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Disclaimer: I don't own it. I don't feel like translating that into French.

Survival of the Smartest

Chapter Three: Truce

EPOV

After the encounter in the hallway, I was a little scared to talk to Bella. She must think I'm such an ass for not noticing her.

Unfortunately, the one class we had together, Biology, was the one class where we often were partnered together. Today was no different. We were learning about evolution (I know they probably learned this already, but it's what we're learning in school now so I know some stuff about it. Although I did get a B- on the test… whatever. I didn't study…) and today we were doing a lab with hominid skulls.

"Okay, class. Settle down," our teacher, Mr. Banner, called. We quieted down pretty quickly. "I'll read your partners, and when I'm done, you will move and sit with that person. No complaining."

A few kids moaned at the idea of not getting to pick partners.

"Okay. Stanley with Newton. Weber with Yorkie. Cheney with Crowley." He droned on like this for a while until he reached the end. "And Cullen with Swan. Now move!"

We all got up and walked, or in my case shuffled, to our respective tables.

"Cullen," a girl's voice snarled, dripping with animosity.

"Hi, Bella."

"Humph." She just turned and started measuring the skulls. Great, my partner for the biggest competition ever and the girl I'm in love with is making it amazingly clear that she hates my guts.

Pride and Prejudice started out this way, didn't it? I couldn't remember right now. Not when Bella's forehead was creased so cutely in concentration. I studied her for a prolonged moment while I was trying to snap back to reality a voice broke through my thoughts.

"Yo! Cullen? Edward? Are you going to help or does the history buff want the science nerd to do it all? If this is how you work with partners then I am dropping out of the Academic Competition or asking for a new partner. You are hopeless." It was Bella, making it, once again, obvious that she hated my freaking guts.

"No. I'm not hopeless," I was getting angry now. "It just looks like you've got it pretty under control! Do you need help with anything? I'd be happy to do it." I know I sound like a cheesy broken record, but I really wanted Bella to like me, or at least find me bearable to sit next to.

"Here," she almost threw a small skull at me. "Measure this."

I did what she told me. I was really hoping Bella might just have a bad case of PMS, but I couldn't be sure, so I was going to be as nice as possible.

We spent most of the period like this, hunched over our work and not talking. It wasn't comfortable and I was debating whether or not to break the silence when she did. "Listen, Edward. I'm sorry I'm being such a dumbbutt but I've been pretty stressed lately and this competition thing is just making it worse. Okay?"

Okay? She was asking me if that was okay. Hell yes it was okay! "Sure, truce?" I held out my hand and prayed to god that she would take it.

She did. "Truce."

"Now that that's out of the way, when should we get together to work?" I figured if we started early then we would be better than anyone else. I needed that scholarship. My dad could afford to send me to college, but it was always good to have backup. Besides, winning would look amazing on my application.

"Who said we were working together?" She was all attitude again.

"Um, the board?"

"No, I mean who said you and I were going to get together on weekends or whatever and work on it?"

"Um… me?" I was a little scared that she was going to blow up at me, but I couldn't help but feel an involuntary shiver when she said 'you and I.'

"Yeah, you. So who says I agree?" Oh god. I was pissing her off again.

"Well, I guess you would be the one to tell me that. I really don't know why you wouldn't want to though. I mean, this competition determines our future. Spending a few weeks with me won't be that bad, will it?"

I could swear I heard her mumble, "it will," under her breath, but I couldn't be sure.

Bella's POV

I didn't mean to be so pissy, but I didn't know how else to disguise how much I wanted to lean over and kiss him! I was acting like an ass, but so far I had only had one almost ruining urge to touch him. I guess I was getting better!

But as soon as he started talking sense, I crumbled.

"Well, I guess you would be the one to tell me that. I really don't know why you wouldn't want to though. I mean, this competition determines our future. Spending a few weeks with me won't be that bad, will it?"

I almost said no, but at the said second I managed to mumble, "it will," quietly. I thought I was quiet enough to not be heard, but by the injured look on his face, I thought wrong.

I didn't mean to hurt him, but it came naturally.

I'm sorry it's short, but I think I'm going to have them work together in the next chapter. Who knows, maybe the story will get a little BxE!

Also, I have an idea for a story based off the song: Me and the Moon by Something Corporate. It would basically be- Edward never comes back so Bella chooses Jake. She has a daughter with him, but then he turns abusive and drunk. I'm not sure how to do it though. But go listen to the song and you'll know what I mean.

If you copy that I will make sure you are shut down. Trust me, I will.

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