Chapter 11: Blood Type

Chapter 11: Blood Type

Time for Biology, and Edward was ditching. How I wished I could go with him. But I already acknowledged the fact that I was a 'goody-two-shoes.' I couldn't help it.

I sat at our table, realizing something. I was beginning to like Edward… OK, so maybe I was already past that stage… I really, really liked him. I knew it was pointless, though. I mean, after what Jessica told me.

"The Cullens don't like anybody. Well, that is, they don't notice anyone enough to like them."

So maybe Edward was just paying attention to me out of courtesy. I mean, he is chivalrous… I sighed. Well, I guess the wasting of finite resources was everyone's business… Why was I making excuses?

Which reminded me, I had to find a way to tell the broker to reschedule… Ugh… I forgot about that.

"… blood-typing today…" was all I heard from Mr. Banner. I was too preoccupied with my situation that I hadn't paid attention. Blood-typing… blood… Oh no…

Mr. Banner was showing the class what to do, and Mike had already pricked his finger. I felt my face turn into a pale shade of green as I laid my head onto the table. I felt like puking.

"Bella, are you alright?" Mr. Banner asked. I grumbled in response. My head whirled. "Mike, please help Bella to the clinic," Mr. Banner instructed.

"Sure," I heard Mike say. I felt myself being carried. I wasn't sure: my eyes were closed. Those few minutes felt like hours. And the whole time, I felt like vomiting.

"Bella, are you OK?" he asked.

"No… Mike, how much farther?" I mumbled.

"Just a bit more," he answered.

"Put me down on the sidewalk," I ordered weakly. I couldn't go any farther. Not without barfing all over him.

I felt the cold water against my body, face down on the ground, and welcomed it. At least I wasn't moving. I waited for myself to drift into unconsciousness when...

"Bella?" I heard someone shout. Edward. But my body didn't react. It was rendered useless by the smell. "What's wrong –is she hurt?" he demanded. He was worried about me… But who wouldn't? I was on the sidewalk and probably looked like a corpse.

"I think she's fainted," I heard Mike say, "I don't know what happened, she didn't even stick her finger." Yes, I was already aware that I fainted at the smell of blood, thank you very much.

"Bella. Can you hear me?" Edward's voice sounded closer.

"Go away, Edward," I moaned. He just laughed.

"I was taking her to the nurse," Mike said, "But she wouldn't go any farther."

"I'll take her. You can go back to class," Edward said.

"No. I'm supposed to do it," Mike protested. I felt myself being carried again, but who was it this time? My eyes popped open to see that it was Edward.

"Put me down," I ordered, not wanting to ruin his clothing. I felt sick.

"You look awful," he told me. I knew that.

"Put me back on the side walk," I said. Seeing the pavement move under my feet was not the best idea.

"So you faint at the sight of blood? And not even your own blood," I could hear the smile in his voice.

I heard Edward kick the office door open.

"Oh, my," I heard Ms. Cope gasp.

"She fainted in Biology," Edward said. I closed my eyes again, feeling a bit worse. My body fell asleep. It didn't want to move. "Bella?" he shook me.

"I'm fine…" I whispered. Then I was suddenly on a bed. The dizziness began to wear off. At least I wasn't moving anymore.

"Does this happen often?" I heard the nurse ask beside me.

"Sometimes…" I answered. I heard Edward cough.

"You can go back to class now," the nurse told him.

"I'm supposed to stay with her," he explained. His words didn't make sense to me. But my head wasn't quite ready to function yet.

"I'll go get some ice for your forehead, dear," the nurse said, and I heard her leave. I didn't know where Edward was, but I knew he was there.

"You were right," I moaned.

"I usually am," he sounded amused, "But about what in particular this time?"

"Ditching is healthy," I sighed. He laughed,

"You scared me for a moment there. I thought Newton was dragging your dead body off to bury it in the woods."

"Ha –ha," I said sarcastically.

"Honestly –I've seen corpses with better color. I was concerned that I might have to avenge your murder."

"Poor Mike," I sighed, "I'll bet he's mad."

"He absolutely loathes me," he told me.

"You can't know that," I disagreed.

"I saw his face –I could tell."

"How did you see me? I thought you were ditching," I started the conversation again. The sound of his voice was making me feel better.

"I was in my car, listening to a CD," he explained. The nurse came back.

"Here you go, dear," she laid the ice pack across my forehead, "You're looking better."

"I think I'm fine," I sat up, pulling it away.

"We've got another one," I heard Ms. Cope. I got off the cot, handing the ice pack to Mrs. Hammond,

"I don't need this." Then I caught the scent of blood and immediately began to feel a bit sick again.

"Oh no," Edward said, "Get out to the office, Bella."

"Help me," I said, clinging onto his side. He didn't seem to mind. Well, I hoped he didn't. We walked into the office.

"You actually listened to me," Edward remarked, sounding a little astounded.

"I smelled the blood," my nose wrinkled in disgust.

He stared at me in blank surprise, "People can't smell blood."

"I can. That's what makes me sick. It smells like rust… oxidized iron…" He still stared at me. "What?"

"Nothing," he said. Then Mike went to us.

"You look better," he said rudely. I sensed some hostility.

"Just keep your hand in your pocket," my grip on Edward became tighter. I was very sensitive to the smell of blood.

"It isn't bleeding anymore," he replied, "Are you going back to class?"

"Are you kidding? I'd have to turn around and come back.," I exclaimed.

"Yeah, I guess…" Mike mumbled, "So are you going this weekend? To the beach?" Uh oh, I was planning to rearrange my meeting with the broker on that day.

"I don't know, Mike," I answered honestly, "My schedule's pretty messed up right now, but I'll see what I can do."

"Just in case, we're meeting at my dad's store, at ten," he told me.

"I'll remember," I promised. Although, I had no intentions of showing up. I remembered that my uncle and I were visiting the Blacks. They were his friends, and he wanted me to meet them.

"I'll see you in Gym, then."

"See you," I replied. When he left I groaned, "Gym…" It wasn't like I was going to do anything. It was pointless.

"I can take care of that," Edward murmured, "Just go sit down and look pale." I did so, sitting down in one of the folding chairs. I closed my eyes, not sure what was going to happen.

"Ms. Cope," Edward called.

"Yes?" she responded.

"Bella has gym next hour, and I don't think she feels well enough. Actually, I was thinking I should take her home now. Do you think you could excuse her from class?"

"Do you need to be excused, too, Edward?"

"No, I have Mrs. Goff, she won't mind."

"Okay, it's all taken care of. You feel better, Bella." I nodded.

"Can you walk, or do you want me to carry you again?" Edward offered.

"I'll walk," I said, getting up. Edward opened the door for me as we went out. He really was chivalrous. I contemplated this thought.

As we walked in the parking lot, I stopped. I closed my eyes, lifting my face to the light rain. I realized that skipping class meant I could spend more time on the sidewalk bench. I could earn more, but that wasn't why I was happy. I loved playing my guitar. I had no idea how I lasted four years without it. I looked at Edward.

"Thanks," I smiled, "It's worth getting sick to miss Gym." I smiled whenever I was with Edward. I needed to thank him somehow…

"Anytime," he said. Then, an idea crossed my mind,

"Are you going this Saturday?" If he was coming, I think I would reconsider all my plans…

"I really don't think I was invited," he smiled wryly.

"Oh, OK," I sighed, hoping that my disappointment didn't show too much. I started to walk away, already planning which songs to play today.

My thoughts were interrupted when Edward grabbed the back of my rain jacket. I jerked to a stop.

"Where do you think you're going?" his voice sounded angry. Time to run again, but he was holding me.

"I'm going home," I said, baffled.

"Didn't you hear me promise to take you home safely? Do you think I'm going to let you drive in your condition?" he still sounded angry.

"What condition?" I demanded, "And what about my truck?"

"I'll have Alice drop it off after school," he said as he began to drag me toward his car.

"Let go!" I screamed.

Déjà vu. I remembered when Bill dragged me to his room for a beating. This wasn't going to end well, I had to get away… I slipped out of my raincoat and ran to my truck as fast as I could. But Edward was faster. His cold arms were around me, restraining me. I screamed as I struggled to get away. Really, really bad case of déjà vu.

"Shh, calm down," he whispered, "I'm not going to hurt you." I stopped. What did he get from my reaction? With his arms wrapped around me, my heartbeat sped up again. I was absolutely sure that he could feel it.

"I'll go," I gave up, "But at least let me get something from my truck."

"OK," he said softly, "But are you alright?"

"Just overreacted a little bit," I lied. He let go. We walked to my truck. I opened the passenger door to get my guitar case. Then we walked back to his Volvo. I got in with no complaint. I was still a bit shaken from the memories that flooded into my head.

"Are you sure you're OK?" Edward asked, staring at me with a worried expression, "Did I hurt you?"

"No…" I whispered. Edward began to drive. Then I remembered my day job. "Edward?"

"Yes?"

"How fast do you drive?"

He smiled widely, "That depends what for."

"I need to go to Port Angeles before I go home," I replied.

"Is that what the guitar is for? I heard about that. Some girl would go to the same bench everyday and play for some money. Is that you?" he smiled.

"You heard?" I was surprised.

"You've created quite a reputation for yourself," he commented, "But what is the money for?" Time to lie again.

"I'm getting an early start on my college fund," I lied, "You'd be surprised at how much you can earn in a day."

"You'd only earn so much if you were good… Maybe I should stop by and listen sometime," he contemplated. I blushed at the thought. "Do you enjoy playing?"

"Yes, very much. I like music."

"Do you mind if I play one of my CDs?" Edward asked.

"Of course not," I answered. He played with the stereo until a certain song played. I recognized the piece of classical music. "Claire de Lune?"

"You know Debussy?" he asked, awed.

"Not very well. I only know my favorites."

"It's one of my favorites, too." We actually had something in common. I became a bit more relaxed.

"So… what were your parents like?" he suddenly asked. Uh oh, time to put on a poker face. What could I say? I didn't want to compliment those monsters, but I couldn't tell him the truth either.

"Well… honestly, I don't think I ever really knew them. They were busy… Those types of parents," I explained, "I kind of grew up with my aunt."

"OK, then. What's your aunt like?" he changed his question.

"She's like the mother I never had. I mean, she even looks a lot like me," I began, "I took care of myself, but she was always there for me. At the same time, I was always there for her. She's bubbly, kind of reckless, an unpredictable cook… She was my best friend." I realized how much I had missed her. But I was no good for her, not while I was still like this…

"How old are you, Bella?" he asked.

"I'm seventeen," I replied.

"You don't seem seventeen," he remarked. It was strange. First, he made me smile. Now, he made me laugh. Well, chuckle was more like it, but still. "What?"

"My aunt always said that I was born twenty-five years old and that I get older every year. Maybe it's because I'm too serious all the time. But hey, someone has to be the adult," I sighed. "You don't seem much like a junior in high school yourself," I commented.

Edward grimaced. It looked as though he thought of something unpleasant. If he was making me happy, I should at least do the same. I decided to change the topic.

"My aunt is boy crazy," I shook my head indulgently, "The last man I saw her with seemed like the one for her. I'm hoping that he'll take care of her for me."

"So you approve?" he wondered. It seemed that I successfully pulled him away from his horrid thoughts.

"Does it matter? I just want her to be happy… and he is who she wants to be with."

"That's very generous… I wonder."

"What?"

"Since she is like your mother… Would she extend the same courtesy to you, do you think? No matter who your choice was?" My heart stopped. What was he implying?

"I-I think so…" I stuttered, "But she's the adult, so it's sort of different."

He smiled wryly, "No one too scary then."

I grinned, "What do you mean by scary? Multiple facial piercings and extensive tattoos?"

"That's one definition, I suppose."

"What's your definition?"

He looked at me and smiled, "Do you think I could be scary?" What was I going to say to that?

"Hmm… I think you could be scary, if you wanted to," I replied in a serious voice.

"Are you frightened of me now?" he asked, mimicking my serious tone.

"No." I wasn't scared of him at the moment. I was only scared of him whenever his eyes changed… But I wasn't really scared of him, per say… It was the memory… "So, now are you going to tell me about your family? It's got to be much more interesting than mine."

"What do you want to know?" his tone was cautious.

"The Cullens adopted you?'

"Yes."

"What happened to your parents?" I asked hesitantly.

"They died a very long time ago."

"I'm sorry," I mumbled.

"I don't really remember them that clearly," he assured, "Carlisle and Esme have been my parents for a very long time now."

"And you love them," I guessed.

"Yes," he smiled, "I couldn't imagine two better people."

"You're very lucky."

"I know I am."

"And your brothers and sisters?"

He frowned, "My brother and sister, and Jasper and Rosalie for that matter, are going to be quite upset if they have to stand in the rain waiting for me."

"We're already here?" I looked out the window. Holy cow, how fast was he driving?

"How do you intend to get home?" he asked.

"I'll… get a cab," I said thoughtfully. I had forgotten about that.

"Why don't I pick you up?" he offered.

"Is that really OK?" I inquired. He nodded. "Umm… before six?"

"I'll be there," he promised.

"Do you know where the bench is?" I reassured.

"I'll just ask around," he smiled, "You don't need to worry."

"OK," I smiled, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said as I got out of the car.

"Bye, Edward," I waved goodbye as I watched his car leave. What in the world was I thinking, letting Edward pick me up?

Utterly absurd.