Isabella & Abrielle
Disclaimer- I bow down to the original. I do not own Twilight or its characters. Just own Abrielle.
AN- I am forgoing the actual Psychology paper topics and leaving it up to your own imaginations. I figured that would be more interesting. But if this is something you like to suggest I am willing to change my mind and alter it if a suggestion topic is made.
Chapter 3: A Change in the Air
I walked to school today. Since we did not live that far I wanted some time away from Bella. I did not want to take a chance Edward being brought up. I heard cars were speeding by heading to school. Then one in particular sped by so fast my hair shot up to my face and hit me in the eye. Ouch! I looked through my uninjured eye and say a silver card pull into the lot. The scowl on my face was facing in the direction of the parked death mobile. The doors opened and I saw Alice jump out and turn around she waved at me. The others soon left the car and looked at what she was doing. The drivers door opened and Edward exited the vehicle. My scowl about my eye was soon replaced with one of nerves as I looked to the ground as I headed for the school entrance. Alice came over.
"Good morning Abby. How was your weekend?"
My nerves we still high as I tried to focus on what Alice asked me. "Um it was alright. I hung out with a family friend. Other than that it was just a boring weekend. How was yours?"
Her family was walking toward the school now and stayed far away from us. I noticed Edward was watching us when I had turned to look at Alice. He looked confused.
"It was nice. Edward came back this weekend and we spent some family time talking about his trip. I really wanted to go to Port Angeles this weekend, but was not able to. Maybe you can come with me next weekend. I wanted to stop at a few stores. Would you like to go with me?"
As I was looking at Alice again I noticed Edwards face changed to an expression of shock then he did not look happy. Well I guess he does not like the idea of me being friends with Alice. That decided it right there. "Sure Alice. I think that is a great idea. I could use a few things myself."
"Wonderful. Well I will see you in English." With that she left and headed for her locker.
Bells found me on the way to English. She asked why I walked. I told her that I just felt like it. There was not really anything else to say. In English it was the usual book talk that I heard before. Bella looked a little bored too. Alice was just sitting there. I think she was paying attention but she was a bit still.
I was in my Psychology class when the door opens and in walks Edward. He is not in this class. The teacher looked at his paper and signed it. She directed him toward the seat behind me. He walked past me. I head him settle into the chair and heard his books lightly land on the desk. I felt my hairs on the back of my head start to prickle and rise as if he were staring at me. I fought the urge to turn around. Lets just say the class might have taken place, I just would not know. I was not paying any attention to what ever was being said. When the teacher handed out a packet, I looked it over and notice that it was a project. Not only that but we would be getting partners. This did not scare me...much. I was trying to calculate the odds that he would be my partner. One side prayed to all that was holy that he would get someone else. The other part wanted to be stuck in a room with him alone. That was unusual thought for me. We were allowed to choose a partner, but if there was going to be problems then she would take charge and decide for us. I looked around the room. I have never talked to anyone in here. I saw Alice's boyfriend Jasper. Edward would probably work with him so I was safe there. Disappointed at that realization. The teacher gave us the last five minutes to choose a partner and make plans with them to start work on it.
I was about to go towards a quiet looking girl when a voice stopped me.
"Abby, would you be my partner on this project?" Shock was apparent on my face as I turned around and looked at the voice. It was like velvet. Could a person ever say no to it when they were asked to do something? I found my ability to speak temporarily disabled. I stuttered. His crooked smile at my reaction made all thoughts stop. I just gazed at him my mouth was probably hanging open.
"What do you say partner about doing idea number 2 on the list?" Huh? What list? His smile was even bigger as he saw my confusion.
"Should we start today after school? Meet in the library?" Library after school. Project with Edward.
"Aha" Wow my ability at such a intellectual conversation astounds me. The bell rang helping me to come back to reality.
"I will meet you there after school. Oh and see you in music class." He then got up as my eyes followed him and walked out with Jasper who had an amused expression on his face.
Jasper still had that expression on his face when he walked into Biology II. He looked at me with that same expression and winked. Huh what is up with that. Did Edward say something to him. Na, impossible. Why would he. My partner in class was that quiet girl from Psychology. Here name was Hannah. She said she got stuck with some idiot to do her project with. I felt bad for her. I told her I was going to ask her but was stopped by Edward. She smiled at me.
"That was lucky. I would not mind him as a partner. He is very handsome. I would have loved to been your partner too."
"He is attractive, but I feel a bit uncomfortable. I think the project would have gone better with you. Plus he chose topic two. If is going to be awkward doing that one with him."
"He chose two. Oh my that should be interesting. We chose number four. That will be a lot easier considering I will most likely be doing the project alone."
The class finished and I headed off towards lunch. I have given up on the idea of getting away from Bella and her crew. I am not sure why she is with them. They are more social than we are use to. It is an odd match. I think it is because of the boys reaction to fresh meat that the girls have dragged us to their table. Well her more than me. I am still young after all. Bella whispered to me as we were on our way to the table from the lunch line.
"Have you seen Edward today?" Oh here it goes. Does she have a crush or something. I guess it would be better with her. He is her age. Wait a minute. Why would she when he treated her like a stinky mutt.
"Yes, he is in my Psychology class." I kept it short. Maybe that would be enough.
"Really, I didn't know he was in another one of your classes? I thought it was only music."
"He just joined class today." It seems we were closer to our table because Mike heard us and asked if we were talking about Edward. I forgot Mike was in my class. I usually just ignore his presence.
"Yes we were."
"Well didn't you get him for a partner in the class project?"
I looked at Bella. I could tell because I know her so well that she was confused why I hadn't mentioned that yet.
"Yes he is my partner. Who is you partner?"
"I am working with Hannah." Oh this is who Hannah was complaining about. I stifled a chuckle at all that Hannah said about him. She had never spoken his name.
"You got a great partner. I am sure you will get a high grade."
"Yeah, I think you are right." He then turned his attention solely on Bella. You could see her posture slump in resignation. Poor kid. I zone them out like usual and started eating my sandwich and cracked open my book.
I can actually say I forgot about Edward Cullen for the rest of lunch. I think Mike's distraction about Hannah helped.
He on the other hand startled me at my locker.
"Hey partner, can I walk with you to class?" He did not wait for a reply before he had my violin in his hands walking in the direction of the room. I was temporarily dumbfounded and then scurried along to catch up.
"You were gone last week?" Why did I blurt that out?
"Yes I was. I needed to be with some family friends last week. Personal issues." He looked ahead not looking over at me as he spoken. Almost like he was embarrassed.
"Everything work itself out," I hedged.
"For the most part. I think I got a handle on things." At this he turned with a smile.
"You seems better than last week. I am glad it worked out well for you."
"Thank you. It did. I am sorry if I was rude before. I was not myself." He still had a beautiful smile.
"That is ok. I see no lasting damage." I smiled back at him. We then headed into class. He handed me my violin as he walked towards the piano.
I got some curious glances by some of the girls as I settled in my seat. I looked at Edward and saw he was smirking as he looked down at the keys. He looked like he was trying not to laugh. I wonder why.
Class was better now that Edward was back and was not angry with me. I felt at home now in the class since the trouble that were plaguing me were dissipating.
Gym was dreadful. Bella tried to talk to me about Edward, but Mike saved me by trying to get her attention. I got hurt a few times by Bella's inability to play volley ball. I got hit in the head, back, stomach, and she fell on me. I was sure going to have some bruises. I tried to escape her when she was getting ready. I practically yelled that I would see her later. I needed to work on a project so I would not be home after school. I heard her exclamations as I exited the locker room. I exchanged my stuff at the locker and headed off ready for what awaits in the library.
He was already there flipping through a book. I stopped in the doorway and just looked at him. He looked up and gave that half smile as he pulled out the chair beside him. I was hesitant. I thought about sitting in the chair across from him, but resigned to sitting in the chair offered.
"So any ideas on where we should start," I asked. My eyes were on my things as I took my time settling in. I wanted to avoid his eyes in case I forgot how to speak again.
"Your limping a little. Did you hurt yourself?"
"I had gym with Bella. She is coordinately challenged. I was the target of her destruction. I believe she pelted me with the volleyball about three times and fell on me once. I think that is when I twisted my ankle." His sudden laughter at my injuries was not surprising. Who would not laugh.
"Maybe you need a bodyguard to fend off your sisters attacks. You sure they are on accident?"
"Yes, I do not think she purposely embarrasses herself just to hurt me. She spend most of gym with a red face from blushing so much. So where should we start."
"Well do you want to go off personal experiences first or head for the clinical information."
"Well I'm not sure, what do you suggest?" I was nervous because I had no information to add for the paper.
"Personal experiences will bring more to the project, but if you feel uncomfortable we can head right to the books."
"It's not that I am uncomfortable. I...well to say...I really don't have any that deal with the topic. Do you?"
He looked at me like he was trying to read the truth. He must have gauged that I was telling the truth because he spoke.
"I really do not have any person first hand experience with what is mentioned in the topic. I am not unfamiliar." It clicked that he was not so different than me. It seems we share this similarity. I smile at that thought.
"Well why don't we head to the books. Since we don't have experiences maybe we can interview a few people to bring some first hand knowledge into the paper." He nodded his agreement as he stood up walking over to I guess was the psychology section.
We sat is silence for awhile making notes from the books we found. At one point I wanted to highlight a copy I made of the book's page. I asked for the highlighter. Edward reached over to me without looking to hand it to me. My hand graze his and I felt a shock run right up my arm from when I touched him. I dropped the highlighter and it fell off the desk. I looked up. He looked like he got the same shock. He then bend down and retrieved the marker and dropped in on my paper as not to touch me again. I tried to refocus on my reading. It was tough, but I did it. Every once in a while one of us would bring up something we found that was pertinent to the paper. It was nearing five when my stomach growled. Then I head a chuckle.
"Looks like I am a bad partner. I worked you so hard and forgot to feed you. Would you like to go get something to eat?"
I was blushing at my growling stomach but was shocked when he asked me to diner.
"You don't have to. I am sure Bella has some food cooking at home."
"Nonsense. Give her a call telling her you won't be home for dinner."
"But my Dad?"
"She can tell him you are out with your partner working on a project and will eat with them."
When he said it like that so simple, How could I not.
"Alright." I rose to go find a pay phone.
"Where you going? Do you need to use my phone?"
"Yes that would be great. I don't have one."
I punched in the number waiting for her to answer.
"Hello?"
"Hey Bells, can you tell Dad I will be home later. I am going to have dinner while working on my project."
"With Edward?"
I hesitated, "Yes"
"Is he there right now?"
"Yes"
"How is he? Is he nice? You know he is not in my Biology class anymore. I was trying to tell you in gym, but Mike kept butting in. I guess that is why he is in your Psychology class. I think he changed a few of his classes. Now he is in none of mine."
"Oh, really."
"Are you going to answer my questions?"
"Later alright?"
"Later. I will hold you too it. I will let Charlie know. I will not say you are with a boy. He might not like his fifteen year old daughter alone with a seventeen year old boy."
"You are probably right about that. Thanks. Talk to you later. Bye"
"Bye"
"Are we ready to go eat?"
"Yes" I did not look at his face when I gave him his phone back. I was self concous due to Bella's questions. It is not like he heard them.
We packed up and put the books away and he took my bag from me as we left the library. I followed him to his car. I started thinking about what Bella said about my age and his age and being alone.
He opened the door for me and place my bag in the back seat.
He was in his seat in no time and he pulled out of the spot driving rather quickly out of the lot. That made me remember how he arrived.
"Do you always drive like a bat out of hell?
He chucked at my question. "I like to drive fast. My whole family like fast cars. Mine is the more sensible of the lot."
"You all have your own cars? How come you drive together to school?"
"Their vehicles are more ostentatious. Plus we care about the environment. Don't want to abuse it by driving 5 cars to the same location."
"How very green of you."
He chuckled again. "Why did you walk to school instead of driving in with her?"
I did not want to tell him the real truth so I chose partial. "I am more green than you." I smiled and continued, "I just wanted to have the quiet time walking to school. Bella has been pushing my nerves a bit. You should understand you do have four siblings, that must be worst."
"Yes I agree that at times they are overbearing. Would you like me to pick you up tomorrow? He looked over at me questioningly. "You know just so you don't have to ride to school with Bella."
"You don't have the space remember. There are five of you." He got out of the car after he parked it.
"Oh that, they can go in one of the other cars. I bet they would love that anyways. They don't mind showing off their cars. It will make their day." Edward opened my door and I stepped out of the car.
"If you are sure they don't mind, I would like a ride to school. I will end the chance of running me over while racing into the lot again."
"Great, I will pick you up at seven-thirty. We can get you a coffee on the way. Oh and a rebuttal to your comment about my nearly hitting you, that would never happen. I am a safe driver. Fast but safe." We were heading into the diner and seating ourselves by the window.
"That is nice of you, but I don't drink coffee. But if you like one, I don't mind stopping."
"No coffee, huh? Well he can always just talk about the project with the extra time we will have."
I looked at the menu. I noticed Edward just watching me. " What are you ordering. He then looked at the menu.
"I think I will get the hamburger and fries. How about you?"
"Well I think I will get the vegetarian plate."
"Your a vegetarian?" His smile and the way he was looking at me was like this revelation was amusing. He can be very odd. A similarity we share.
"Yes, my sister tries her best to mix things up at home so I have lots of vegetarian choices, but if she wasn't there I would be living off of pb&j or grilled cheese sandwiches."
"Well I will have to help Bella out and make sure that you are eating correctly." What! I must have misheard.
"So you are going with Alice this weekend to Port Angeles." It was not a question, more of a statement.
"Yes, your sister if my first friend outside my family. I think she is nice."
"I hope you now include me as a friend. Maybe Alice will bring you by the house after shopping. Maybe join us on the movie night she has planned."
"Alice never mentioned that. She and I have not really gone over the logistics of our outing yet."
"I will remind her."
"You don't have to. I don't want to barge in on family time."
"Nonsense, we would love to have you over."
As I was eating my food I notice Edward was not. I looked up ready to question him when he raised the burger to his lips and took a bite. It seemed odd, but I thought he looked pained or was that discussed. Maybe it tasted like dirt. I was about to offer him some of mine when he started questioning.
"What did you do last weekend? I heard you were with a family friend." His sister likes to gossip.
"I went down with my father to La Push. He went fishing with his pal Billy and I hung out with Billy's son Jacob. We just walked around first beach and he fiddled with his car. That reminds me, did you take the driving test here? If so how was it?"
"La Push. You were in La Push. You were hanging out with Jacob Black?"
"Yes, do you know him? He did not mention knowing you."
"Not personally...wait did you mention me to Jacob?" Damn. How did I not notice I said that.
"I... um... may have mentioned you when I was telling about my first week at school. He did ask me about how it went."
"Really?" He smiled then it faltered. "Did he say anything about my family?" The look he gave was haunting.
"Well, he told me of some old tales of his people. But I am not suppose to talk about what he said. He was not suppose to be telling me about them."
"Come on. I won't mention it to anyone." Then he smiled sending me into a daze. I felt like I could not lie to him. I tried to blink to end the trance but found it almost impossible.
I sighed before the dam broke and my filter disappeared. "The story was of his wolf ancestors and their pact with the cold ones. The tribe's protectors were tribe members that shape shifted into wolves to fend off any enemies that came forth to endanger the tribe. The story he mentioned were the cold ones or vampires that were suppose to not be dangerous because they fed off of animals and not humans. They agreed to a pact that did not allow the cold ones on their land and not attach person in exchange for their secrecy so they could live among the humans."
He just stared at me then looked off into the distance. I started to get worried that I upset him as his brown creased. "I'm sorry."
"What do you have to be sorry for?" He was looking at me confused.
"I upset you. I am sorry I upset you."
He looked at me and a small smile shown on his face. "You did not upset me. You did nothing wrong. The story was just interesting. I was just thinking about it."
"It is just a story right? It isn't real is it? I mean I have never seem anyone at the reservation turn into a wolf. I really don't know much about vampires except what people created in the movies so I can not say what is real."
"It was a story, nothing more. No need to worry about a vampire coming into your room at night and watching you sleep." At this he smiled and turned away like I missed some private joke.
"Yes like why would a vampire want to watch me sleep. As far as I know I don't talk in my sleep like Bella."
"Your sister talks in her sleep? That must be interesting. What does she say?" It is like I am missing something when he smiles and tries not to laugh. I did hear her recently. I heard his name before. But I also hear a lot of odd things too.
"I heard her talk about sundaes and fish having an argument. But I think that was because that night at dinner we had fish that Dad caught and she made us some ice cream sundaes. She was disappointed she forgot the jimmies and cherries.
"Interesting. So you don't have an interesting sleep habits of your own?"
"Not that I know of. Bella and I just started sharing a room and she never mentioned anything. I guess all I do is sleep."
"I won't be so sure of that." He looked like he was holding something back. I decided not to question him on it. I decided that the vampire topic was more interesting.
"You know being a vampire would be intriguing." His sudden look of shock and then blank look caught me off guard.
"How would it be intriguing?" Did he suddenly look serious.
"Well the movies portray them in different lights. I have seen the romanticized version where they are sensual then the monster variety where they are skilled at luring their prey. If I had my choice I be interested in the in between. Knowing he could be dangerous but choosing to be the other side of the coin. I guess a little like Jacob story. Where they rather live like humans even though there is a much darker option available to them." I was wistful and off in my own work as I babbled on telling of my own thoughts on the subject even though I was surely going to get a blast of Edwards anger. "Image the lure of powers that they could have and what they could be capable whether it be fore good or bad. The passion they have for physical attraction is probably almost equal to the lust for blood. But this is all speculation from what is told in books, movies and Jacob stories." I was brought out of my thoughts by a growl.
"What! You think it would be fascinating to be with a vampire? Well?"
"Well I don't know. It would depend on the vampire, just like a human. I would not just be with anyone. It matters who they are not the what. Would I stop caring for my Dad if he became gay? No. If he had a sordid past that I found out about, I would be confused but I would always love him."
"You are absurd. I am not talking about personal life choices. One could easily end your life. How can you romanticize about that."
"I can't believe I am getting into an debate about this. But for arguments sake, if I chose him, I would have put my trust in him that he would not harm me. He would care about me and not want to harm me." Thank goodness the check arrived to hopefully end this discussion. He reached for the check and took out his wallet to pay.
"How much do I owe?"
"It is my treat."
"You don't have to do that."
"Please let me," He looked sad.
"Alright, Thank you." I felt uncomfortable, but allowed it. I wondered what I did to make him sad. Was it the argument?
I stayed quiet as we left and he opened the passenger door of his car for me. We drove in silence until we reached my house. I looked at it and then him.
"You knew where I lived?"
"Everyone one knows Chief Swan's house." He smiled but it did not reach his eyes.
"I guess I will see you at school," I said.
"I thought I was picking you up in the morning." He looked questioningly at me.
"Yes, I'm sorry I forgot. So I will see you in the morning."
"Until then." I got out and walked slowly to the door. I opened it and saw he was still watching me. I waved. He waved and pulled away from the house and down the street.
"Abrielle, is that you?"
"Yes Dad."
"So how did the project go?"
"Fine. Did mostly reading in the library. Just at the research part. Hopefully we will get started on the paper this week."
"Who are you doing your project with?"
"Edward Cullen"
"Which one is he? Is he the tall big one with dark hair?"
"No he is in our grade. He has auburn hair."
"Oh ok. I know Carlisle. I have seen him at the hospital. Nice guy. We were really lucky he took up the position at the hospital. He could have gone anywhere, but he took the job at our small hospital. Never had any trouble with his kids either. With all of them being teenagers you would figure there would be some, but they are more well behaved than the locals."
"Have you ever gone fishing with him Dad?"
"No, but that isn't a bad idea. I know he works a lot, but next time I meet up with him I might just ask. I doubt Billy would go. Him and others from the reservation have stopped going to the hospital after he arrived. He never explained the reasoning. Just plain stupid if you ask me."
The phone rang and I offered to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Abby, its Edward."
"Oh hi, what can I do for you?"
"I just talked to my Dad. Looks Like I will not be going to school tomorrow. Its suppose to be a nice day so he is taking us hiking. I should be able to pick you up on Wednesday, if you still want a ride."
"Alright that is fine. Do you and your family go hiking often?"
"When the weather is nice, Carlisle likes us to be out an enjoy it. It is suppose to be nice and sunny."
"You guys seem like a close family. I hope you have a good time. You can tell me all about it when you pick me up."
"Sounds good. See you Wednesday. Bye Abby."
"Bye"
"Who was that Abrielle?"
"Why hello Isabella."
"Are you going to tell me?"
"Fine lets go upstairs." She followed after me. She shut the door and sat on her bed.
"It was Edward. He is driving me to school on Wednesday. He is spending the day with his family tomorrow and was letting me know he could not bring me to school."
"Are you dating him?"
"What! No, we are not dating. We are working on a project together." I heard the phone ring downstairs.
"Do you like him?"
"Do you like him?"
"I asked you first."
"I am the younger one and you are being childish. It seems to me you are acting this way because you have some interest in him. Are you upset that I am working on a project with him?"
"No I am not. I think he is attractive, but don't forget he thought I smelled"
I tried not to laugh. " He gave me the same face the first day too. He is really a nice guy. I just think we both caught him on a off day."
"What is interesting is how different you seem. You are not the most social person and look what you did. You spent the afternoon with him alone, then had dinner with him, and now you are getting phone calls about rides to school. You are almost normal now."
"Well it seems like you are changing too. You have a few friends at school. Didn't you even go to a basketball game with some of them to watch that Newton and Crowley kid play in the game?"
"You knew about that?"
"Yes I heard. But be warned, I think that blond has a thing for Tyler and Jessica has a thing for Mike. You could be joining your very own soap opera."
"I don't doubt you will be joining one too with the reaction you will get when Edward drives you to school. I can image the daggers girls eyes will be throwing at you for being in the car with him. It seems that he does not show any interest in any girls at school. Now he is having dinner and driving you to school, you are now going to be noticed by the other girls. I know how you try to shy away from that attention."
"Don't act like you are not the same way. I think you may even be worse. You would thrown a fit if someone paid for you dinner or cause you to get unwanted attention. You rather be so independent that you would hurt someone that tried to do something nice just for your own pride." I felt on fire. It stinks that we have to share a room, because right now I wish I had my own space.
"Did he buy you dinner?" The one thing she comments on is that.
"Yes he did. Now excuse me I think I will go for a walk."
"Abby."
I did not stop when she called. At the bottom of the stairs I heard Dad.
"Hey Pumpkin, Billy is coming over tomorrow to watch the game. He is bringing Jake. Do you think you can stay and hang out with him?"
"Sure Dad. I am just going for a walk. I will be back soon."
"Alright have fun Pumpkin" It has been awhile since he called me that. I kind of miss it.
I grabbed my coat and walked around the house and headed into the woods. I didn't even bring my guitar. I just wanted to move. I hear noises from animals I must have scared away as I walk deeper into the forest. It felt strange, but I felt like I was being watched. When the unease rose to high I turned around and headed back. I stopped on the back porch and sat on the chair.
I thought about what Bella said. Yes I thought he was good looking. He was entertaining to talk to. I did have fun. Did I like him as in date him? ... Yes I did. After I realized Bella was kind of right, I headed in side to start my homework. It would not take me too long. I sat quietly as Bella kept shooting me glances. I wanted to yell what, but I refrained. I was still quiet as I got under my covers and tried to fall asleep. It was hard when you figure out you like someone. That someone you will not see tomorrow either. Life stinks at times.