Chapter 4: Strange

Emma POV

I heard a knock at the door but I ignored it, I buried myself deeper within my blankets hiding from the morning light. Sleep was so good. I needed the distraction of pleasant dreams. I heard the door open and I knew Bella was coming to shake me awake. Ugh, high school I would rather not. I clung to my blankets as Bella pulled them away laughing.

"You are worse then me, get up…" she said laughing as she unrolled me from my blankets; she was strong for someone so little.

"Fine, give me five more minutes…" I buried my head into my pillow.

"Nope, get up," she tugged my pillow from underneath my head.

"Bella Swan you are evil!" I shouted. I heard an unfamiliar laugh echo from downstairs.

"Who is that?" I asked shocked that there was a man in the house that wasn't Charlie.

"Edward, I am sure he just got a kick out of you calling me evil," she rolled her eyes.

Well, I was wide-awake now.

"Do I have time for a shower?" I asked.

"You have half an hour if I take you but an hour if Edward drives us, he drives fast," she smiled.

"I'll take my chances and the hour."

"Okay, you have been forewarned," she said with a tone of mock foreboding.

I grabbed my shower things and rushed to the bathroom, as I closed the door I heard Edward.

"Ha! You evil? Not my sweet Bella."

I turned on the water in the shower as I brushed my teeth. I hope that I will get that back, get Jackson back. The love between Edward and Bella is apparent and I haven't even met him yet.

I took a fast shower and quickly changed. I dressed simply enough in a tight pair of dark denim jeans, a black form fitting tank top, a pair of checkered slip on shoes and a warm zip up hoodie. I went to the vanity in my room and put on a light coat of silver shimmer eye shadow, just enough to make my blue eyes pop even more. I bit of mascara to make my blonde eyelashes show up. I put on some chap stick and combed my long blonde hair.

Jackson called it my mermaid hair. We used to swim together and I would let it pool around me. I tear ran down my cheek I quickly rubbed it away.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and called him, his voicemail came on but I hung up without leaving a message. I sighed. Off to school.

I grabbed my favorite scarf, a present from my parents from this past Christmas. I wrapped it around my neck letting it keep me warm.

I hurried down the stairs to find Bella sitting in a man's lap, that must be Edward. They had their heads together but they weren't kissing at that second.

"Good morning," I called behind me as I opened the pantry and grabbed a granola bar. Making myself right at home in their kitchen.

"Good morning," they replied in unison.

I turned around and noticed how handsome Bella's boyfriend was. He had the most amazing eyes. He was super pale. I was amused by the differences of our skin tones. I was quite tan, I spent a lot of time swimming. San Diego was just too nice not to get tan. I guess I will be just as pale in a couple of months. Oh, well.

"Emma, this is Edward Cullen," Bella introduced "Edward, this is Emma Riley."

She seemed so happy that we were finally meeting I stuck out my hand to shake, and he looked reluctant to touch me. Ever the gentleman he took my hand and gently shook it.

I was surprised how cold his hand was. It was almost as if he had his hand in snow. I looked outside but there was no snow anywhere in sight. Strange.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Bella has been talking non-stop about you since you arrived," he said. He was handsome, but no one could compare to Jackson.

"It's nice to meet you too, should we go?" I asked, "Look at the time."

Bella looked at the clock in horror. She groaned.

"I can not be late today." Edward grabbed her hand as she slid off his lap in a hurry.

"Don't worry I'll get you there on time," he said.

"Yes, but will you get me there alive?" she asked teasingly. He rolled her eyes as if it was obvious that he would never hurt her.

I grabbed my book bag and followed them out the door. Edward had a nice car. It was sensible, but I could tell that it was expensive and fast.

As we drove to school I couldn't help but laugh. Bella clung to her seat petrified.

She was honest. Edward drives fast.

But unlike her I loved it. It was like a roller coaster that you controlled.

I had tears trickling down my face as we pulled up to the school. Thankfully they were tears of joy. I had not had that much fun in so long.

I was still laughing as I unbuckled my seatbelt. Edward looked smug.

"She enjoys my driving," he gestured at me. Bella just scowled at him.

I got out of the car as they said their goodbyes. She kissed him goodbye, they had apparently made up. Bella joined me on the sidewalk.

"That was fun!" My stomach ached from laughing so hard and I could tell hers ached too but more out of nausea then pleasure. She led me to the office but didn't come in.

"I'll be late, come find me at lunch if we don't share any classes," she called out as she hurried towards her first class.

"Okay, see ya later," I called back as I stepped inside the warm office. The woman at the desk smiled at me warmly. The nameplate read Mrs. Cope. I stepped forward to introduce myself but she beat me to it.

"You must be Emma Riley! Charlie was in here yesterday," she smiled a sad smile at me.

She knew that I had lost my parents she probably knew about Jackson too. The whole town probably knew. I know that Charlie didn't spread the gossip but it was bound to get out one way or the other, I just hoped I wouldn't be treated differently. She piled up a stack of papers.

"Here is your schedule, have your teachers sign this sheet and bring it back, the rest is just school rules and announcements. Have a good day!" she called as I turned to leave.

"Thank you," I replied with a tiny wave.

I looked at the school map as I stepped outside. My first class was in the math building. Which was on the other side of campus. As I reached my first class my cheeks were frozen.

Who knew that April could be so cold?

I opened the door to the classroom and stepped inside. Everyone was completely silent. I didn't dare to face the class; I could imagine that they were all staring at 'the new girl.' I handed my slip to the teacher to sign. He signed the slip and gave me a book and a list of future homework assignments. He told me to take a seat. I headed to the open chair and avoided making eye contact with the other students. I paid close attention to the lesson. Out of the corner of my eye I could see people glancing at me. The bell rang shortly after I arrived. I gathered my things but before I could escape the girl in front of me turned around.

"Hi, I'm Angela," the girl said. She seemed nice.

"Hi, I'm Emma, it is nice to meet you," I said.

"What class do you have next?" she asked.

I checked my schedule, "English." I showed her my class list.

"Me too, let's go." I talked with Angela as we walked. She didn't ask me any uncomfortable questions. She told me a funny story about her twin brothers. I am glad I don't have to go through that. She was really nice. I seemed to have made my first friend.

"I'll save you a seat next to me," she said as I stopped at the teacher's desk.

"Thanks Angela." I handed the teacher the slip of paper. She signed it and gave me a reading list; I had read everything except a couple of books at the bottom of the list labeled extra credit.

I headed back to the seat next to Angela. We passed notes back and forth. She had already read everything too; the teacher was going over Hamlet.

My next two classes passed quickly, I received many stares from fellow classmates but no one had initiated friendship the way Angela had.

I checked my phone for the millionth time, hoping to have a missed call. But my phone was blank. My heart plummeted a little further.

I tired to convince myself that there was still a chance that he was okay. I pushed my thoughts aside and concentrated on the lecture.

The bell eventually rang releasing everyone to lunch. Thank goodness I didn't have to go through the 'new kid' torture of choosing a table to sit at; I just had to find Bella.

I got in line and the guy ahead of me kept glancing at me from over his shoulder. I tried to ignore him but it didn't seem to work.

"Hey, what's your name? You new? Name's Mike," he winked. He winked at me! Are you kidding? I didn't want to be rude, but seriously?

"Emma, and yes I am new here," I said unsmiling. I glanced at my phone checking the display. Torturing myself, anything to avoid this guy.

"Waiting for a call?" he asked.

I nodded, not bothering to give him more of a reply.

"I'll call you, what's your number?" he asked. I looked at the people ahead of us. The line was not moving. I couldn't stand this.

"No thanks, I'm waiting for my boyfriend to call." He opened his mouth to reply but I knew I didn't want to hear it.

"I'm not hungry any more," I said leaving him dumbstruck. I am sure he believed he had me won over. I turned looking for Bella. I finally found her at the far table sitting next Angela.

I hurried over and collapsed between them.

"That bad huh?" asked Bella.

"You have no idea, that guy," I point at Mike, "was driving me insane."

Bella laughed. "Oh, I think I have an idea and thank you by the way."

"Thank me? For what?" I asked confused.

"It looks like Mike isn't infatuated with me any more," she raised her eyebrows and looked towards the lunch line. I saw Mike staring directly at me and heading straight for our table.

"No!" I groaned. I did not need this.

He sat down across from us. And leaned his head in his hands. Staring directly at me. I turned to Bella.

"So, lovely weather we are having, isn't it?" I asked making fake conversation. Angela stifled her giggles but Bella couldn't contain herself.

"Yes, lovely," she answered in a mock English accent.

Mike ignored Bella's teasing. Maybe he was completely oblivious.

"Your lovely," he said to me like a love struck puppy. Yep, he was oblivious. I barely held back an eye roll. He was serious.

"So, Emma tell me about your boyfriend," this came from Angela, she didn't know about Jackson, but I assumed she was trying to get Mike to back off by mentioning the "B" word. I had already tried that but it noticeably didn't work.

"Well, he is my soul mate," that was true. "We have been together for two years, but have know each other much longer. It took us awhile to admit our feeling to one another," I said with a laugh recalling the first time we told each other how we felt.

We dared each other. I dared him to tell me whom he liked and he dared me back. We were both one to never back down from a challenge. We stared at each other deciding what to do. At the same time we blurted out "you." We looked at each other confused, trying to understand what we had heard. As comprehension sat in we both opened our mouths at the same time. "Really?"

We both laughed.

"Okay, we have to stop doing that," I said while wiping away the tears of laughter.

He pulled me to him and wiped the tears away from my cheek. I remember how amazing it felt being so close to him. I had wanted it for so long.

"Can we do this instead?" he asked as he pressed his warm lips to mine. It was our first kiss. It was so sweet and innocent and perfect. Everything was as it was meant to be. I sighed.

"Hello, Earth to Emma!" Bella was waving her hand in front of my glazed over eyes.

I realized I was still in the lunchroom not in Jackson's arms.

I realized everyone at our table was looking at me with sadness. My cheeks were wet. I was crying and I didn't even notice it. But these weren't happy tears. I stood up and grabbed my bag not bothering to push my chair in; I ran outside.

Gulping in the fresh air.

I feel to the ground and pulled myself into a ball, trying to hold myself together.

I took a few deep breaths as body thundering sobs threatened to take me over.

I didn't hear anyone come up but I felt warm arms around me.

"It's okay, we are here, let it out," Angela cooed as Bella rubbed my back. I knew I couldn't let it out, if I did there would be nothing left. I would be an empty shell. Lifeless. I wiped my tears away. And calmed myself down.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled between sniffles.

"No, I am, I didn't know I shouldn't of said anything," cried Angela. I could see tears forming in her light brown eyes. She felt guilty, this wasn't her fault.

"It's okay, it isn't your fault, I need to talk about him, I miss him terribly," I said as I wiped away the last stray tear.

"I am so sorry, about everything," said Angela, she was so sincere. I knew her less then five hours yet she was already such a good friend. I hugged her then stood up, Bella offered me her hand.

"Come on, let's go home, I am sure Charlie won't mind," said Bella as she squeezed my hand in reassurance.

"No, I want to stay," I said in all honesty. It would not help to go home and mope; I need school as a distraction.

"Are you sure?" Bella asked. I could tell she was thinking about dragging me home, I had a good six inches on her. But she was tough, much tougher then she used to be.

"Yes, Bella, let's stay, I just need to freshen up." We went to the girl's bathroom so I could splash water on my face, relive some of the redness. The bell rang telling us to head to class. Bella looked over my schedule.

"Well, you have Physics next, but we do have PE together last period," she said with a smile. I knew Bella was clumsy, that class definitely wouldn't be dull. I waved goodbye to Bella and Angela as I walked to my next class.

The rest of the day went by smoothly. I checked my phone as I walked to the office to turn in my signed slip, still no calls. As I walked into the room I was surprised to see a handsome man talking to Mrs. Cope. She looked as though she could faint from happiness at any moment.

"Yes, Mrs. Cope, Esme and I have taken another teenager," he said with a laugh as he filled out some forms. His voice had a hint of an authentic British accent.

"Well, you certainly have you hands full, Dr. Cullen," she said as she gazed unabashedly at him. He smiled and handed her the clipboard.

She reluctantly took her eyes away from him as she checked the form.

"It looks all set, Jack Cullen, I can't wait to meet him," she said with a silly grin.

"Great, he will be here for classes first thing tomorrow, thank you, Mrs. Cope," he said as he headed back outside. He smiled at me as he walked past. Cullen that sounded familiar. He was Edward's dad. But he was so young.

I grabbed his arm as he walked past; he looked surprised that I touched him.

"I'm sorry," I pulled my hand back, he smiled.

"It's quite alright."

"Are you Edward's father? You have the same last name," I pointed out.

"Yes, I am, you know Edward?" he asked a little surprised.

"Yes, I am living with Bella now, he gave us a ride this morning."

His smile grew, "Yes, he has mentioned you, you should come by, meet the family. Bella's family is ours." He smiled. He was so friendly.

"Emma Riley," I said sticking out my hand.

"Carlisle Cullen," he replied shaking my hand. I noticed his hands were cold too, it must be genetic. "It was nice meeting you, you and Bella should stop by sometime."

"Okay, it was nice meeting you, too," I replied as he stepped out of the office. I went up to Mrs. Cope to turn in my slip. She was still in a daze looking out the window. She noticed me standing in front of her and she tried to compose herself.

"I wonder what the new one will look like," she said under her breath. I held in a laugh. Mrs. Cope was infatuated with the Cullen men, and I couldn't blame her they were unnaturally handsome.

I walked to the parking lot and found Bella talking to Edward, they were leaned up against his car. They waved when they noticed me heading towards them

"How was high school hell?" Edward teased.

I gave him a fake glare. He started laughing, "terrifying," he teased as he pretended to shake.

"Be nice, I'll tell your father," I threatened.

They both looked confused. I decided to confuse them even more.

"We are close, I am sure he wouldn't mind punishing you for me."

"Oh, really? You met Carlisle?" he asked, he didn't seem believe me.

"Yep, just now, in the office," I checked the parking lot, "He just left, he invited me over to meet your family." This seemed to surprise both of them.

"Really?" Bella asked. I simply nodded.

"Well, how about tomorrow after school. I need Bella to do me a favor today." Bella looked at Edward confused.

"Okay, sounds like a plan," I said smiling.

Making friends in Forks was becoming easier and easier.

We headed back to the house. Edward dropped us off and asked Bella to come over in half an hour. She agreed without arguing.

She kissed him on the lips as I stepped inside the house. Bella came in shortly after. She plopped onto the couch while I laid out my homework on the kitchen table.

"I have no idea what he wants," she sighed.

"What do you mean?" I asked. She threw herself down so she was lying on her back.

"This favor, I don't know what it is," she mumbled. She hated being in the dark, she never liked surprises. I remember the time her mother threw her a surprise party for her fifth birthday she was so mad she locked herself in her room and refused to come out for an hour. She hated surprises.

"I am sure it isn't a gift," I said laughing at the memory.

"Don't laugh at me, you don't know!" she shouted, not really angry.

"What don't I know?" I asked.

"Everything!" she sighed and grabbed a pillow and hugged it to her.

"He asked me to marry him," she whispered.

"What?!" I asked shocked at what I heard. She looked at me and could tell by my face that I had heard.

"He did?" I asked, she nodded. "When? What did you say?" I asked eager for details.

"March 22nd, it has been over a month, and I haven't agreed, but I want to but I can't spit the words out," she confessed.

"He loves you, you should see the way he looks at you," I sighed; it was the way Jackson looked at me.

"I know, I want to tell him, I am sure I am torturing him," she giggled, "I should go," she looked at the clock, "I don't drive nearly as fast as Edward, it will take me a bit longer to get there." She pulled herself off the couch and grabbed her keys.

"See ya later," I called as she opened the front door.

"Will you be okay here alone?" she asked, she seemed unsure if it was a good idea to leave me.

"Go, have fun, I have homework to keep me busy," I replied pointing at the stack of books in front of me.

"Okay, I'll be back soon." She closed the door and I heard her leave in her big red truck. I resigned myself to my homework, there was no point in getting behind I had nothing else to do.

I worked for a half an hour until I heard a knock at the door. I got up and answered it. As I opened the door I looked up and saw two handsome guys, maybe my age.

One had short black hair and was very tall the other was a little bit shorter with long black hair that fell to his shoulders both had a deep tan. The taller one looked down at me confused. The other just stared.

"Who are you?" he asked in a deep voice.

"Shouldn't I ask you that, you are at my house," I said smiling. He looked taken aback. He walked off the porch and read the address on the house. He looked at me and looked at the address. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Why are you laughing at me?" he asked trying to pout.

"I'm sorry, you look so confused, I am guessing you are looking for one of the Swan's," I said. His eyes lit up.

"Yes, and they lived here yesterday…" he trailed off. The other was still looking at me.

"They still do, I just live with them," I said.

"Really?" he asked I nodded and he looked pleased.

"That's good to know," the other one said, his voice was just as deep. "I'm Embry," he took my hand and kissed it. His lips were hot, he felt like he had a temperature but he looked healthy. "That's Jacob," he gestured to the one I had been speaking with.

"Hello, I'm Emma," I replied as he dropped my hand and smiled. He mouthed my name 'Emma.'

"Well, Bella should be back soon, if you want to wait, she is with Edward right now," Jacob visibly stiffened. He didn't like Edward I could tell. Embry seemed unfazed.

"We would love to stay," said Embry as he stepped forward.

Jacob however grabbed his shirt, "No, we need to go, I just wanted to make sure that she wasn't in too much trouble for the motorcycles," he explained. Motorcycles? I hadn't heard anything about motorcycles.

"I don't think she is in trouble, at least not since I got here," I answered. Jacob seemed satisfied with this.

"Tell her I am sorry," he said with sad eyes. He grabbed Embry and pulled him down the driveway to his Volkswagen. Embry looked pissed.

"Bye Emma, I hope to see you soon," he called as Jacob slammed his door shut.

I laughed. I had another admirer. At least he was a gentleman. I closed the door but before I could sit down I heard Bella's truck come rattling down the driveway. When she turned it off everything went silent. I opened the door again and she was carry bags full of clothes. That was surprising, I knew she hadn't gone shopping.

I went out and helped her bring in the bags. Bella went up the stairs and dumped everything she was carrying onto my bed.

"Alice." she explained without another word.

"She didn't buy all of this, did she?" I asked. Everything was expensive. Designer jeans and tops, two bags full of shoeboxes, skirts and a few dresses. And in my hands two bags full of beauty supplies.

"Like I said she loves to shop." I pulled out a few items they were exactly my size. I looked at Bella she sighed.

"Don't ask, she gets everything right," she said knowingly.

"I can't accept these, I was fine with going to the mall, I could never pay her back," I fingered a silky sea foam green dress.

"She wouldn't take your money, I've tried, trust me. Just be glad she isn't here to style you, she takes hours," Bella mumbled understandably used to Alice's torture. I hadn't even met her yet and she was already spoiling me. But unlike Bella I love clothes. I smiled as I looked over everything.

"Bella what is her number I have to call her to thank her," I asked.

"Here," she grabbed my phone and programmed Alice's number along with hers and Edward's. "Now you can reach us," she said smiling.

"I'm going to go do some homework before dinner, do you mind if I order a pizza?" she asked.

"Nope, sounds good," she turned to leave but the visit from Jacob and Embry popped into my head.

"Bella?" she turned back and lifted her eyebrows, "Jacob and Embry stopped by."

Her face froze, "what did he want?" she asked with a slight edge.

"He wanted to make sure that you weren't in too much trouble and that he was sorry," I answered. She looked relived. She laughed.

"Well, I have you to thank for that. Charlie lifted my punishment when he found out you were coming to live with us, something about showing he wasn't a bad guy," she said with a smile.

"That's good, at least I am good for something!" I teased, "I'm going to call Alice, I'll be down in a bit."

Bella nodded and closed my door for privacy.

I dialed the number labeled Alice. The phone rang once before a confused voice answered, "Hello?" it sounder like wind chimes, sweet and light.

"Hi, this is Emma Riley, I am living with Bella…" I said but she cut me off with a scream.

"Emma! I have been so eager to meet you, Bella says you like shopping! Did you like the clothes?" she asked excitedly.

"Yes, thank you, they are too much really-" She cut me off again.

"No, take them, wear them and when we get a chance we can go shopping!" She squealed.

"I can't wait until tomorrow!" she added.

"Why? What's tomorrow?" I asked intrigued.

"I'll be at school! And you have a surprise; a good surprise," she hinted.

"Okay…" I said hesitantly, "I guess I'll see you tomorrow Alice, thanks again by the way."

"I'll see you tomorrow!" she sang as I hung up the phone.

I smiled; she was energetic to say the least.

I picked up my phone again and called Jackson, the voicemail picked up and my mood dropped like a deflated balloon. I left a quick message telling him that I loved him and that I wasn't giving up hope.

I laid on my bed until I heard the doorbell ring signaling the pizza delivery guy. I heard the guy hit on Bella as I walked down the stairs, as I turned the corner he saw me. He must have been about 28, stoned out of his mind and still living at home I am sure.

"Wow, two gorgeous sisters, a blonde and a brunette, my lucky day," he started to step forward but something pulled him back.

"They aren't interested." A man's voice said gruffly.

I looked through the door way and saw Edward give him money and take the pizza. The guy looked terrified. He scurried to his car and peeled out of the driveway.

"Oh, Edward! Our hero!" a sighed dramatically feigning the life of a princess. He smiled at me smugly enjoying the praise. He grabbed Bella and pulled her close.

She smacked him away, "You shouldn't have done that, we were fine!"

He pulled her back, "But Bella, you didn't hear what he was thinking!"

Bella's mouth dropped and she looked at me. Edward flinched and slowly turned his head to look at me. He could hear what he was thinking, was he serious? He looked as though he made a big mistake.

"Kidding!" he replied. But I could see through his façade.

Bella was stunned she knew that he could read people's thoughts!

He looked at me intently as though looking below the surface. It dawned on me he was trying to see what I was thinking. I threw my hands around my head at a feeble attempt to stop him.

"Stop it! You don't want to go in there!" I yelled. Begging him to stay out.

"It was a joke, I'm sorry," he said lamely. But I knew, it was no joke somehow he could listen to peoples thoughts.

"I'm going to bed," I stomped up the stairs as quickly as my legs could carry me. I was no longer hungry, I wanted to be alone.

I heard Bella shout, "How could you slip? She knows you weren't joking!"

"I'm sorry, I forgot she was here, I'm so used to it just being you and me."

I closed the door and threw myself onto my bed; I pushed the bags of clothes off onto the floor too lazy to put them away. How could he read thoughts? How?

I let the possibilities of how that could happen consume me until I fell into a dreamless sleep.