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Disclaimer: S.M. owns The Twilight Saga, I do not.
Monday Mornings
The buzzing of my alarm clock reached my ears and I begrudgingly opened my eyes before rolling over to turn off the annoying device. Stifling a yawn that threatened to escape, I flipped the covers off my body and sat up. After briefly stretching my stiff muscles, I decide that a shower would be nice before school. Ugh, today was Monday and that meant school. Groaning in irritation I slowly made my way to the bathroom.
Letting the warm spray wash over me I thought back to my weekend. Saturday was by far the most eventful day I've had since I moved here with Charlie a few years ago. Thankfully Sunday I wasn't visited by any unwelcome visitors and I was able to get a few chores done around the house. The way Alice had acted Saturday, I figured she would surely come back again. Shaking my head to rid my thoughts of the pixie-like girl, I quickly stepped out of the shower to dry off.
I quickly made sure I had enough time to grab a quick break, I gathered my backpack and set off down the steps. As I bound down the last few steps I almost ran into Charlie as he rounder the corner. "Hey! Watch where your going kiddo," He chuckled. "We don't need to start the day off with us both in the hospital this time, do we?" I blushed before muttering a couple unkind words about him―thankfully he didn't hear.
"Well, I'm off to work Bells," He he shouted as I walked in to the kitchen in search for something fast and edible. "I'll be expecting something good for dinner. We could use another home-cooked meal." Huh, did he forget I just cooked for him not two days ago? A girl can only cook so much on the amount Charlie puts aside for groceries.
"If you want anything besides bread and green beans Dad, you have to give me some money to go to the store. Thirty-five dollars is hardly enough unless you want me shopping every other day." Apparently Charlie had read somewhere about how to manage money by storing amounts in envelopes, and he thought that the meager amount of cash her gave me would suffice for an entire week.
"But then I'll have take it out of another envelope!" He said, exasperated.
"Well you could take it out of the extra one," I offered. "I don't see why we need one labeled 'Extra' anyway."
His eyes widened in horror at the thought. "That was going to be for some beer when I have people over!" He cried with a hint of desperation in his voice. Of course it would be for beer.
"You could use your personal fund for beer Dad," I pointed out, smiling wickedly. I already knew he had spent all of his own money on chips in beer. "So I'll just be taking this." I said, walking over to were the money was kept before plucking out the right one and shoving it in my bag. Charlie just glared and slouched off, muttering a quick goodbye while grabbing his gun holster before walking towards the door.
I told him to have a good day and he just 'humphed!' and slammed the door shut. I giggled at his antics. It was his fault, he could give up whenever he wanted, but he said the extra money was for my college education. I had to admit the idea wasn't all bad, I got forty dollars a week just like Charlie did. Unlike him though, I didn't spend it the instant the cash touched the envelope, Charlie had practically spent the money before that even. It was always the same for him, booze and chips to eat while watching a sports channel; I haven't spent any of the money I had acquired over the five or so weeks doing this.
Grabbing the keys to my truck, I rushed out the door―buttered bagel in hand―to my truck. I quickly slid in the drivers seat before starting the truck. I should have picked out a thicker coat I absently thought, shivering slightly. After the truck warmed up and I had eaten most off my bagel, I backed out of the driveway and set off towards Forks High.
Pulling in the school's parking lot, I noticed my small group of friends waiting for me under the awning over the main entrance, like every other day. I had no idea how they could wait for me outside when it was almost below freezing and snowing slightly. They could always wait inside the front door if they felt like waiting.
I quickly pulled into a nearby unoccupied parking space and gathered my bag before hopping out of my truck. Okay, hopping probably wasn't the best idea as I nearly face-planted into the ground. "Stupid winter and it's stupid weather conditions. Stupid ice..." I muttered, insulting mother nature in anyway possible. Glancing up, face flushed with embarrassment, I noticed Ben, Jessica, Lauren, and Mike all doubled over, laughing. Great, they saw that; they didn't seem to care about my person that much. Great friends you have there Bella, I thought sarcastically.
The only one not laughing it seemed was Angela. She was always a good friend, even if she was a bit nerdy at times, she was still my favorite. I sent her a small smile, which she returned. "Hey Bella, how was your weekend?" She asked, seemingly ignoring the others as they tried to cover their laughter.
How was my weekend; how do I answer that? 'Oh, you know, the usual. I woke up with less clothing than normal after I had a dream about another girl romantically, then said girl turned up at my house and after I refused to let her in, she decided to break-in again. Yeah, apparently she broke into my house while I had a dream about her. Then she casually stripped me down and cuddled with me and claimed to have visions of the future and that she did it all in the name of love.' I don't think she would want to hear that Monday morning coming from my mouth.
I decided to settle with the most accurate word to describe what happened. "It was... well it was very interesting." There, done; it was the truth. I could never lie to Angela, she would know instantly if I was somehow, and even if she didn't, I trusted her completely. I just wasn't sure I wanted her to know everything; she could quite possibly think I'm insane.
"Really? Why was it so interesting? I called Sunday and you said you were just doing chores all weekend." She said suspiciously, narrowing her eyes, she knew I was caught. Crap, what do I say? Glancing around at the others who were no longer laughing; instead, now they were all listening intently for my response.
"Yeah, Bella," Lauren said, my name coming out like a strangled hiss. Out of everyone, she disliked me most for some reason and she never bothered to hide the fact. "What were you doing? What could possibly be better than hanging out with us all weekend?" The list could go on forever, I thought secretly.
"I, um... I did... I did things that were interesting that's all..." I trailed off meekly. 'Worst excuse ever!' I screamed at myself for not thinking of something more intelligent to say. Lauren just rolled here eyes and muttered something I didn't catch.
"Hush Lauren, I'm sure Bella has a good reason for not wanting to hang out with us this weekend," Angela said and I shot a thankful look, but not before she sent one indicating we would talk later. I nodded solemnly in understanding.
We heard the five minute bell buzz from within the school and hastily said our goodbyes as we hurried of to our first classes. As everyone was walking about Angela walked over to where I was gathering up my school bag. "So will you tell me what you really did this weekend?" She whisper quietly, reaffirming my suspicions that she wanted answers. "You can trust me you know. When I saw you this morning I could tell something was wrong. You look really stressed." I was really stressed. I had no idea what to do about Alice, but I hadn't seen her since Saturday. Maybe it was a one time thing?
"Yeah, I speak to you at lunch about it Angela. It's no big deal really, just some people problems." I said. One in specific that is... She nodded before saying a quick 'goodbye!' and walking to her first class. Sighing, I trudged of to my dreaded first class, Calculus; math was never my strong point and having a boring teacher who taught next to nothing, I was surprised I was still passing.
I barely made it into the classroom before the bell rang as the door shut behind me. "You're just in time, Ms. Swan!" Mr. Mason nearly sang as I walk to my seat. I honestly couldn't understand how someone could be so upbeat on a Monday morning. I sent him a small attempt of a smile that came out more like a grimace. Just point me out to the whole class, I thought bitterly. God I hate attention.
Mr. Mason quickly took attendance and handed out today's lesson. Flipping the paper over, I started to mindlessly sketch as he droned on about how to do correctly complete the assignment he would be handing out at the end of class. This was the reason why I only have an average in your class I thought, looking down at my doodles as he completed the notes. I grabbed my textbook and opened it to the page indicated on the board and started working.
You need to pay attention to him, I scolded myself. On the other hand, he was so hard to listen get along with; he's always too happy. Somebody needs to go kick his puppy again... I nearly fell out of my seat with silent giggles as I though back to the one day Mr. Mason wasn't so joyous. Apparently someone came by and kicked his dog because it wouldn't quit barking. He spent the entire day checking his phone I heard, waiting for a call from the veterinarian about his dog.
The bell rang and I jump a little at the intruding sound on the otherwise quiet classroom. Gathering my work together quickly, I exited the classroom and went to my locker for my AP English book.
When I walked into the classroom I noticed that I was one of the first ones here. Plopping down ungracefully into my seat I decided to skim through my textbook for the hundredth time this year; even if we have only used it in class a handful of times. I continued to lazily flip the pages as I heard more and more students take their seats around me. I glanced up at hearing the teacher say my name.
"...sit next to Bella dear," The instructor said pointing to me while talking to someone. Hasn't anyone told you it's rude to point lady? "If you have any questions, just ask." My blood ran cold as I heard a bell-like voice I never hoped I would hear again. I completely forgot that she would be here. At this school. With me. My heart nearly stopped at my rediscovery before it started to pound against my ribcage.
"Okay, thank Mrs. Henry, I sure will." She said as she walked gracefully walked to her seat next to mine. As she took a seat she glanced over at me, unsurprised that I was sitting next to her. "Well hello again Bella," Alice whispered in a low voice so only the two of us could hear. "I must say that I missed you terribly since we acquainted ourselves Saturday. Maybe we could hangout sometime soon?" She asked. Was this girl serious?
"Leave me a-alone," I whispered back at her in what I hoped sounded harsh, but I couldn't help it as my voice broke. "I already told y-you t-to stay away from m-me."
She just chuckled at me. "Come now Bella, we both no that you don't really-" She started before I cut her off. I was done with her bullshit.
"I do." I said more firmly as I glared down at her small form. "If you don't stay away from me I'll get others involved. I will get a restraining order against you, freak." I muttered, unable to contain myself from insulting her. If she kept this up, I would have get Charlie involved. Even if I went to another officer he would find out, being chief and all.
Alice actually looked taken back, whether from the threat or insult, I could careless. I watched from the corner of my eye as her eye took on a glossy shine. I realized then that she was about to cry actually. She started blinking rapidly and let out a shaky breath, and I felt something stir in my chest. She refused to let a single tear fall.
I was the reason she was about to cry and I felt a little guilty about that, which only pissed me off further than I already was. I shouldn't feel bad about hurting her feelings; she obviously didn't care about mine, so why should I care about hers?
I picked up on a few faint words as she murmured to herself "Can't she just see..." She finished her little talk and abruptly stood up from her desk and quickly ran from the classroom without her belongings.
She said something about not feeling well and wanting to use the bathroom. I, along with the rest of the class, watched as the door slammed shut behind her. A few students turned to look at me with curiosity before turning back to the bewildered teacher.
"Must be because it's her first day or something..." I heard someone say behind me. "Or something Swan said to her―they were talking together," Someone else whispered back. Great, just what I needed, rumors about me being a bitch to the new kid at school.
When the it was time for third period, I wanted to get the hell out of this classroom as fast as possible. While I was gathering my stuff I notice Alice's small handbag and textbook was still under her desk. Not wanting to just leave them here for someone to steal, I gathered her stuff along with mine and left the room. Even if she was a total creeper, I wouldn't just leave her things behind. Stupid parents and their teachings of good morals.
I scanned the hallways for the pixie and I couldn't find her. I remembered her saying something about the bathroom and set off towards the nearest one.
I gently pushed the door open and scanned the empty room. I heard a slight shuffle from one of the stalls and set our stuff on one of the counter-tops beside the sinks. "Alice?" I called out hesitantly, partially afraid of scaring her and partially afraid of her. "Alice... are you here? I brought your stuff for you." I said, walking to the first stall before pushing on it lightly. It opened and it was empty.
I was about to continue to the other stalls when one of the doors burst open, nearly knocking me over. All I saw was a flash of white before the bathroom door closed; I hadn't seen it open even. I looked back at our―no my supplies; Alice's things were gone.
She was fast! I could barely see her, but I had a feeling that she was the one in the stall. Otherwise why would only her things be gone if someone stole them. They would have taken mine too. Alice seemed to be quite the athlete. She was incredibly strong and insanely fast it seemed. I had a hard time imagining her being a hardcore workout fanatic though and she was so pale, as if she hasn't seen the light of day in ages...
The sound of the bell shook me of my thought on the petite girl. Great, now I was late for third period because of you, I thought bitterly as I rushed out of the bathroom. One more reason to dislike the girl.
I quickly yanked the door open to my U.S. History class and walked inside. After getting a quick lecture―in front of the entire class―about being late, Mr. James sent me to my seat as he marked me down as tardy.
History passed by quickly and I was thankful that it was now lunch time. After I had collected my tray of food, I walked over to my usual table. I quickly pulled out a chair next to Angela before sitting down.
Angela looked over at me and I knew she was going to ask me about my weekend now. "So Bella, what-"
"Bella I heard you actually scared someone enough that they left class," Lauren said suddenly, completely ignoring Angela. "The new girl at that. How rude!" She said in mock horror; she could probably care less unless it was someone she would be able to whisk away on one of her mindless shopping sprees.
So the rumors have already begun. I turned to look at the others around the table who were all staring at me, surprised by the news. Of course Lauren would know, she was the gossip queen of Forks; the others... not so much.
"Um, well... yeah... I guess-" I started, unsure on how this would go. I noticed they'd all gone quiet when suddenly a tray plopped down in the empty space next to me.
"Hello, can I sit here?" She asked politely. She was already pulling the chair out before she even finished he question.
Lauren smirked at me before answering. "Yeah, sure, we would love for you to sit with us..." She trailed off, lifting an eyebrow in question.
"Alice, I'm Alice Brandon," She nearly sang before sitting next to me. "Hey Bella, thanks for getting my stuff for me." I glanced over at her to see her staring intently at me.
"So you know Bella then Alice?" Jessica asked with a mouthful of food. At least chew with your mouth closed fool. "I heard that she made you run off in second period." Way to get to the point Jessica, I thought. She was always blunt it seemed, a little too much at times. Like now.
I groaned internally at the thought of this conversation. Alice seemed shocked by what Jessica said and glanced over at me before answering.
"Bella? Of course not. She's my friend," Alice said, and my heart skipped a beat at the word 'friend,' if that's what you call our relationship I'd like to see you try to make some more friends then. I would have laughed at the thought of Alice breaking into everyone's house that she met; if I knew that she actually didn't do that, but she did so... not funny. "She was the only one that was nice to me actually so far today." She said while looking at me fondly.
I heard Mike grunt his disapproval. It was just like him to have already hit on Alice. That boy was desperate, but he was oblivious to Jessica's attempts at getting his attention.
"I wasn't feeling well, probably just first day nerves and all," She continued, completely ignoring Mike. "So I let to use the restroom and I forgot my stuff and Bella found me and returned them like I said before."
"Um, no problem Alice. I didn't want to just leave it there or something..." I said automatically. How could this be happening? I absently played with the apple on my tray while thinking of numerous ways to excuse myself, and get away from here.
"So... when did you guys meet?" Angela asked Alice while glancing over at me. "You see pretty acquainted already." I'm sure everyone could see the look of horror on my face as I thought of what to say. Thankfully Alice spoke up before I started to repeatedly face-palm myself.
"We met over the weekend actually," Alice said, glaring menacingly at me, waiting for me to object. When she saw no protest her face softened and she smiled at me. "She invited me over to her place and everything!" She exclaimed, nearly bouncing out of her seat.
I was mentally strangling the petite girl by now, wishing for her to just shut-up. Everyone at the table was now gazing in my direction with a myriad of emotions. At least now they know what I did this weekend, I thought with sarcastically.
"Sunday?" Lauren asked, while sending me a death glare. Bitch, I would rather spend the weekend with some crazy chick than you any time.
"Nope," Alice replied with a pop. "We met Friday actually, then she invited me over for lunch Saturday."
I was beyond horrified by now. My mouth seemed to have a mind of it's own because my mind wanted to reject every word Alice spoke. Instead, I just sat numbly beside her, letting her spew her lies to anyone who would listen. Way to stick up for yourself Bella. I jumped when I felt a cool hand rest on my knee and turned to stare wide-eyed at Alice. Was she seriously going to feel me up like some hormonal teenager?
She just smirked at me and began to rub my knee in a circular pattern. Right, she would know exactly how to sooth me. She was the entire problem! I tried to be discrete and push her hand away, yet her hand didn't even slow it's movements against my forceful one.
"Bella! You didn't want to come with us this weekend because you decided to ditch us for someone you just met!" Lauren replied with mock shock, her hand crossed over her chest. "That hurts."
"I don't see anything wrong with Bella wanting to make some new friends." Alice spat out and her hand began to move up my thigh. "From what I see you could use a few more, unlike Bella here who happens to have plenty of friends." This earned a few bouts of laughter from Mike, Ben, and Angela―who was also nodding her approval―while Jessica tried to muffle her giggles with her hand.
Lauren flushed a deep red and Alice's hand yielded to my attempts for a moment before she began to stroke my thigh. Lauren stuttered for a few seconds and couldn't find any retort. She stood and stalked off bringing a slightly disgruntled Jessica with her.
As Alice continued with her ministrations, I couldn't stop her hand as it reached my inner thigh. It was time for me to go now I decided. I suddenly stood as Alice's hand withdrew back to her lap and I grabbed my apple and without a backwards walked towards the exit. I was done with Alice, she would pay for all of her ridiculous and far-fetched ideas.
I wondered around the halls until I came to my locker and grabbed my Spanish book and binder from it for my next class. Tossing the apple core into a nearby trashcan, I slowly walked to Spanish IV with Mrs. Bennett. She was beyond horrible to the students and I didn't want to be in there alone with her waiting for lunch to get over. When I arrived at the door, I walked past it and continued on with my thoughts. I reached the end of the hallway and turned around, slowly trudging back towards the classroom.
I decided that I would ask Charlie if he could look into Alice's record for me or I could ask him for a restraining order; maybe I could ask for a spare gun to keep under my pillow just in case... The Bell rang and I walked into the empty classroom. At least Mrs. Bennett wasn't here yet.
Spanish was boring and I was left with a head-ache thanks to Mrs. Bennett's constant yelling because as she put it 'Our stupid American children and their incapability to learn anything useful.'
I went to the nurse instead of gym―which was fine with me―and asked for note so I could go home. I still had a head-ache and I really did not want to go to gym; another part of me was just afraid of running into Alice again. After gym I had a free period so it wouldn't matter much if I went home an hour or two early. The nurse gave me a slip to give to the office so they knew I left early, although she said she really shouldn't send me home just because of a head-ache, I eventually convinced her I wouldn't be doing anything at school anyway.
I quickly left the building and climbed into my old pickup and left the school grounds. While I was driving, I debated on what to cook for dinner and what I would say to Charlie about Alice, and almost wrecked as I saw something huge flash by in the opposite direction through the trees of the forest. I didn't think bears would be around here, especially now that it's winter. Don't they have to hibernate or something?
I pulled up in front of the house and jumped out, rushing to the door. I eventually made it inside after two failed attempts of patches of ice to claim me with their slickness. I brushed the snow from my hair and pulled my coat off before flopping down on our old thread-bare couch.
Charlie gently shook me from my short nap; I didn't even know I had fallen asleep, and asked about dinner. I told him we could just have the left-overs from last night.
While we were eating I finally worked up the enough nerve to ask him about Alice some more. "Hey D-dad, you know about that new girl at school right; Alice." I asked him hesitantly when he took one of his rare breaks from eating.
He merely nodded and continued to shovel the day-old spaghetti into his mouth. "Do you know if she's got a record or anything like that?" That would be an easy enough question to start out with now.
He sent down his fork and wiped his mouth on a napkin, looking at me strangely. "Why? Is she giving you trouble or anything Bells?"
"May-be..." I muttered. "It depends. Does she have any criminal record or not?" I demanded.
"Nope. Just saw her profile a few days ago because she was a transfer student from somewhere in South America." He said slowly while looking at me suspiciously.
She had no record, but she was definitely breaking a few law now. Maybe she's done this before and sh never gets caught? And she doesn't even have a tan, how could she be from South America? None of this makes sense much. All these thoughts swirled about as I nodded.
"Why?" He asked again. I sighed, knowing he wouldn't give up until he got a real answer from me. He was just as stubborn as me sometimes; I guess that's where I get it from...
"Uh, well... she has given me some problems, from time to time." I said and he nodded for me to continue. "I am not completely sure, but she seems to follow me around a lot and it is quite annoying and rude to be honest. And she is is a..." I trailed off, unsure how one would describe someone that's after your daughters heart and happens to be a girl herself.
"A what?" Charlie said slowly. He didn't even seemed phased about what I just told him.
I took a deep breath to steady myself before answering. "A lesbian." I hastily muttered, barely understanding what I said myself. "You know, a girl who like girls. Like like-like." I added as he looked at me, confusion written all over his face. He merely nodded to this as well. Did he know nothing!
Eventually he broke the uneasy silence that settled between us. "I take it she was the one that broke the living room window then?" I was completely shocked; I had all but forgot about her damage to the house. All I could do was quickly nod. "And did she come in?" I nodded again. "And did she hurt you?" He asked with a placid face still; how could he be so calm about all this?
This would need more than a nod I decided. "No, not physically," I said slowly. "But she scared me to death when she came in."
"Did you not think to call the police?"
"I tried." I answered without thinking.
"Did she stop you?" He question and now I could see the concern lying underneath his cool exterior. At least he did care. Again I nodded.
Charlie asked me questions regarding Alice and I, and what we should do. I told him I wasn't really sure because she wasn't exactly big, yet she was incredibly strong. I eventually bid Charlie a goodnight with him saying he would look into the situation tomorrow at work. I told him I'd appreciate that and walked up stairs to the bathroom for a quick shower.
I finished my shower and dried off before grabbing a towel to wrap around myself and walked into my room. I immediately noticed something out of place. A single red rose lay on my bed along with a note and my curtains fluttered in the evening breeze from my open window.
A/N: And that concludes chapter two. Please feel free to review and alert me to any errors that may be in this chapter. My Internet is currently down and I quickly posted this elsewhere, without much proof-reading. Chapter Three will be up within a weeks time hopefully and I plan on updating within a week always. This may not always happen due to school and personal issues, but that is my plan.
