Sorry I took so long to post a chapter. My sister borrowed my laptop, for while, but luckily I just got it back.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy. This is Bella's first day of school.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, I am not Stephenie Meyer.
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Chapter 9- Forks High
"Bella, may I join you?" Edward's voice rang in my ears.
I had spent the past few hours starring up at the sky watching the sunrise as the rain tinkled down my face, dampening my clothes and hair. Living here for over five months, it is impossible not to witness the everlasting grey in the sky. I truly missed the sun. The way the sun turned the clouds blue, then different shades of orange and pink. Or even how the sun sometimes made the clouds seem gold, depending on the angle of the sun. In the small town of Forks, the sky seemed to stay grey, and then eventually turn black at night. I wasn't even able to see the stars.
"Bella?" Edward's voice came again.
"Yes. Of course you can," I said calmly.
I listened to Edward's quick steps on the soft squishy grass. I knew his exact sounds; the way he walked, the way he breathed, his voice, even the sounds of his shuffling. Edward's body is the only sound I am completely in tuned with. My eyes drifted shut as I momentarily remembered what happened the previous day in his glorious meadow.
"What are you thinking about, love?" Edward's voice came from beside me as he lay down next to me.
"You," I answered honestly.
Edward smiled widely as he grabbed me into a tight hug. I took hold of his left wrist, allowing his arm to drape over my shoulders, as I relaxed my head and continued to gaze at the cloudy sky.
"Are you nervous of what today brings?" he breathed against my hair.
"A little."
That was a lie. I was tremendously nervous about today. It was, after all, my very first day of school. Of course, Alice was constantly reassuring me that I'd be fine and if I couldn't handle the scent of blood, I could always leave. Even Jasper was constantly giving me advice. He even said he'd keep a look out on my emotions, just in case they got a little out of hand. I thanked him for that. But honestly, not only was I nervous about school, I was also uncomfortable with the idea of spending time at such a close proximity with Rosalie. Ever sense the first day I met Edward's family, Rosalie and I have avoided each other; she leaves the room when I enter, or sometimes I leave the room when she enters. We never make eye contact, and we never spend more than a minute around each other unless completely necessary. She hates me, for reasons I don't even know.
"Edward, why does Rosalie hate me so much? I know you can read her mind and I know you know why." My voice came out in whisper.
I didn't really want to know the truth, but I knew that if I understood her reasons for distaste, I would try my best to improve myself.
"She does not hate you, Bella. Rosalie is stubborn and shallow. No one really understands why she acts the way she does."
"But that doesn't tell me anything, Edward. Your sister looks at me like I'm a disgusting freak of nature. There has to be a reason why she's kept this animosity up for so long."
"I know she's upset because you haven't tried to be friends with her, but that's all I can really tell you. Don't worry, love. She'll come around when she's ready."
"Okay," i whispered as i snuggled myself closer against his chest.
"By the way, if you want to get to school on time, I suggest you change out of those wet clothes." He said as he kissed me gently on the forehead.
I had almost forgotten about school. Edward and I rose from our comfortable position on the wet ground, and walked hand in hand back towards the large white house. Once inside, I dressed quickly in a pair of jeans and a green v-neck t-shirt. Alice quickly stopped me before I had a chance to walk out of the front door.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" she asked calmly.
"Uhm…" I quickly made sure I had my shoes, pants, and backpack.
"Your jacket! Have you not noticed? It's raining outside," she teased.
"Right," I giggled as I ran back to my room to retrieve my black rain coat.
As I opened my bedroom door, I found Edward on the other side with two coats and a book bag in his hands. I laughed quietly to myself as I watched Edward shrug into his grey coat. How ironic, a vampire wearing a coat to keep from catching a cold in the rain.
--
Edward held my hand as we drove to Forks High School with Alice and Jasper in the back seat. Alice was speaking, nonstop, about the girls at school, my classes and what I am to do at lunch.
"You are so lucky you have Edward in most of your classes, otherwise you'd be called a Loner and everyone would stare at you even more than they already will be," she said pointedly.
"'Already will be?' Great! I don't want to be the center of attention."
"Too late!" Alice giggled as she tapped the side of her head. I wouldn't bet against Alice.
The school was just off the highway. It looked like a collection of matching houses, built with maroon-colored bricks. Only the sign that said Forks High School, informed me we had arrived.
As soon as we parked in the small school parking lot, but still large enough to hold the three hundred and fifty-seven... now fifty-eight students, I noticed Rosalie and Emmett pull up in the space next to us in her red BMW. Looking around the small parking lot, I noticed many students had arrived and continued arriving in tattered, old cars. Already I knew my presence would not be ignored, especially while exiting a brand new shiny Volvo.
"Bella, we need to take you to the Main Office to get your classes," Alice said, distracting me from my thoughts.
I decided to keep my mind from concentrating on the sounds of my surroundings. I didn't want to know what people were saying. As all of us rose from the car, gracefully and slow enough for a mortal's eye, we headed towards the main building. The walk was short and wet, and I clung to the hood of my jacket, trying to keep my face hidden. Edwards hand gently squeezed my shoulder, sending me a wave of comfort. Every time he touched me, I felt relief. He was my own personal savior.
"Thanks," I hissed quietly to him.
I noticed, during our walk towards the Main Office, that the scent of human blood wasn't as intoxicating as I thought. It was there, but mystified, and bearable. I guessed it was probably because I was still outside in the fresh air.
The room we, Alice, Jasper, Edward and I, entered was small, warm and brightly lit. The waiting area had padded folding chairs, orange-flecked commercial carpet, notices and awards cluttering the walls, and a big clock ticking loudly. There were large plastic pots, holding a few plants; and I wondered why they would need plants outside as well as in. Edward, his hand in mine, walked straight over to the large woman behind the desk. She wore red hair and glasses, and seemed to be busy dividing papers.
"Can I help you?" she asked in a small polite voice. As she looked up to meet Edward's gaze, I noticed how her eyes seemed to glaze over. She looked slightly dizzy for a moment. "Oh, Mr. Cullen! How was your summer?" If I wasn't mistaken, I'd say this woman had a crush on Edward. I felt a little annoyed at the idea.
"Very… wet, thank you," Edward joked politely. Then he gestured his free hand to me, "This is Isabella Swan, she is a new student and I believe my father sent in transcripts from her old school?"
"Yes, I believe he did. Hello, Bella, I have your list of classes right here."
"Thank you," I replied as I watched her dig through a stack of papers.
Transcripts, I thought as I looked up to meet Edward's soft smile. I would have to ask him about that later.
The woman handed me a list of classes, a map, and a sheet my teachers have to sign before I return it to the office.
Once outside, my family members fallowing close behind me, Edward spoke to me again.
"I believe we have every class together, beside Gym. Bella, if it is too hard for you to control your speed, your strength, or your thirst, we can always switch out of the class, okay?"
"Okay, Edward. But I'm sure I'll be fine. I wouldn't mind at least one class on my own." I gave him the most encouraging smile I could muster. He smiled in return.
Edward and I said goodbye to Alice, Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie —though Rosalie didn't seem to have noticed me— and made our way towards door number 3.
"Edward, where did you get my Transcripts from?" I asked hesitantly.
"We forged it, of course. It's a long story, but basically, Jasper has a contact in Seattle and the people he knows can forge school records, birth certificates and other types of information."
Edward said this so bluntly, as if it was normal. It was strange to think the Cullen's did things illegally, but then again, the police would freak knowing about our very lives.
As we made our way towards our classroom door, I couldn't help but notice the eyes of the students we passed. They were all curious and skeptical. I squeezed Edward's hand slightly, informing him of how uncomfortable I was.
"Don't worry, Bella. They'll get used to you. After all, you are a new student, something fresh to be dangled in front of them. Just ignore their stares, if you can."
I nodded, confirming I heard what he had to say, as we entered the small classroom. Inside, the room was just as warm as the Main Office; however, the smell of human blood began to burn in my nostrils and the back of my throat. I didn't want to frighten Edward, so I began taking shallow breaths as I handed him my wet coat. Slowly I walked over to my instructor, Mr. Mason, and handed him the slip. His eyes widened as he looked me over, and then he sent me to the seat beside Edward after handing me back the slip.
Once seated beside Edward, I closed my eyes and tried to concentrate. The scent was almost too powerful. It clung to my nose and lungs, threatening me, forcing me to take just one taste. They are people, I told myself, People with families. Get a hold of yourself, Bella. Don't let your family down.
I felt Edward grab my thigh from under the table. The proximity of his hand made me jump slightly before I looked into his piercing golden eyes. I knew by the look on his face, he was trying to read my mind. He had no idea what his actions did to me, how they made me feel. Suddenly, there was a new desire pulsing through my body. A kiss. I want just one kiss. Edward watched me as I blinked slowly, and then he nodded. He seemed to believe that I was in enough control to handle this.
As the minutes progressed, the burning in my throat, and the constant flow of venom in my mouth never faded, however the desire to feed seemed to. I was glad to know I was stronger than I thought, but the idea of controlling my thirst for the next eight hours wasn't too thrilling. Suddenly the bell rang, releasing me into the fresh, comforting air.
"Are you alright?" Edward asked as I walked through the rain with my eyes closed.
"Yes," my voice croaked.
"You don't sound alright, Bella."
"I'm fine. It was just a bit more difficult than I expected. Come," I held my hand out for him to take it, "let's go to our next class."
And so we did.
--
Our next three classes passed in a blur. I was becoming used to the smell and the constant fire in my throat. Though, every time someone got too close, I would shut down my senses completely, just as a precaution. In my Trigonometry class, a girl dropped her pen by my foot, and as she bent to pick it up, the scent of her hair drifted towards me. I noticed Edward went as rigid as I did, however, I figured it was probably because he was nervous about my actions. Not his.
"Bella! Edward!" Alice yelled to Edward and me as we entered the cafeteria. "Over here!"
After Edward filled our lunch treys with a decent amount of food, he led the way towards the table that held the rest of our family.
"So, how are your classes, Bella?" Emmett asked.
"Fine, I suppose."
"Any temptations?"
"A fair few."
I kept my answers short, I was still trying to cope with the fact that I was going to have to spend all of gym by myself, surrounded by a thirty odd number of students.
Emmett must have noticed my unwillingness to talk, and he dropped the questions.
Looking around the cafeteria, I saw many student eyes flickering towards me. I began wondering what some of the students thought about me. I knew it was wrong to eaves drop, and I knew I didn't really want to know. But still, I decided to listen anyway. Luckily, Alice began speaking at that moment, distracting my other siblings and Edward, giving me the chance to concentrate.
"…Wow, a new student!"
"I know! I wonder how she became part of the Cullen family. Though, if I remember correctly, her last name is Swan, not Cullen."
"Who cares, I bet she's going with Edward Cullen."
"…Do you think she's going with Edward Cullen?"
"I hope not. She's hot, I'd like a chance alone with her."
"…That is Bella Cullen. She's gorgeous, but I think she's going out with Edward Cullen."
"Damn, she's exactly the kind of girl I want to get my hands on."
"Don't bother."
I momentarily wondered if all men, boys, talk this way about girls. How sickening.
"…She's in my Spanish class. She sits right next to me."
"Did she speak to you?"
"No, but I'll try to make conversation tomorrow."
It was just then that I noticed no one bothered asking where I had come from. I supposed it was their natural instincts to shy away from us because we were different, hence—not human. But how strange, they were all curious, but wouldn't ask. I guess I was lucky none of them asked, I'm not sure I would have been able to speak at such close proximity.
"What are they saying?" Edward whispered softly in my ear.
"Hmm?" I hadn't noticed the entire room was almost empty.
"You didn't hear the bell ring." He said, curiosity plain in his eyes.
"They didn't say much, mainly they wondered if we are going together."
He laughed at this.
After Biology, Edward walked me to my next class, Gym. I was upset that he couldn't be with me for the next hour. I was scared that I might slip. I was nervous about being put into hole filled with students and no one to comfort me, but I didn't let any of it show on my face. As we reached the entrance to the lockers, I turned around slowly to thank Edward for walking me. However, once I laid eyes on his glorious face, I couldn't bring myself to bid a farewell.
Edward noticed my hesitation and gently rose a hand to cup my face. My eyes closed at his touch, and then without warning, I felt his stony lips against my own, gentle and soft.
"I'll see you after class," he whispered against my lips. Then slowly he backed away. "Be careful, Bella."
"I will," I whispered back to him. I knew I said it too low for a mortal to hear, but with our heightened hearing, I knew Edward heard me.
Sitting down, uncomfortably, on the bleachers inside the gym, my mind momentarily wondered towards Edward. I knew that most of the reasons why I was attending school was because I'm in love with him. I wanted to do anything in my power to be as close with him as possible. I wanted to share all that I could with him, and school was one of those experiences. Though I know how much I love him, and how much he loves me, why didn't he tell me? He told me he loved me the first time we kissed, when we were alone in the forest, right after the Werewolf almost ate me, but that was the one and only time. Why won't he say it again? Is he shy, unsure, scared?
"Isabella Swan?"
I looked over to see a blonde, blue-eyed, baby-faced boy sitting beside me. I recognized him immediately. He was a Newton, he works at Newton Outfitter's.
"Hello." I said politely, though again, my voice croaked. His blood, his scent was strong and heavy, especially in his damp hair. I wanted him to move away from me. His close proximity was teasing the monster inside of me.
"I am Mike Newton. I have you for English and Biology." I watched as his eyes flickered from my eyes, to my lips.
I didn't like the way he looked at me. I nodded slowly, then turned my face away from him.
"So, how do you like Forks?" This boy just wouldn't give up. I wished he wasn't so polite; the smell of his blood was sweet and intoxicating. I wished I could tell him how dangerous I am and that he is putting himself in danger. It took most of my strength not to push him away from me.
"It's fine. A little wet, but bearable." I kept my tone even, but low and uninviting. Maybe he would get the hint.
"Did you come from somewhere sunny?" Maybe not.
"Yes."
"Really, where?"
"Arizona."
"I miss the sun, too. So, how do you know the Cullen's?"
I turned my gaze back to his face. This boy was very handsome, but his expression held a slight form of smugness. And then I noticed how his eyes were wide and curious. It confused me. Why isn't he scared of me, of my presence like most people? I thought. I didn't know an answer to his question, so I just made one up.
"I'm…" I was about to say something along the lines of being Esme's niece or something, but then I remembered that sly smile on his face. He was annoying, and way too interested. "I'm Edward Cullen's girlfriend. I left home, and came here, to Forks, to live with him."
"Oh," Mike said after a moment. The hopefulness in his eyes seemed to fade, and he dropped his gaze towards the floor. At least now he would let me hold my breath and ignore the thirst.
--
"How was Gym?" Edward asked as he leaned against the entrance to the lockers.
"Fine. I met that boy, Mike Newton, from Newton's Outfitters."
"Oh."
I watched as Edward's eyebrows knit together. He must be deep in thought, but what about?
"What are you thinking about?" I asked calmly, my eyes fixed on his expression.
"I don't like that Newton kid."
"Why not? He seems nice enough."
"He just annoys me." Edward turned his head to glare at something behind him. I followed his eyes and saw Mike walking in the opposite direction.
"He's just a boy, Edward."
"I know he's a boy. But he's a vile boy."
"Why do you dislike him so much?" I giggled.
"It's... complicated."
Edward watched me with a small smile on his lips as I continued to laugh at him. It was nice to finally be out of school. Home alone with Edward was just a few minutes away now.
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-PuppetStrings19