Disclaimer: I hope you aren't too disappointed to find out that I'm not Stephenie Meyer and, therefore, do not own Twilight.

Chapter 6—Bella P.o.V.

Bella was mortified at herself after she asked Edward if he liked music. Of course, she knew Deaf people could play music and dance to it just as well as any hearing person could, but she still felt incredibly awkward. To top it off, that fact reminded her of her grandmother, who had learned to play the piano despite being Deaf. Bella could not remember much about her grandmother's musical skills, since they did not really interact much, but she knew that, when she was a child, she had been impressed.

Bella felt as if her emotions were on a roller coaster and her stomach had suddenly become an inflatable castle; she was definitely not comfortable. She closed her eyes quickly to try and calm herself, but opened them again in less than a second so as to keep eye contact with Edward. As soon as the bell rang, however, she shot out of the class, trying to get as far away from her classmates as possible. Right then, she needed silence and time to pull herself together. She heard resounding footsteps following her and assumed it was Jasper. She just kept running.

"Bella! Bella, stop!"

Now Bella knew for a fact that it was Jasper. She had gotten to the parking lot and into the edge of the forest by now, and she finally slowed down. She had a stitch on her side but, other than that, she was just fine. She had surprised herself, running for that long without tripping over anything. Breathing hard to try and catch her breath again, she rested her back against the trunk of a tree. Jasper caught up rather quickly.

"Bella, are you OK?"

Bella nodded, too out of breath to answer. She felt tears begin to burn at her eyes and she wiped them away angrily before they could spill over onto her cheeks. She let herself fall to the ground so that she was sitting with her back against the tree. The tears just kept coming back, and she kept wiping them away before they had time to form fully.

"Bells, there's obviously something wrong with you. Is this because of all the talk about your grandma?"

"I think so," Bella answered quietly after having finally gained her breath back, "I don't know why it's affecting me this much, though. It's not like the situation is new at all. I should be used to it."

"Well, yes," replied Jasper matter-of-factly, "but most people know not to ask. Since Alice and Edward are new here, they obviously didn't know. Would you like me to explain to them? I'm sure Edward did not mean to upset you."

"Oh, yes," Bella spat out sarcastically, "I can already see how that conversation would go. 'Hey, guys, you know how today Bella ran out on you? Well, it's because you were talking about her grandmother, the one who has ignored her existence since the age of eight and who made it hell for five years before that.'" Bella finished bitterly, the tears threatening to fall once again. Exasperated, she dried them again before continuing, "yes, I'm sure that's exactly what they want to hear about the strange girl they only met five hours ago. Perfect start to a friendship."

Jasper said nothing, he just sat next to her and put his hand on her shoulder. They stayed like that for a while, Bella taking comfort simply in Jasper's presence. Whenever Jasper was around he seemed to calm her down; she did not know why that was, but most people agreed with her. Even her grandmother, who despised her so dearly, had taken to the "sweet boy."

When Bella and Jasper were still young, Bella had decided to learn ASL to be able to speak with her grandmother. All she had received in return had been teasing and bullying from her. Jasper, on the other hand, had only been encouraged and praised, despite the fact that he could barely get through the alphabet at the time. Bella's grandmother had gone so far as to give Jasper his sign name while ignoring her granddaughter's existence.

"Bella, it might be good for you to share your story with some more people…I mean, I don't mind being your confidant, but I think you might be getting too dependent on me. What are you planning to do next year, when I'm in college?"

Bella shuddered. She tried not to think about that. She did not know what she would do when Jasper and Rosalie were gone. Where would she spend her weekends, then? Where would she run off to when things got too difficult in her own home? Of course, the Hales had taken her in as one of their own, but Bella rather doubted Mr. and Mrs. Hale would still be comfortable having Bella living with them three days a week once their own children were gone.

"Look, Bells, it might be a good thing that these kids have moved here. Maybe it's fate, you know? Telling you to spread those little withered wings of yours. You have to fly free, Bella. Fly!"

Bella and Jasper stared at each other for a second before breaking out in laughter. Bella laughed so hard that she fell over, hitting her head on a stone on the ground.

"Ow! That was not there before!"

"Only you, Bella. Only you," muttered Jasper, shaking his head in amusement, still laughing.

"I can't believe you said that. It was so entirely corny."

"What can I say?" asked Jasper, shrugging, "you have played too many chick flicks for me. I swear, I hang out around you and Rosalie so much that your moods affect mine. Let me tell you, your PMSing is nothing to what I go through every month, with both you and Rosie going up and down and up and down and up—"

"Alright, Jazz, alright! I get it! Are we quite done acting like corny BFFs?"

"I think so. No more chick flicks for a week, though. Look at what you do to me!" exclaimed Jasper as he helped Bella up.

"Alright. But you still have to read Wuthering Heights. It really is beautiful…"

Jasper smiled and put up his right hand as if he were swearing something. Bella punched him lightly on the shoulder as they made their way back into the school building. When they were getting to the cafeteria, however, Bella began to feel shy again. She was nervous about what Alice and Edward's reactions had been to her running out. It had definitely not been the most normal behavior, and they were probably contemplating just how much of a freak she was, and how much better off they were without her.

As if reading her thoughts, Jasper dragged her into the cafeteria, heading straight for the table where the siblings had settled. Bella stood nervously behind Jasper as he approached Alice.

"Do you mind if we sit with you?"

"Not at all! Jasper, you sit next to Edward. That way Bella can sit next to me!"

Still somewhat awkwardly and shyly, Bella did as Alice indicated. She took out her lunchbox at the same time as Jasper did, and Alice's eyes bulged out when she saw that their lunchboxes were basically mirror images of each other except that Bella's was blue and Jasper's was red, and they each had their owner's name inscribed.

That is so incredibly cute! Edward, have you seen those? We totally get some like that. Where did you get them? Oh, my, God, I totally have to get Mom to get those!

Bella blushed, letting her hair cover her face. She did not like the attention, particularly when it came over something that the Hales had given her. She did not like to feel indebted to anyone, let alone somebody who, like Jasper's family, had given so much to her without ever expecting anything in return.

Alice, answered Edward, if you even think about matching me in any way, I swear, I will burn your favorite shoes. Yes, he added at her terrified expression, I'm talking about those new Prada boots you bought yourself as a consolation price for moving to the middle of nowhere.

No lunchboxes. Got it. answered Alice, still looking terrified. Bella watched their banter with a sad smile on her face. She was dwelling on Jasper's upcoming graduation again, even if it was nine months away. She could not help but wonder what her life would be like once her best friend was gone. She did not have much time to think about this, however, because they were joined shortly after by Rosalie and her boyfriend, Emmett.

"Hello!" exclaimed Rosalie, obviously curious as to whom Alice and Edward were, "You must be new. I'm Rosalie, this is Emmett. It's very nice to meet you. Do you mind if we sit?"

While Alice nodded and motioned for them to sit, Bella looked at Edward out of the corner of her eye, trying to figure out if he was being made uncomfortable by their speaking out loud. Despite her knowledge of ASL and basic Deaf culture, she had barely ever had any experience with any Deaf people, and she did not really know how Edward might react to her friends. He did not seem to mind, though, and he only had a look of polite interest on his face.

These are Rosalie Hale and Emmett McCarty. Rosalie is Jasper's twin, and Emmett is her boyfriend.

Bella had undertaken it to make the proper introductions, at least to Edward. She was too used to being the oddball, the person always left out, to want anybody to ever feel left out. She was relieved when Edward extended his hand to shake Rosalie and Emmett's. She smiled when they looked like they were going to get along.

Do they sign? asked Edward, still smiling at them.

No, they don't. Sorry, was Bella's reply. She wondered if that would damage her relationship with the Cullens, since they were obviously more likely to interact with signing people. She wondered if they realized just how incredibly small the Deaf community was in Forks, and decided to let him know, Jasper and I are the only ones at school. Forks may be rainy, dark, and cold, but there must be something in the water...there have not been any Deaf people born in the last two generations. The Deaf community here is poor, if existing at all.

Well, Edward replied, tell them that I'm glad to meet them. And, I must say, that, despite however lacking the Deaf community is, I am glad to have met you two.

Bella's heart fluttered. She was not a very popular girl, as just about everyone in Forks knew her story and tried to stay away from her, and so just this sign of friendship made her feel loved. With a goofy smile on her face, she passed the message on. Nobody was paying much attention to her anymore, though. Alice and Rosalie were talking precisely about Alice's new Prada boots, and Emmett and Jasper were talking about the newest videogame they had bought.

Bella turned back to Edward just in time to see him sigh. She felt a stab of guilt; he had probably wanted some time to be alone and calm with his sister! He might have had something important to talk to her about, or maybe he was going to tell her that he really did not like them, or…the possibilities going through Bella's head were endless.

I'm sorry if we intruded. You probably wanted some alone time with your sister, to talk about your day. We should have sat somewhere else, shouldn't we?

At Edward's shocked face, however, Bella was forced to reconsider whether she had interpreted his body language right. She had always prided herself in understanding body language better than most, since it was such a large part of ASL, but maybe her own mood was affecting her interpretations right now…before she really had much time to over think it, Edward replied.

No, no, I'm very glad you came to sit with us. And I'm glad Alice is making new friends. I'm afraid she would have just stayed here to make me happy otherwise, and then I'd feel guilty.

He was selfless, Bella realized. She smiled softly; from what she had seen so far, Edward was a great human being and a very caring brother. She wondered if his selflessness had something to do with the fact that, being Deaf, he must have had to rely on others a lot during his early years. Suddenly a thought stroke her. He had said that he was glad Alice was making friends; he had said nothing about himself.

But, shouldn't you be making friends as well? I thought—, when she realized how impertinent her next question—whether he considered her a friend or not—would be, she decided against asking it; well, never mind.

So, she thought, this boy did not consider her a friend either. She shouldn't feel so dejected, that was perfectly normal. She was shy, mousy-looking, and not at all interesting. It was normal for Edward to not think much of her. She was surprised he thought anything of her at all! After all, boys like him ended up with people like Lauren. Maybe not Lauren, she amended, somebody nicer, but definitely that good looking.

I am also glad to be making friends myself. I never expected to meet signing teens here, in Forks, of all places. I must say, you were a welcome surprise!

Of course he would think her a mere acquaint—she stopped halfway through her thought as her brain finally interpreted Edward's signing. He considered her a 'welcome surprise!' She was elated. She smiled widely, not even attempting to disguise the joy that Edward's confession brought her.

I am very happy to have met you! I…well, I don't have very many friends. It's nice to meet new people. And, she added as an afterthought, my signing was getting rusty. I hadn't signed to anyone in a long time. Jasper doesn't really enjoy it, and I'm afraid a mirror does not really answer when you tell it about your day.

That much was true; it had been a long time since Bella had done any real signing. Back when her grandmother could still bear her presence, Bella would visit her once a week to help her with the house. They would sign then, and that was how Bella picked up most of her conversational flow. Her grandmother was quick to tease her when she signed too slow or used an inaccurate sign. She was snapped out of her reverie by Edward's laugh. It was slightly too loud, but it sounded beautiful to Bella.

Why did you learn ASL? Do you know somebody who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing?

Bella froze. Had Edward been listening to her thoughts or something? He was very close to the truth. She contemplated lying to him for a second before she decided that, technically, honesty really was the best policy.

My grandmother is deaf. I learned for her. Jasper did it to humor me.

Bella's eyes unfocused slightly as she remembered her grandmother and the days when they had still had an easy relationship. That was a long time ago. Too long for Bella to remember much but the smell of jasmine perfume and a beautiful melody coming from the piano…

Well, I can assure you that you have not lost your skill. You sign wonderfully. How long ago did you learn?

I started when I was five, replied Bella, remembering the days when she would stay up until ungodly hours, studying ASL by the light of a flashlight under her bed's sheets. I kind of taught myself, using videos and watching my grandmother. By the time YouTube came into the picture I already knew ASL well enough to be able to practice by looking up videos and trying to interpret what they were saying.

You did very well. I'm sure your grandmother is very proud.

Bella felt her heart fall slightly. Her grandmother was far from proud; she hated her guts. Not that Bella would ever tell this to anyone but Jasper. Her grandmother had a reputation to uphold in the town and she could not let any sort of rumor spread with her at the center. Halfway through this thought, the bell rang and Alice gathered her things, heading behind Edward toward her class. She waved goodbye at him when they walked past the library, where his class was, and she continued to her science class.

Thanks to:

GrlWithoutAName

Viper003

klsymrrsn

bluebaby3296

Cabtwilighter

Kolored

iWant2BaMonsterToo

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Questions & Comments:

cheesepuff311—all shall be revealed with time! Don't worry! (And thanks for reading AND reviewing!)

Dramione12—I'm glad I was of help! If you want to learn more about sign names, just google the term; you'll find plenty!

Alice-the-irish-dancer—I'm afraid my characters are all human...they have no (supernatural) powers.

..Attic—thanks, I found it very easily, and it was rather awesomely cool. I'm actually a swimmer myself, so that was great. As to your questions….it shall all be unveiled as we go on. Since I'm also writing Edward's perspective, I'm trying to show you only as much information as he has. The pieces will come together soon enough, trust me.

twilighter11—ASL stands for American Sign Language. Each country has a separate system, and even British sign language and American sign language are very different. As to the switch between first person and third person...thanks, I went back and changed it. It's kind of hard to write a story from two entirely different points of view while still sticking to the third person. Since last chapter was so filled with realizations and emotions it was particularly hard. Thanks for pointing it out, though!

Joykohl—will do! I don't have a preference for one over the other, and I see how mute might work better. Thanks for being sincere!

Special thanks to:

Hannajamesnivek—yay, new reviewer! And a long one at that! Thanks so much for taking the time to give a thorough review. Thank you so much for your compliments! I'm rather flattered. From your comments I'm assuming that you, like me, are one of those people who read the books, liked them without quite understanding why, and realized just how lacking some sections are...I have often commented that Twilight is written rather well at FFN standards, but it doesn't hold a candle to works like The Lord of the Rings. Anyway, I won't bore you with my criticism. Thanks so much for reviewing!

JazzyJasper—I'm glad you spread the love for ASL around! I never really got to, but since my sister keeps seeing me signing things over and over at the mirror she has gotten interested, and is trying to learn now herself. It makes me happy. And, big giant thanks for your compliment! I really do consider a lot of things art. Even speaking, if done well and with thought behind it, can be an art! I am glad that I have reached out to you guys, and that you take the time to mention it. It feels great! I am really honoured that you would consider my story to be that good. I will try my hardest to make it worth the title!

HONVampyreChick—You are quite welcome! And thanks again for noticing and remarking on what others don't....I was actually pretty worried that I was making Edward be OOC, but you have reassured me...All that work is entirely worth it when readers like you come along. And replying to my reviewers personally is no problem; I like making the link and getting to know you all. It feels better to know the people who are reading, rather than to see them as faceless screen names. Also, I suppose it's selfishness in part...you are more likely to review if I take the time to write back! =]

BroadwayBound96—thanks!!! Giant smile back on my face.