Chapter 2
Forks High School had a real charm about it. Most of the students were friendly, and the consistently gloomy whether never dampened their spirits. I went through my classes with ease and when the lunch hour came. I quickly stuffed my books in my bag and headed to the cafeteria. Alice always saved me a seat. That's how it has been going for the past week and a half since my arrival. Today the topic of discussion was Michael's birthday. The girls wanted to take a trip for the weekend to Seattle but the boys wanted to go to Sol Duc Falls. This generated a real discussion including prices and vehicle efficiency, and at the same time no one asked Mike what he wanted to do. Which to me was really funny. He looked pained, sitting in the middle listening to everyone argue about what to do on his birthday.
"Mike what would you like to do?" I had to ask.
"Thanks Bella. Seems you are the only one who remembered it is actually my birthday" he said sarcastically.
Everyone started saying sorry.
It was half way through the lunch hour when I suddenly sensed a presence behind me. I turned my head to take a look and felt the breath hitch in my chest. I stared, wide-eyed at the bronze haired boy whose name was Edward Cullen. He looked back at me, with some hatred but not as forceful as before.
Alice called my name and pulled me from his gravitating stare. I held my head down trying to catch my breath and school my emotions.
"I'm sorry Bella. Edward can be a real jerk sometimes. He recently returned from his trip so today is his first day back since the week before."
"Oh." I squeaked.
My next class would be Biology. With him present. I felt cold. I felt like ditching.
For the rest of lunch I kept my head down, my back straight so I would not look behind me, and my fingers locked together under the table. I forced myself into a state of calm and control and as soon as students started leaving for classes I excused myself so I could be the first one at the desk. That way I could resume the position I held since I saw him, and I would not have to see him until class started, even if I felt his presence.
I sat at our shared table in biology class, with my head on the desk and my fingers folded together under it. I closed my eyes, and deliberately counted my breaths. I felt like hating him back with as much force as he displayed toward me. I felt like dishing the same level of hostility toward him. But I knew that as I set my eyes on him my dislike for his behavior would probably dissipate and I would be captivated by his beauty like before. Therefore eyes closed.
That way I can run all the curse words I can think of through my head and mentally hurl them at him.
I heard his stool scrape against the floor as he took his seat. Mr. Varner was running a little late today so I kept my head on the desk. The class sounded full since the chatter grew louder as the minutes went by. Then Mr. Hostility had the nerve to say something to me.
"Isabella Swan right?" My eyes flew open and my stupid head spun of its own accord to face the jerk. The beautiful jerk. I knew my eyes were popping out of my head and my mouth hung open a little. But I could not help it. His eyes were the most captivating I had ever seen. Honey brown with gold circles on the outer ring, deep set and fringed by thick lashes. They held me where I was, as I stared stupidly at him. He seemed impatient, and slowly my brain kicked into functionality.
"Are you talking to me?" I wanted to add 'jerk' to the end of that.
"Obviously." He replied curtly.
I hissed my teeth then stated, "I prefer Bella actually, but if you are going to say something else to me you may use Isabella. Since we aren't friendly or anything."
"Ok then, Isabella" he drew out my name longer than necessary. "Why are you here"?
I could hardly believe his question.
"To learn. Last I checked this was a high school."
"I meant, why are you here in Forks?"
"I live with my dad. Look Edward, I am sure you heard my story. Probably better than anyone else since your mom and my dad are friends. So please, just stop with the twenty questions."
He hated me already, so I saw no reason for him to be quizzing me. He kept staring at me until Mr. Varner came in bursting with apologies and a big box in his arms.
I paid no attention as Mr. Varner chatted away about what today's lesson would be. My mind was consumed by the beautiful boy beside me, who insisted on being rude. I thought about his beautiful face, and unruly bronze hair, and very pale skin. I fantasized about him being nice to me, and that he and I were at least friends.
Mr. Varner put a card with four squares divided on it, something he called a four- pronged applicator, and another thing he called a sterile micro- lancet in front of me and asked if I was ready.
I was completely clueless as he passed me to continue handing out the same things to the students behind me. I peeked across at Edward and his face was set in a grim look. He seemed to mumble to himself as well, as he flicked the square card between his fingers. He did it with ease and a sort of boredom which suggested he wished he was somewhere else other than in this class now. I still had no idea what was happening or about to happen so I chanced his hateful look and asked him what was going on.
"Blood typing."
"What?" I asked incredulously.
"Right about now, Mr. Varner will have us prick our fingers to check our blood type." He sounded irritated. I wondered if it was at me.
So today would be blood-typing and I felt sick already.
"Do not start until I reach you with the water. It is a must so do not prick your finger yet."
He started at the front again and went around dropping water on each of the four squares on the card. He then instructed those who had gotten the water to go ahead and prick their finger with the lancet. He grabbed one of the boy's hand and prick his finger, then went on to squeeze the blood on to each prong of the applicator as a demonstration.
I felt sick to my toes. I was clammy, and I felt nauseous. I rested my head on the desk as I tried to keep the vomit at bay. I already knew my blood type. This torture was uncalled for. I tried raising my head to call the teacher's attention but I felt completely weak. Then all of a sudden I heard his wonderful voice calling to Mr. Varner.
"Sir, can I take Isabella to the nurse? It seems she is sick."
"Bella?" I heard Mr. Varner call.
I could only manage to say "Hmmm".
"Okay Edward. Take her. Do you need help?"
"No sir."
And before Mr. Varner could say anything else I felt myself lifted, and I was in his arms. He carried me effortlessly out the class and walked swiftly along the corridor.
"Do not vomit on me". He said in a low voice.
I wanted to tell him to put me down so that the vomit would stay down but I was afraid to talk and have it come right out on his designer shirt. So I started struggling against him, trying to get him to put me anywhere that was not moving. I felt rain drops on my face so I figured he was crossing the main lot and headed towards the nurses station.
Soon we were under shelter again. I started tapping on his shoulder.
"Just wait a couple more seconds. We are almost there." He hissed annoyingly.
I felt the change in temperature and opened my eyes to the brightly lit nurse's station. A fat faced woman came around the counter she occupied.
"She got sick in blood typing" Edward murmured.
"Take her in here" the nurse said as she opened a door for Edward. "Put her on the cot".
Soon I had a cold compress on my forehead. The nurse was busy moving around the room but I only heard her movements, since my eyes were once again tightly closed. I knew Edward was in the room somewhere with me but he was as quiet as a lamb. I wanted to tell him to return to class but I kept my mouth shut because I actually wanted him to stay with me.
"You're looking better Isabella" I heard him whisper. The words were so close to my face I could probably move a little in their direction and I would be right against his lips. I squeezed my eyes tighter.
"You are really pretty. I didn't notice before" he continued. "Your skin is flawless."
I didn't know what to say or do. I just lay there on the cot with the compress on my forehead.
"Of course that's kind of a waste since you are such a bother. I don't even think I can really appreciate it. It's too dangerous." He sighed.
"I am only a bother to you, but thanks for the compliment." I rolled onto my side with my back to him.
"Yes. I guess you are right. You only bother me since you and my sister are such great friends already."
"Is that your problem Edward"? I asked as I sat up on the cot. "I am friends with your sister and her boyfriend and you don't like it?"
"Not quite."
"Then what is it. I have never laid eyes on you until about two weeks ago, but you hated me the instant you saw me. What the heck did I ever do to you?" I was talking furiously. "It doesn't even make sense. Alice and I didn't become friends until after you disappeared. And she approached me!"
"I know that".
"Then what is your problem"?
"I am trying to figure that out myself".
"You are such a fucking jerk, it's hard to even imagine!"
I flung the compress on the cot and stood up. The movement had me clutching the wall to keep upright.
"Just wait some more Isabella. You are still sick." He said with a strange note I otherwise would have mistook for concern.
"Bugger off asshole. What do you care?"
"I don't know about caring, but I would hate to have to lift you up again."
I felt so hurt at his words. It was as if he was scorning me.
"I didn't ask you to lift me up and carry me here Edward. So please leave me alone."
"But if something were to further happen to you, you would be my responsibility."
"No. I am my own responsibility." I said pained. "You know what Edward just go back to class. I am sure Mr. Varner is wondering where you are?"
"He is not. I told him I would take you home because it's the blood typing that is making you sick."
"The hell you are!" I hissed furiously at him. Then I yelled through the door for the nurse.
"Yes dear?" The lady asked as she appeared at the doorway.
"Can I be excused from the rest of my classes? I think I need to go home."
"I already wrote up both your excuses." She said as she looked at me with concern. "You should lie down some more. I would call your father but Edward offered to drive you home, so you should be okay to leave after you feel a little better."
"Don't worry about that nurse. I am feeling much better. And I can drive myself home."
"I cannot permit you to leave by yourself while you are sick."
I wanted to scream at her. All I wanted to do was escape the arrogant jerk and go home. But no. Even that was too much to ask of fate. Edward stood against the wall by the door, arms folded across his chest with a smug look on his face. I sighed in frustration.
"Let's go Mr. Responsible."
The rain was full on pouring when we emerged from the nurse's station. I pulled my hood over my head and started toward my truck, my feet slashing in the water puddles angrily, my arms folded across my chest. I hung my head low to avoid the rain falling in my eyes. "You're going in the wrong direction Bella." I heard him say close behind me.
"Isabella." I corrected him. "And no. I parked my truck over there this morning. I might have been sick but I still retained my memories."
"I know that. But since I am taking you home, you will drive in my car today." I felt him grab onto my arm. I swung away from him violently and almost fell. He caught me.
"Quit fighting it Isabella. I am only taking you home."
"I don't know you Edward. Your moods are as black as coal and I don't know what you might do to me while you only take me home. I don't wish to find out either. So I will call my dad if me driving home is such a huge problem."
"I'm hurt Isabella."
"So am I".
"Okay. I will let Alice drive you home. Or Jasper. He doesn't have anything during this period anyway."
"That would be lovely. Thank you."
He flipped a cell phone from his pants pocket and quickly had it to his ears, speaking so fast I could barely keep up. Then the conversation was over, and in five minutes Jasper was standing under the eave Edward and I occupied.
"Hi Bella." He said with a smirk on his face.
"Hey Jas." I whispered back.
"Ready to go?" He asked.
"Yeah. Sure."
"By the way, we are driving in Edward's car. I really can't manage your truck's speed. Alice will take it later and meet us at your house. If you don't mind?"
My mind felt heavy all of a sudden. Us?
"What do you mean us?"
"Edward insists on seeing you home himself. And since you are not willing to drive with him by yourself, I will do the driving." He then proceeded to take my hand, lead me to the beautiful silver car, strapped me into the front seat and was very soon on our way to my house. Edward sat in the backseat behind Jasper and I could feel his eyes on me the entire journey. I spoke only to Jasper predominantly about Mike's upcoming birthday.
Jasper is easy and nice to talk to once you get to know him. At first he was shy and somewhat reserved. I thought he was way too cautious for someone his age. But I soon realized he just had issues adopting easily.
Alice helps with that. She is the complete opposite of Jasper, and I guess the phrase of opposites attracting is actually true.
But she balances him out quite nicely. Just the way he balances her and tones down her crazy. They are perfect as a couple.
As he pulls into my driveway, I fish in my pockets for my keys.
"Thanks Jas. You didn't have to do this but I really appreciate it". I told him.
"No problem. Actually I was a little worried about leaving you with Edward alone. He can be a complete ass sometimes and right now I didn't think you deserved his usual shit". He winked at me.
"Right! Blame a bad situation on me." Edward griped from the backseat.
I reached for the door to open it but hesitated. It's raining, and they were going to wait for Alice to drop off my truck. I felt bad leaving them to wait in the car, and even though I didn't exactly want to be around Edward now, my good manners won over my cautious mind.
"Let's go guys. The rain is getting heavier. It will probably take Alice a little longer than expected to get here in this weather."
I caught Edward's face in the rear-view mirror. It was completely shocked by my invitation. I snickered to myself as I got out of the nice, warm car and made a run for the front door. I had it opened by the time Jasper and Edward reached it which I quickly closed behind them.
From the upstairs hallway closet, I got them towels to dry themselves, which Jasper welcomed, and Edward refused. Jasper eventually chucked the towel at him and muttered something under his breath which got Edward to accept and use it. I kind of like the relationship I sense between them. Jasper is older by a year but somehow I sense that Edward really respect him; which is a complete bummer to me since he is so rude to most people. But Edward respects Jas, and Jasper acts like a big brother to Edward.
I offered them something to drink, and they both accepted a glass of water.
"In this house, we only have bottled water. Is that good?" I queried.
"Sure. But not off the fridge." Jasper called. Edward mumbled a "same here", so I got them two bottles of room temperature water.
Then I sat myself on the black leather couch, turned on the TV and started watching reruns of Supernatural.
Jasper I knew liked Supernatural, but Edward caught me off guard when he sat beside me on the couch- even though there were two feet between us. I pulled my grans quilt from the armrest of the couch and threw it over me, and then I stretched out my body just enough to lie on my side to watch the TV in a more comfortable position. My feet were right beside Edward's hard thighs.
I could stretch my big toe just an inch, and touch him, but I reminded myself this guy probably hates my guts. And even though I am a little- or maybe a lot- fascinated by him, touching him would be pushing the limits.
That could probably be the moment he turns around and strangle me even with Jasper sitting only two feet from us. But Edward was completely focused on the TV. Eyes glued to the screen as Dean and Sam flicked across the screen.
Somewhere between watching the series and stealing glances at Edward I must have dozed off because all too soon I am being shaken awake, and I can feel my feet in someone's lap.
My eyes flew open as Alice calls my name once more and I hear Edward snicker and grumble about sleeping too early in the day. But what really got my attention was that my feet which were snugly wrapped in my Grans quilt, were resting in Edward Cullen's lap.
I turned my gaze in his direction, and saw that one hand was casually resting on the armrest, while his other hand was stretched along the couch's back. He looked very comfortable.
"We are going to head out now Bella." Alice said from Jasper's lap.
"Sure," I mumble as a sat upright and pulled my legs under me.
"Thanks for today by the way. Sorry I couldn't be of much company," I apologized for Jasper's sake.
"No problem. Your truck keys are on the hook by the door." Alice said as she rose from Jasper's lap and grabbed Edward's hand to haul him from the couch.
"Okay. Thanks."
That night I cut my time with Charlie short and decided to go to bed early. I ended up taking Nyquil to send myself to sleep.
And that was the first night I dreamed of Edward Cullen.