I saw the lean, pale white figure of Edward running in the woods like a blur, climb the tree and scale my window with a jump. It was too fast for me to see clearly but I saw it as a blur nevertheless.
"What are you still doing here?" Was the first thing he asked as he stood in front of me. "You'll hurt your leg!"
"I wasn't sleepy." I mumbled, crossing the distance between us and hugging him tightly. His cold body felt more colder now with his recent run. But his touch and the circle of his arms felt warming as always.
He could feel the tension in my body. He carried me to the rocking chair and sat on it with me in his lap.
"What happen?" I didn't say anything. "From where did you fall now?" He joked.
"Billy came home for dinner." I explained.
"Ah!" I didn't have to explain anything else. He understood everything without any words. "How did it go?" he asked when he was done waiting, thinking I will say something else.
"Not so good. He was worried for me."
"Seems fair. You lack sense of self-preservation – someone have to worry about you for that."
I smacked his shoulder hard. I wasn't in a mood of joking.
"He is Charlie's best friend." I explained him, playing with his sleeved instead of looking at him. "He has seen me growing up, and I can understand it is hard for him to see me with you, but why does he have to interrupt now and then. It isn't like you are biting me or any such thing."
"Bella!"
"What? I'm just saying! Now you don't start, please!" He looked at me disapprovingly. At first I too glared at him but then sighed. "I'm sorry. My mind's somewhere else now."
We were both silent for a moment, he kept thinking something while tracing my arm while I kept dwelling about what happened with Billy, when he suddenly asked me a question. "Do you feel like you are doing a wrong thing?"
"Absolutely not!" I replied in an instant. It was an impulse, a right one. I was very much sure about him and there was nothing which could change my mind on that.
I saw relief in his eyes. Was he scared that I may leave him? I liked that – even if to a small extent. "Good. So there is nothing to worry about."
"You're right." I allowed.
He kissed my forehead. "Stop thinking about that, please. I hate seeing you so sad."
"It's just hard – thinking any day Billy will spill out the truth to Charlie."
"He won't do that." He assured me. "The Quileutes are very protective about their history – it's their pride – and they won't do anything to harm it. Spilling out my secret is the last thing they have in their mind."
"I hope you're right."
"I am." He promised. "You just stop worrying about that. If you want, I'll have Carlisle talk to them."
"Don't worry him – he is doing enough for me already. I don't want to stress him anymore."
"Bella?!"
"Edward, I'm just saying. I know that you all love doing that for me." I rolled my eyes.
He chuckled. "Don't worry. You'll get used to someone take care of you instead of you taking care of everyone."
"I hope not."
Another silence followed, but it was not soothing. It was an awkward silence. He was thinking something big, something which involved me as well. I could now tell that, and had a feeling that wherever his thoughts were going, it was not a safe zone.
I put my hand on his cheek. He leaned his head on my palm and kissed it. "What are you thinking?" I asked him this time. I wanted to know what was running in his mind.
"Nothing." He promised. I didn't believe him but gave him some time. He would share with me whatever it is troubling him when he is ready.
"Okay."
To distract him a little I gave him a small kiss on his neck. He sighed and closed his eyes, not distracted. It was something which I knew he might have some trouble with.
"Ah!" I was worried about hurting him once again. So it wasn't a surprise for me when he himself lightly pushed me back.
"What happen?" I have to know.
He looked down, like he was embarrassed. Something that you don't see on his face easily.
"I know it may sound awkward, but..."
"But?" Why was I having a bad feeling about this.
"I know that you don't feel I can be any harm to you, but it is not that way. You never take it seriously whenever I try to tell you that I may harm you very badly. But Billy knows that."
"Now you are being ridiculous. You were the one who suggested to not think about him and now it's you who is pondering over what he said. And I know you won't hurt me. I trust you." I emphasized, looking at him in his eyes.
"I know, and as much as it sounds flattering, I don't want to take any chances."
"You are scaring me, Edward."
"Bella, it's nothing, trust me. I was just thinking of... building some boundaries. You know..." I was sure if he could blush, he would have been more red than me.
I relaxed a little. "You want to play safe." I used what Renee had tried to tell me indirectly once.
"More of less. It's just that, you have no idea what your close proximity does to me. I cannot think properly." I tried to shift away from his lap. "What are you doing?" He asked, confused.
"Trying to put some distance between us." I answered, myself confused what he wanted to say.
"This is not what I meant." He objected, pulling me back properly on his lap and securing me over there with his hands on my waist.
"Then?" I asked, really wanting to understand what he wanted to convey. Anything to make it more easy for him.
"When I am near you, all my actions are never filtered. It just comes in hand. Like this," he touched my neck with his finger, making me shiver, "or this," he touched my lips then, "or this." He bent down to kiss me on my neck. "It just happens. And you are too naive and ignorant to understand what it may cause you."
"As I told you. It doesn't matters. As long as I am with you, I don't care about anything else."
"Your irrationalism seems to get bigger and bigger everyday." He accused. "I am very serious here."
"Hey." I murmured. I put my hands over his face and made him look at me. He was reluctant for a while, angry lines forming on his forehead, but he did look up at me. "I know I can be carefree with you because you are there to protect me – even from yourself if that counts. And no matter how obnoxious your believes or your rules are, if they make you happy then I am ready to follow them. Okay?"
"They are not obnoxious."
I chuckled and kissed him. "For you." I informed him against his lips.
He kissed me this time and moved his lips towards my chin and neck after a moment.
"Isn't this outside the rule?"
"I guess not." He mumbled against my neck, his cold touch and breath making me shiver delightfully and raising some goosebumps over my neck.
I pulled him a little back by his hair. "Explain?"
"I just told you. You are intoxicating me with your very presence." He flashed me his crooked smile. "And anyway, as long as it's comfortable for me it's within the limits."
I huphed. "What about me?"
He laughed. "Well, you are just a human."
I huphed again. "It's a biased classification, you know. Unjustifiable."
He laughed softly, resuming his incomplete work once again. I giggled.
And we started to talk about some nonsense stuff, keeping the topic of Billy far away from us. I wasn't feeling sleepy, so we talked and talked till it was near to three. When I yawned, Edward helped me put in bed and laid beside me. I cuddled around his hard form. He sang me my lullaby and soon I slept in his arms.
.
.
.
I woke up when the light promising a new day hit me.
"Ugh!" I groaned and hid my face by rolling over.
The musical sound of Edward's laugh was enough to make my eyes open and look at him. "Nice idea of waking you up." He sounded amused, sitting over at the rocking chair, his tousled hair looking more disarray.
"I won't be able to walk over there." I muttered, patting the space beside me. He laughed but complied to my request, sitting by my side in an instant. "I'm never going to get used to your speed, am I?"
"You'll do." He offered, kissing my forehead as a good morning. "Alice will be here in a few minutes to help you get ready. Then I'll be here to pick you up." I nodded.
But the idea of going back to school and facing all those questions, the glares I'll get, the gossip about me, it all terrified me.
He could read the tension on my face.
He pulled me towards him and wrapped me in his stony arms. "You'll be fine. I'll be there with you. Don't worry." I nodded, needing his assurance much more than he knew. When I didn't answer him, he kissed my temple. "Try and relax."
"I am trying." I mumbled.
Our moment was interrupted by the door bell. Charlie answered it and Edward scoffed, listening at something.
"What happen?" I asked.
"You'll see." I was confused by this answer. He shook his head and kissed my cheek. "You don't worry. Leave that part for me. Okay?"
"I'll try." I repeated with a pout. "But mostly, I don't feel like going to school today."
He shook his head with a smile, knowing me. He kissed my nose. "You'll do fine."
Our moment was again ruined by Alice, who entered the room like a cyclone with a few bags in her hands. Bags I recognized from her closet.
"Time to get out of the room, Edward." She sang in her chirpy voice, standing by the door.
Edward chuckled and rolled his eyes. I laughed. "Good morning to you too, Alice."
"Morning, Bella." She closed the room and turned towards Edward. "You, out. She'll be ready in thirty minutes."
"Handle with care, Alice." Edward warned her, his eyes in his direction which turned towards me with smile and glimmer in them. "You're in-charge of the most important person of my life." He murmured speaking to her, his eyes on me. And his one line was enough to make my blush like a tomato.
He just needed an excuse to say all these cheesy lines, making me fall for him all over again.
She grumbled something under her breath to which he shrugged and again rolled his eyes. He gave me a morning kiss, more to tease Alice – not that I mind it. I heard the sound of Alice stomping her foot in impatience and his smile against my lips. He grinned devilishly at Alice, to which she scowled, and was out in a blur.
"What was all that about?"
"Nothing. So, let's get you ready."
"Nothing extravagant, Alice." I warned.
"You'll look great." She promised with her angelic smile cum pout. It was impossible to be mad at her when she uses that on anybody. I conceded.
She helped in my routine and picked a dress for me from one of those bags.
The dress she picked was too scary for me. It was a fuchsia pink skirt along with a midnight blue sweatshirt. It was not too flashy, but along with it, it wasn't my choice.
"Really, Alice? Don't you know my choice."
"I know your choice, Bella, even when I hate it. But for a few weeks you have to wear these types of clothes only."
She was right. With my cast on, my sweatpants and jeans were out of choice. It was either shorts or skirts.
"I hate you!"
"No worries. I love you."
Once I was ready, she helped me down the stairs. I had to hop as Charlie was downstairs so she couldn't life me like a doll. Just like Edward, she hated slow, but she did complain, though she let me go at my own pace, making sure I had my balance.
Charlie was not expecting me in a skirt – he knew I never liked these clothes – so he cocked his eyebrow at me, appraising me. He'd said, "You look good, hope boys don't flip seeing you." To which I had said an irritated "Thanks, dad."
It was strange for me, hearing Charlie say anything on the topic of boys. I wasn't hard to it.
Charlie had made breakfast – omelette along with cereals.
"You're getting good in the kitchen, dad. It smells wonderful!"
He laughed. "Don't try to flatter me, Bells. It's just omelette. Here, girls." He offered us breakfast.
Alice excused that she had already eaten, but she had to eat a little as Charlie asked us to eat and she couldn't deny him. "I am not such a bad cook honey. You're safe." He joked to which Alice laughed and ate a little. I pleaded her with eyes, telling I'm sorry. She made a face but did eat. Unwillingly.
Edward blew the horn and she sighed, relieved. I almost laughed at her comical expression.
"It must be Edward." She said and moved out to greet him. Charlie grumbled a little under his breath, but stopped when he saw me looking at him and turned around to wash the dishes.
When they both entered, Edward held back a smile, trying to hide his amazement, while Alice had a small scowl on her face.
"Good morning, Charlie, Bella." Edward greeted.
"Good morning, Edward." I replied with enthusiasm, overdoing it a little. He rolled his eyes at me when Charlie was not looking.
"Morning, Edward." Charlie said, dully. "By the way, Bella, your friend, Mike Newton, came yesterday. He brought you some chocolates and flowers. You were already asleep then." I marvelled if Charlie had been waiting to tell this in front of Edward, wanting to warn him that I had many other options.
Since when did he act so childish.
"It was so good of him." I commented.
Charlie got the silent meaning: I'm not interested in Mike.
Edward frowned a little but recovered easily, not minding it. Neither did I. "Ready to go?" He asked us. This time I rolled my eyes along with Alice. He was overdoing it now.
Charlie scoffed, sounding disappointed. "You kids have fun. And Bella, please try not to fall. I cannot handle Renée's accusations anymore." He joked making us all laugh.
"Don't worry, Charlie." Edward told him, sincerely, meaning every word. "I'll make sure she is safe."
"I hope this time you mean it, Edward." Charlie reprimanded in an accusing tone.
Edward nodded grimly. "I'm very sure, sir. Last time's mistake won't be repeated."
Charlie nodded formally. I caught him mumbling something I hope... "I'll leave now." He said. He kissed my forehead saying "Be safe." I nodded. He patted Alice's back, nodded curtly at Edward and was out of the house.
"I'll bring your bag." Edward offered, dashing upstairs in his dizzying speed and was again in front of me in less than ten seconds. "Shall we?" I nodded.
Alice danced her way to the car while Edward walked along with me. He made me sit in the passenger seat and drove off in the next second.
"Next time, Bella, if Charlie offers me anything, then I'll never come back to your house." I laughed and so did Edward. "It was so disgusting. How did you eat, Edward, that day?"
"Don't remind me, Alice. It was for a dare." He recalled looking at me. I rolled my eyes, knowing he didn't mean anything.
"Don't worry, Alice. But I don't get it. How come you didn't see that coming? Aren't you the psychic here?" I teased.
She huphed. "Because your father had the courtesy to change his mind at the last moment."
I laughed again. "At least my dad can harass you. Not everyone can do that." Edward laughed this time, loudly.
"Where are the other three?" I noted. I had almost forgot that they all were supposed to come to the school. Did they took Rosalie's convertible, and if yes, why was Alice with us and not Jasper?
"They all had went for a two day hunt. They'll be back by tomorrow night."
"Is it related to my constant presence in your house?" They knew for whom I was talking about.
"Don't worry about her, love." Edward murmured, placing his hand over mine. "She doesn't hate you, and she is quite subtle. Even if she doesn't likes you – for the moment – she'll not do anything like that."
We reached the parking area of the school in no time. Edward parked his car in his usual spot.
I was too terrified to step out of the car, but Alice didn't have these thoughts.
"Don't worry, Bella." Alice said in her high pitched voice, "It'll be all good."
"Easy for you to say." I mumbled, looking at the students who were sitting in the parking area, half of them looking at the flashy silver car.
"Oh, shut up. Let's go already. You have to go to Ms. Cope office too. She is expecting you."
"For?"
"Nothing. Just some paperwork." She answered getting out of the car.
Now that Alice was not with us, Edward turned towards me, tracing my cheek with his finger. "It's not that bad."
"Are you sure? Their stare is telling something else."
"Let me worry about that part." I sighed. He smiled his signature smile.
"Seriously, guys," Alice chirped in from the window glass, "let's go already."
He kissed my forehead. "Everything will be fine. And if you want, I can punch any one you want to – you just have to say."
"No, thanks, Edward!" He laughed.
I started to open the gate but stopped when Edward said "Wait a second." I was confused but did stop to see what did he have he mind.
He walked to my side of gate, opening it for me. I smiled. So gentleman. He gave me his hand and I took it, stepping out of the car.
I could feel the glares of almost every one on my back. I clutched Edward's hand tightly. He told me with his eyes not to worry and walked with me to Ms Cope's office, with his hand on my waist, almost supporting half of my weight.
"You really don't need to do it, I can take care of myself." I told him, looking at him. The little drizzle of rain and the wet ground making it difficult for me to walk on my own.
He looked down at me. "I want to do this." His eyes intense, full of love. Then he chuckled. "And there is no chance I am taking any risk with you."
I rolled my eyes, but was happy that he wanted to be beside me, even in school.
The three of us walked to Ms Cope's, where she was waiting for us.
I greeted her a morning, and she did too – but mostly to Edward. She then told me that since I had missed near about three weeks of classes, I'll have to perform good enough in the exams, else I won't be able to go in the next class. The same instructions were given to Edward and Alice. We all nodded and went for the first class. Luckily for me, he didn't persuade Ms Cope in changing his schedule as extra attention was the last thing that I wanted.
Alice waved us bye as she had another class while he walked me to my English class – despite of thinking we were late, we were there in time, there was no teacher in the class yet.
He walked me to my seat next to Mike.
But being here was more difficult than in parking area. Everyone turned their face to look at me – an ordinary looking girl – walking beside the most gorgeous and desirable boy in the whole Forks. It was very easy to read their faces now: Every one wondered what I did to get his attention.
My whole face was on fire, it seemed. I wanted to burrow myself somewhere to escape their calculating and accusing glares. Self-conscious as I was, I tried to lean on Edward to escape a little.
"It isn't that bad." Edward noted.
"Have you lost your mind-reading skills?" I wondered with a groan in a hushed tone so that only he hears. He chuckled instead.
He made me sit in my seat, which was beside Mike – he must have asked Mr. Berty to change his place – his face expressionless. And I knew why he was judging me. He had warned me to keep myself away from Edward and I had not listen to him. I'll have to make it up to him – he was one of my first friends over here.
Edward saw me musing over something, and he also knew I was very uncomfortable.
Why did he have to leave me for another class. Now his offer of switching his classes seemed so tempting...
"I'll come after the lecture." I relaxed a little and said yes with my eyes. "Till that please, please, don't try to stand up or do anything foolish." He pleaded in a teasing tone further. I rolled my eyes but nodded anyway.
What he did then was not expected by me. He kissed the top of my head. He turned to Mike and smiled at him – a genuine smile, but the look of Mike's face at his warm smile, puzzled and shocked, almost made me chuckle – then looked at me again for a second and left.
For the moment I felt so loved but no sooner he left then I looked around to see everybody still looking at me, their face blank, I felt the need to make myself invisible. I sank in my seat.
I closed my eyes.
"Hey, Bella!" Mike exclaimed as soon as Edward left. I mentally rolled my eyes, and could almost imagine Edward rolling his eyes right now. Wonder what made him smile so warmly at Mike...
"Hey Mike! How were you?" I answered, happy that he wasn't mad at me.
"I am as usual fine. But what happened to you. I didn't know you were planning to take your clumsiness to next level." I laughed with him.
"It's so nice to meet you after a long time." I told him, meaning it. It felt good to be out in the crowd once again.
And that was why it was always so awkward with him. His face was gloating, his eyes dreamy, and I knew what he was thinking. I leaned back a little to make myself clear.
"You don't know how tiring it became to look at the same room for three weeks." I added, also to pass him a clear message that I wasn't talking about him.
Mr. Berty came the exact moment, sparing me from the awkwardness of the situation. I attended the lecture, but everytime in between I got lost in the past few days and my time with Edward.
When the bell rang Mike packed his bag and helped me in doing the same. He handed the books to me. "Let me help you to your next class."
I smiled apologetically, not that I was sorry. "Don't worry Mike. Edward would be here to help me."
As if he was just waiting for me to say his name, the pale white figure of Edward, dressed with my favourite smile, leaned on the door frame, called for me. I looked up and the moment our eyes locked, everything else disappeared.
Mike mumbled something unintelligible and walked out with a big frown, but Edward came in with my favourite smile.
"Still thinking I shouldn't merge our schedules?"
"Absolutely yes." He laughed and helped me to my next class – History. And the same routine was up in the History and Spanish class. He always walked by my side and helped me reach his class. I was late often and the glares everyone gave me didn't come to an end, but he did not care about all these and everytime walked me to my seat and explained every teacher.
The same was for Trig class, except for the fact that just like that day, Jessica was waiting for me, saving me a seat next to her. I and Edward both had laughed seeing that.
"Any hints what she is going to ask." I inquired looking at him.
"Nothing. Just about the past events."
"Like?"
"Um-hmm. What's the fun in that? I won't be able to know what you really think."
"Don't try to eavesdrop today."
"You know it will be a failed attempt."
"True." I laughed again.
The face of Jessica when Edward helped me in seat and talked with the teacher was priceless. She gave me the look which said I want to talk with you right now.
Unluckily for me, we were given a few sums to work and when Mr. Varner asked Jess to teach me a few sums, she got her excuse of talking to me.
"So," She whispered, her face very excited for some gossips, "How did that happen?"
"What, Jess." But my slight blush gave away. She knew I was trying to dodge the topic.
"Bella!"
"It's nothing. He thought I was interesting, we talked and knew we liked each other." I kept it simple.
But she wasn't satisfied.
"Then?" She prompted. "Why did you run away?"
She would not let me go easily.
"I felt it was too soon. I just wanted some time and a little perspective." I answered the public story I've been reciting in my head.
She groaned. "Oh, come on Bella. Don't make me tell you the full story. Start from the starting!" She was too impatient.
"Jess!"
"Bella!" She chided.
"It is nothing major." I finally told her, keeping it just to the point, sparing the fine details. "He wanted me to understand he was also not ready for a relationship, and that he too felt it was too fast. So he came to talk to me. Alice also came as he thought that I will feel more better if she was there too. And Carlisle did not want them to go over there by themselves. There, in the hospital, we decided we both want to give it a try. So here we are."
"But what happen that you felt the need to run away."
Why was she so curious?
"I know it's stupid, but he invited me to meet his family, at his home, and everybody liked me."
"Really? All these happen and you are saying it is nothing major! You have to be kidding me." She almost seemed mad, like it was a very big thing. Her mouth open slightly, trying to digest it.
"I know. It all feels like a dream."
I heard her mumble something which sounded like "I wish I could live this dream."
"When did he invite you to his house? The day of spring dance?"
"Nope. Sunday."
"But how? I thought you guys weren't going to meet."
"I thought that too but he surprised me by coming at my door on Saturday noon. He was free."
"Where did you go then? Come on Bella! Don't make me ask you all these things! Please tell me everything."
"There is nothing, Jess. We just hanged out for a while."
"Where?"
"There's a trail in the woods, and he loves trekking. I had asked him one day what does he love about that and he decided to show me."
"You spent the whole day together then, with him?"
"More or less." The words were more true than she could imagine. I've had spent almost the whole day and night with him.
"Wow!" She mouthed. Then she made a serious face. "How was your first kiss?"
"Jess!"
"Don't tell he hasn't kissed you yet!"
"It's not like that. It's private!" I was not going to give any answer to that.
"Come on, Bella. You are dating Edward Cullen. The Edward Cullen. You can tell us that much."
I shook my head as a no. She made a pleading face and I finally surrendered. Anyway, I was sure Edward wanted to hear what I felt about our first kiss.
"It was magical... electrifying."
She was lost in her imagination but then suddenly she jerked her head up. "Did you both slept together."
My whole face was red as she asked me this question. "Of course not, Jess!" I muttered, a little loudly that Mr. Varner had to shush us.
"Oh!"
"Anyway, I just told you, we don't want to take it too fast." Not with him being a vampire, our differences, and many other things on the plate...
"But he is always with you, helping you walk, driving you..."
"Yes. That's because I cannot use the crunches properly. I fall often." She nodded in understanding.
"I still cannot believe it!" She exclaimed again. "You and Edward Cullen in a relationship! No wonder everyone looks at both of you. Just like they looked at I and Mike."
"Really?" I tried to divert the topic to her and it worked completely. "How come I don't know anything about it? How did that happen?"
"Nothing. Remember he asked me to spring dance." I nodded. "We went for a date, and then we kissed. And Bella, it was amazing. He is such a good kisser..." And she told me about their every moment since then. I nodded whenever required, anything to take the attention off of me.
When it was time for Spanish class, Edward helped me. Jessica wanted to walk with I and him but opted out of it. There too I was successful in keeping the topic of Edward and I as a couple far away. By the time it was lunch, Edward was again waiting for me by the door. Jess waved me bye, even when we were going to the same place, and walked away with Lauren.
He looked amused by something.
"What?" I had to ask.
"For once you should read her mind." He answered nonchalantly.
"That bad?"
"You have no idea. It was almost horrible seeing the images in her mind."
I blushed too thinking about what she might be thinking.
"I shouldn't have told her anything."
"There's nothing you could have done. She was anyway going to make you spill everything out. And as it turns out, I'm happy she knows. At least that will stop her from imagining those things."
"How do you even tolerate all that nonsense."
"You have no idea!" He frowned. I laughed hard.
Alice joined us too outside the cafeteria. She told us we have to go to principal's office as he was expecting us – because we had taken many leaves and he was a good friend of Charlie and respected Carlisle.
We entered the cafeteria, where they both acted nonchalant like it was nothing but I felt awkward as everyone looked at us – no doubt wondering how I got him or why did I run away. But it felt more awkward because along with Angela and Ben, everyone else on the table too looked at us with questions.
I didn't realize when Edward had taken plates for both of us. He walked me to the table I used to sit.
"Are you sure?" He asked again.
"Definitely." I told him, though I wasn't that sure how they will treat me.
He smiled assuringly.
"Hii!" I greeted them.
"Hello Bella!" They all greeted in unison. Jessica and Lauren had accusations in their eyes. Mike had a smile cum frown on his face while Angela and Ben smiled at me invitingly. There were many more seated over there – Tyler, Austin, Eric, and a few more faces whom I didn't remember.
Edward helped me sit on the chair beside Angela. He smiled at me one more time before turning around.
But then...
"Edward, Alice?" Angela called them, her voice stammering, "Why don't you sit with us today? As today only you both are here, and we have some more place on our table." She offered.
I almost gloated with joy at the offer before I saw everyone's expression. They all had their mouths open, their faces expressionless. Jess, Mike and Lauren gave dangerous glares to Angela while Ben grinned at her. Austin, Tyler, Eric, Amy all looked at her with a blank face.
"Thank you for your offer Angela." Edward answered in a gentle tone.
"You can sit here Edward, Alice. It would be okay. We would love it if you join us." Jessica agreed and gave him a seductive smile. I was jealous a little, but more happy that they were welcoming him too.
Alice was excited by the offer as she jumped happily like always and sat on a chair with a 'Thank You'. I smiled at Edward but he had his eyes on Alice – he seemed mad at her over something – and sat down beside me.
"How are you Bella?" Angela asked genuinely.
"I am fine."
"What happened?" Amy – I guessed – asked.
"Oh, it was nothing." I drank some lemonade as it was time for the public story. "I just needed some time, and so I went to Phoenix to visit my mom. She was not there at that time, so I stayed in a hotel. Edward came with Alice and Carlisle to make some sense with me, and I agreed to meet him, but instead I met with an accident as I fell from stairs and a window."
I peeked at Edward when I felt his body stiffen beside me. He always hated it whenever I took it too nonchalantly, so I put my hand in his to comfort him.
"Oh!" Amy mumbled, disappointed.
Angela sighed with understanding. "We are happy you are back, Bella." She grinned and I grinned back, happy that she was welcoming towards me. I saw Ben pat her hand, their hands twinned above the table. "You don't know how much you scared us."
"Even I am happy to be free from that hospital, Angela." I joked. "But I guess I won't be free of my cast soon."
"I know how you feel, Bella." Eric jumped in. "Once I also had to wear a cast as I had a fracture." I laughed at that and so did others.
Suddenly Jessica got all excited. "I wish you get free of your cast soon." She cried with excitement. "We could have a girls night out. We could go for shopping and we could have a slumber party." Angela and I grinned listening this while Lauren snorted loudly.
"Yeah. Me too, Jess. But first, this cast has to go."
"But what about crutches?" Lauren jumped in, her voice acidic. "I mean, you could even use them to walk!"
What did I do to her that she was always against me!
Edward was about to answer something, his nostrils flaring, but it was Alice who stopped him from saying anything. "Actually Lauren," Alice told her, her voice sounding intimidating even to me. "she tried using the crutches but she was not able to use them properly because it hurts her leg even more. So my father, Carlisle, advised Bella to not use them and asked Edward and me to help her walk as by that she could walk even properly without hurting her more."
I stared blankly at her.
Who could have thought that little always jumpy Alice could be so intimidating. Now I get why Edward always says You never want to see the bad side of Alice.
There was an awkward silence on the table then. I looked at Alice who smiled apologetically.
"How are you Edward, Alice?" Austin asked timidly, changing the topic. No doubt he too was intimidated by Alice.
"We are fine." Alice answered, her voice again sweet. Edward nodded too smiling at him.
"Why did you went to Phoenix, Edward." Mike asked then, his fingers slowly tracing the rim of the sandwich he had, his face glowering with hatred. "I mean, Bella just said she needed time, so why did you flew to Phoenix?" He worked to make his tone less rude.
Edward looked at me first before answering anything. I too looked at him, anticipating what had he prepared as an excuse to hide the truth.
"I know I was being a jerk by following her," I scoffed very lightly at the word jerk that only he and Alice heard, "but she left so abruptly that I couldn't help but go there and confront her."
Mike huphed, his grimace more evident now, and concentrated on his sandwich.
"So now you both are together." Ben asked excitedly yet nervously. It was all so laughable to be see them worrying over every word they said, thinking one wrong word and they will make the Cullens' turn into werewolves. I stuffed a laugh.
Before I could react or say anything, Alice sang "So does it seems."
All chuckled while I felt my blood on fire. Edward laughed too watching me and put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me to him. I looked down – obviously blushing vigorously – and he kissed my head.
"We have something for you Bella." Jess sang. Angela took out a big gift and gave it to me. "From all of us." Angela said to which Jessica nodded eagerly.
I was flattered to say the least. "Um, thank you."
"Open it." Jessica said excitedly.
I wanted to, but we had to go to the principal's office. I didn't want to keep him waiting, enter in his bad grace.
"Um, I'd love to, but I am called by the principal, so I am heading there." I explained slowly, hoping I don't offend anyone.
Angela nodded in understanding. "Then you should go there Bella. It's not a good thing to make principal wait."
"Yeah." I agreed. "I'll see you all later, and once again thanks for the card." I waved all of them bye and with that we three departed from there, putting the card in Edward's car on the way.
Once in principal's office, Mr. Green asked us to sit.
"So I see you all have finally resumed your classes." He made a snide comment.
I was sorry that because of me they both also had to suffer.
"We're sorry, Mr. Greene." Edward apologized gently on all of our behalf. "But Bella's condition was not too well and we didn't want to leave her there alone."
"I understand, Mr. Cullen," his tone was soft now, "but you too have to realize that just because I respect your father – and your father as well Ms Swan – it doesn't mean that I'll be covering for you all the time. You have missed your mid-sem exams, which means you'll have to work more hard for your finals."
"We'll do that, sir." We all promised.
He nodded. "I hope you do. I am giving you an exception in this matter just because your health was not well, Ms Swan."
"Thank you, sir." Edward said for all of us.
"I hope you all work hard now. And Bella, get well soon."
"Thanks, sir."
He smiled a little. "You should go now. It's almost time for your next period."
With that we left the office.
"I'm sorry." I told them once in the parking. "You both have to suffer now too because of me."
"Don't be ridiculous, Bella." Alice chided while Edward also said "It is nothing, Bella."
"Anyway it's good to sometimes be in a grey limelight." She joked.
I smiled. She grinned back and headed to her class.
"Ready for the class?"
"Do you mean ready for another hour of people staring at me or us? Never. Let's go already." He laughed and put his arm around my waist and together we walked to our biology class.
We were late there, not that Edward minded it. He had offered me an excuse of aching leg to ditch the class, but I was persistent in attending it. It was again the same in the class, everyone stared at us, but this time I didn't mind it. Mr. Banner too gave us a look but did not question us. Edward helped me sit on my seat and talked to Mr. Banner about our leaves and gave him the application that he had been giving to every one of my teacher till now.
He came to sit beside me almost after a minute. He pulled his chair much closer to me such that I could easily feel his arm against mine.
"What did he say?" I inquired him.
"Nothing. He said he was glad that you were safe. And that he was not deciding on being hard on us. After all, you were one of the brightest students."
"Really?"
"Yes. His words."
After about ten minutes of lecture on animals and there skeletal structure, Mr. Banner started a video on the animals. He switched off the lights, making the room completely dark and played the video.
And again the electricity between us was very heavy. Not ignorable.
But unlike the time before the accident – which felt like centuries ago – I looked at him and we both chuckled.
I twined our arms and leaned my head on his shoulder.
He played with my hair or looked at me while I traced his veins on his forearms – unconsciously – while I concentrated on the movie playing in front of us.
Though it was difficult to concentrate on anything when he was playing with my hair or doing his silly little things – which I loved and hated at the same time – I somehow managed to study the video.
Our class ended ten minutes early as Mr. Banner decided to be generous. He came to our seat and asked us some questions: how did I fell; what had happened; do I need any help; and many other questions whose answer is I had been tired of giving. But still I answered his every question politely.
When it was near to the last period bell, we both excused ourselves and walked out of the class.
Outside the class, Mike and Jessica were busy in their PDA of their relationship.
It was amazing to see that Jess got Mike – whom she has admired a long time – liked her back. But it was also awkward to catch then red-handed.
Edward was almost unsuccessful in holding his chuckle back.
They both saw us, got all weird and a heavy silence filled between us. Jess ran in the class wile Mike too excused himself for gym class.
I and Edward released the laughter we were trying to hold. "He can give me a headache!" He exclaimed with a annoyed sigh. I just laughed at his pout.
Together we walked to gym – I hopped while he was the one almost carrying me. He made me sit on side, and I was happy that I had a proper excuse today to skip gym.
The whole hour I just looked at others and watched them play baseball, playing the audience part perfectly. I even handed the ball to them whenever it came to me – which was just twice – and still the ball managed to hurt me a little. My stupid bad luck.
It was in between the break, when I was eager for the period to get over, when Mike called me.
"Hey, Bella!" he called, his voice loud that every person who didn't even care also turned to look at us.
"Hii Mike." I called back, happy that he was again talking to me. "Thanks for the flowers and chocolates. They were great!" Though I still haven't seen them.
"You're welcome." It looked like he wanted to announce something. "So, you really got lucky, as now you got an excuse to not play games." He commented jokingly.
"Yeah, I think so."
"So, finally you and Cullen are a thing." He exclaimed, but I could decipher his not-so-calm facade.
Geez! How to avoid and tell the same thing at the same time. I didn't want to disappoint Edward or encourage Mike...
Why not start with the truth... I thought.
"Yeah. When I went to Phoenix, I finally got it that I couldn't stay away from him, no matter what." I said it for his benefit so he would not think I am interested in him, and also directly to Edward, to inform him that I was deeply in love with him.
His grin faltered for a moment. "Wow, this is great." His voice timid.
Awkward silence covered the air, it seemed, as he kept staring at a spot on the wall behind me.
"So," he finally said after a minute or so. "when will you get free of this cast."
"Carlisle says it would take three to four more weeks, but I hope it gets off after school end, so that I could escape gym."
"Yeah, that would be good for you, ditching gym." I laughed.
"How are things going between you and Jess?"
This time his smile was more genuine, his mind on Jessica. "Things are well between us."
I was happy for them. "Well that's good. I really hope the best for you two, Mike."
"Thank you Bella."
Mrs. Clapp called them again and he left me on my own with a wave and smile.
For the rest of the period I sat and watched them play, imagining some things...
When the bell finally rang, I all but stood up with excitement for the school to be over that I had to hold onto a stand for support.
Edward was not there yet, and everyone else was in the changing room. I decided to walk the distance on my own. And I did a pretty good on that, except that I almost lost my balance once or twice.
This time I was waiting for Edward by the door. But it wasn't a surprise for him as he rolled his eyes looking at me waiting for him.
He didn't smile or greet. "You shouldn't have walked all the way. What if you'd have fell?"
"I didn't though." I retorted.
"Bella!" His eyes softened, his face turning into a sad smile. He shook his head slightly. "Love, you have no idea how difficult it was for me to wait for the class to end while you almost fell over here – in my absence. If it wasn't for the fact that I knew you haven't harmed yourself again, I would've ran over here to you."
"No!" I exclaimed, yelled. "You can't do this."
"That is the reason I didn't. But I don't think I'll be able to sit calmly the next time if you keeping doing your stupid stunts."
"Stupid stunts? Really?" I smacked his arm playfully. He laughed and put his hand over my waist, holding me closer to him.
Slowly the whole class started to come out and everyone smiled at me and asked again the same. I told them what happened and it continued. Edward kept smiling all the time, answering whenever asked anything, which was very rarely.
We went to the parking after a few minutes, after greeting everyone.
Alice was already waiting for us, sitting on the hood of the car.
"If it continues, then I want a car for myself." She fumed mockingly.
"We're not sorry, Alice." Edward said with a cunning smile.
She huphed but grinned then. "Didn't I tell you Bella that it'll all be fine. You were worrying over nothing."
"Easy for you to say, Alice." I muttered. "You have no idea how exhausting it can be to repeat the same thing again and again."
"Really Bella!" She chided as if I was forgetting something very vital. And she was right. I forgot that they had been repeating the same course and routine of high school for many years now. I looked at Edward from the corner of my eye, to see if I had hurt him by saying that but he wasn't.
"Oh, come on Alice!" Edward covered for me. "You know what she meant."
"Oh, c'mon, Edward. Let me have my fun." He laughed at that, taking it all lightly.
He took another left, away from my lane, towards his house.
"Aren't we going to my house?"
"No. Carlisle had already informed Charlie that for a few weeks you'll be coming directly at my house for your physio. He agreed easily as he knew you'll get bore soon. And that was the last thing he wanted..."
"Do you think he'll ever forgive me for doing that."
He knew what I was talking about.
"He already did, Bella." Edward soothed me. "Even before you asked for forgiveness. But somewhere in a corner of his heart, he still fears that those events may repeat again."
I leaned my head against the glass. Both of them let me be alone for the moment, neither of them speaking to me.
When we reached Cullen mansion, Alice was the first one to get out but I didn't make any movement. My mind was still busy in thinking ways to comfort Charlie that I am never going to leave him again.
Edward opened the gate for me and kneeled down.
"Are you fine?"
I nodded, though I really wasn't.
He nodded, understanding me. "It is going to be fine. Okay?" I nodded again. "Bella?"
"Yes?"
"Please, humour me." He gave me his hand to hold.
I shook my head but grinned. He too smiled and kissed my forehead.
But looking at him made me wonder on some other matters.
Would I be able to leave Charlie again if the Cullens moved out?
Would they take me too with them?
I shook my head, not feeding on those thoughts for now.
He helped me out and in a fluent movement carried me in his arms.
"What is this for?"
He laughed lightly. "I thought you were tired. I decided to help."
"Thanks. But I can walk."
"Oh, I know." He closed the car door and walked ahead. "But I am not willing for that."
I shook my head with a smile and kissed his cheek. "What would I do without you." I mocked.
"Really. That's the question I ask myself." He played along.
I laughed and leaned my head on his shoulder.
He was right. I was exhausted.
Stay tuned. More chapters on the way.
Read and review. As I always say, criticism is always appreciated.