Thank you to everyone who reads and reviews! Your support means a lot!
Thanks to Fran, Monica03, and Mr G and Me for their help with this story. I couldn't do it without them! (Any mistakes you see are my own.)
SM owns everything Twilight.
The next few days bring constant movement and an electrified feeling of anticipation no one can place.
Dad is always up and moving around, writing things down in the small notebook he keeps in his pocket. His cell phone is constantly ringing, and each time he emerges from the master bedroom, he has a big smile on his face.
I've asked him more than once what has him so happy, with Rose and Jasper acting as my back-up, hitting them with their own inquiries. He simply smiles each time, saying he can't comment on it yet, though I do see him and Mom exchanging whispers.
While Dad and Mom are off sharing secrets and excited smiles, Rose, Jasper and I stick together the entire week we're home, except for a few moments where we need privacy. Due to the constant heavy downpour, ideas of going outside have been vetoed, and instead, we opt to stay in our pajamas, vegging out in front of the television.
It's perfect for me because I'm much too sore to do anything besides reach for food, go to the bathroom and go to bed. Rose is in the same boat as I am, wincing and hissing through her teeth with each move she makes.
Today, during our movie marathon, things get a little heated when we started to argue about what to watch next. Jasper insists it's his turn, considering he had sat through a chick flick (Rose's choice.) I, however, know it's my turn; Jasper had chosen the goofy, but terrible, comedy before Rose's movie.
"It is not!"
"It is too," I loudly reply, leaning over Rose. "It's not my fault you picked a sucky movie."
He scowls. "I did not! You picked before Rosalie."
I shake my head. "No, you insisted on getting the first pick which we gave you, you big baby. Then, it was Rose's turn, now it's mine!"
Instead of using his words, he grabs a handful of popcorn, tossing it at my face. I blink in astonishment, my mouth hanging open in shock.
"Hey!" Rose shouts. "Don't do that!"
Before I can comprehend what's happening, Rose grabs a handful of popcorn, throwing it at Jasper. In the blink of an eye, we're grabbing popcorn out of the bowl, tossing it at one another in a wild frenzy. When the container is empty, we're scooping it off the floor and resuming our battle.
A throat clearing at the doorway has us freezing. Slowly, we look over and see our parents standing there. Instead of disapproving glances and heavy frowns followed by a lecture, they're both sporting huge smiles.
From behind her back, Mom produces a camera and snaps a quick picture, ignoring Rose's complaints. I'm sure we all look fabulous with messy hair filled with popcorn, wrinkled clothes, and dark circles under our eyes from sleep that never seems to be enough. Adding to all of that is the colorful array of bruises Rose and I are sporting.
I know Mom is going to put that in the album of embarrassment or as she calls it, the family photos, but I don't care. It's a fun moment to remember.
The doorbell rings and Rose's eyes widen, looking around at the mess around us before her eyes land on Jasper and me. Her hands go to her hair and feeling the amount of food in there, her eyes widen even further.
"Company? Who is it?" Rose frantically asks.
"Don't know," Dad replies, seemingly just as surprised as she is. "You kids clean that up. I'll answer the door."
"Get the vacuum," Mom advises as she starts to follow Dad.
"Way ahead of you, Aunt Ren. All right, move it, Jasper."
"Why me?"
"Because you started this," she says, pointing to him and then to the popcorn scattered about.
He grumbles at Rose's orders, but does as he's told, shaking the popcorn out of his hair. Rose gives him a hard and exasperated stare.
He throws his hands up in the air. "What? We're going to need to get it out of our hair somehow."
As he goes to fetch the vacuum from the laundry room, my parents open the door, and my mother greets the people on the other side enthusiastically.
"Carlisle, Esme! How nice to see you … and Edward! How of you to stop by."
Being as nosey and curious as I am, I hurry to the front door, brushing my fingers through my hair, dislodging more pieces of popcorn and straightening my clothes, hoping it wasn't obvious how quickly I rushed over.
All worries about my hasty arrival are soon forgotten as I see Edward's wide eyes and the awkward pats on the back he's giving my mother as she hugs him tightly. I bite my lip to hold in my laughter at his obvious discomfort over her attention.
Hearing my snicker, his eyes shoot to mine and amusement settles on his face at my appearance. I'm sure there's still popcorn in my hair, but I shrug, not caring if I look like a fool. I think I've earned it.
"May we come in for a moment?" Dr. C asks, stepping forward with Esme half a step behind him.
It's only when my parents step aside do I see a covered dish in her hands, which Jasper promptly offers to take, once he's delivered the vacuum to Rose, who has removed a majority of the popcorn from her hair. I don't fail to notice that Rose looking behind the trio with a frown, but gives a polite smile when Dr. C looks at her.
Esme thanks Jasper with a smile and turns to Rose and me, looking us over with a careful eye, like my own mother—and Rose, occasionally—have done in the past … and every minute of the past few days, if I'm being honest.
"How are you both feeling?"
I don't fail to notice Edward staring at me intently as Rose answers Carlisle's question.
"We're fine. A little sore, but we'll heal in no time."
I nod in agreement. "Yep. A little tender, but nothing that pain killers didn't help."
"Good, I'm glad. Let me know if you feel strange or out of the ordinary, okay?"
"Okay, but how will we know if Bella needs medical attention? She's always been strange and out of the ordinary," Jasper jokes.
"Go play in traffic," I deadpan, pushing him lightly.
Carlisle and Esme laugh, while Edward remains stoic by the front door, his dark butterscotch eyes never leaving me. I raise an eyebrow in question and only then does he look away.
"We brought you all some food. It's nothing much, but I wanted to do something to help," Esme says, waving a hand toward the covered dish still in Jasper's hands.
"That's so sweet of you. Thank you so much." my mom replies, beaming. "You didn't have to do that, but I appreciate it so much."
My father chimes in, offering his gratitude, and while Rose and Jasper are caught up conversing with the adults, I slip over to Edward, figuring I better be polite and say hello … and try to figure out what the hell he's doing here without his siblings.
Shit, I feel so awkward. I wish this guy came with a user manual or maybe a flashing sign that would tell me what his current mood is.
"You can come in further if you want. We don't bite."
His lips quirk in a half-smile. "Maybe I do."
"Not a surprise there," I say with a snort. He blinks in surprise but says nothing else.
"So …" I rock back on my heels, wondering what the hell I say now. "How are you?"
My question comes out awkwardly, but I can't help it. Awkward is the best that's going to happen here.
"Fine." His reply is short, but not unkind. "You?"
"I answered that already."
"Not really. Rosalie answered; you added on." He pauses for a moment before speaking. "You look … tired. Are you sleeping well?"
"Wow, you sure know how to build up a girl's self-esteem."
Honestly, I am pretty tired. All I've been having are bad dreams, filled with Bree's crying parents, Royce's glaring face, rough touches, and rivers of blood pouring in from every angle, drowning me over and over.
They have woken me up more than once and disturbed me more than I care to admit, but I haven't mentioned this to anyone. I didn't want to worry my mother or Rose because I knew they would fawn over me and I can't handle all that attention.
"Are you okay?" he questions, his hand coming up to my face, plucking a piece of popcorn from my hair before deftly flicking it into the grass.
"I'll be fine."
He stares at me for a long moment, his head tilted as he studies me. Before it gets tense or awkward, he nods, and I take the opportunity to change the subject.
"Where are Alice and Emmett? Or did you make a special trip?"
He looks down, seemingly embarrassed. "I'm going somewhere with my parents, and they insisted I come in and say hello. They thought it would be rude if I sat in the car."
"Way to use your manners," I joke.
His lips quirk in a slight smile. "I use them on occasion."
"Really? I couldn't tell." Surprisingly, I find myself smiling too, but it quickly falls as the scab on my lip breaks open, blood beading instantly.
Crap.
His eyes zone in on my lip and he swallows thickly more than once, the muscles of his neck taut and straining against his skin.
A cold sweat breaks out on the back of my neck, and I take a step back on rubbery legs to where the adults are conversing.
Edward's eyes snap to mine at the movement, and I notice they're darker—almost black. He takes one deep breath and spits out a goodbye before darting to the sleek charcoal Mercedes parked at the curb, throwing himself in the backseat.
Once he's in the car, he turns to stare, his expression unreadable.
For a long moment, I stand there, watching him. I thought we had gotten past this. Last night, he had no problem being by me, and now we're back to this?
Wow.
"Is everything all right, Bella? You look a little … irritated," Esme remarks, gazing at me with concern. Her eyes dart to my lip, and she looks away rapidly.
Carlisle comes up next to her, and he shakes his head, though I do detect a small smile on his lips as he gazes between the car and me. I have to wonder if he knows about the "relationship" Edward and I have. Does he think it's funny? I suppose it can be rather comical at times to an outsider, though I have to admit I do get a little thrill when Edward gets riled up.
I shake my head, prepared to refute her claims, but something pops into my head, and I know I need to ask it now. "Dr. C, I have a question. A medical one."
"Of course, Bella, go ahead." He looks at me, all serious and concerned. It makes me feel guilty for a split second, but I let the feeling pass.
"What would you say about someone who acts like he hates you one minute, then is nice the next and goes back and forth? Are they disturbed? Or just a jackass?"
Carlisle looks severely amused as his wife presses her face into his arm to smother her laughter.
He coughs lightly, his eyes alight with humor. After a moment, he regains control of his emotions, but not by much. His lips twitch, and he plasters a serious expression on his face as he replies to my question. "A lot of things come into account. It could be a disorder of some kind. It's hard to tell from a glance."
Just like I thought.
"Are we speaking about anyone in particular here?"
"No, not at all," I reply innocently. "Just wondering. Thanks."
Carlisle laughs, nodding. "Well, if anyone ever comes to mind, let me know. I'll definitely want to speak with them."
"I will."
Everyone says their goodbyes, and as the elder Cullens walk to their car, I wave at Edward with a cheery smile. He scowls, but the look quickly fades as his mother gets into the car and twists in her seat to speak with him.
My mother comes to stand beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and squeezing.
"Edward is a nice boy."
"For a crazy person, sure."
She sighs and lets it go, allowing me to join Rose and Jasper in the living room once more.
8*8*8*8*8*8
Late afternoon the next day, Dad is on edge; he checks his phone every minute, mutters a curse, and attempts to watch what we've put on the television. His right leg bounces, his foot creating an irregular tapping soundtrack that surprisingly fits with Rose's romance choice.
Mom has tried to calm him several times, but he simply murmurs an apology, is silent for thirty seconds, and the cycle starts again. We've asked him what's wrong many times, but Mom simply defers our attention, telling us we shouldn't concern ourselves.
Somehow, I think I know.
I think Dad is waiting for news on Royce. Sure, it could be any of his cases, but if it were, he'd be at the kitchen table, files spread out around him. Since he's not doing that, it's most likely about him. The one case Dad can't touch because of his relationship to us.
Finally, two hours into Dad's nervous fidgeting, his cell phone rings. He scrambles up from his recliner and rushes into his room. Thirty minutes later, he comes down the stairs, a megawatt smile on his face.
"Charlie, what is it? Is it good news?" my mom implores while Rose, Jasper, and I exchange apprehensive glances.
"Come into the kitchen; all of you."
Dad takes a seat at the kitchen table, waiting for us.
"I've been talking to a friend in Port Angeles regarding Royce's case. He's been kind enough to keep me in the loop and let me know what's been going on." He stops, brushing a hand over his mustache. "Apparently, this isn't the second time Royce has attacked someone," he tells us, referring to Rose's attack freshman year. "Three other girls have come forward since the news of his arrest. They weren't as lucky as you were, girls."
The implication is clear, and we're clouded in a heavy silence as we think of the horrors those girls had gone through.
Rose meets my gaze for a split second, giving me a tight smile, before returning her eyes to Dad, who clears his throat and begins talking again.
"They didn't go to the police because they knew about his father's connections, but luckily, they did have evidence to back up their claims. They were smart enough to keep their clothes in plastic bags and photograph their injuries when they occurred, just in case."
Dad shifts in his chair, obviously uncomfortable with whatever he's about to say next. "In addition to that, there's been … video evidence of his attacks. Apparently, he recorded what he did with a hidden camera. They were sent in anonymously a couple of days ago."
"Am I—" Rose starts, only to stop and clear her throat. She shifts in the chair as the unspoken question hangs there.
Dad gives her a small, sad smile.
Her head falls into her hands as she cries, her muffled sobs filling the kitchen. Jasper pulls her into his arms before anyone can move, and he whispers into her ear furiously. The rest of us gravitate nearer to her, placing a hand wherever we can reach, offering our silent support. Minutes later, Rose calms and takes a deep breath, wiping her cheeks with her sleeves.
Moving my hand up, I grasp her hand as tightly as I dare to with my sore fingers.
"Sorry," she meekly says, her voice cracking.
Dad waves her off and grabs her free hand, squeezing tightly while Mom stands behind her, running her fingers through her hair.
"With all that," Dad continues, "There's a strong case against Royce now; there's no way he can get away with what he's done. From what I hear, his lawyers are scrambling, but there's too much evidence against him. Royce is going to jail. For good."
My mother squeals and dances over to Dad, wrapping her arms around his neck. He laughs with her, the sound more relieved than joyful. Jasper starts clapping and hooting in happiness, stomping his feet on the ground. I, too, find myself with a huge smile on my face as I cheer.
"What about his father? He's friends with the mayor. Can't he just pull strings again, like last time?"
Silence settles upon the room with Rose's question, but the relieved atmosphere doesn't abate.
Dad shakes his head. "Not this time. There're too many victims with too much proof; the mayor won't get involved if he knows what's good for him."
"But what if he does?" she stresses.
"If he does, then we take it to a higher platform. But honestly, I doubt he'll get involved this time. First, there's been media coverage right from the start; second, everyone knows what Royce did, and the girls' families went to the media. He won't get away with it. I promise you. Plus, Royce has been in jail longer than he was last time. I'm sure Royce's father has already tried to pull strings, and he's been unsuccessful. I'd say Royce is going to get what's coming to him."
Rose nods and takes in a shuddering breath. Jasper wraps an arm around her shoulder and squeezes, giving her a small smile.
"You okay, sis?"
"Yeah." She breathes. "I'm … relieved. Simply and utterly relieved."
"As we all are," my mom says, plopping down on my dad's lap and smiling, the both of them looking relaxed and quite pleased.
"Who sent the videos?" The question is out of the blue, and we all stare at Rose with shock. I understand why she's curious and probably feeling a little exposed.
I wish with everything within me that Rose didn't have to go through this. Those videos getting released to the police are a good thing, in my opinion. At least now, the truth is out there, and everyone knows what he's capable of doing.
Looking at everyone, I can tell we're on the same wavelength. We care about Rose's well-being, but the bigger picture is now, Royce won't be able to hurt Rose or anyone else anymore. This situation is definitely a double-edged sword.
Dad recovers first, shaking his head. "They don't know. They were sent through an untraceable email. Now, of course, the account has been deleted so there's no way to know."
Rose nods but looks skeptical, and it seems like she's a million miles away.
"What is it?" I question.
"Nothing. Just thinking."
8*8*8*8*8
On Wednesday, after some much-needed rest and recuperation, we return to school. Everyone stops to stare at us as we exit the car, whispering behind their hands and pointing.
Very subtle.
Rose holds her head high with her shoulders squared and marches into school, ignoring everyone's frantic whispers, pointing, and gawking around us.
Inside isn't any better. Everyone's conversations come to a halt as we enter, their eyes trailing after us. Once we pass them, their furious whispers resume, their babbles running together. I can't make anything out, but I definitely hear key words like Rosalie, Royce, bruises, and attack. Since their faces are shocked and somewhat sympathetic, I surmise half of them are on Rose's side; it's good to know some of them have common sense and a heart.
Jasper's eyes burn with fury as he hears the whispers and notices the stares. His hands twitch at his sides every so often, like he's itching to punch someone. Irritation and annoyance are rolling off him in waves, and I find myself gritting my teeth alongside him.
Knowing his temper is going to pop at any moment, I slug him in the shoulder to get his attention. His gaze swings over to me, furious. I meet his hard stare with one of my own before I count to ten in my head, hoping to calm myself down.
"Think of happy things," I whisper through a tight jaw. "Raindrops on flowers … skipping through grassy fields … musicals about magical nannies." He's fighting a smile, but I keep going, slowly feeling my anger abate. "Presents and puppies … Lauren's orange Oompa-Loompa tan last year."
He snorts and shakes his head with a slight smile, thoroughly distracted.
Rose comes to a halt, and I look over her shoulder, surprised to see one of the girls Rose used to hang out with walk up to her. The three of us watch incredulously as she steps in front of Rose, smiling softly and waving like she hadn't been a part of bullying Rose for years. Jasper and I flank Rose's sides, warily watching the girl whose name I had long forgotten and have no desire to remember.
"Rosalie," she starts, her voice timid. "I'm so sorry about what happened."
"What are you talking about?" Rose's voice is fierce.
The girl blinks, her mouth open partially as she realizes this interaction isn't going to be smooth sailing as she had probably thought.
"About ... Royce. I'm sorry we didn't believe you."
"Oh, so now you believe me? After other girls come forward? After all his dirty secrets are released for the world to see?! After he attacks my cousin and me again! Now you believe me when his father's connections can't get him out of trouble?"
"N-no," she stutters. "I mean, yes! We believe you. We feel so bad about it. He sure fooled us all." A nervous laugh leaves her as she looks everywhere but at Rose.
Rose shakes her head, an astonished look on her face. I'm sure it matches the look on Jasper and mine. Rose's eyes scan over the crowd and stop at something at the end of the hall. She's looking at the Cullen crew—Emmett in particular, who looks rather satisfied and smug as he nods at Rose. Next to him is Alice, who is smiling, seemingly pleased, and Edward … Edward is watching me with furrowed brows and something akin to worry on his face, which is extremely odd.
As soon as the thought comes, I push it away. He probably has a wedgie or something, and it's making him uncomfortable.
"You can talk to me or any of us, if you need to, really. We're here for you," the girl says, breaking me from my thoughts.
Rose scoffs. "I needed friends three years ago. I've had time to adjust without you. So, thanks but no thanks. I don't want fake-ass, fair-weather friends. But ... in the future, ladies, if a friend tells you she was assaulted, believe her first. She's the victim, and you should care about her. Instead, you girls chose to believe the cute, rich, connected monster, so you can all go to hell."
Unable to help myself, I laugh, quite loudly. The girl looks down and away, her face turning red before she scurries to join the rest of her group, who quickly disperse down the hall.
The Cullens walk up then, Alice coming to stand in-between Jasper and me, Emmett at Rose's side and Edward standing to my right.
Immediately, Rose pulls Emmett away and begins whispering furiously, looking none too pleased.
"Good morning," Alice murmurs, her hand dangerously close to Jasper's. To my surprise, he doesn't pull away. Instead, he offers a shy, nervous smile as he greets her.
Our attention is drawn to Rose and Emmett, the former glaring with a slight snarl on her face.
"Answer me, damn it!" She hisses.
Jasper and Alice step up toward the pair, trying to diffuse the situation and calm them down before the curious teachers come to investigate.
Edward shoves his hands into the pockets of his dark wash jeans, his gaze trained on the ground. When it's obvious he's not going to say anything, I step toward the group, but I'm pulled back by Edward's low voice.
"Are you … well?" His tone is forced, his words pushed out through tight lips.
I shrug. "I'm okay. Thanks."
He looks at me disbelievingly but doesn't argue. I blow out a breath, wondering what his deal is. Does he not want to talk to me? Does he not know what to say? Why do I care so much?
Well, I'm not all for this ride, yo-yo Cullen.
Shaking my head, I head toward Rose, who is still looking very displeased with Emmett.
"It's a simple yes or no question. Did you do it?" Rose spits out, enunciating the last words vehemently. "You promised me that night; you said you would make him pay and he'd get arrested. Was it you? Did you find those videos and send them in?"
Emmett scratches the back of his neck, looking unsure and very uncomfortable as he shifts from foot to foot. "Does it matter? The scumbag is in jail now, and he's not getting out. It doesn't matter what I did or didn't do."
"It matters to me." She pauses, her next words low and childlike. "Emmett, look at me."
He hesitates for a moment before he looks into her eyes. Whatever she sees there has her gasping, her hand coming up to muffle her cries.
"It was you," she says. "You saw them."
He starts to deny it, but Rose shuts him down. "Don't lie to me. You have that look … the same look I've seen in Jasper's eyes; in my uncle and aunt's. It's pity. You … pity … me."
The last three words are gasped out between muffled sobs against her hands. She starts to back away, blindly reaching for Jasper, but Emmett steps forward, gently placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Rosalie, no—"
She jerks away from his touch, her eyes wide, red-rimmed, and glassy. Her gaze darts around everywhere, her breathing coming out in fractured gasps.
"I've got to … I've got to go," she mumbles, fumbling for her keys. She drops them twice, hitting the linoleum with loud thwacks each time they fall.
Emmett reaches for her, but she backs away. "Don't touch me."
"Rose, don't," I tell her, my voice slightly pleading. "Don't run."
"I'm not running," she snaps. Her hard gaze softens, and she sighs heavily, scrubbing her face with her hands. "Okay, I'm running. I just … I need … I can't deal with this!" Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Emmett wince and look down. "I need to go. I'll see you later."
Without another word, she spins around and races down the hall, through the double doors that lead into the parking lot. Before Jasper or I can move, Emmett tears after her, a determined look on his face.
I exchange a look with Jasper, nodding my head toward the door, silently asking if we should follow. He nods, and we follow her, but neither she nor Emmett are anywhere in sight.
"You think she'll be okay?"
"She will," Jasper replies with a firm nod. "She's strong. If anyone can get through this, it's Rosalie."
8*8*8*8
Angela ambushes me after lunch, and in an uncharacteristic act, throws her arms around me, hugging me tightly. Behind her, Jessica stands by much more timidly, waving. What surprises me is the fact that he doesn't break eye contact with me. She holds my gaze with a small, sweet, but nervous grin.
"I'm so glad you're okay. How's Rosalie?"
"She's … good. A lot tougher than she looks," I answer.
"Of course she is. She's your cousin."
I smirk and turn my attention to Jessica. "Hey, Jess. How are you?" I ask, looking at her meaningfully. I hope she spoke to her parents about how she feels so they can find a way to help her. She doesn't deserve to feel anything less than great.
"I'm g-g-good, B-B-Bella. M-my p-parents and I ta-talked. Ev-everyth-thing i-is o-okay."
"I'm glad."
"I-I'm ha-happy yo-you're all ri-right, B-B-Bella."
"It takes a lot to take me down," I scoff.
She giggles, the sound no more than a whisper, before bidding us farewell and shuffling off to her locker, giving the door a wide berth as Edward, Jasper, and Alice step out.
"Is she really okay?" I ask Angela as Alice steps up, leaving Edward and Jasper to talk amongst themselves.
"I think so. Over the weekend, she and her parents came to talk with my father for counseling. I overheard their conversation. Can I confide in you both?" She looks a touch guilty, but I know if it means Jessica being happy, she'll do whatever she can to make that possible.
"Of course."
"Okay. As I said, I overheard their conversation. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley found a program for Jessica in Port Angeles to help with her stuttering, but they can't afford it. You should have seen Jessica's face! She looked so hopeful and so sad at the same time. I really think Jessica would be happy if she got to go, so I was thinking of starting a fundraiser or something. Maybe it'll be good for two things. One, to help her get into the program and two, show her people really do care about her."
"That's a good idea," I murmur. Already, I've thought of something to help.
My parents have told me my paintings would sell for a pretty penny if I ever chose to part with one of them, so perhaps I could sell one to help Angela's fundraiser.
Let's hope they're not wrong.
Alice gives her acceptance over the idea and starts rambling off idea after idea on how to help.
"Wow, that's a lot of ideas off the top of your head," Angela remarks, overwhelmed. I nod in agreement, eying her curiously.
She ignores us, shrugging. "I know it's a lot, but it's a start, right?"
Angela smiles softly. "Right. Thank you, Alice. With that enthusiasm, I have no doubt we'll help Jessica and her parents raise the money in no time."
"What are you thinking about, Bella?" Jasper asks, looking over at me with a questioning gaze.
Edward is staring at me as well, his head tilted slightly to the right.
"Huh? Nothing."
"I know you," he says. "I know when you're planning something. Although, you don't have a sinister look about you, so I'm hoping it's legal."
"Pssh. Like I'd advertise it? That's how dumb-ass people get caught. People like you."
The three of them laugh while Edward stands by, looking bored. I ignore his attitude for now and lean toward Angela so I can whisper. "We'll all get together and talk something out, okay?"
"Thank you, Bella. I have to get going. My class is on the other side of the school."
Waving goodbye to Angela, I turn to the others, noting Alice has spaced out, her eyes closed. Edward stares at her curiously before turning his gaze to me, an eyebrow raised. I match his look because I have no idea why he's looking at me like that.
Jasper draws Edward's attention toward him, talking animatedly with his hands, his face lit up with excitement.
Alice snaps out of it before I can say anything, shooting me a huge grin, looking a second away from squealing.
"What? Why do you look so happy?"
She simply shrugs with a cunning smile. "You've got something planned; I can't wait to see what it is!"
I laugh, wondering how she knows. I thought I had a better poker face than that. "And how do you know I have something planned?"
She smirks, tapping her temple. "I have my ways."
"I know all about your psychic ways. I've seen enough of it," I joke, but it falls flat. Alice exchanges a wary look at Edward, who is now focused on his sister as Jasper rambles on, looking none too pleased. Her gaze drops to the floor, wincing at Edward's hard stare.
My statement was just a joke, but with the way they were acting, it seems like it's anything but one.
Could there be truth to my words?
More often than not, Alice has been spaced out, with her eyes turning into that strange milky quality. At times, she seems to know more than she should.
Like Jessica, for example.
Why did she tell me to go into the bathroom at that precise moment? And how did she know she went to the principal?
Sure, she could have seen her on her way to class, but having seen her schedule before, I'm pretty sure she can't get to her afternoon classes that way.
Holy shit. It could be possible she's psychic.
I've seen some strange things in my own house with Rose and Jasper, knowing when the other is hurt or upset. They've even finished each other's sentences and knew when they were needed, but I always assumed it was a twin thing.
Although, they both have known when other people in our family needed them, so it's not exclusively limited to the two of them.
Is it possible? It looks that way. It really does.
Audibly, I gasp and take half a step back, my eyes widening as I stare at a nervous-looking Alice.
I've seen enough paranormal shows to know that weird things happen to people almost every day. People can do unexplainable things in the most extraordinary ways, so it's not that far off that Alice could be one of those people.
Jasper clears his throat, tugging the sleeves of his shirt as his gaze darts between the siblings.
"Is everything okay?" he questions in a low, strained murmur.
Edward nods once, his face still a mask of displeasure.
"We should get to class," Jasper says, his eyes still flickering between the pair.
The first syllable of Alice's name barely passes my lips before she rushes off, mumbling about being late. Jasper exchanges a quick, wide-eyed look with me, his eyes asking me everything he can't verbally say.
Is everything okay? What happened?
I do a combination of a shrug and nod, before waving him off. I'm sure we'll most likely be talking about this later.
Nodding once, he heads off to his next class. Turning, I see Edward is still standing there, his hard look now fixed upon me. If I were in his place, I know I would be freaking out at the thought of this getting out and someone I care about getting hurt.
People can be cruel, especially to those who are different; and while I have complete faith the Cullens are more than capable of taking care of themselves, I know they don't want their secrets spilled.
Well, they don't have to worry about that with me. I'm not a snitch.
Like his sister, he takes off before I can say anything, but I catch up to him easily.
"Hey, stop for a minute."
He stops, his eyes fixed on something behind me.
"Listen, about … that," I hint, trying to be mindful of the other people around us. "You don't have to worry—"
"Why would I worry? There's nothing to be concerned about."
"Of course not. I wouldn't—"
He steps forward, and my laughter stops as he interrupts me again. "Just keep your nose out of our business," he hisses.
Jerking back, I blink rapidly, my mouth popping open at his vicious tone.
Seeing my reaction, he sighs, running a hand through his hair as he scowls. "I knew Alice getting close to you was a bad idea," he mumbles. "Never mind you and me getting along."
Livid at his words, I snap my jaw closed and breathe heavily through my nose. Heat rises from my chest to the apples of my cheeks, and I'm sure my skin is as red as a tomato. My hands ball into fists at my sides, my fingernails scream in protest as they press into the fleshy part of my palm, but I ignore it.
My blood rushes through my system, crashing in my ears and drowning out all other sounds besides my thoughts.
I want to tell him off, to scream every insult I can think of at him and maybe throw a couple of heavy objects at him for good measure. The fury coursing through my veins is in agreement, incensed at his assumptions.
I had thought we had gotten past all of this hostility, but it's obvious everything polite that's happened between us was just an act.
Instead of allowing my anger to take over and tell him exactly what I think of him and his assumptions, I give him a hard stare, hoping every single ounce of what I'm feeling shoots into him.
When it's obvious I'm not going to say anything, his hostile look fades into one of puzzlement, and he takes a step back, eyes wide and unblinking.
I smirk at this as I storm away, thoroughly done with him and his asinine attitude.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
One step forward and two steps back with these two! *sigh* Don't worry, though. Edward will get it together. Eventually. ;)
(I won't give too much away, but I will say this about the next chapter ... it prompted my beta to say "Finally!")
Oh, and thank you to everyone who offered kind words after the AN from the last chapter. They really meant a lot.
Things haven't changed much in my RL, but I don't want to keep you guys waiting for updates. As of right now, I still don't know for sure when I'll be able to update regularly. Whenever I have a moment of free time, however, I'll post. I promise I won't leave you hanging for too long. Thank you for understanding.