I sat through my classes, bored to death and aggravated by the constant stares of everyone around me. Is it always going to be like this? Before lunch even started, I had turned down ten pathetic attempts to ask me out. I silently cursed my father, this school, and every human in it as I walked to lunch.

I pushed the door open and stepped in. I looked around and saw that Evelyn was sitting at the same table as yesterday. She waved at me when I came in; I smiled and walked over to her. I noticed that she hadn't gotten a tray of food today, but sat there with a sketch book in front of her. I sank down next to her and sighed.

"Another boring day?" she asked, as she continued to draw on a white page. I nodded and ran a hand through my hair.

"What are you doing?" I asked, bending over and glancing at her drawing.

"I'm designing your dress," she answered. She slid the notebook over to me and let me look at it.

The dress was a ball gown. It was strapless and very revealing; I could tell instantly that the dress would have to be tight in order to hold it in place. The top was obviously designed to create a lot more cleavage than the wearer was born with.

The bodice was an empire waist, tight just below the breasts but the rest of the floor length dress fanned out all as it got longer. It reminded me of a Korean hanbok with a modern twist. Evelyn was starting to draw the designs on the bodice and the long strip of fabric that extended from just under the breasts to the floor in the front. From what I could see so far, the fabric would be covered in flowers and leaves and what looked like a phoenix at the very bottom.

"You've definitely outdone yourself this time," I complimented. I had been left truly breathless by the dress she was creating. It was in pencil now, but I knew it would look stunning once she added colors and a sample of the fabric onto it. She giggled and took the book from me.

"It would look even more stunning with Edward standing next to you while you're wearing it," she hinted. I rolled my eyes and pulled a stray hair back behind my ear.

"Where is Edward anyway?" I asked, trying to sound indifferent.

"He's coming right now," she said pointing at the entrance. Sure enough, Edward was making his way to our table. "Have you decided on whether or not you'll sing with him yet?" I nodded still looking at Edward. "Then I'll leave you two alone. I have to go to the library to do some homework anyway," she said in disgust. She got up and strode away, waving at Edward as she passed. Edward finally reached the table and sat himself across from me.

"So what is your answer?" He asked. I raised an eyebrow, not having a clue what he was talking about.

"About what?" I asked, searching for clarification. He chuckled at an unknown joke.

"About whether or not you would like me to sing with you," he replied. Oh, that.

"Sure," I answered, not wanting to seem overly excited by the prospect, but when a smile formed on his lips, it made me to smile too.

"You do look lovely when you smile," he commented. That only made me smile bigger. "Meet me this evening in the back of your house for...rehearsal?" Behind my house?

"Why there?"

"It's beautiful there," he told me, as if it should have been obvious.

Then, I made the mistake of looking straight in his eyes. I felt myself losing grip of my brain again. He stared back at me with his crooked smile and I completely lost it. After a moment, he turned away and looked towards the door, releasing me from his gaze. I gathered my thoughts while I could and turned to look at the door too.

Evelyn ran human speed towards us looking horror struck. Edward's expression turned to pure confusion. What's going on? Evelyn halted when she reached us and glanced at Edward nervously before turning to me. She sighed, seeming to make an inner decision, and spoke.

"Bella, I just got a phone call from your dad," she blurted, speaking at lightning speed. "He said that..." she glanced at Edward again. "The Italian Stallion is back," she said whispering conspiratorially." I raised an eyebrow at her in confusion. What is she talking about?

"Who the heck is that? Just spit it out already!" I suggested. She sighed and nodded.

"Alexander just showed up at the mansion. Your father wants us to come home now!"

My eyes widened and I turned to look at Edward. I suddenly felt regretted asking her to say it out loud. Edward looked utterly confused and frustrated that he couldn't seem to piece anything together. Alexander is back? After all these years, he chose today to come back? What am I going to do? Whatever color my skin still had drained, making me look even paler than I usually was. I tore my eyes from him and got up from the table.

"Edward, I have to go. I'll see you later at home," I said quickly as I walked away from him and towards the door. Evelyn trailed behind me silently.

We walked out of the cafeteria and to the parking lot. I found my car in the spot he parked this morning and unlocked it. I opened the driver's door and stepped in, closing it behind me. I glanced at Evelyn to make sure she'd gotten in before pulling out. Surprisingly, I managed to pull out of the space without incident and drove home with no major problems.

My thoughts raced and I had no idea what to do. If I thought I was confused before, what was this?Terror seemed to be a good word for it.

Author's Note: Can anyone say cliffhanger? The plot is now just starting. Review! I have school tomorrow so I have no promises on whether or not my updates will come as often as they have been.