Disclaimer:
Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight
BPOV
After agreeing with Alice to not back down from the chance to find love, we drove home. Talking each other through the day, filling in the events that occurred in the few moments we hadn't spent together.
Alice had found most of the classes fun and found it extremely hilarious that the self proclaimed it-girls of Forks High school had actually tried to go through me, to invite Alice to join them.
I didn't dare tell her the real reason why I had rushed out of the classroom and got into a conversation with Jasper. How could I possibly explain to her the anxiety that had rushed through my body as I had felt like a ghost from the past had come to haunt me. Something about the past few days made me feel uncomfortable. Us being enrolled into school, Carlisle giving me a very serious talk before going to school this morning. Practically asking me to behave and give the students a chance. Like I had ever truly caused any trouble.
When in fact, for the past few decades I had been a perfect daughter to them. Never causing trouble, exiling myself to a solitude that allowed me to keep up appearances to the outside world. But lately I felt like that outside appearance, the fake shell that was there for all others to see... it was slowly crumbling.
The thought of what would be left of my true nature, my humanity as Carlisle liked to call it. It was the most frightening thing in the world. Perhaps triggering the weird panic attack I had at school. Or the reckless saving of a human life.
And the temptation to claim what was rightfully mine. My inner desire roared to life as the memory of his skin made my fingers tingle again.
"Alice, remember what happened a few weeks back?"
Trying to sound casual, I turned to my sister who already had a smirk on her face, showing she had seen me plan this question, perhaps at the same time I had thought of that man.
Parking the car, she got out and shot me a playful glance. Almost teasing me.
"No Bella, what happened a few weeks back?"
Dancing ahead towards the front door, I couldn't help but feel mocked and pushed past her angrily.
"Never mind."
Rushing up the stairs, I threw my school bag on the corner of my desk. Grabbing one of the books I did actually want to read from the book shelve. Several hours later Alice finally came in.
"I'm sorry for teasing you earlier this evening Izzy." Crawling on the bed and resting her head on my lap. She stares up at me with big round eyes, innocence perfectly displayed through the endless gold as she stared up at me. Her face neutral as she waits for me to answer, knowing that the nickname she has used, will do the trick anyway. It has been a nickname she tried to give me when we had first met. It didn't work, but every once in a while she would still call me Izzy. Knowing it would trigger my more protective feelings of her, remembering me how fragile she had been as a human.
Like any other time, it works. Sighing I place the book on the little night stand and place my hand in hers. "You still owe me an answer, do you remember the man in the forest?"
For a moment she is silent, then she smiles up at me. "A vampire never forgets do they?" Winking at me she sits up."So yes I do remember the man in the forest. Why do you want to know." Tilting her head to the side, she watches me and waits. Hiding her emotions for me.
Looking down, I count the thread of my sheets. Trying to occupy myself, distract myself from asking what I want to ask. Finally her hand gently squeezes mine and I know, Alice is just waiting for me to say it out loud. "When you took him away, what did you do with him?"
Giggling she let's go and leans back, both her elbows resting on the bed. "I'm tempted to tell you, I had him for dinner or fed him to the wolfs. But neither happened. You injured his ankle and foot badly, pulling him out of the water without thinking about how fragile humans are." Her eyebrows pull together and her face wrinkles as the smile slips away and is replaced by sadness.
" I brought him to the hospital. So they could fix his injuries. Carlisle wasn't there that day, and his father came to get him. Arranged for him to be transferred to another hospital, one that is closer to home . Sad really, Carlisle could have done a much better job on the operation and aftercare."
Realizing, that with my actions that day I have actually caused so much damage, I close my eyes for a moment. Fighting the disappointment I feel.
"You saved his life Bella, without you his life would have ended that day."
Trying to pull me out of the darkness I threaten to get lost in again, Alice leans against me and wraps her arm around my shoulder.
"Without you, I would have ended his life also that day." Pushing aside her arm, I get up from the bed and walk to the window.
"Is that what you really think, was he just that to you. A prey... another easy bite to eat?" Alice her voice trembles slightly as she sits up on her knees, her arms hanging loosely aside her body. But her eyes showing something that resembles pure devastation as she looks at me.
For a moment I think about her question.
Was that human just another convenient means to an end, like the many men that have been my victim in the years that I spend with Tristan. Could I ever use him, the way I have used them.
My entire body trembles as I remember his scent, the way it not only made my mouth pool with venom, my throat burn with fire but also remember how my entire body had ached for him with... with desire.
Trembling I rest my head against the glass window, feeling how the cold air outside has cooled down the glass of the window enough for me to feel the difference and calm me down.
"No."
Whispering the word softly, I stay in my spot at the window. Suddenly I am afraid to move or speak out loud. Alice doesn't move either. Instead she clears her throat. "No what?"
Angry at her for playing with me, knowing she probably already knows what I am going to say next. I slam my palms against either side of the window causing the glass to dangerously tremble. Slowly I turn around to face my sister.
"No he wasn't just an easy pray, a means to an end, a quick snack or lovely little toy. Not any of these things." Shouting the words with desperation at her, I can feel they are true. That every fiber of my body seems to have known this already and it was simply my mind playing dumb for the past few weeks.
My sister stares at me. Obviously surprised by my sudden outburst.
Then very slowly one corner of her mouth curls up into a very smug smile and she get's up. "Just what I wanted to hear." And before I can say another word, she just walks over gives me a super quick hug and then leaves my room.
Leaving me alone, with my book.
The book however does not hold my interest anymore. Instead I lay down on the bed and close my eyes, getting lost in a mass of grey water, frantic runs through the lush green forest and an intense desire to found out what would have happened, if Alice had not stopped me. Where would my lips have landed?
On his skin, breaking the thin barrier between his seductive blood with razor sharp teeth.
Or would I have found his mouth, tasting him on my lips... in a passionate kiss.
Over the next few days at school, Alice her spirit seems to fall deeper and deeper. For some reason she can not see Jasper, anticipate what he will do or even get another clue about who he is. What she does see, seems to be causing her to be on edge.
So instead all through the week, we tried spotting him in the student cafetaria, our classes, library and even in the parking lot. Coming to school at dawn and waiting in the woods that lined our parking lot. A spot that allowed us to see any approaching car, but kept ourselves hidden.
On the last day of the next week, Alice refused to come to school. Instead she went hunting, accompanied by Esme who claimed she needed a break also but exchanged knowing looks over Alice her head as she said good-bye to me this morning.
Refusing to drive the flashy sports car that Alice loves so much, without her at my side. I try to talk Carlisle into swapping cars for the day, driving to school in the comfort of his Mercedes seems the more attractive option. But instead he ends up dropping me of at the school parking lot. Laughing about how this is a perfect addition to my human teenage charade. Waving him good-bye with a smile plastered on my face, I look around.. and feel my smile stretch across my face. Sitting at the far end of the parking lot, was Jasper's car. Digging through my bag, I find my phone and think about sending my sister a quick text to let her know Jasper is here. But remember, she never takes anything with her. So instead I pull up the hood of my sweatshirt. Covering my hair and most of my face as I head to my first class.
In the hallway I pass Jessica and her group of giggling clones. They all have their heads together, gushing about some new guy who apparently is returning to the school after having left a year back, before graduating.
The words, extremely hot and something about him being dangerously sexy make me roll my eyes as I open the door to my locker. It sort of reminds me of the time that Emmet went to the try out for the school team, almost causing a fight amongst the girls who watched him stretch, flex and easily run lap after lap around the field.
The day passes slowly. Mystery boy is not at school yet. But even without ever having seen him, I already dislike him. After hearing Tanya brag about how good they were together and that Jessica would have no chance at clawing her fake nails into him. They almost got into a fight. Sadly Mike came to the rescue, pulling them apart just before they could actually climb over the table in the cafeteria and start a food fight. It would have been a nice highlight of the day. But still a reason enough for me to dislike the boy that would soon join us and apparently was worth fighting over by all of the female population a school.
There were only two hours left. After grabbing the only book I would need for my last class and collecting my things for gym class, anything to keep up the appearance. I slam the locker shut and head towards the first class, walking behind Angela. She's usually one of the more shy girls, but even she is talking with another girl about the guy who is coming to join us. When she notices me walking behind her, she waits for me.
"Hey Isabella." Talking softly without looking at me. I think about ignoring her for a moment. "Have you finished reading that chapter on the first world war for history.
History. The girl is asking me about history.
History is easily my most favorite subject in high school, finding the teachers usually have a passion for what they teach and a true interest for at least one decade, war or event that I have lived through.
Today would be the first real class, other classes had been cancelled due to our substitute teacher handling some family emergency and the actual teacher being on maternity leave. We were just given a list of reading material we should finish to stay on schedule.
"Thanks for asking Angela. I did read the chapters, how about you?" Trying to sound casual, thinking about what Alice would do in this situation. I walk next to the girl towards our classroom. She just nods and I try to smile back at her.
Prepared to make a great first impression, the only one at this school, I have actually read the entire book. Having lived through the entire first world war, none of it is new. But for safety reasons, I memorized what the book says. Knowing it is better to not show I actually know more, and instead just answer whatever is told in the book.
The door is already open and several students are already in the classroom, including a tall blond haired boy I have been wanting to see all day.
"Jasper."
Rushing to his side I throw my bag on the table and give him a quick spontaneous hug before I sit down at the table he is standing next to. Smiling brightly as I greet the only friend I have made at school so far.
For a moment the classroom goes quiet and looks at Jasper, then at me, then back at Jasper again. Very slowly, the smile slips from my face as I stare at the blackboard.
"You're a teacher at this school, our teacher?"
Speaking softly I lean forward on my elbows and stare up at him. Knowing Alice her vow to not step away from Jasper and any chance at falling in love, has just been radically reduced.
"Yes."
Sliding deeper down in my seat I can hear the whispers behind my back from the other students. Apparently Jasper is being talked about already. I just added fuel to the gossip. Looking young enough to be a student but teaching amongst high school girls. Keeping distance, creating a firm line between himself and the only few years younger students.
"Students don't hug their teachers do they?"
Mouthing a sorry after my words, I can see hint a of smile on Jasper's face. Knowing he's not angry, just worried.
"No they don't."
Moving to his desk, Jasper sits down on the corner and picks up the book we were to given to read. Opening mine also, I place it in the exact center of the table and align my notebook and pen in a straight line. For a moment Jasper stares at my desk, then he clears his throat and starts the lecture.
An hour later I am saved by the bell, the moment it rings I sweep my things in my bag, ready to leave immediately. The class was fine, except for the fact that all through class I could see and hear the other students watch every move I make and every move Jasper makes. Gossiping in whispered voices, I know Jasper can't hear them. But I could. My friendly hug is being blown out of proportion and is now a juicy gossip. One that overrules the arrival of mystery boy.
"Bella."
Calling out my name loud from behind his desk. I can't ignore him.
Turning around at the door, I can see Jessica stand a few meters away. Watching me with her phone in her hand as I stand still at the door.
"Yes sir."
Careful to keep my distance so Jessica will have nothing else to talk about, I wait for him to respond. But then Jasper does exactly what I don't want him to do. Moving closer, to stand next to me. He leans across my body and pulls the door shut. Squealing in the hallway causes me to stop him, placing on hand on his arm.
"Leave the door open, Jessica is watching and ready to spread the gossip."
"In that case, you'd better go." Pushing the door all the way open again. "Be sure to look at that chapter Bella." Speaking slightly louder this time so everyone can hear. I give him a short nod and leave the classroom. Rushing down the hallway towards my last class. My last class turns out to be easy, a 3 mile run outside school. I don't even feel like changing. Sitting outside the school building, I wait for the rest of the students to show up. One by one the guys show up, followed by the girls who are dragging their feet. Some stare at my clothes, I just shrug knowing that as soon as we start running they won't be able to talk anyway. For a human 3 miles without practice, is rather a lot in my opinion.
We are divided in groups, a group of girls and a group of boys. When everyone is divided I walk over to the coach. "Can I come with the guys instead?"
The coach eyes me for a moment, clearly doubting my attire and capability to participate in this little walkabout. "Sure why not, if you think you can keep up."
Puffing up his chest, he winks at one of the guys behind me. Then he turns his back to me, and starts running. Like the macho he is, setting of in something that resembles a sprint. The guys all follow, I just wait for a second for them to all start running and then follow. Closing the group and staying behind next to Mike who in return seems to think I need some moral support.
"Are you comfortable running in your sneakers and jeans?" Already out of breath after the first 200 meters, he stays next to me. I look at his flashy sports attire, the shoes brand new and probably never been outside before.
Pushing further a little bit faster, I leave him behind me. Looking over my shoulder for a moment at his astonished expression as I overtake all of the guys, one by one. When I'm at the front, I find that the coach is still going strong. Coming up next to him, I make a show of just running on step ahead of him. Casually glancing sideways and smiling. He responds by increasing speed, trying to match mine.
But he can't, a human is no match for a vampire. Even if the vampire pretends to be human. And each time he get's one step ahead of me, I lengthen my stride and increase my speed. Until finally he is at his very limit and I can hear him breathing heavily behind me. Slowing down a little bit I allow him to catch up.
"Is it ok if I just finish this and see you guys at the school?"
By now the school is only around the corner. His eyes fly open and his breathing hitches for a second, making him slow down as he gasps for air.
"Great, see you there."
Giving him a small wave, I run a little bit faster and round the corner. Taking long strides and enjoying the wind blow past my body as I run just a little bit above human pace.
I know the coach can't see and the other students are left far behind. Jumping over the fence, I land with both feet on the pavement in a crouch and straighten up. At the same time I hear screeching brakes, spinning round I can slowly see a car come towards me. Prepared to jump aside at the last minute, I watch the car slide closer until it comes to a full stop as the bumper touches my leg. The person sitting in the car, has his hands clutched on the steering wheel.
He stares at me, and I stare back. Lost in the past.
Then he blinks and the moment is lost and I turn around and disappear between the car. Rushing home, not even bothering to pick up my things.
The 3 mile run fades in comparison to my running home at vampire speed.
When I do get home, the house is empty and I rush upstairs. Going into Alice her room. Standing still I frown, knowing that what I'm looking for should be here somewhere. I might have asked her to get rid of it, but knowing my sister she will hold on to anything significant belonging to our past. And right now, this little object means the world to me.
At the far end of her desk, there is a small wooden box. I don't recognize it, but it is sitting on the edge with a little note tucked underneath it. Ripping the note free, I open it. Scrawled in her fancy old handwriting is just one word.
Deal….
Dropping the note, I reach for the box and carefully lift the lid.
There, inside on a soft velvet pillow waiting for me in all his glory, shining vibrant as never before. I gently pick it up and slide the ring on my finger. Knowing that after all these years I am rewarded with the very gift I never expected ever receiving again. A second chance at true love.