I attempted to avoid the Cullens for the next three weeks— but school activities thwarted my attempts.
So, that left me to resort to the last weapon I had— Angela and Jessica.
So, I proceeded to invite them over, and explain to them — in great detail— what had happened the day Edward and I had broken up in the woods — excluding the supernatural factor, of course— before asking them for their help.
While they were both shocked at what Edward had told me. Also wondering how someone who claimed to be so in love could act the way he did — they both readily agreed to help keep him and the other Cullens away from me.
Much to my surprise— after Jessica had gone home — Angela proceeded to inform me that she is a guardian working with the La Push pack to protect the supernatural and humans alike.
She informed me that she had been keeping an eye on me and the Cullens since I had arrived, never intervening due to rules. The Webbers weren't her real family, only distant relatives.
After discussing a few other things, she finally told me she would help keep the Cullens away — handing me an enchanted silver necklace, in a blue velvet pouch before heading home herself— informing me that this would ward off all of their gifts.
After she left, I walked into the kitchen before sitting down on one of the chairs. I stared at the small pouch before tilting it over my hand — biting my lip as I felt the weight of the small silver chain of the necklace from the pouch.
I closed my eyes sighing at how tiresome this situation had become. My dreams had become a nightly occurrence, which made things a whole lot worse.
As I closed my eyes to alleviate the sudden throbbing on my temples. I could feel my senses sharpening as soon as I closed my eyes. From what I could tell, someone was circling the wooded area around my house. Thirty feet if my calculations were correct.
Not wanting to deal with anything—at the moment— I slowly unclasped the chain, before lifting it to my neck and clasping it securely.
"Whoever is running around my house needs to leave before I call the La Push pack. You don't belong here, and you most certainly aren't welcome." I stated, in a calm voice.
I then proceeded to make dinner, before heading upstairs to shower.
It was just after four when I made my way downstairs to finish my homework. When my dad walked in I felt the blood drain from my face, as my eye landed on his pale face.
"Dad, what's wrong?" I asked, rushing to his side.
He silently shook his head, as he undid his belt and hung it on the coat rack placed by the door.
"What's wrong?" I repeated as he sat down beside me at the table.
He shook his head again before grabbing a piece of paper and a pencil and quickly scrolling a message.
A boy from your school is missing. Found the car just off Citrus and Spruce. Blood all over. We aren't sure if he is alive or not.
"Who?" I asked, quietly.
The Newton boy. He wasn't alone. A young lady was with him. The Mallory girl was found with him.
"Oh," I whispered.
I swallowed thickly, before looking up at his haggard face. "Do you think he is dead?" I asked, concerned.
I knew I didn't like Mike very much, but still, I didn't wish death upon anyone— even someone like Lauren Mallory or Michael Newton.
Following an extensive investigation, it was confirmed that Mike and Lauren were dead.
Once word got out that Mike and Lauren were dead, the school had a vigil, slash memorial service in their honor.
Most of the end of the year activities that were supposed to happen at night were moved to happen during the day, out of fear for the students' safety.
Everyone awkwardly attended the end of the year activities— including the big senior luncheon and funfair that set up on the student parking lot.
Finally, graduation day came.
My dad had made a big fuss the entire day. Starting with waking me up early that morning to feed me a hearty breakfast, before telling me to go get ready. He then surprised me by taking me to Port Angeles, to shop for some things I had been asking for, and taking me to get my hair styled, while he went to the Auto Shop to get a few things for his car.
When I got home I changed into a pretty, yet simple, cocktail dress in a cream color and a warm brown cropped cardigan —I had bought for the occasion a week before— and stepped into a pair of nude lace-up ballet shoes, before grabbing the golden yellow cap and gown.
The stylist had added some golden, and dark crimson highlights, before giving my hair a few layers. The whole process had taken two hours— not counting the makeup she had put on me, 'to accentuate and highlight my already natural beauty'. —whatever that meant.
The whole experience left me feeling primped and pampered. It was great— until we got to the school.
I felt instant regret as everyone began to stare at me jaw-slacked.
Though Angela and Jessica, and others amongst our group of friends had assured me that I looked great— I still felt awkward from all the stares I was receiving.
It was easier to ignore after the ceremony had officially begun. What with Mr. Greene's awkward speech, and Jessica and Ben's happy-go-lucky, 'we are the future' speeches.
As the ceremony came to a close, I couldn't be more relieved that this chapter of my life had come to a close. I giggled amusedly as we all threw our caps in the air, cheers resounding around the room as the class of '07 finally graduated.
I smiled as Angela and Jessica quickly came to my side, promising to stay in contact and meet up before we all left for school at the beginning of August.
Charlie, Billy, and Jacob were standing near the entrance when I found them. However, before I could reach their location, the Cullens appeared before us.
Esme—who looked like she had been crying as her onyx eyes fell on me — gave me a watery smile. "Congratulations Bella." She said, emotionally
"Thank you, Esme," I replied politely. "Cullens." I nodded, in greeting, as I turned to look at all of them in the eye.
I noticed all of the Cullens were there. Carlisle, the patron of the family, stood next to Esme. Even Emmett, and Rosalie— who were supposed to be away, studying at Dartmouth— along with Jasper, were all here too.
"It's nice to see you all together," I commented, nonchalantly, as I took off the cap and gown.
Even as we all stood there, I noticed how awkward things had become for everyone here.
"So, what are your plans for the summer, Bells?" Emmett asked in a poor attempt to lighten the mood, giving me a small smile.
"I am moving back to Florida with my mom., I said, giving him a small smile.
"Oh, you're leaving Forks?" Esme asked, disappointed.
I nodded, moving a piece of stray hair in the back of my ear, as I shifted my weight onto my left leg. "Yes, there is nothing left for me here., I replied, stoically.
"Bella, you can't do that." Alice input, sternly, moving as if she wanted to walk forward.
As she spoke I turned sharply to look at her, frowning. "Alice, you — and everyone else for that matter— can't tell me what to do. If I want to leave. You can't stop me. None of you have the authority to stop me. Now, this conversation is over. Goodbye— have fun with your distractions." I said, unable to resist getting that last jab in before I turned to leave.
My dad, Billy, Jacob, and another Quileute boy — I hadn't noticed show up— were still standing by the door along with Angela as I finally made my way towards them.
"Well, that was interesting." She commented as she held onto the young man's hand.
I snorted, shaking my head at her, before turning to look at my dad.
"Your mom wants pictures of you in your cap and gown." My dad said, lifting the small silver camera, to show me.
I nodded telling Jacob and the others to come closer, as I slid on the gown, before proposing the cap on my head.
"Say cheese." My dad said as he lifted the familiar camera.
"Cheese." We said smiling as we huddled together for the photo.
We took a few pictures together, in different silly poses, laughing the entire time.
When we finally made it to the parking lot, Billy and Jacob left along with the other boy. Promising to meet the next afternoon for a bonfirebefore finally making our way to the diner for a short celebratory meal.
That night I got the best sleep I had gotten since before I came here and it was all due to thinking about the future.
Enjoy :)
