DISCLAIMER: Breaking News. This just in: Ashley does not own the Twilight series. The world is shocked.

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By the time that lunch rolled around, the entire school seemed to realize that I returned to functioning. I actually answered questions in class and volunteered information. Each time I did, the class would look at me and awe, even teachers couldn't hide their shock. I smiled inwardly, it was kind of nice to surprise everyone like this. Not everyone was happy thought. Jessica and Lauren seemed absolutely crushed I was back and taking the attention usually reserved for them.

Sucks to be them, I guess. I really couldn't feel sorry for them.

"Hey Bella, what are you doing today after school?" Mike asked me. Jessica through a dirty look in my direction but her face slid into a sneer meant to be a smile before anyone else but me could notice.

"Yeah, Bella, its seems like you haven't been living at all since Edward Cullen dumped you. Where is he by the way?"

I couldn't help myself, I started crying. The tears were silent, but everyone knew what I as doing. Angela wrapped a comforting arm around me while Mike glared and Jessica.

"What, did I say something wrong?" feigning innocence.

"No, Jessica, Bella is just trying to get people to take pity on her after, what?, six months now? Don't worry about her." Lauren whispered, but loud enough for her voice to carry.

"You know what Jessica and Lauren, as far as I am concerned if you two are going to assholes to Bella you can sit somewhere else, or we will move ourselves. Besides Lauren, I seem to remember when Eric broke up with you that it took almost two whole years before you stopped being sullen and whiney. And you two weren't even that close of a couple. Bella and Edward were damn near inseparable. So just shut up both of you." Mike ranted in my defense.

At that moment I was infinitely grateful to my friends. They accepted me and forgave me after I lost myself, and knew I wasn't entire rediscovered yet. Suddenly Mike touched my cheek and the contact surprised me.

"Are you doing anything after school?" Mike asked softly.

Slowly I nodded my head and whispered "sorry." He just smiled and joined Angela in hugging me. The support from them made me stronger and I was able to raise my head and look Jessica right in the eye.

"You know what Jessica?" I asked, venom dripping out of my words "I haven't been living since he left, but you know what? Hate to break it to you sweetheart, I'm back."

Underneath the table, Angela grabbed my hand and shook it. Which made me smile and almost start laughing.

Is that Bella?

Is she actually talking again? Oh my God.

Whispers followed me down the hallway as I made talked to Angela on our way to our next class. From out of nowhere, Eric came up behind me and put his hands around my shoulders. The sudden contact made me jump and turn around. Seeing Eric made me smile again and I playfully slapped his shoulder. Angela admonished him for being so sneaky and we made our way through the classroom door. A new quarter had just started so we picked out seats near the back of class, with me in between Eric and Angela.

"Welcome class" a high cheery voice chirped. I hope we will have fun this class, please take your seats.

At that moment, Jacob sauntered through the door.

"Hey Bella." he said cheerfully, but his eyes gave him away. Something was worrying him.

"Hey Jake!" I called, playing along. "What are you doing here?"

Jake smiled but didn't say anything. Instead, he handed a smile slip of paper to the teacher.

"Miss Swan, you have been excused from class for the rest of the day." my teacher said with an edge to your voice. I walked up to her and took the sheet of paper from her hand to examine it.

"Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help, Isabella. I hope your cousin comes out of it okay."

I nodded and slowly walked out of the classroom with Jake. As soon as we were out of earshot I punched him as hard as I could in the shoulder.

"Jake! how could you, you know I don't have any relatives near here!" I yelled.

"Yes, but they don't know that. Now hurry, we have to get to La Push."

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Okay guys, sorry it took me so long to update. I've been super busy writing papers for my school classes. I will be updating "Such a Strange Web" in the next couple of days as well.

If you have anything you would like to say, please review or send me a message.

Thanks!

Ashleyyy