I AM SO SORRY I HAVEN'T UPDATED SOONER. Last week I was at my mom's, therefore NO UPDATE. Then, the week before that, not only was it my first week of school, but I got my braces. Not to mention I'm getting my bottom ones on next week. So, as you can tell, my weeks have been frustrating. And, though I have no intentions of giving up on this story, I won't update as much because of school. Same goes for Strange Attraction. HOWEVER, I may at some point put either this or my other story on a short hiatus so I can focus on one for a bit longer. I'm not really sure, but I'm considering it.

DON'T LOOSE FAITH THOUGH. On the upside, I suddenly inherited every right in the world to Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn!
Pshhh. Right.

CHAPTER 9!

Bella Point Of View

It was my first day of my junior year. I couldn't believe the summer had past so quickly. I wasn't ready for school yet, and I really wasn't ready to be healed. I knew that all the nice weeks of no pain would end tonight, but I couldn't help but hope my Jacob would return. But the thought was useless. I knew—and Edward, for that matter—knew that I would be back to the Bella of before summer started, though Edward didn't know me then; he saw enough in the forest when we first met to last him a life time.

"Edward," I groaned. "I can drive myself. I'm capable!" I yelled at him. He stubbornly insisted that he drive me to school today, not taking no for an answer.

"No, Bella. I want to drive you." He smiled, making my heart beat fast, the kind o beating that was reserved especially for him, the kind of beating it used to do when Jacob was still…Jacob.

I huffed, wracking my brain for an answer. Finally, though I knew it would upset him, I came up with one.

"But, Edward," I protested. "What if Jacob comes to pick me up after school? Or comes by the house to wait for me?" Both of which had happened before, when Mike Newton had still been close to me and insisted that he drive me to school. Let's just say I didn't get off easy. I shuddered at the memories.

Edward looked me straight in the eye, not even attempting to hide his concern for me. Constantly over the summer he would try and convince me to tell the authorities about Jacob. But I would just change the subject, not talking about it. Luckily, knowing my discomfort with the subject, sighed and told me he would meet me at school.

I pushed my ancient truck as fast as it would go, hoping that I wouldn't be late today. I was starting to regret not riding with Edward considering he drives like a maniac. But it was too late to go back now.

Thankfully, I pulled up into the school parking lot in record time. I didn't see Edward's Volvo, so instead of wasting time I pulled into a space with an empty one right next to it, just in case. But just as I was about to get out, I saw him speed, too fast as always, into the parking lot and head toward me and my truck. I smiled, realizing he would follow me all the way here, just to make sure I was okay.

I climbed out of my truck, making sure I had good footing before walking toward the school. I looked at Edward and sighed; today promised to be the longest day of my life.

(A/N I almost stopped there, but 1.) I couldn't leave you with only 470 words! And 2.) I just couldn't do that to you since I haven't written in forever.(: )

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Finally, the last school bell rung. I hadn't gotten my schedule until entering the school, so at first I had no idea if I had any classes with Edward. Luckily, when I found I didn't, Edward used his 'skills' to get his schedule changed to mirror mine. So, lucky me, I would have at least one friend in my classes.

All day we'd heard whispers of four new students that would be arriving tomorrow. I wondered silently what they would be like.

"That was…" I trailed off and shuddered, showing Edward my hatred for my new teachers. He laughed and nodded a yes.

"I completely agree. I would have to say, Forks is very different." I smiled at him, silently agreeing. I didn't know of anywhere else that classrooms had their own buildings; but that was one of Forks' unique quirks, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"I think Mrs. Mayberry has it in for us," he commented. "I mean, did it look like we were passing notes?" We both laughed. She tended to hate everyone.

By now, we were standing by our cars. We both knew we had to part ways, and we both hated too; Edward for my safety, and me for his.

"I'll call you when I get home." To let you know I'm okay, I added silently. But he knew what I meant.

He gave me a sideways glance before turning around to get in his car. I waved and walked around to the other side of my truck. It took a couple tries, but the engine finally turned, assuring me I could get home easily.

As soon as I hit the road, my cell phone started ringing. I guessed it was Edward, but I knew better than to answer it like I would talk to Edward, just in case.

"Hello?" I answered, trying my hardest to make it sound like I wasn't expecting anybody.

"Bella," came Jacob's rough voice.

"Hi, Jacob," I squeaked. Though I knew it could have been him, I wasn't expecting him.

"I'm on my way to your house," he said. "You will be ready for a night out. I've already cleared it with Charlie." This was his usual line when he wanted to take me out, show me off to the world, displaying what was "rightfully his" as he would sometimes tell me.

"Okay," I responded. "I will be ready. Should I dress casual or formal?" His usual answer was casual, which to him was semi-formal. He responded as I expected. I said goodbye and pushed the truck faster and faster toward the house; he would be there any minute.

I pulled into the driveway in a record-breaking 5 minutes. I ran through the front door, not bothering to drop by the kitchen for my usual after school snack.

Straight up the stairs and in my bedroom, I ransacked through my dresser, trying to find something to wear. Finally, I found a red tank top and a long dark blue cardigan sweater. I decided to pair them with a simple pair of skinny jeans that were just a really dark wash.

Lucky me, I still had 10 minutes left until I expected Jacob to be here. But he usually did not like it when he found me eating or watching T.V. "You'll ruin your dinner," he'd say in front of Charlie. "You'll gain weights," he'd hiss for me. So, I did the only thing I expected to be acceptable: sit and read.

I went up to my room and picked up a book Edward had gotten me recently called Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jane Asher. I was about half-way through at this point.

Clay was about to hear his name on the tapes when the doorbell rang. I hastily stood up and ran to the door, slipping on some simple black moccasins on my way. I stopped before opening the door, making sure I was presentable. I then put on a simple smile that would hopefully please him.

The door opened to all of his 5' 9" self. He glowered down at me, his usual greeting when he would pick me up to take me out into public. He moved aside so I could step out of the house, locking and closing the door behind me.

We walked to his blue truck, newer than mine but still old, that he valued more than me. There was no "he may value it more than me". He'd told me before.

Considering tonight was a 'public' night, it would, no doubt, be long.

YAYY. I have gotten this far! And only one chapter away from chapter 10! And, don't you worry, I have plans for the rest of the story. Well, all but how I want to end it. But that's still a long away. ;) Who do you think the 4 new students will be? I haven't mentioned many people, so it could be anyone, but the answer should be fairly obvious. Who does most every author introduce in their story at some point? Haha.

So, please, guys, review. It will give me so much more incentive to write. Also, if you have any requests for...say, point of views, please please please tell me. I want to know what you want.(:

I LOVE YOU GUYSSS.

-Erin