All Characters belong to Stephenie Meyer
I had to calm down so that I could think more clearly. I took a few deep breaths and wiped my eyes for the last time.
'Think.' I commanded myself. 'What exactly did you hear?'
There was something she wanted Edward to stop because it was putting his family at risk. She had implied that it was me, but how could I possibly cause them trouble? I had witnessed the strength Edward had first hand with Tyler's van. He was faster and stronger than anything I had ever seen. I could only assume they were all like that. How could a weak, clumsy human like myself be a danger to them? What could I possible be able to do that would hurt them?
"Oh." I exclaimed out loud as I remembered what else she had said. I knew too much. Did they fear exposure? Did she think I would tell everyone what they were? No one would believe me anyway. I would most likely be institutionalized if I ever did tell people what I knew. I frowned. Maybe it was more than that. Even if no one believed me they would still have the stigma of being accused that would follow them making their life uncomfortable.
I cringed slightly as I remembered how she had referred to me, as a child and an infatuation. Was that really all I was, something to pass the time? He had told her it wasn't like that, but what was it then? There were times he would look at me and I felt as though he were examining me like a science project, trying to figure me out. Maybe I wasn't an infatuation of his, but a fascination.
I felt foolish for thinking otherwise. Of course that was all I was to him. He was beautiful, perfect in every way. I was plain, boring and clumsy—the two did not go together.
Rosalie had confirmed that Edward could read minds--just not mine. The way she said it…it was as if it didn't happen very often. It was as if she were taking a jibe at him. I could not deny the relief I felt knowing my mind was silent to him. My inner thoughts were safe.
Why had he been so mad at her? He truly looked like he was going to kill her. The tone of his voice was enough to cause me to quake in my shoes, but it had little effect on her. I couldn't help thinking he must have read something in her mind that set him off. What could she have thought that would have caused him to want to hurt her?
I blew air from mouth upward, blowing my hair from my face. There were too many questions and not enough answers. This was how it always was when it came to Edward.
A few things were clear. Rosalie hated me. I shivered as I remembered the cold glare she had given me in the parking lot. Maybe hated was not strong enough of a word, perhaps loathed would be better. For whatever reason, instinctively I knew she would be happier if I were dead. I swallowed hard at the thought, knowing full well if she wanted me dead I would be.
I had never before had need to fear for my life. My breathing increased as the possibilities filled my head. I would have to avoid her. I was sure she was nothing like a school bully. I had a feeling she usually got her way no matter what.
To protect Edward and myself I would have to keep away—if for only a little while. I hated knowing I was causing problems within Edward's family. It wasn't right. I felt my chest tighten with pain, but there was nothing that could be done. For now I had to keep away.
I fell into a restless sleep after that. My dreams were filled with images of Rosalie and Edward. In every image they were fighting and then turning that anger on me. I was beyond tired the next day. I longed for the weekend where I could leave school and the Cullen's behind.
I awoke early. I had to shower in the morning since I had fallen asleep so early the night before. I could hear Charlie moving around downstairs, but I wanted to avoid him so I took my time.
I arrived at school as late as I could to avoid meeting anyone in the parking lot. I made it to class in just enough time so that I wasn't late. I was anxious for my morning to end. I didn't want to go to lunch and face everyone. I didn't want to go to biology and face Edward, though I knew I had to. Today we turned in our project. We no longer needed to meet until the fieldtrip with the kids next weekend. I was both relieved and disappointed.
I purposefully took as much time as I could getting to math to avoid another ambush by Jessica. She looked annoyed as I took my seat next to her. I had arrived just as the bell rang leaving no time for talking.
I rushed around after class to gather my things. I had decided, as the teacher droned on about conics, that I would go to my truck for lunch. It would solve a lot of problems. I had a granola bar in my bag I could snack on. I would be fine until I got home.
I was the first student through the door once class ended, but I stopped short. A very repentant looking Edward Cullen stood just a few feet away. Hesitantly, he approached me as if he were afraid I would run away. I couldn't blame him after yesterday in the library. I had been so confused I simply bolted from him.
He stopped in front of me and smiled ever so softly. "Would you care to join me for lunch?"
I bit my lower lip before he added quickly. "I need to talk to you."
"I wasn't going to lunch." I said in a small voice.
"Aren't you hungry? You should eat."
I shrugged. "I have something in my bag."
"Could I perhaps join you then? It's important, what I have to say to you."
I sighed. "All right." I finally conceded. I started walking towards the parking lot but thought better of it. Where was I going to go now? It wasn't really raining out at the moment so I decided to sit at one of the picnic benches in the back of the school.
It was quiet between us for a few moments.
"I wanted to apologize." He finally said in a soft voice.
My eyebrows pulled together in confusion. "Apologize, for what?"
"My sister Rosalie can come off a little…" He paused searching for the correct word as a frown crossed his face, "harsher than she means to. I apologize if she upset you in anyway."
"It's ok."
"I also wanted to apologize for something else that happened yesterday. I saw you running off just after the last bell. I can't help but think you might have over heard some of the argument my sister and I had."
My face instantly flamed and I looked down to try to hide my face. I could feel the heat spread to my neck as he continued. He had caught me ease dropping, and yet he was the one apologizing. I felt both guilt and embarrasement wash through me.
"I assure you I did not intend for you ever to hear such things—see me that way. I apologize if I frightened you. I promise you Rosalie will not bother you again." His voice became darker as he said the last part, reminding me of how dangerous he appeared in the parking lot just the day before. I shivered despite myself, hoping he did not notice.
I looked up to find his face gentle, nothing like I had pictured in my mind seconds before. I attempted to smile at him, but it looked more like a grimace. "It's fine really. I wasn't that scared and I didn't hear all that much." I tried to lie though even I did not believe my words.
He gave me a knowing look but did not press further. I felt uncomfortable sitting next to him and searched for an excuse to leave.
"I think I left my granola bar in my truck. I'm going to go get it before lunch is over."
He nodded, though again he did not look entirely convinced. I got up quickly and made my way to my truck. I slumped over the sterling wheel and groaned. What a mess.
His sister didn't look too scared of him yesterday, what could he have said that would keep her away now? I still feared her, but could not make myself fear him. Stupid, though I may be, I still trusted him.
I glanced at the clock in my truck and sighed, time for class. I quickly took a few bites of my granola bar on my way. When I got to class Edward was already at our table. I took my seat beside him, pulling out my notebook and began doodling until class started. I kept my eyes trained to the paper in front of me and he never once attempted to talk to me.
At the end of class Mr. Banner called us to his desk. I hoped Edward had the project done, though I knew there was no reason to worry.
"So what do you two have to give me?"
Edward handed over a very professional looking booklet. It looked amazing. I could tell Mr. Banner was highly impressed. I looked to Edward and saw him grinning. I could only assume it was due to Mr. Banner's thoughts.
"Nicely done you two."
"Thanks." We both said in unison.
Edward glanced at me causing me to blush so I quickly looking away.
"Nicely done indeed. Well looks like all you two have to do is prepare for next weekend. I will give you more details next week." He smiled putting our finished project into his brief case before leaving the room.
I played with a piece of my hair as I stood still in front of the teacher's desk.
"So, until next weekend?"
I smiled. "Next weekend." I agreed. "Then you'll finally be rid of me." I half joked.
"I never said I wanted to be rid of you." He responded softly.
I blushed biting my lip. "I have to get to class before I'm late. I'll…see you around Edward."
He nodded. I could feel his eyes on me as I left the classroom, but I didn't turn around.
After school I was uncertain about going out to my truck. I knew if I waited long enough in the locker room that Edward and his family would be gone and I wouldn't have to risk seeing Rosalie again. I felt like a coward and decided to instead be brave.
I took a deep breath squaring my shoulders as I left the gym. I kept my eyes forward only seeing my truck in front of me. I resisted the urge to look to where I knew Edward's Volvo would be parked as I drove away. As the school disappeared behind me I breathed a sigh of relief. I had a weekend of nothing planned ahead of me--stress free--worry free; it was exactly what I needed.