A/N: It's not my park just my slide.

I have no beta.

Things will be picking up now.

BPOV

Today was the worst day I have ever had during my school career. The Cullens were not here today, so I didn't have them as a buffer. Edward's absence in all of my classes was very intensely felt.

Unfortunately, since the Cullens weren't there, Mike harassed me all day. Not only that but Jessica and Lauren were especially annoying today. The both of them acted as if it was "Annoy Bella Swan Day" and were constantly getting in my face.

First Jessica accused me of trying to whore myself out to the Cullens which had me laugh. Thinking back to that confrontation, I could only shake my head. It was so unreal.

I had just entered the cafeteria and was making my way over to grab myself a bottle of water when Jessica and Laurel decided to tag-team me.

"Look who it is, Lauren. Plain Jane Bella Swan is all alone today. I guess the Cullens were tired of dealing with her trying to whore herself out to Edward," she said loudly in her nasal voice.

"Uh, I know. She is such a skank," Lauren agreed with a sneer.

I slowly turned around to confront them. "You both are so jealous that none of the Cullen kids have ever shown any interest in you that you result to name calling like two spoiled little brats that didn't get their way. If you have an issue with them ignoring your constant nagging, then talk to them about it," I said calmly. "Oh, Jessica, just because Edward has turned you down twenty-seven times has nothing to do with me. In fact, that all happened way before I moved here. Frankly, it sounds like you have a problem. He's not interested in you. Stop embarrassing yourself by trying to get his attention. Oh, and you may want to think twice about being friends with Lauren here. She went behind your back and told everyone that you have the clap," I smirked and walked off.

The best part was the fight that Jessica and Lauren got into after my last comment. The entire student body in the cafeteria told Jessica that they heard all about the clap rumor on Monday. Now they both have a week's worth of detention for causing a scene.

To think that the situation with those two bimbos wasn't even as big a problem as Mike Newton made himself to be. He asked me out two more times today, and I very nearly snapped. He has now asked me out eight times in four days. That's an average of two times per day.

I was hoping that Charlie would be speaking to the principal and Mr. and Mrs. Newton sometime today. I am really fed up with him constantly harassing me. I really don't know how else I can get it through his fat head that I am not interested in him and that I do not find him attractive in any way.

I hope to God that the Cullens are there tomorrow. I didn't realize how much I have begun to rely on their presence. Plus, having Edward in my classes just seems to make the time fly by.

I decided in Music Theory that I am going to ask Charlie if he would mind if I tried to graduate early. I think I have enough credits, that I should be able to pull it off. I'm just not learning anything at school, since they are teaching classes that I have already had. I feel like I could spend those hours doing something much more productive.

Once the final bell rang, I practically ran to my car. Unfortunately for me, Tyler was leaning against my car waiting for me. I just knew what he was going to ask me.

"Hey, Bella, I wanted to ask you out tonight. I know you turned down Mike, so I was hoping you would be available to go with me," he asked with a wink.

"Uh, Tyler, I'm going to have to say no to you as well. I just don't see you in that way," I told him gently hoping he was above throwing Newton-sized tantrums.

"That's okay, Bella, I just thought I'd give it a shot. Have a good one," he said good-naturedly while walking away.

I released my pent-up breath and climbed into my car. I started my baby up and listened to her purr for a minute. I put my window down mid-way, backed up, and drove off. I was so glad that school was over.

I got home and cleaned the house while throwing a load of laundry in the washing machine. Charlie was a relatively clean person. His only vice is the fact that he tends to leave empty beer cans on the coffee table next to his recliner. Compared to living with Renee, Charlie was a much easier person to clean up after.

Tonight's dinner was rainbow trout that I was going to coat with the fish fry my dad gets from his friend, Harry Clearwater. Instead of deep frying the fish, I am going to cook it in the air fryer. I have long since mastered learning how to make air-fried fish that comes out with a crispy coating.

I was also making crispy seasoned potato wedges in the air fryer as well. Since my dad's air fryer is so large, I am able to make both dishes at the same time. This means that dinner will be ready in no time.

I quickly made a tossed salad which I was sure Charlie would stay far away from. He's never been into vegetables unless it was a french fry. I may have to bribe him to eat some salad.

The air fryer beeped letting me know that the food was done cooking. I placed the fish on a platter and place the potato wedges around them. I took both the platter and the salad bowl and put them on the table.

I heard the front door open, and Charlie came in removing his belt and gun and hanging up on the hook. He took his jacket off as well and then came into the kitchen.

"Fish Fry!" he said excitedly. "I thought you were going to make me eat rabbit food from now on."

"Have I cooked you rabbit food since I moved in?" I asked him with a shake of my head. Men, always exaggerate.

"Nope, I thought you had just forgotten, but I didn't want to say anything and screw with my luck," he admitted sheepishly.

"Dad, I didn't forget. Every meal I have made so far has been healthy," I told him.

"Are you sure? That meatloaf was fantastic and so was the beef stroganoff."

"Yes, I'm sure. When are you going to trust my cooking skills?" I asked him feigning hurt feelings.

"Sorry, Bells, but you've lived with your mom. You know how bad she is in the kitchen."

"I get it. She gave me food poisoning when I was eight. I even tried not to eat, but she was watching me like a hawk. So instead of hurting her feelings, I took a few bites. Let's just say that the emergency room had to pump my stomach and leave it at that," I informed him with a shudder. That was one memory I would love to forget.

He just stared at me in horror. "Point taken," was his only response.

We ate quietly which I have learned is how my dad likes to eat. He prefers to wait until after dinner to chat and catch up on our day. I finished before him and took my dishes over to the sink to wash.

"Bells, that fish was fantastic, and I really loved the potato wedges," he said as he brought his dishes over to the sink for me.

"Thanks, dad, I'm glad you liked it."

Charlie grabbed his customary can of vitamin R and sat down again. "Anything happen at school today?"

"Yea, today was hell," I said finishing up the dishes and then walking back over to the table to sit down. "Mike asked me out two more times today, and Jessica and Laurel tried to start a fight with me," I told him. "Oh, and Tyler Crowley asked me out just as I was trying to make a run to my car."

"I did talk to the principal and to the Newtons today. The principal said he would give the Newton boy a warning about not touching you, and the Newtons said they would talk to their son about leaving you alone," he said taking a large sip of his beer. "Do me a favor, kid, and keep that mace on you. I just have a gut feeling that you haven't heard the last of Mike Newton."

"Will do, dad. Something is not right when I guy asks the same chick out eight times in four days."

"You've got that right. Thanks for dinner, Bells. I'm going to go watch the end of the game and then head on up. I won't be going to work until nine, so I will probably see you in the morning."

"Okay, dad, I'm heading up now. Good night," I called out as I made my way upstairs with my things.

After I took my shower, I sat at my desk completing my homework when my cell rang. I picked it up and saw that it was Alice. "Hello?"

"Bella! I miss you," she yelled loudly.

"I miss you too, you nutter. You act like you haven't seen me in ages," I laughed.

"It feels like it's been ages. So how was school today? I'm sorry we weren't there. The family decided to go camping at the last minute," she apologized.

"I missed all of you. Today was the day from hell for me," I told her.

"What happened?

"Mike asked me out again, two times. Jessica and Laurel tried to start a fight with me, and then Tyler asked me out after school. Although Tyler was nice when I turned him down, so that wasn't too bad," I explained to her. I could hear Emmett's boisterous laugh in the background which was followed closely by the sound of Rosalie smacking him in the head. I loved that sound. "Smack him for me, Rosalie," I called out and heard them all crack up laughing. Rosalie followed through and I got to hear the smacking sound again.

"Newton is either going for a world record in getting turned down or he has serious mental problems," Edward replied.

"Just be thankful that he isn't asking you out all the time," I cried. "It's beyond annoying."

"It's so pathetic. I wonder if he has a history of harassing girls," Jasper added. It was a legitimate question.

"I'm not sure, but Charlie thinks there's something wrong with him. He spoke to the principal and Newton's parents today and still told me to keep my mace on me," I informed them.

"It's a good thing your dad is the chief of police. Maybe that will stop Mike from trying anything else," Rosalie pointed out.

"That will only work so far. If he does have mental issues, he's not going to care that Chief Swan is Bella's dad," Jasper pointed out.

"Thanks so much for putting me at ease, people," I chided them with a laugh.

"Sorry, Bella," they all said at once.

"The reason that we called is to ask you if you want us to pick you up in the morning. Maybe if you show up with us, Newton will leave you alone," Alice suggested.

"Sure, why not? I would love to clown car my way to school tomorrow," I joked.

"Hey, my Volvo is not a clown car," Edward said defensively.

"It will be with all of us crammed inside," I pointed out to him.

"Point taken," he conceded with a chuckle.

"We'll all fit. Alice is really the size of half a person, so there won't be any problems," Emmett joked.

We all laughed. Alice really was tiny. She was the size of an elementary student. It was part of her charm.

"Enough jokes about my height or lack thereof," Alice said with authority. "We'll be there at seven-thirty. Be ready. By Bella," she said as she hung up.

After I hung up, I got back to work. I finished my homework in no time. Since I have done it all before, I remembered all the answers.

I sent another quick email to Renee but chose to omit my boy problems. She would nag the hell out of me if I told her. Renee likes to think she's still a teenager and loves to talk about boys.

When I finally crawled under my covers, I managed to fall asleep almost immediately. My dreams that night were again all of Edward. I woke up the next morning feeling very well rested.

I quickly dressed and ran down to the kitchen to grab a quick bite to eat. Charlie was already up and nursing a cup of his morning elixir. "What's the rush, Bells?"

"The Cullens are picking me up today. They'll be here in fifteen minutes, and I want to grab some breakfast," I told him as I put a bagel in the toaster and poured myself a small glass of orange juice.

"Is there something wrong with your car?" he asked with concern.

"No, the Cullens thought that if I showed up to school with them it might make Mike think twice about bothering me," I explained while finishing my juice.

"Ah, safety in numbers," he said. "It's worth a shot."

"Yup, here's to hoping," I said as I took the last bite of my bagel. "Dad, I wanted to run something by you."

"Is something wrong beside the Newton issue?" he asked.

"It's not really something that is wrong, but it is something we need to address," I said. "Dad, the curriculum at the school is boring me. I already did all that work already. Since Forks High doesn't offer advanced classes, there really isn't anything I can learn this year. I think I have enough credits to graduate early. Would you be alright with that?" I asked hesitantly.

"If you aren't learning anything at the school, then it makes no sense to keep going. If you have the credits to graduate, I say go for it," he encouraged me with a big smile.

"Thanks, dad, your support means a lot to me, you know."

"I'm proud of you, Bella. You have always been an exceptional student. Besides, I kind of figured out that you would probably graduate early when you moved here. Like you said, Forks High is behind with the curriculum. It just doesn't get enough state funding."

"Thanks, dad, I'm going to see if I can talk to Principal Greene today. Wish me luck," I told him as I finished the last few bites of my bagel. I quickly washed my plate and my glass and put them away.

"They should be here any minute, "I said as I glanced at my watch.

"Okay, kid, good luck today."

"Have a good day, dad."

"You too, kiddo," he said giving me a quick hug.

When the Cullens pulled up, I was ready to go. I stepped outside to see Emmett standing there with the car door open. He helped me climb into the back row seat. I was seated next to Rosalie and we began talking. Alice, who was seated in the middle seat in the row in front of us, turned around to join in our conversation.

We chatted and laughed the entire way to school which didn't take all that long. Edward had one hell of a lead foot. He must have been going one hundred the whole way there.

When Edward pulled in, I saw that Mike was standing around waiting for someone. "Looks like Newton is looking for you, Bella," Jasper said with a shake of his head.

"Boy, am I glad I rode with you guys. There's only so much a person can handle," I said in exasperation.

We all climbed out and made our way to the school. Mike noticed that I was with the Cullens and he sneered at them. I really didn't understand what his issue was, but I was really sick of people sneering at the Cullens. The Cullens have been wonderful to me, and I didn't see them do anything that would deserve them being treated the way the students here treat them.

I had enough time before the first bell to run to the office and ask Mrs. Cope when would be a good time to speak to principal Greene. She made an appointment for me at lunchtime which was fine by me. I never ate the food here anyway.

I slipped into my first class a few moments before it began. I hung my backpack on the back of my chair after pulling out my textbook and notes. "Where were you?" Edwards whispered.

"I had to run to the office," I said quietly.

Class began and we stopped talking. The moment it ended Edward asked me, "Is everything okay?"

I nodded, "Yea, I'm just going to discuss early graduation with him."

"Good luck," he said as he reached for my bag and helped me up from my seat.

"I think I have the credits. I just can't bear to keep attending when I am not challenged at all and am not learning anything," I said as we walked out into the hall.

"I don't blame you. It's tedious," he said managing to sound like he knows from experience.

The remainder of the day was fine as I eagerly awaited for the lunch bell to ring. Once it went off, I told Edward to save a spot for me at his family's table and I made my way to the principal's office.

"Ah, Ms. Swan, what can I do for you," Principal Greene asked me in greeting.

"Mr. Greene, I wanted to talk to you about me graduating early. I believe I have enough credits," I said to him, hoping that I was correct.

I was in the office with Principal Greene for nearly twenty minutes as we waited for Mrs. Cope to pull up my transcripts. Once she brought them in, he went over them and agreed that I did have enough credits. In accordance with school policy. I was going to have to take my final exams, and if I managed to pass, I would be given my diploma.

I was so excited that I practically ran to the cafeteria. Edward saved a seat next to him, and I went over and sat down. "Well, how did it go?" he asked.

"I have the credits. Now I have to take my finals, and if I pass, I can get my diploma," I announced excitedly.

"Way to go, Bella," Jasper said in congratulations.

"You know what this means?" I asked while bouncing in my seat.

"No more Newton," They said in unison while laughing.

We continued to talk for the remainder of lunch and made plans for me to sleep over at their house Friday night. Alice offered to come to pick me up and to officially meet Charlie which I was fine with. Charlie would be less likely to shoot a girl than one of the male Cullens.

The bell rang, and we all split up to go to our different classes. I walked into the girl's locker room to change into my uniform. Once I finished, I began turning the corner to walk out and was shoved roughly into the cement wall. My head connected harshly and I gasped in pain. A hand grabbed my throat and began to squeeze. I tried to call out for help but was unable to make a sound. I started to feel lightheaded and struggled to stay awake.

"This is what happens when you cross me," a gruff voice warned.

A moment later, I succumbed to the darkness.

A/N: Please do not hate me. I know that cliffies are annoying, but it ended where I needed it to.