Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns everything except for Melody.

EPOV

I felt bad for leaving her alone, but it was her choice. I didn't want to pressure her, I didn't want to appear as the bad guy. The situation I had pulled everyone in was awful enough. Instead of running away, I decided to face my 'fears'. I took the challenge, as Tanya had told me, she was reasonable. That girl always had seen through me, like I was something she'd known for a while. I know that I crushed her dreams when I fell for Melody; I know I ruined her, but now Tanya seemed to be happy. If she was happy, there was no reason for me to be so judgmental, yet I couldn't stop myself. I always made these mistakes that I'd either think over after I've done it or just become paranoid. No one could stand being around me at those times. That's why I sucked myself in and let only the surface be seen, when something like that happened. I also knew that now my family wouldn't let me duck and cover, not after the show I had put on.

While I was running through the forest and hills, I was thinking about everything I had to do and what I had to be aware of. Isabella, I had took quite a liking towards her, but I couldn't risk her life just be next to her. I wondered, what was she doing and did she notice my absence? I doubted, as Bella had had a crowd of friends around her the last time I saw her. Last time when I saw her, she had that look on her face, I wasn't able to erase from my mind. Was I obsessed? All I knew that Melody was away and there was rarely anyone who could stop me if I started to talk to her… I weighted the options; I might just go off by being polite. Moreover, I surely had to know if her thoughts were hidden from me, maybe it was just a spur of a moment thing that I hadn't noticed.

I approached my home, looking at the white building, it had never seemed to be so inviting. As I came through the door, I felt something slam into me. Alice.

"YOU CAME BACK, I TOLD YOU SO!" she screamed at me with double emotions in her voice, while hitting me with her fists.

She had her strengths, but Alice was not able to injure me. I carefully detached her and put her down, shyly smiling. I didn't know what to expect, was she ready to kick my ass and tell me what a sucker I was?

You had made this decision before you left, I saw it, so no hard feelings. I'm trying to be honest here.

"Edward," Esme appeared right in front of me, smiling at Alice's outbursts, "I'm glad you came home. We missed you."

"And now we really have to go school, so take your books. We'll wait for you by your car." Alice chirped up, pushing me towards the stairs. Correction, she WAS strong.

By the way, Edward, I really deserve a new car. ASAP, brother.

Esme laughed at Alice's enthusiasm once more, and then she left to phone Carlisle, I heard that in her thoughts. He would be happy, he had always had faith in me and the decisions I made.

I went up the stairs, collected my things and, in the vampire speed, went down the stairs to the garage. They were ALL there. Rosalie was smirking at me, Emmett wasn't feeling so generous. Jasper was looking like he was tortured, his thoughts incoherent and his face black. We were causing this with our emotions, I felt sorry for him.

"So, where's Melody?" Rose snapped.

"She decided to spend some time with her family, she'll be back in time for the manicure appointment, don't worry." I answered her, not wanting to slip into details.

"You know the thing you're doing… it's really wrong?" Emmett stood by Rose's side, holding her hand.

His eyes were all on me, he wasn't happy about my return. Especially, when I appeared without Melody. It made him think that I'd dumped her.

"Emmett, be reasonable. I didn't dump her for Isabella, I love Melody. What evidence you want?"

I wasn't into the whole 'this is wrong, Edward' thing.

"Alright, I believe you, but I do hope that you're sure about your words. You are not made to be a womanizer, Edward. Don't try to act like one, she's human." He continued his rant, I growled at him.

Now he was the one picking a fight over nothing. I looked at Alice for help, didn't she have her visions? She could tell him that I + Bella were not a match made in heaven that it would come true. I couldn't believe my eyes when Alice shook her head.

Edward, I'm sorry, it will happen.

"I can promise you that it won't, can we go… NOW?"

I opened the door of my car, waiting until they got it. We could drive in one car, now that Melody wasn't here. It felt different, yet I couldn't put my finger on it… I felt like I didn't miss her. I knew I had to, but in the last days, love, it had disappeared with each time we touched. I felt like the flame was slowly being blown away by the wind, it was playing with it and it was slowly giving in. Wind was becoming stronger, it took its full strength for the final blow, I shook my head. It wasn't happening, it was my mind trying to find reasons so I would be able to get closer to Bella.

I was ridiculous.

School hadn't changed, people wore the same tired expressions and Isabella crept in only a few of their thoughts. In visual arts, when I was done with my painting, which reflected all these days, I found myself scanning them and searching for her. Where was she, what was she doing and did she say something about me not being in school. I was anxious for answers, I wanted to know what was she thinking, but I encountered nothing. Jessica's, Lauren's and Mike's thoughts were the only ones that gave me at least something. Of course, neither of them had anything neutral in mind; it was either angst, grudge or the perfect asking out proposal.

At social studies, I sat with Alice.

You will not bite her in Biology; I don't see you doing it today at all. Remember to stay calm, don't breathe her in a lot. Maybe don't breathe at all, she might not notice and then we would be hundred percent sure.

Was I becoming her personal Jasper when Jasper wasn't around? I let a smug smile out.

Did I tell you?

"Tell me what?"

The days when you were gone, she looked lost. At first day, when we pulled up, she waited for someone by her car. I saw a vision of her confronting you, so she might ask you something today. As I had nothing to do at lunch, I listened to her conversations. Edward, that girl rarely spoke, she was spacing off all the time…

"Alice, stop." I murmured.

I had had enough; I didn't want to hear every detail of Bella's actions, especially when Alice pictured her pained look.

Weirdly, I waited for lunch with goose bumps in my stomach. Yes, I was excited to see her, I did not know why.

When the lunch came and we had sat down, I shot a wary look at my family members. Emmett had seemed to be calmed down, probably, by Rose. I was thankful for her, though, I knew that she did not like the thought of me talking to a human. Melody was her friend, so I was sure, if I let anything go further than friends, Melody would hear. And I couldn't guarantee that her reaction would be understanding, she'd rather snap Bella in half and then have a little feast than watch her take me away. I knew that I had to decide what I wanted, but it was difficult, I felt horrible for such thoughts. The scent was too powerful to resist getting to know Isabella, yet Melody was my safety.

Edward is back again, what a surprise.

I heard Mike Newton, then I looked up. I was full of hope, she had to be near him, as he always followed her. My topaz eyes met up with her melting brown ones, I felt myself let out a little smile. I was filled up with interest, because I did see her lighten up. Bella smiled back and blushed, my throat was burning, I ignored it. The venom was nothing, if I could see her alive. I felt someone kick me under the table, so I switched my attention back.

"Dude, don't start to drip your venom out on the table." Emmett scowled.

"It's none of your business."

"Edward, what are you talking about, it is our business if you're deciding to put us under the danger of being exposed."

"Rosalie, save it for home, people can hear you." I answered.

I turned back to the line, hoping to meet her gaze, but I didn't. Why couldn't Jessica say something to her, so she would notice me?

"Edward Cullen at two o'clock."

Good girl.

"Oh God, what color his eyes are?" I heard Bella ask. What? Where did my eyes take a part in the situation?

"Uh oh, he seems normal. Why did you ask?"

"I don't think he… appreciates me being around."

Bella blushed once more, I had to turn away. What was she talking about?

"Well, his girlfriend isn't here; maybe he's searching for someone to put his moves on."

Jessica knew how to say the right words.

"Yeah, he'd do that."

Mike, I was ready to jump on him and teach him some sense. I would never ever do such a thing to a woman. He was the one to use them, I wasn't like that. On the other hand, was I now? Maybe, as I was trying to get closer to Isabella. It was fascination, nothing more, I reassured myself; I had to do it to myself all the time.

Edward, we should go, don't launch yourself at Mike.

Alice had seen my decision; she was there to stop me from making a mistake.

We all stood up in the same time, perfect timing. I was sad that I had to leave that early, as I hadn't seen Isabella sit down and made myself sure that she would have the appropriate meal.

"You should stop being worried, it makes me worried and then I'm worried about Bella, too. Even when I do not imply to." Jasper said, warning me.

"Sorry, I'll wait for you in the car after the school, guys."

On Mondays they, which meant Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett, had two more lessons than I did. I didn't mind waiting, I used the time for thinking.

"Don't eat anyone, Eddie."

Emmett tapped me on the shoulder, before they headed in a different direction. This time I was ready to face it, I was ready to act all human again, not showing the monster and not letting it get out. I could hold the pain inside of me, about that I was sure.

I took my place and waited for her to arrive, it didn't took long. I closed my eyes and felt her sit next to me, I didn't pull back, but I tried to take small breaths. I could feel the warm air hit me, it meant that she shuffled in her seat, uncomfortable. I opened my eyes, blinked once and looked at her. I had to say something, make her feel less startled out by my actions last week. She did remember them, probably.

"Hello." I started, unsure. She knew my name, why would I repeat it.

"You're Isabella, right?"

"Bella." She whispered, afraid.

"I'm Edward Cullen." I told her, trying to encourage her.

"I know."

Another whisper, why did she have to do it? I could almost feel the warm breath flowing from her cherry red lips, my teeth clenched. I would not think about it, I promised myself. I wouldn't start the inner fight again. I had to prove myself that I could be around her, talk to her without feelings as if I was ready to break the walls.

Before I could say anything more, Mr. Banner started the lesson. Today we had to work in pairs. We had to separate the slides of onion root tip cells into the phases of mitosis they represented and then label them. I had done this a million times, I wasn't sure if Isabella had.

"Do you want me to start?" I asked her; unaware that she already had the microscope in her hands.

"Sorry," she pushed it my way, "prophase."

I took the microscope from her, lightly touching her skin. She shuddered.

"You're cold." She mumbled, obviously, embarrassed.

Her cheeks got red. I couldn't hear a single thought, it was a simple, blank space. I decided to give up, I would have to crack her open with talking to her.

"The temperature of my body is extremely low, it's a rarity." I lied, then I took a look at the next slide.

"Anaphase."

"Mind if I look?"

Bella didn't trust the confidence in my voice, I smiled a crooked smile. She blushed even more, what was wrong with her? I did admit that she looked cute, adorable even. I had never seen a human girl blush so much, and while I enjoyed, it was getting out of hand. The blood, filling her cheeks, made the venom overwhelm me. I had a love hate relationship with it.

"Anaphase, indeed." She said.

I smiled in triumph.

"You should trust me, Bella."

"I don't know you."

"True, but it's better when you don't."

I stopped at my words; I had let out more than I intended to. I looked at her, hoping that she didn't catch it.

"Why did you move to Forks?"

"My mom got re-married." She shortly explained.

That brought many possibilities in my mind, did her mother's husband abuse her? Was he violent towards Bella? Was Forks her only hope and escape? I made assumptions, but she was fast to correct me, noticing the look in my eyes.

"No, don't… don't think badly of Phil. He's a minor league baseball player and they travel around, a lot. I thought I would come here instead of worrying my mom about how I was feeling."

I could tell, she wasn't sure about this whole 'reveal yourself' thing, yet she felt comfortable talking with me. I did not need her thoughts for this.

"Me and my brothers, we play baseball too."

I didn't want her to take up the whole talking and make a monologue, I wanted to be the both, the taker and the giver.

"Really? That sounds fun."

It didn't sound like she meant it, but I couldn't continue. Mr. Banner approached us in his fastest speed, like a tornado.

"So, are you done with the assignment?" he asked, his thoughts hoping for a chance of us not being done with it.

He wanted to set me up, but he failed, as I had done this many times, I knew what the last label was and I had it written down even before he came along. I gave him my notes, smiling.

"I see you have, as the first ones, you receive the golden onion."

I flinched and turned my eyes to Isabella.

"Do you want to have it?" I asked her.

"I suppose."

I handed her the great prize, still flinching.

"You don't like onions?" she asked, I laughed.

Any food was disgusting for me; I did not like onions even in my previous years as Edward Masen. The question kept me entertained, I collected myself.

"Who likes onions, Bella, honestly?"

She understood how silly she had been and furiously blushed. Again, but I said nothing. I enjoyed her being like that, awkward and funny. I saw her look at the window, then turn away from it like she found it unpleasant.

"You don't like the rain, do you?"

"Edward, honestly, who asks about weather?" Bella mimicked me.

I chuckled.

"I just wanted to know, but I can congratulate you, you've moved to the possibly wettest place."

"Do you mind telling me why your eyes are topaz today?"

Bella didn't listen to me, instead, she decided to poke me in a corner.

"What do you mean?"

"Six days ago they were dark, almost black."

"You know, the school's lightning isn't that excellent. You must've imagined it."

"Edward, I know…"

"Just stop, please, you'll get your answers eventually; even I do hope that you won't go searching for them so eagerly."

The bell rung, I collected my things and rushed out of the class. I didn't want to explain anything to her, I felt like it would be too much or I would give her a hope. One thing I knew, she wasn't dumb and I wouldn't be able to trick her into believing me.

Isabella Swan was extremely stubborn.

I got tired of sitting in the car, so I know was leaning on it, looking at the parking lot and the students that were leaving. I saw Bella's truck, it looked painful, I wished I could fix it somehow or even, maybe, get her a new one.

My family was coming, so I decided not to revolve my thoughts around a car. I could hear their thoughts even without searching for them. Rosalie was mad at me, still. Alice was talking to Jasper about some nonsense, so they both had their thoughts on each other. Phew, lovers. Emmett reminded himself an event that had occurred at his P.E. lesson, giggling like a girl silently. I had gotten a sign from Carlisle that would allow me not to attend it.

I tuned out, watching Bella go to her truck. She was going with Jessica, before they parted, I heard Bella say, "Just ask him yourself, I'm sure he will agree." Was she encouraging Jessica to do something worthy for once? When Isabella had reached her truck, she was holding back, not getting in. She took a look back, our eyes met; I didn't understand her urge to seek for me everywhere she went. Of course, by now she probably knew that I was watching her everywhere she went, too. However, I didn't want to admit it to myself, trying to escape the obvious.

It all happened suddenly.

I heard a cars anchors slamming, someone desperately trying to stop it, person's thoughts messed. There was ice on road; it was equal to no chance of stopping any car when it had gone off that way. Then I saw it, Taylor's truck was sliding all over the parking lot, in the way of where Bella stood by her car. I saw her turning around in shock, her eyes widening. Why didn't she at least try to move? From the position where I was, I could tell that she was headed for death. I had to decide fast, but there was no time. In one leap, I was next to her, grabbing her and stretching my other hand to stop the van. I almost lost the grip on Bella, as I didn't know if I had gotten her completely out of the way. I lightly pushed the van, it stopped sliding and my hand rested in a dent I had just created. I had done something that would leave an impact; I didn't know how many had seen it. I hoped none.

The crash caused me to fall on Bella, I didn't want to, but it happened. We both fell on the icy asphalt. My hand was still under her, so she suffered no damage. My eyes were wide, as were hers. I didn't know what to do, as I felt her warm body clash against mine. She was the first one to speak. I was relieved that she yanked me out of my mind, which was debating whether or not I should bite her neck.

"Edward, would y- you mind m-m-moving off of me?"

A/N: I was pressured into writing!

twilighter11 - Alice LOVES to organize events, so Melody isn't pushing it on her. (:

Reviews make me happy, thank you for them and keep on reading & reviewing, guys. A bunch of Edward dolls, I promise that.