will be expected from the pair working together. I probably should pay more attention, but honestly, they always end up giving out a paper that says everything they've already discussed. Which, I suppose, is a good thing for the people that are trying to control their temper and not hurl their desk across the room in a fit of rage. Namely, me.
I'm so mature.
I hope there won't be much interaction between Edward and me; I'm really hoping I can do my part at my house and he can do his at his house, then later we can meet for one minute and put everything together and call it a day. However, as the teacher explains on, my plan is rendered useless.
"The two of you will have to work together on research, writing the paper, putting together a presentation or giving a mock lecture. When you write your paper, you must cite your sources, or you won't get credit. Don't think you can just separate the projects and put them together at the last minute. Bounce ideas off each other; discuss ... debate. Work with one another, and no, that is not a request. You need to learn to work with someone else. Does it suck? Of course, it does. But unfortunately, there will be times in your life when you have to work with other people. Another thing, don't think you can get away with one person doing all of the work and the other just slapping their name on it. I'll know, and you'll get an incomplete. This is due in two weeks, so I suggest you get started soon. You'll get class time and library time to work on it, but not a lot. Most of it will have to be done after school."
Fabulous. Now, I have to talk to him about putting this project together. I resist the urge to bang my head against the desk in frustration.
When the bell rings at the end of class, I sigh heavily and prepare myself to talk to Edward. But before I can take a step in his direction, he's out of the room. I'm almost surprised there isn't a trail of dust or smoke left behind in his wake.
He's super mature too, obviously. We're certainly a pair.
8*8*8*8*8
Throughout the day, I've tried to track Edward down, but I've had no luck.
The rampant gossip running like water through the school about the Cullens is no help either. All I hear is how good they look, as well as some pretty twisted fantasies.
I definitely need brain bleach now.
The bright side, I suppose, is that they're not stalkers.
I even asked Angela Webber, my friend, and office assistant, if she would give me his schedule so I could ambush him after class. Thankfully she did, even though it was against school rules.
But hey, who am I going to tell?
As soon as the jerk saw me coming, he hurried away, the ever-lingering annoyed expression plastered on his face.
I have to admit, though, I am impressed with his stealth skills. It's clear when he doesn't want to be found, he won't be, even in a school this small.
Sluggishly, I make my way to the cafeteria, hoping to catch him there. A quick scan of the room tells me he's not here yet, which is both good and bad.
To my surprise, Alice is sitting at my table, along with two lunch trays.
"Hi," she greets, not meeting my eyes and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I hope I'm not imposing. I just thought I'd grab you lunch since I was up there."
"I thought you didn't like cafeteria food?"
She shrugs. "I meant to bring something, but I forgot. Beggars can't be choosers and all that. Is that … is it okay?"
"Uh, yeah. It's unexpected, but it's fine." I fish some money out of my bookbag, handing it over to her. She tries to refuse, but I'm not backing down. "I appreciate you getting this for me, but I can't allow you to pay for it."
"Don't worry about it," she tells me, waving a hand. "It wasn't a big deal and didn't cost much. I was already up there getting mine, so I thought I'd grab it and save you a trip."
"And I appreciate it, but I'm still paying for it myself."
Determinedly, I hold the money out, meeting her stubborn gaze with one of my own. Seeing I'm not going to back down, she sighs heavily, taking the money and shoving it into her pocket with a disgruntled expression.
"Thank you for getting this."
"You're welcome," she says, her sour expression fading into one of concern. "Are you okay? You looked a little … mad when you came in. Do you want to sit alone?"
I shake my head before she's done, surprising myself with that one.
"No, it's not you. It's your pain in the ass brother."
The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. While I'm not Edward's biggest fan, I still don't want to run her brother into the ground. Until I know her better, that is. I glance over, wondering if she's going to get pissed off. To my surprise, however, she snorts a laugh.
"Which one?"
I eye her for a moment, wondering if she's really okay with this conversation. I try to see if there's any hidden hostility or anger there, I see nothing but friendliness and expectation.
Either she's a good actress, or she's fine with this.
"Look, I love my brothers, and I'd do anything for them. However, I don't have rose-colored glasses on when it comes to them. Sure, they're awesome most of the time, but I know they're a handful and can both be a pain in the ass. I'm here to listen if you want to vent, or I could help you with whatever problem you're having. I know their weak spots," she says with a wink and a soft nudge to my arm.
"You don't have to do that; it's not your problem. I just need to talk to him about this stupid project without him escaping," I grumble.
Alice waves a hand. "You don't have to tell me. He's completely stubborn and used to things going his way. I think that's why he behaves the way he does with you."
"You mean hating me?"
She shrugs, wrinkling her nose. "Hate is a strong word, but you definitely challenge him, and he's not used to that."
Unable to help myself, I snort. She makes it sound like he's some spoiled dick that pouts when things don't go according to his plan. Which makes sense—to me, anyway. His behavior certainly supports it.
"Is he spoiled or something?"
Alice giggles lightly, smothering the sound with her palm. "A tiny bit," she admits holding her thumb and index close together, so there's only a sliver of light coming through. "He was the first my parents adopted, so he's their 'baby,' so to speak."
I nod in recognition, remembering hearing a few people talk about how strange it was they adopted teenagers instead of younger children. Personally, I think it's a good thing. It doesn't matter how old a child is when they need a home and a family.
"Though recently," she continues, oblivious to my thoughts, "he's been going through a rough patch. It's been really hard on him, and he's struggling. A lot."
Her cheerful face fades into one of sadness and pain. My curiosity flares, making me wonder what he's struggling with, and for a moment, I'm tempted to ask, but realize it's not any of my business.
While I understand he's going through something at the moment, it's still no reason to be a jerk, and I say this to her.
"I agree, and I've told him this; Emmett and my parents have told him, too, but at times, he's rather impulsive and acts without thinking. He's working on it."
"It's not working."
She laughs again, her eyes darting to the cafeteria doors, a breathy sigh escaping her lips. Turning, I see what has her attention.
Jasper strolls into the cafeteria at that moment, talking animatedly with Emmett and Edward. The three of them all look excited, talking and laughing. A few of the tables they pass become quiet, the female occupants looking at the Cullen brothers with glazed eyes while the guys simply look annoyed.
They head over to a table with a couple of Jasper's friends, Ben Cheney and Tyler Crowley. Ben and Tyler welcome the Cullens warmly, jumping into the conversation with ease as most boys do. The others at the table shift uncomfortably, trading quick glances and mouthing words.
A few girls at the table, acquaintances of Lauren's, pull their shirts down to reveal the top of their cleavage and turn, so the boys can get an optimal view of their 'assets.' The only girl who doesn't do this is Angela, who is madly in love with Ben.
While she doesn't mimic the other girls, she does give the pair an appreciative glance before returning her attention back to her homework.
You sly girl!
I chuckle lightly to myself, stocking that bit of information away to bring up later as I debate about whether or not I should go over there.
Now or never.
I look at Alice, who is staring at Jasper with an adoring look that vanishes once she feels the heat of my stare.
Grinning sheepishly, she looks down at the table, not looking up as I slowly rise, excusing myself. Releasing a heavy sigh and a slight whine from the back of my throat, I heave myself up, stomping over to Jasper's table.
"Hey," Jasper greets with a small smile, though his voice is drowned out by Emmett's loud and enthusiastic reception.
"Hey ya, Bella!"
Unable to help myself, I smile. "Hey, Emmett."
Looking past him, the smile falls off my face as I glance at Edward, his eyes glaring down at the table like it's personally offending him.
Or, as if the table is me.
"Edward, we need to nail down a time and date to work on this project."
My words are ignored; his gaze remains fixed on the table, his hands resting on his thighs. A tense, uncomfortable silence forms around the four of us, quickly spreading to the others at the table, who shift and glance uneasily at us.
Emmett elbows Edward in the side, jerking his head toward me. In response, Edward glares, rising from the table and stalking out of the cafeteria.
Jasper's lips pull down in a deep frown, his eyes narrowed on Edward's retreating form.
"What's that about?" He questions, looking up at me.
"We don't get along. Obviously."
Without another word, Jasper gets up and takes me by the arm, leading me away from the table Emmett still occupies.
Rose, having seen the interaction from her table near the double doors, walks over, ignoring Emmett's greeting.
"What was that about?" She inquires, at the same time Jasper asks his own question.
"What happened?"
"What do you mean?" I reply with a shrug. It was pretty average as of late.
An unamused look crosses his face. "Don't play dumb. What happened with you and Edward?"
Rose nods in agreement with his inquiry, gazing at me unblinkingly.
It's so creepy how she does that. Is she part robot? Or a pod-person? Normal people can't go that long without blinking, can they? I need to look that up.
I sigh. "I don't know. I bumped into him in Port Angeles by accident, and he flipped out. Clearly, he's insane."
From the table, I hear a deep chuckle, but when I look over, I see no signs of laughter from anyone, though there is a twinkle in Emmett's eye.
Returning my attention to Jasper and Rose, I see an array of emotions playing out on their faces. Rose looks pissed as she glares at where Edward had exited, while Jasper seems angry and disappointed, before looking resigned.
Knowing where his thoughts are heading, I shake my head and stab my index finger in his chest. "Don't. Just because we don't get along doesn't mean you can't hang out with him."
"But—"
"I'm not the one hanging out with your friends," I argue. "I don't have to like them, just like you don't have to like mine."
Quickly, his eyes dart over to my lunch table, where Alice is still sitting, before returning to me. I purse my lips to hold back the smirk that threatens to escape.
"Fine," he finally concedes. "I will tell him about it, though."
Holding up my hands in surrender, I take a step back. "Whatever. Not my problem, not my friend. Just as long as he's nice to you, then it's all good."
He nods once, heading back to the table. Emmett immediately leans forward, his face alight with joy at whatever he's sharing.
Rose pensively stares at Emmett and Jasper for a long moment, before looking at my table where Alice sits. She turns to me, questions in her eyes.
"Are you two friends now?"
"It's tentative," I hedge, not knowing if Alice and I are friends or not. "Why?"
"Don't you think it's weird? Her crushing on Jasper and sitting with you? Or Emmett crushing on me and hanging with Jasper?"
I bite the inside of my lip to keep my chuckles contained because Rose isn't speaking as quietly as she thinks she is. Jasper and Emmett both snap their heads over to us, the former looking mighty displeased.
Her words make sense, though. I mean, it could be possible they're just trying to get closer to the object of their desires, but who knows? Maybe they're just lonely. I imagine it would suck being new in a town where gossip spreads like wildfire.
"I don't know what their plan is, or if they have one. Don't be so quick to condemn people, Rose."
"And you don't be so quick to trust."
"Who says I am? Time will tell everything."
She nods once and murmurs a goodbye, patting Jasper on the shoulder. He dodges it, still looking unhappy with her previous words. Rose rolls her eyes and heads back to finish her lunch.
I head back to my own table, but pause as Lauren steps in front of me, hanging off Mike's arm. With disgust, I note one of her hands practically fondling his crotch. My stomach churns, threatening to expel everything I've eaten this week.
Where are the teachers?
"So, I heard you have to work with Edward on a project, and he hates you," Lauren says with a smug smirk. "It's nice to see he has taste after all."
"So, I heard Mike's partner for the history project is Tyler. Isn't that something?" I counter, smiling when her gleeful face falls, and she looks to Mike in confirmation. He nods sharply, glaring at me from the corner of his eye.
This has to be Lauren's worst nightmare. Last year she was dating Tyler, and she cheated on him with Mike right under his nose. Everyone could see it but Tyler and no one wanted to say anything because to most of my classmates, this was a free soap opera. To others, they didn't want to be the bearer of bad news, so they simply kept their nose out of it.
I thought Tyler was stupid because he knew she was screwing all of the single—and some not so single—guys on various sports teams. After all, that was how they met. I guess he thought when they started dating she would change for him.
He was an idiot, just like Mike is. Does he think she's remaining faithful?
Yeah, just as much as the sun is purple.
When Lauren and Mike's relationship came to light, Tyler vowed he would get revenge one day, especially if they didn't stay out of his way.
It seems that now, Tyler is going to get his way; he and Mike having to work together is definitely going to cause some tension. I just wonder what he has planned.
"You have to get out of it, Mike," she snaps, looking pale and extremely worried.
"I can't, Lauren. The teacher said she would take off points if we complained."
"I don't care, you dumb ass. You switch partners by the end of the day or else! I'd rather you work with the freak over here!" she shouts, pointing in my direction.
"Stellar insults, but don't try too hard, okay? Save yourself the brainpower; we wouldn't want it to explode. Brain matter is so hard to get out of knockoff cashmere."
Lauren screeches under her breath, a sound only dogs can hear, and stomps off with Mike rushing after her, trying to offer assurances that everything will be okay.
I chuckle to myself, heading back to my table where Alice waits, a smirk playing on her lips.
"She's … something else," she hedges.
"No kidding," I say with a snort, and start eating.
Alice turns her body toward me, excitement in her features. "Did you hear about that new horror movie coming out in October?"
I answer in the negative because I haven't logged into the horror blogs I frequent in a couple of days. I really need to put my e-mail app on my phone and make time to check out the website. I hate feeling left out of the loop.
"It sounds so good," she begins before trailing off. "Do you want me to tell you or do want to read about it for yourself?"
I don't even need to think about it; I want to hear about all horror movies and the horror genre in general at any and all times. In my opinion, you can't have enough of it. The plus side is, I'll hear it before Jasper, and hold it over his head.
"No, tell me."
She excitedly rambles about it and by the time she's done, I'm thoroughly impressed by the description of the movie, and I can't wait to see it on the big screen. I don't think she's taken a single breath while she spoke, but then again, I've been known to ramble too at times.
"It sounds good. We'll have to go see it."
For some odd reason I can't fathom, she looks extremely happy.
8*8*8*8*8
Chemistry was proven to be a bust.
Not because of the class, though. Because of the perpetual thorn in my side, named Edward Cullen.
Even his name sounds snotty, jeez. His parents sure did name him right.
I planned on speaking with him about the assignment before class started, but he came in just as the last bell rang and left just as class was dismissed. Tracking him in the hallway was a useless attempt; he was easily swallowed by the wild mix of students happy to be free of another class and the worried ones, terrified they'd be late.
Unfortunately for him, we share our last class of the day together; gym. Unless he plans on skipping it—which I wouldn't put past him to do—he can't avoid me. Normally, the coach throws us all together and tells us to 'play nice.' I hate it, but when it comes to stubborn jackasses and my grades, I'm thankful for it.
Outside of the gym, I spot Edward's head of chaotic bronze hair and quicken my steps, feeling the wind whistle through my hair.
Edward turns when I'm five feet from him, and his eyes widen slightly just before he rushes into the boy's locker room, somewhere I'll never go, no matter how much I'm paid.
"I'll get you, you bastard," I grumble, stomping into the girl's locker room to change.
Once I'm in my beautiful, gray and burgundy Forks High uniform, I stand near the entrance, ignoring Coach Clapp's inquisitive gaze. My classmates file past me into the gym and give me odd looks. Lauren stops to attempt to say something but wisely decides not to, once I give her a hard look.
Coach Clapp blows his whistle just as the bell rings, signaling the beginning of another hour. I narrow my eyes at Edward as he struts in, smiling in triumph.
"Front and center you two," Coach orders.
We head in opposite directions, standing with our respective sexes. I roll my eyes as Lauren's voice drifts from the back of the group.
"I hope we're not doing anything too strenuous. I am not showering here, and Mike is taking me to Port Angeles for dinner tonight. Plus, I just had my hair done, and it gets so—"
Her voice is drowned out by Coach Clapp's as he again blows his whistle. "All right, pay attention. Today, we're going to be doing something called teamwork. That means we're all going to work together."
I smother the groan threatening to escape.
What is it with these teachers wanting us to work together?
"You have two choices for activities today; you can play basketball or volleyball."
Well, there's no doubt in my mind. I'll be playing volleyball; it's my favorite sport and something I'm kind of good at if I do say so myself.
"The rules are the same as always: no rough-housing, no name-calling and if I see things getting physical, it's an immediate failing grade for the day, and you'll be sent to the principal's office. Now, pick your sport and have fun," he concludes, clapping his hands once.
Immediately, I search out Edward, and I'm not surprised to see him on the other side of the gym, clearing choosing basketball.
Fine. I can work with this.
Once the equipment is set up, and the balls are distributed, the gym is filled with squeaking shoes, bouncing balls and excited chatter.
I head over to one of the volleyball nets, ignoring the uncomfortable stares as my classmates giving me a wide berth—wider than it needs to be while we play volleyball—and wait for the game to start. On the other side of the net, I see I'm playing against Lauren, but I pay her no mind. My attention is on Edward, looking for a perfect opportunity to go through with my plan, but I never get the chance; he stays on the far side of the area, keeping a mindful watch on me.
Damn him.
The game begins and more than once Lauren attempts to spike the ball in my face. I counter her attacks and smirk as she squeals and jumps out of the way as my serve comes flying for her.
"You did that on purpose," she screeches.
"No more than you did."
She starts to retort, but is cut off by Coach Clapp walking up, his arms crossed over his chest and a stern expression on his face … though, he always looks like that.
"I don't see a lot of activity going on here."
We pick up the game up again, and when my turn to serve comes up, I see my perfect chance. If I can get the ball to land near him, then he'll have no choice but to talk to me; maybe then we can nail down a time to do this stupid project.
Edward stands about ten feet from Lauren, helping a teammate make it to the basket.
Perfect.
Taking the white ball, I throw it up in the air and hit it, aiming toward Edward's shoulder. It sails through the air, heading toward my target, but at the last minute, it hits Mike instead, as Edward suddenly jerks to the left.
It's not a total loss. At least Mike was hit. Maybe it'll knock some sense into him.
As an added bonus, Lauren drops to the floor with a screech, covering her head as the ball sails past her. I don't bother to hide my laughter as I walk by her, raising an eyebrow as she glares from the floor.
Edward tosses the ball to me as soon as I'm close enough. I flounder for a moment, the object bouncing on my hands before I get a solid grip.
"Hey," I hiss, marching after him. "I'm not done with you."
He sighs heavily, his shoulders and head dropping back momentarily before his rigid posture and glare returns.
"What?"
"We have to set up a time to do this project."
"I don't—"
"Look—" we say at the same time, only to be interrupted by Coach Clapp and his whistle from hell.
Why does he do that? We're two feet away from him! Can't he just talk like a normal person?
"This isn't a date. Get back to your games!"
Edward smirks and turns away, diving back into his game, leaving me fuming.
Don't worry, Cullen. I'll corner you, one way or another.
8*8*8*8*8*8
The world around me is a mass of swirling color as I stalk out of the gym, rushing past the throngs of people pouring out of classrooms like a flood. I make it to my locker in under four minutes, which is impressive if I do say so myself, considering the gym is almost on the other side of the school. I guess being extremely pissed and having your patience MIA gives you quick feet like Edward Cullen.
Speaking of the asshat, I had planned to corner him after gym was over, but two things prevented me from doing just that; one, Lauren had somehow managed to get her grimy little hands on a bottle of bleach and poured it all over my clothes.
Luckily for her, I wasn't wearing the shirt I had planned on this morning; if my favorite, black, blue and purple tie-dye shirt was ruined, there would be hell to pay.
I can't prove it, of course, but I know it was her. It's too coincidental that she had to go to the bathroom when I had returned to the volleyball game. Plus, she can't keep a secret for shit. Her triumphant smirk says it all.
The second obstacle that kept me from talking to Edward was the man himself; he stayed holed up in the locker room until I could no longer stand the strong aroma coming from within. I can only hope the horrid stench of the locker room made him pass out. It's what he deserves for acting like a child.
Heaving my locker open, I throw all of my books inside, thankful I don't have much homework. If I did, I have a feeling one of my books might 'accidentally' slip out of my hand and hit a certain someone in the head.
Repeatedly.
"What the hell," I hear coming from my right.
Jasper slowly walks toward me, his eyes wide and mouth open as he takes in my ruined clothes.
"What happened to you?"
I take a deep breath, trying to find my 'inner calm' as my mother would say, but I can't. My patience and calm for the day—if not the week—has vanished.
Pulling my still damp clothes away, I wave a hand down, like a game show girl, only this isn't a prize. "What you see here is the last straw in this shitty day. On top of Edward being extremely difficult and childish about our joint project, Lauren did this."
His eyes narrow and he looks around the hall, muttering under his breath about making her pay. His own anger fuels my own; my face heats and my body ignites in flames. I clench my jaw and ball my hands into fists, the urge to punch something so strong I can almost feel the impact of my knuckles against a hard surface.
Slowly, I feel my control slip, and I'm seconds away from losing it; I may be a bitch, but I'm not a violent person. Sure, I've punched a few people—namely Royce—but they started it in one way or another. Closing my eyes, I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth, resting my forehead against the cool metal of the locker. The sensation is a welcome one, and I allow myself to focus on the feeling, imagining it spreading down my body, all the way to my toes, putting out the fire that is my anger.
When I feel calm enough, I notice Jasper is in a similar position to me, except his back is against the locker. Honestly, that's probably the better decision; who knows what kind of germs are crawling on these things.
"Let's go," he softly says, nodding toward the doors.
I nod once and turn, spotting Lauren coming down the hall, her group of followers behind her, talking amongst themselves. She catches my eye and smirks, her gaze traveling down my ruined and splotchy clothes. Her lips part the tiniest bit, but she wisely thinks better of it once she sees my face.
Her cronies behind her look between the two of us anxiously, waiting to see what's going to happen. A collective air of disappointment stems as Lauren flips her hair over her shoulder and quickly walks away, a noticeably pale hue to her complexion.
One sharp bark of humorless laughter escapes me as I watch Lauren and her group disappear down the hall. Jasper laughs as well, shaking his head once and nudging my arm, grimacing at the damp feeling on my clothes.
"Come on, killer. We need to get home so you can change. Inhaling the bleach fumes probably isn't good for you."
I follow behind him toward the door and out of the parking lot, but before I exit, I spot Alice at her locker, an impassive-looking Edward behind her.
Taking a sharp left, I head toward them, hearing Jasper's indignant "Hey!"
"I'll meet you at the car," I say, turning to look at him.
He rolls his eyes and grumbles something under his breath, heading outside.
I march toward Edward, noting the small group of girls to the left, eyeing him while they whisper and giggle amongst themselves. It looks like they're trying to muster up the courage to go over and talk to him, but they seemed to lack the strength, except for one.
Trisha—an ex-friend of Rose's—straightens her shirt and runs her fingers through her hair. I slow my steps and watch as she steps in Edward's line of sight, trying to give him her most alluring, flirtatious smile.
"Hello, Edward."
I can't help but snicker as he nods in her direction, his eyes never once landing anywhere near her. Trisha's face falls, and she glares at me as I walk past. I simply smirk and carry on my way, amused Edward doesn't even seem to notice the girls around him going through tremendous effort to get his attention.
It's sickening how they think he's the greatest thing in the world. He is handsome, I'll give him that, but his attitude is shit. However, it is funny as hell to see them get glanced over like moldy bread.
Alice and Edward's eyes widen when I stop in front of them, glancing at the pinkish-white splatters on my clothes. I offer up no explanation though. It's not the time to chit-chat, especially with a guy who can't be in the same room as me for longer than two seconds.
"Okay," I start, my unwavering gaze on his. "I know you don't like me and don't want to work with me. That's fine; I feel the same way. You're rude, unpleasant, and quite frankly, one of the biggest dicks I've met. Now, we have to work on this project together. I don't like it, but life sucks that way. In an effort to get this done as quickly as possible, so we don't have to interact with one another longer than we have to, I suggest we get started. The sooner, the better."
He looks stunned by my speech, blinking slowly, his mouth falling open slightly. At his side, Alice attempts to stifle a laugh behind her palm, but it only amplifies the sound. Edward snaps his gaze over to her, and she stares up at him apologetically, remorse swimming in her eyes. There's some sort of weird silent communication going on between them, something I've only rarely seen between Rose and Jasper.
When he turns back toward me, humor is plastered on her face once more as she bites the corner of her lip to keep from smiling. Her lips twitch the longer she stares at me, and in an effort to control herself, her gaze drops to the floor. I have to wonder if she enjoys the grief I'm giving him. It certainly seems that way, and if that's the case, then I like her a little more.
Edward sighs, running a hand through his messy hair. The look on his face is pained as he grudgingly speaks. "Fine. Give me your number, and I'll call you when I set it up."
"Why yes, Edward, I'll give you my number. Thank you for asking so nicely," I sarcastically say. I start digging through my book bag for a scrap piece of a paper and scribbling my home number. There's no way in hell he's getting my cell number.
I hold it out to him, shaking it a little when he just stares as if I'm handing him an infectious disease. "It's not going to bite you."
He reaches out, his fingers laying on top of mine. A strange buzz rushes from where our skin touches, feeling like a sugar high. I look at him, wondering if he feels the same thing I do. At his puzzled frown, I would say he does, but the question remains; what is it?
Snatching my hand back, I shove it in my pocket. I wonder if he's radioactive or something. Maybe that's why I get a weird feeling when his skin touches mine.
He blinks, looking shocked, before composing himself. Shoving the paper in his pocket, he mumbles something to his sister.
"I'll be there in a second," she replies with a reassuring smile.
He doesn't look pleased by her words, but he walks briskly past me. Alice's eyes follow him as he stalks away, and when he's out of sight, she turns to me with a bright smile, grabbing my arm.
"That was so awesome! No one has ever spoken to him like that!"
I laugh lightly, though I am confused. "You almost sound happy we don't get along."
"No," she says, all traces of giddiness gone. "I'm not. I love him; he's my brother and my best friend, but he's done some things I don't agree with. Things he's gotten away with for one reason or another. To see someone not let him skate by and do whatever is a wonderful thing. Maybe he'll change," she murmurs, her voice trailing off. She snaps out of it quickly, though. "That doesn't mean I'll let any harm come to him, physically or emotionally. He may be a stubborn ass, but he still has feelings, and I won't let him get hurt."
The friendliness of her face fades into a stony mask, her eyes darkening in color and her lips pressing in a thin line as she gives me a cold stare. I take half a step back, my heart hammering in my chest and my throat tight before I realize what I'm doing.
Who knew someone as sweet and small as Alice could be somewhat terrifying?
"I'm not going to let him walk all over me," I tell her. I'm a little impressed by her fierce protectiveness and a little frightened by it, if I'm being honest. However, if she thinks I'm going to let her brother treat me like a piece of gum on the bottom of his expensive shoes, she has another thing coming.
At my words, her face softens, the hard lines and dangerous exterior fading into a more youthful and friendly appearance. It's kind of fascinating if I'm being quite honest. It's almost as if she's two different people in the same body; one is nice, friendly, a little nervous and overeager, while the other will kill you with her pinky.
Maybe Rose is right; maybe I have been watching too much horror movies … nah, that's not possible.
"And you shouldn't," she agrees. "As I said, he doesn't know how to respond to you. He's never had someone to butt heads with, so he's doing the only thing he knows how: being defensive."
I nod, even though I think she's way off the mark on this one. From the first moment I met him, he was a Class A asshole. I don't know why, but maybe that's just the way he is, and he's been careful not to show that side to his sister.
Or she's been too blind to see it.
Yeah, I'm going to go with that one.
I nod and take a step backward, jerking a thumb over my shoulder. "I gotta get going. Jasper and Rose are waiting for me."
"Can I walk out with you?"
I do a combination of a shrug and a nod, watching as she shoves a handful of books into her bag and keeps up the pace as I lead us into the parking lot. It doesn't escape my attention that her eyes are immediately drawn to Jasper, who is conversing with her brothers near the picnic tables to the left.
Chuckling lightly and shaking my head, I bid her goodbye, but turn when she calls my name.
"I'm sorry if I was too … aggressive back there."
"You weren't," I tell her with a slight shake of my head. "You don't have to apologize. You're just protecting your brother. I get it. I'm the same way. See ya."
Unfortunately, I have to walk past them and subsequently, Edward, to get to Rose's car. I don't want to be in the same vicinity as him, but asking Rose to pick me up somewhere else or walk around the school building seems a little childish.
Although, I could use the exercise. A little fresh air would be good too.
I shake my head. It's too childish to do such a thing, and I won't give Edward the satisfaction of knowing he's bothering me. With my head high and my shoulders squared, I walk past the group, meeting Edward's gaze unflinchingly and smirking when he looks away. I wave at Emmett and nod toward Jasper when he tells me he'll be along in a moment.
Rose isn't here yet, so I lean against the vehicle, waiting.
Across the lot, the Cullens are heading toward a silver Charger with black stripes on the hood. Alice stops at the driver's seat, waving with a friendly smile. I return the gesture and make a big show of waving at Edward, who climbs into the passenger seat with a deep scowl.
"You two really don't get along do you?" Jasper questions, chuckling under his breath.
"What happened to you being pissed off? Now you're tickled by it?"
"Oh, don't get me wrong. I don't like it. But, there's something more going on. I can feel it."
I roll my eyes and turn my head away. I think the only thing Edward is feeling is the hatred we both have for one another. There might even be some homicidal urges thrown in there—all from his side, of course. His looks say more than whatever his mouth could.
"Whatever you're feeling is nothing to be so humored about … unless you want me to disappear mysteriously."
This time, he rolls his eyes. "You know that's not true, you overdramatic brat."
I poke my tongue out at him, watching as he nervously shifts from left to right and back again, his eyes studying the grouping of trees surrounding the school. I immediately zone in on Alice leaning against the silver car, a cell phone in her hands.
She appears to be texting someone, or she wants someone to think she's texting. Every now and then, she looks up in our direction but looks back down at her phone just as suddenly.
I watch with barely concealed humor as the pair each does their own dance; Alice looks up from under her lashes as she 'texts' and Jasper shifts from side to side, one hand rubbing the back of his neck as he glances over at her through the tiny space between his forearm and upper arm.
"She still makes you uncomfortable, huh?"
He jumps, looking at me with wide, startled eyes. He starts to shake his head but sighs heavily when he sees my unwavering face.
Leaning against the car next to me, he folds his arms over his chest, his gaze to the ground. "Yeah, kinda. I mean, she's nice, but she gives me a weird feeling." He trails off, confusion coloring his words. "I can't explain it. I don't know what it is and it makes me feel creeped out."
I start to reply, but he continues. "Then, I feel guilty about feeling that way. I've seen her interact with you and Jess; she's nice and sincere. You can't fake that stuff, you know? I mean, you could, but I can tell it's genuine. But there's just something there …"
He trails off again, a frustrated sound coming from the back of his throat. He scrubs a hand over his face, pressing the heel of his hand into his eye.
"Ugh! I don't know."
Reaching out, I place my hand on his arm and squeeze. "Hey, don't stress. You'll figure it out."
"But she likes me. It's pretty obvious."
"It is," I affirm. "But so what? Just because she likes you doesn't mean you have to like her back."
He sighs and shakes his head, looking up as Rose exits the school, holding the door open and nodding at someone unseen. The suspense doesn't last long. Emmett steps out seconds later, hands shoved in his pockets as he rocks back and forth on his heels.
Jasper and I exchange a glance, wondering what the hell is going on. She doesn't look pissed, so she can't be telling him off, but then again, she doesn't look exactly happy either.
"I wonder what they're talking about," he murmurs.
"Yeah, I wonder."
Man, I wish I had super hearing.
Their conversation concludes, and they part ways, Emmett heading toward his siblings and Rose heading to us, her brown tresses following behind her like a cape.
"What happened to you?" She questions. Before I can reply, her eyes flash, and she clenches her jaw, spinning around. "Where is that bitch?"
I reach out and grab her arm, pulling her back. "Take it easy, slayer. Don't do it."
"I'm not letting her get away with this, and I'm surprised you are," she says, astonished.
"Who says I'm letting her get away with it?" I counter with a raised eyebrow. "Don't worry. I have an idea, and it could possibly the best revenge scheme in all of my years."
Rose's head cocks to the side, a slight smirk on her face. I see curiosity burning in her eyes, and I know she wants to ask what I'm thinking, but she doesn't. I know she'd rather be surprised.
"All right. Let's go home."
We pull out of the parking lot, and Jasper gives me a quick look, nodding toward Rose. I firmly shake my head, crossing my arms over my chest defiantly. There's no way I'm going to ask her why she was talking to Emmett. That's his friend; it's only right he asks.
Rolling his eyes, he clears his throat, rubbing his hands over his thighs. "What were you and Em talking about, Rosalie?"
"Em?" she questions sardonically. "Nicknames already, huh?"
His lips thin in annoyance, a slight glower on his face. An air of irritation thickens in the tiny space, and I shift, wondering if it would just be better for me to walk from here. There's no way I want to be in the middle of another one of their arguments.
"What is your problem today?"
"I don't feel well. I'm PMS'ing," she says, interrupting and effectively shutting him up for now. If there's any way you want to be left alone, just mention the 'forbidden' word and you're golden for the next week.
Jasper looks back at me before sliding down into the passenger seat, shrinking against the door. I roll my eyes at his behavior. He acts as if she's going to rip him to shreds and burn the pieces. We girls may get a little crazy during that time of the month, but we're not psycho.
It's not long before Jasper starts to tap his foot against the floorboard, tapping his fingers against his thigh in an irregular rhythm as he casts glowering looks toward his twin. His curiosity is getting the better of him, and he'll no doubt crack, wondering what she and Emmett were talking about.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1
"What did you say to him?"
Right on time.
Rose's hands tighten around the steering wheel, the skin of her knuckles stretching white against the bone.
"I was just asking him a question," she finally replies.
Jasper waves a hand, silently telling her to continue. She looks at him briefly, and I know she has the bitch face on; one raised eyebrow, her lips pursed in aggravation. With that look it says it all; are you kidding me to screw you, I don't answer on command.
"What was it?" He asks when she remains silent.
"It's none of your concern, Jasper. I needed to know something, so I asked. End of story."
"Is this about what you said at lunch?" He sighs, scrubbing a hand down his face. "He heard you, you know."
She shrugs a shoulder. "I don't care."
"Did you find out what you needed to know?"
She pulls into the driveway of our home and shuts off the engine, turning in her seat to face him fully.
"Why is this so important to you?" she demands.
Jasper looks down, his fingernail scraping dirt off of his jeans. "I know you don't trust their motives; to be honest, I get a weird feeling from them too. I can't explain it. I just know Emmett and Edward … they're nice to me. I can talk to them about my love of history and video games and not feel awkward. I feel like I can be myself."
"What about Ben? He's a good person."
"He is," he answers immediately. "I'm not saying he's not. He's been a great friend to me, but I don't know. I can't explain why Emmett and Edward are different."
Wanting to lift the heavy atmosphere, I unbuckle my seatbelt and lean in between the seat, ruffling Jasper's shaggy hair. He makes an annoyed grunt of frustration, but I can see the smile playing at his lips.
"Aw, you found your soulmates," I tease.
Before he can say anything, Rose speaks. "I get it. None of my other friendships feel the same as the one I have with Vera. She gets me just as well as you two do at times."
"Yeah," Jasper murmurs, shifting slightly.
Rose reaches forward, grasping his hand tightly. "Just be careful, okay? You have that feeling for a reason."
"I know."
With a long sigh, Rose murmurs something and gets out of the car, fishing her cell phone out as it repeatedly buzzes from one of the pockets of her backpack.
Whatever she sees, causes her to make a sound of disgust as she rolls her eyes and throws it back inside, zipping it with a harsh tug.
Jasper and I nod, before simultaneously looking back at her, as she glances between us with a puzzled expression.
"What?"
"What was that about?" Jasper asks pointing to her backpack.
She shrugs. "Wrong number."
Without another word or glance, she heads into the house, where she can be heard conversing with Mom. Jasper shakes his head, looking extremely confused, but he doesn't ask any additional questions as he follows her into the house.
"Do you guys have any homework?" Mom asks, her back to us as she reads the printed recipe taped to one of the yellow cabinets.
"Always," Rose answers. "I'll be in my room."
It doesn't escape my notice that halfway up the stairs, Rose is pulling out her cell phone, her fingers flying over the screen. It makes me extremely curious to know who she's talking to. Obviously, it's someone she knows. Otherwise, she wouldn't be texting them.
I shrug it off. It's most likely Vera or perhaps Angela; she hangs out with her on occasion, and they get along pretty well. You wouldn't know it from looking at Angela, but she has a wicked sense of humor underneath her quiet demeanor.
"Yeah, I finished mine," Jasper replies, making me do a double-take. I shake my head, knowing he's lying. He's never finished his homework early. He always drags his feet until the last minute and then rushes to get it done the night before it's due, begging me to help him.
"Shut up," he mouths, before resuming his normal volume. "I'm going to play a game with Emmett. Wanna join, Bella?"
"No thanks. I want to get an outline of my project done. Maybe it'll give my partner some incentive to start working on it."
"Ooh! Who are you working with?" Mom questions, turning around.
Seeing my ruined clothes, her smile fades. "What on earth happened to your clothes?"
8*8*8*8*8
Both of my parents are pissed at Lauren for ruining my clothes. Mom wants to call her parents and make her pay for replacements, while Dad wants to arrest her. I manage to talk them down from their anger because really, I don't want her money and the arrest charges won't stick.
It would be fun to make her think she's getting arrested though. I bet she'll cry.
I argue with both of them for half an hour, trying to get them both to calm down and stop them from picking up the phone or going over to her house. They finally acquiesce when I cryptically tell them karma will bite her on the ass one day.
As in, Karma's name is now "Bella," and yes, I can be a bitch too.
A couple of hours later, the five of us sit down to dinner, eating my Gran's famous chili. We're all silent, appreciating the hearty, spicy flavor that blends so well with the homemade cornbread Dad made when he got home from work.
He breaks the silence during the scraping of spoons against the bottom of the glass bowls as most of us finish our second helpings.
"So," he says, sitting back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. "How was everyone's day?"
Rose and Jasper answer first, giving a brief rundown of their day before it's my turn, which I reluctantly do; not because I don't want to share it, but I had just gotten relaxed, and now I'm going to be all worked up again. "I have to work on an assignment with someone in my history class. It's not going to end well."
"Make sure you don't leave your DNA at the crime scene," Dad says jokingly. "There's only so much I can do to keep you out of jail."
"That's not funny, Charlie," my mother scolds halfheartedly. "It's not Lauren or one of her friends, is it?" she questions with a frown.
"No, it's Edward. I'm so excited," I deadpan.
Rose, who was sitting slumped in her chair, straightens, looking at me sharply. "You're working with Edward Cullen? Why didn't you tell me?"
"If I told you everything that happens in my life, you'd never get any sleep from all the excitement I live through. Besides, I found out about it today, and someone had disappeared as soon as she entered the house, not even bothering to ask other people about their day."
Rose gives me an exasperated look for my sarcasm, and I smile brightly at her in response, eating a big spoonful of chili.
"Must you be so sarcastic?"
"I must," I reply. "It's the language of my soul."
"It's rather off-putting, you know."
I shrug and turn toward my father when he asks me a question.
"What's the big deal about working with Edward?"
"It wouldn't be a big deal if he wasn't such a jerk." My parents look a little confused, so I elaborate. "Edward and I don't get along."
Mom's eyebrows furrow together in concern and confusion. "Why ever not? And why is the first time we're hearing about it?"
"Mom, I'm not going to go running to you when someone doesn't like me. I'd be coming to you every single day. Besides, it's not important and nothing I can't handle on my own."
Rose scoffs. "Not important? He's being a big baby if he's still upset over something accidental."
"What happened?" Dad questions.
"Bella accidentally—"
"Rose," I groan at the same time she begins the story of what happened in Port Angeles. When she's done, Mom and Dad exchange amused looks.
"Maybe he's just having a bad day," Mom offers hopefully.
"Ma, he's been in a bad mood for days. That's one long bad day."
Mom shrugs. "You don't know what he's going through. Maybe he's having a hard time adjusting to the move."
I shrug. It's not really my problem, and I don't intend to make it my problem any time soon. As soon as this project is over with, I'm done with him.
"I'm guessing you have to work on this project outside of school?" Dad inquires, looking at me.
"Yep."
"When and where will that be?"
"I don't know. He's supposed to call."
Dad nods. "Let me know, okay? I have rules."
"Rules for him or for me?"
He gives me a look that clearly says "what do you think?" causing me to chuckle. "I don't know why I would need rules. I'm a wonderful daughter and an upstanding citizen. Besides, I'm kind of offended. Aren't you concerned about my honor? Isn't that how most fathers are? Where is the over-protectiveness?" I ask, sitting back with a fake huff as I throw my hands in the air, waving them around wildly.
"I don't have to worry about you. You're a ball buster."
"I feel ripped off, but fine. I'll let you know as soon as I hear something."
"Good. Maybe I'll have a chat with Edward as well if it'll make you feel better."
I nod and wave my hands in an enthusiastic "go ahead" motion. "Fine with me. Use your scary chief voice; that'll make him crap his pants."
He chuckles, and fortunately, all conversation about the Cullens ceases as Dad entertains us about the calls he received today. There's nothing like hearing about Mrs. Johnson beating the grocery store manager up with her purse because he wouldn't take her coupons or track down Mr. Phillips, who escaped from his retirement home because "they're aliens wanting to control his thoughts!"
It's just the thing I need to take my mind off of the impending doom headed my way. It's a dramatic way to think about completing an assignment with a classmate, but it's the truth … and it may very well be the last thing I do, especially if I'm left alone with Edward Cullen.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter!