A.N.: to all those who want to see the pictures of Bella's car and the figurines pm me with your email addy and I'll send them to you. Bec.
CHAPTER 2. NEW SCHOOL.
Bella's POV
I woke the next morning early, I hadn't gotten a lot of sleep because of the noise of the rain. I was never going to get used to that, it was so loud against my window. But I had to get up, I had to go to school today. I was so nervous which wasn't a good thing for me, it just made me clumsier. I got up and went to the bathroom to shower before getting ready for school. I wasn't in the mood today for a lot of primping or anything so I just left my hair down to dry naturally and put the tiniest amount of make-up to hide the dark circles I had under my eyes from the lack of sleep last night. Once all that was done and I was dressed I went down to the kitchen to make myself breakfast, I was just going to have something quick like cereal or fruit.
I waited for Hailey to come down. I knew we had to leave early as I had to get to the office before homeroom was suppose to start. Five minutes later and Hailey still had not come down. Hailey get your lazy butt up now or I am leaving without you. We have fifteen minutes until I have to leave to get my schedule for school. I swear if you are not ready to go by then you can find your own way to school, and you won't be driving my baby home. I knew I had her attention then. I heard movement coming from her room then. Bella that isn't very nice leaving you're sister at home. How am I supposed to get to school then? The same way you used to get to school before I moved here. I knew I wasn't being nice to my sister, but she was going to make me late for school and I was already nervous without adding being late to that list.
Knock. Knock. I raced to the door to see Alice waiting. I remembered we were giving her ride today. "Hey Bells, where is Hails? And how on earth are we getting to school today?" Alice queried me. "I have a car, we are taking that. Why do you ask Ali?" "Because Hails never drove, she used to get a ride from either me or my brothers all the time." Alice explained. Then she realised Hailey wasn't down here with us she asked, "Where is she by the way?" "She is still getting ready Ali. She is taking her damn time though." I walked over to the stairs. "Hailey get your butt down here now. We need to leave." I yelled up the stairs to her. "I'm coming, I'll be down in two secs." You better hurry up sis there is not eating in my car. It is spotless and that is how I intend to keep it. Now hurry up, I don't want to be late. Bells I know you are nervous, but you are going to be fine I promise you. Me and Ali are going to be there so you don't have anything to worry about. Relax. Then Hailey finally made her appearance downstairs.
"Hey Bells you look great, even if I do say so myself." Hailey joked to me. I knew she was say it because she had picked out the clothes I was wearing today. "You do look good Bella. We did a good job yesterday didn't we Hailey." Alice agreed. "Gee thanks guys. I am feeling the love here today. I don't need you guys choosing my clothes for me, I have been able to choose my own clothes for years thank you." With that I stormed outside to the garage to get my car. I backed out and pulled up outside the house waiting for them.
I honked the horn, I was getting impatient, I really wanted to get to school early and get my schedule. Alice and Hailey came out of the house only a few moments later. I heard Alice squeal when she saw my car. "Shot gun" she yelled only a minute later. I laughed when I saw the look on Hailey's face. "Bella, where did you get this car, how did you get this car it is only just available and you have to order it." Alice said to me, as she was bouncing up and down in the front seat. "Well my Nanna gave it to me for my 16th birthday. She pulled a few strings to get it for me before it was released." I replied as I pulled out and headed in the direction of school. Alice played with the radio looking for a good station. I hadn't programmed any in for this area they were all stations for Phoenix. "Alice if you find a good station program it in for me." "Okay Bells. Hey does this car have a i-pod jack in it?" Ali asked. "Yep here." I replied and opened the center console to wear the jack was located. "Cool. Bells can I plug my i-pod in?" "Sure Ali. Plug it in and lets here what music you like." I replied. I knew she would have a lot of the latest music on it. She was one of those people who always to keep up to date with everything.
We made it to school with plenty of time for me to get my schedule and catch up with everyone. When we pulled into the parking lot I parked beside a nice looking Volvo. I quickly looked around and I could see all the students that were there immediately turn and look at my car, I could see the looks they were giving my car as they tried to figure out who was inside. –Lucky for me Nanna had got really dark tint so no one could see inside-. I looked around the parking lot before I got out and noticed that the most of the cars in the lot were old and a little run down. The only nice cars were the Volvo I was parked beside and a red BMW convertible, which was parked the other side of the Volvo. I climbed out and tried to ignore the fact that everyone was staring at me. I followed Hailey and Alice over to the BMW and noticed Emmett and Edward standing beside it with a gorgeous looking blonde girl and a blonde haired guy who looked to be her brother or something.
Emmett noticed me walking over to them, he nudged Edward in the arm and pointed over to us. They charged at me, Emmett pulling me up into a big bear hug. "Em, … I … can't … breathe." I finally managed to get out between pants. "Sorry Bells." Emmett said setting me back on my feet. Edward pushed Emmett out of the way then and came over to embrace me as well. "Hey Bells, it is good to see you finally, I might add." Edward said reaching down and grabbing my hand. "Come on over here and let us introduce you to Emmett's girlfriend and her brother." Edward dragged me back over to where the two blondes were standing along with Alice and Hailey.
"Bella this is Rosalie, Emmett's girlfriend and this is Jasper, Rose's cousin." Edward said as he motioned between them. "Jasper, Rosalie this is Isabella, she is Hailey's twin and just moved back to live with her dad." Edward said as he continued the introductions. "Hi Isabella, it's a pleasure to meet you. And please just call me Rose." Rosalie said to me politely as she extended her hand towards me. "Hi Rose, it's nice to meet you to. Please just call me Bella." I replied as I extended my hand to shake hers. I was surprise when instead of shaking it she pulled me into a small one armed hug. It only lasted about a second before she let me go again. I sensed that she was trying to be friendly, but that she was as uncomfortable about it as I was. Next I turned towards Jasper to say hello to him. "Hi Jasper, it's nice to meet you." I said as I extended my hand out towards him. "Hi." Was all I got in reply, with the briefest of handshakes. I was confused by this, I didn't know what I had done for him to be so short with me. "Hailey want to walk me to the office to get my timetable?" I asked turning my focus to my sister. "Sure Bells, I'll take you. Catch you guys later." Hailey said as she walked over to me, linking my arm through hers. "Yeah, bye everyone." I called over my shoulder as Hailey was towing me away to the office.
Once we were out of ear shot I asked Hailey, "Hails, what is Jasper's deal? It didn't seem as if he liked me very much. Did I do something?" "No Bells, sorry Jasper is like that with pretty much everyone. Rose's parents adopted him about 10 years ago. He has been through a lot before they did. But it is not something that she will talk about. Rose says it is his story and when he is ready he will tell us. I don't think Rose really knows his story though either, he doesn't talk to anyone about it. I just know that whatever it is caused him the few scars you can see." Hailey explained to me. While she was explaining this I thought about the abuse I had been through the last few years, and how I made an effort to put up a façade so that no one knew the pain I was really in. I knew that was how it was going to stay, and nothing was going to change that. "Okay, thanks for that Hails, I know now not to take it personally." I said to her as we were about to enter the office.
Once inside the office I walked up to the counter and explained to the elderly receptionist who I was and that I was here to collect my schedule. She handed it to me along with a map of the school and told me to enjoy my day. I looked down at it. The day was separated into 6 periods. I looked down at the classes Dad and Hailey had signed me up for they were English, Gym – which was compulsory unfortunately for me- , Advanced Biology, Advanced Mathematics, Music, Chemistry, Psychology and History. I also had homeroom every morning. I looked down at my timetable to see what classes I had today. First double English, and then double Gym, lunch then Advanced Mathematics finishing the day with history. Hailey was looking over my shoulder at my schedule. "Hey Bells, this is cool we have homeroom together and Gym today. Hey you're taking a lot of advanced classes. Pity we are only going to have gym together. Well let's go meet the guys outside before we have to head to homeroom." "Sure Hailey. Let's go." I said to her lacking any enthusiasm. She grabbed me by the hand and headed to the front of the school.
We arrived at the entrance to the school just as everyone else did. They asked me what classes I had for the day and I explained my schedule, "I have double English, gym, then after lunch I have advanced maths and history. But I am also taking music, chemistry, psychology and advanced bio'. So I know I have homeroom and gym with Hailey, do I have any of my other classes with you guys?" "Hey can I have a look at your schedule Bella?" Edward asked me. I nodded and handed it over to him. "Well it looks like you have music and biol' with me. I'm pretty sure you have English and history with Jasper, doesn't she Jasper?" Edward replied to me as he showed my schedule to Jasper. "Yeah, I'm in those and maths." Jasper replied to Edward and me. Just as Jasper finished speaking we heard the first bell ring. "Cool thanks guys. Well I guess we better be heading to homeroom. Come on Hails show me where to go." I said as I walked over to her and hooking my arm in hers like she did with me earlier.
We walked to homeroom together. I could feel some weird feelings coming from Hailey. Hails what's the matter and don't try to hide it I can feel it. Bells it's nothing really. Sure sis, it's nothing. You do know I am a little more connected to your feelings then you are mine. I know something is up so just tell me. I promise I won't laugh or judge you or anything, I just don't like the feelings you are feeling. I would almost say they are jealously and anger. But why? I thought we got over the car? It's not the car, I promise you. I am fine about you having that car, besides you said I could drive it right? So can I drive home? Yes I said you could drive it, but I am not going to let you until you tell me what is going on. So spill. We were sitting in homeroom by now. "Here." I heard Hailey say. "Present." I responded to when I heard my name being called next. Thank god the teacher didn't make me get up and introduce myself. Fine, you are cheating to by the way. It is not fair to use your car to get information out of me. Bells I like Edward. I really, really like him. But he doesn't know and since he heard that you were coming back, you were all he would talk about. I think he likes you, and I mean really likes. I rolled my eyes at my dear sister. Hails don't worry I don't like Edward anymore then just as friend. I promise you that. I don't think he likes me like that but if he tries to make any kind of advance I promise you that nothing will happen ever. He is just a friend. Maybe he has been talking to me a lot because we were close when we were kids remember. The two of us were always in some kind of trouble. I'm not interested in him or anyone for that matter and I don't see that changing anytime soon, okay? Hailey nodded at me, and her feelings calmed down. I felt much better then. I knew why I was so much more tied to her emotions then she was mine and that was because once everything with Phil had started happening I learnt to form a block and to access her emotions better to see if she was feeling what I was feeling. The bell rang to signal it was time to head to class. Hailey pointed me in the right direction before she skipped off to her first class which happened to be basic maths.
I walked into English before most of the class and the teacher. So I took a seat in the back of the class room, trying to hide myself from everyone looking at the new kid. I sat their quietly using my long hair as a shield to hide myself behind. I knew that they were all still looking at me, the new kid, but I thought if I used my hair as a screen I would be able to ignore them better. I didn't like being the center of attention, but around my friends I was less shy but still as clumsy as ever. Jasper walked in a few moments later, when he spotted me he walked over and sat down beside me. I acknowledge his presence with a nod of my head, while I kept my face turned down and the screen of hair there. Then the teacher walked in and called the class to attention. Mr. Edison, informed the class that we were going to be working on poetry, we were to find poems that meant something to us, to try and interrupt some that he had chosen, as well as trying to write one. We were set to look at all different types of poetry. I thought that this was going to be an interesting assignment. We were given a week and a half to complete it. In that time we would be looking at the varieties of poems. Mr. Edison had many poetry books with him for us to look at. So that was how I spent the class, reading poetry trying to find something I connected to, and trying to come up ideas for my own poem.
Gym was bad to say the least, but at least Hailey was there. We were playing volleyball, and considering my lack of hand eye co-ordination I knew I was going to get hurt. I ended up falling down about half a dozen times. The opposing team realized I was the weakest link so they continually tried hitting the ball at me. But Hailey was always there to help. I was glad that none of the teacher made me stand in front of the class and do the embarrassing new kid speech. Finally gym was over and I went with Hailey to the change room, to change before heading off for lunch. There were comments being thrown around in the locker room about the difference between me and Hailey, a few of the girls were even laughing out right at my lack of co-ordination. Bells don't listen to them. I love you, I love that we are not the same and nearly completely opposite. Hailey, I can't even walk across a flat floor without finding something to trip on. Please stop. I am fine I know I am clumsy I have come to terms with that. I ignored my sister's comments, I always felt out of place and even more so now. I put on my happy face and walked out and headed to lunch with my arm linked with Hailey's.
At lunch Hailey dragged me to the lunch line, she picked out pizza and chips and I got a salad, but both of us grabbed a coke. That was one thing we both always loved. Then I followed her to the table were everyone else was sitting. "How are your classes going so far Bella?" Ali asked me. "Well let's see, first I had English, well that wasn't too bad we are working on poetry, then gym well that was a nightmare. Let me put it that way, if Hailey wasn't there saving me over and over again, I'm sure I'd be in the nurse's room right now with a concussion." I replied exasperated. Hailey rolled her eyes at me and said, "It wasn't that bad Bella. The other team was just picking on Bella because she isn't very good athletically." I laughed at this comment but it lacked any humor. "Yeah, yeah, think whatever you want sis that is where I would have ended up and you know it." I replied sarcastically. "Bella sarcasm doesn't suit you. Cheer up, it really couldn't have been that bad." Edward said. I rolled my eyes at him. "Why don't you ask the other girls in my class and all the comments they were throwing around at the end of class." I snapped. I was getting really annoyed now. I needed to get out of here before I snapped at someone unintentionally. I got up and said, "I'll see you all later, I need to get something out of my car." With that I left the table and headed outside. I had no intention of going to my car, I needed to find somewhere quite to go and sit down and let myself cool down and get my thoughts under control.
Once outside I found a big tree just off to the side of the school and walked over there to unwind. I pulled out my i-phone and plugged the headphones in to listen to some music. I found myself getting lost in the tunes. When on came Evanescence My Immortal, I felt the tears start forming in my eyes as I quietly sang along with the song, I quickly pressed the skip button then on came Haunted and I couldn't hold the tears back. I sat there and cried, silently singing along with the lyrics. No one came out looking for me and for that I was grateful. Once I heard the bell ring I got up to head for class. I figured I would stop at a bathroom on the way and see how bad I looked. I had red swollen eyes and you could see the dark circles that were under my eyes. I cleaned myself up as best as I could and reapplied some concealer to hide the dark circles. You could still see them slightly but it wasn't too bad. I knew it was time to get out and head to class. I also knew I was late I had heard the second bell ring already. I hoped I wouldn't get into too much trouble, being that I was new and all, I could just pretend I got lost.
I made it to class a few moments later. I apologised to the teacher as I entered, explaining that I had accidently gotten lost. He said as I was here now that I could introduce myself to the rest of the class. I knew he and I were not going to get on now, he was doing this because I was late I am sure. So I stood in the front of the class and introduced myself. By the end I was bright red from blushing and made a hasty dash for the empty seat at the back of the class near Jasper. "Hey, are you okay?" Jasper whispered to me. I nodded my head in reply. "You sure, because you looked embarrassed up there and you look like you've been crying." He whispered to me again. I turned to look at him, "Jasper, I'm fine. Really I am, never better, I promise." Jasper looked at me and rolled his eyes. "Okay, yes I got embarrassed I don't like being the center of attention, having everyone focus on me. But what was I suppose to do, the teacher made me stand up there and introduce myself. Other then that I am fine." I whispered back at him, before I returned my attention to the text book we were supposed to be working out of.
Jasper's POV.
I walked into advanced maths and looked around for Bella, she wasn't there. I walked to the back of the class and waited for her to enter. The teacher called the class to order and still Bella had not shown up. When she finally walked in – late I might add – I could see that she had been crying. The teacher Mr. Marks made Bella stand in front of the whole class and introduce herself, I could see that she was nervous about this, she even blushed slightly. When she started heading towards me she tripped slightly and that made the blush in her cheeks become even redder. I felt sorry for Bella, I knew what it was like to be new and how you ended up being the center of attention even if you didn't want it. I had been in that situation years ago when I moved in with my aunt and uncle and Rose.
Bella sat down and I asked if she was okay, she nodded at me. I continued to check saying she looked really embarrassed up there and that it looked like she had been crying. She just dismissed me again saying she was fine. After rolling my eyes at her I finally got her to open up a little. She admitted to being embarrassed, and then turned her attention back to her book. I sat there thinking about her, wondering what caused her to cry, thinking I would never want to see her cry again, how I would do anything to prevent her from shedding tears again. It was then I realized I liked this girl, really liked her. I had never liked anyone, I knew I wasn't good enough to like anyone like that. My parents had told me time and time again, I wasn't good enough to have anyone to love or have anyone love me in return.
I was lost in my thoughts for the rest of class and only pulled back to what was happening around me because the bell rang signaling the end of class. I packed my books back into my bag and waited for Bella. She stood up beside me and motioned for me to lead the way to our next class, history.
Bella's POV
Maths had been exceedingly uncomfortable from the minute I walked into the room. I spent the class with my head buried in the text book trying to do my work and avoid Jasper's gaze. He knew I had been crying before I had entered class, and he knew I was embarrassed about having to introduce myself, but he seemed to genuinely care. It was the most I had heard him say all day. I was stunned at the sound of his voice, I could hear the southern drawl. I heard the bell ring signaling the end of class. I moved slowly packing them into my bag, I realized Jasper was waiting for me, and then I remembered we had history next together. I stood up and motioned for him to lead the way, considering he knows his way around the school it made the most sense.
History passed in relative silence between Jasper and I. I was able to sit there in the silence and think, I was able to think about everything. I could tell that he had been hurt at some stage in his life. I felt bad for him, I knew what it was like to be hurt. Mine was not just emotional, but physical as well. I can't believe I let it happen to myself for so long, but I knew it was all my fault. I knew if I had been stronger or better then it would never have happened. I just couldn't let anyone know what had happened, I couldn't have them judge me or ruin anyone's life because of me.
Finally it was the end of the day. I raced out to my car waiting for Hailey and Alice to meet me. I wanted to get home and lock myself in my room, I needed space, and I needed to think. Hailey walked up to me, I hadn't even realised she was there until she spoke to me. "Hey Bells, you seemed lost in thought are you okay?" I didn't trust myself to answer so I simply nodded. Hey Bella, you can tell me if something is wrong you know. Hailey mentally spoke to me. I know sis. I'm sorry today was a little overwhelming. I have never been good at being the center of attention. I just want to go home. Then I asked her out loud, "So sis, do you want to drive home?" Hailey squealed at me in delight. I could tell she was really, really excited about this. She was nodding her head at the same time. I knew then I had diffused the situation of her asking anymore questions about my mood and I also knew that when we got home she would also let me be. Thank God.
I spent that afternoon in my room. I was working on my homework, and then I checked my emails. I had 5 from mum. I read them all then replied to her. Geesh, worry much. I stayed in my room until tea, then I came down ate with Charlie and Hailey, watched some television with them and then called it an early night explaining I hadn't gotten a lot of sleep last night because of the rain. The both just nodded at me too absorbed into the game they were watching.