Chapter Two: Forrest Fire

Alice was a nice girl. Mrs. Malcolm, the English teacher, gave us a free day- I'm pretty sure she was hung over; she looked like my dad normally did after a very long night of partying-so Alice and I got to talk for a while. She had two brothers named Edward and Emmett. Edward was her fraternal twin and was the beautiful boy I had seen earlier by the car. Emmett was in college at the University of Seattle with his girlfriend. She had a boyfriend named Jasper, who was Emmett's friend. He just transferred to the University of Seattle to be closer to Alice.

I enjoyed talking to her. Alice was really easy going, and I didn't have to pretend as much when I was around her. Her bouncy personality was contagious, making it easy to get along with her.

The only problem was she was too perceptive. It's like she knew something was up with me. Whenever she asked me a question about my family, my past, my life in general, I avoided it. She was asked me about my parents, and I just shrugged it off. I didn't want her to pity me, like I felt Jessica did sometimes. I felt like I was just "the girl whose mother left her." I didn't want to be that with Alice. It was hard enough to keep from most Charlie's real nature, his alcoholic problems. The only people who knew were the other drunks he hung out with at the bars, and they were all too drunk to remember him anyways.

But she knew I was keeping things from her, and for some reason, she wanted to know what those things were.

"What class do you have next?" She asked as we packed up our stuff.

"Spanish." I sighed.

"Darn. I have gym. Well, I'll see you in lunch then, I guess." She said as we walked out the door and into the nasty forks weather.

"Yeah, ok, see you then." I smiled and waved as we parted ways.

The first half of the day passed by relatively quickly. Spanish was spent translating a paragraph that ended up being completely pointless. My next class, math, was boring because all we did was take a test, which I completed within the first ten minutes of class. I read a book for the other 40 minutes.

Then came lunch. For most kids, lunch was the one period of the day where you didn't have to try at all, you just got to talk and eat. For me it was stressful. I sat with Jessica, Angela, Lauren, Mike, Tyler, and Ben. Lauren hated my guts for some unknown reason, so that was one of my problems. Then there was the fact that I was constantly being thrown into conversations that I didn't want anything to do with. Sometimes I just wanted to be alone so I could think or read a book. But at lunch, I was surrounded by people.

I figure that since I was being thrown into conversations anyways, I would find Alice, someone that I actually didn't mind talking to. As I entered the cafeteria, I looked around, trying to find her. I finally spotted the back of her head as I came out of the lunch line. She was standing near the entrance of the cafeteria talking on her cell phone, her back to me. Then I got the feeling that I was being watched.

Standing a few feet over from her was her brother, the one I had noticed earlier. Except this time, his brilliant green eyes were focused on me. I stared back, entranced by his eyes. They were so vibrant and emotional…it was like they were on fire. It was like a forest fire. And I couldn't escape it.

"Earth to Bella!" I heard some say in my ear. I looked over to see Mike Newton staring at me with a confused look on his face. I could still feel Edward staring at me as I tried to focus on Mike's face. "What are you staring at?"

"Uhh…I uhh…Alice. I'm going to see if Alice wants to sit with us today."

Mike looked confused for a moment before he looked around and spotted Alice. "Oh, the new girl."

I nodded at him and then he looked back at Alice and Edward. "What's up with the guy? Is he like her boyfriend or something?"

I shook my head. "No, it's her brother." I said.

At that moment, Alice looked up at me and smiled widely. I smiled back and waved her over. I watched as the petite ball of energy ran over, towing her brother along by the hand.

"Hi Bella!" She said excitedly when she approached. "Edward, this was the nice girl I was telling you about earlier."

I looked up at Edward, willing myself not to get lost in his eyes again.

If I thought he was gorgeous when he was just standing there, it was nothing compared to him when he smiled. His smile was slightly crooked, but it suits him perfectly. It reached his eyes, making them sparkle, and my heart started going double time.

"Hello, Bella." He said in a voice that was as smooth as velvet but as hot as fire.

I smiled back at him as best as I could in my daze. "Hi, Edward. Nice to meet you."

Mike coughed obnoxiously and put his arm around my shoulder. I gave him a look that clearly said "what the hell?" but he ignored me as I shrugged out from under his arm.

"Uhh, this is my friend Mike. Mike this is Alice and Edward Cullen."

"Hi, Mike." Alice said brightly, though I could see in her eyes that she didn't like him too much already.

"Helloo." He said, trying to sound flirtatious.

I saw Alice stifle a giggle and Edward rolled his eyes. They landed on me after a moment and I made myself look away. I had wanted to ask Alice something before he got me all…flustered.

"Oh! Alice, do you two want to sit with us?" I asked.

She beamed at me. "Sure. Sounds good to me. Shall we get some food then?"

I nodded and the four of us-Mike was awkwardly trailing along next to me, trying to get my attention. I ignored him and focused on not tripping in front of the Adonis I could sense behind me.

We sifted through the lunch line quickly, trying to find something that looked somewhat edible. I finally settled on just getting a bottle of lemonade and a somewhat ripe apple. By the time Alice, Edward, and I had all paid for our food, Mike was already at our normal table, devouring his meal. I rolled my eyes as he waved us over.

"Bella, is he your boyfriend?" Alice asked me in a whisper, though I knew Edward could hear as he leaned slightly over to hear my answer.

"Ha, no! Mike is a friend…sometimes not even that if I'm being completely honest."

Alice laughed. "I had a feeling you were none too fond of him."

"Hey Bella!" Angela said as we approached the table.

"Hey Angela. Guys, this is Alice and Edward. They just moved here from Oregon." I said as I placed my tray down. Alice plopped hers down next to me, leaving Edward to sit next to Mike, right across from me.

"Oh, trust me." Lauren Mallory said in her annoyingly nasally voice. "We've met." She looked over at Edward and smiled, trying to look seductive.

He smiled back politely, but even I could see the distaste in his eyes. She wasn't deterred though, and kept smiling at him, even after he had looked away.

The rest of the lunch period went past with the same "new kid" questions. I listened as well as I could, but I was exhausted, and having already heard this stuff earlier, my attention wasn't as riveted as it might have been.

The only times I did perk up and listen were when Edward was asked a direct question. His voice was so smooth; I couldn't help but let it absorb all my attention. He was charming. That much I knew for sure by the end of the lunch period. He was polite, a gentlemen. Even when Lauren asked obnoxious questions, such as "how much can you lift…you know, like working out and stuff," and completely worthless questions such as that.

The only time I didn't mind her questioning was when she asked about his love life.

"So, Edward. Do you, like, have a girlfriend?" She asked. Anyone could see the hope in her eyes.

"No, I don't." Edward said simply.

"Well, I know there are plenty of single girls in this town who would be glad to help with that situation." She smirked at him, but he kept his eyes fixed on his tray of food that was nearly gone.

"I think I'm fine on my own, thank you." He said politely. "I want to date to find the real deal, not just for a fling. I'm sure you understand." He said. I wanted to laugh. He may be polite, but I could hear the undertone of sarcasm, and it made me laugh.

"Something funny, Swan?" Lauren asked as she glared at me.

"Nope, nothing whatsoever. If you'll all excuse me, I've got to get to physics. I can't be late again."

"Oh, you have physics next?" Edward asked as I stood up.

I nodded as I gathered my half empty bottle of lemonade and my apple core.

"Mind if I walk with you? I'm headed there next and am not sure how to get there." He said with a smile.

"Yeah sure." I said.

Edward gathered his tray and his belongings and dumped them as we walked out of the cafeteria. Once we were out the doors, the noise from the cafeteria fading into a low murmur behind us, Edward began to speak.

"So Bella." He started. "Have you lived here your whole life?"

I nodded. "Mostly. I lived in Phoenix till I was like two, but I really don't remember much about it. Just that my mom loved it and always talked about it when I was growing up." I realized I had said too much. I never gave this much information up about my parents. The only thing I ever offered up was that my dad was the Police Chief here. That was all they needed to know. My dad had originally made up the story that he and Renee had mutually decided to divorce and that she moved away, but being such a small town, everyone knew that was a lie. They all knew how she left us with no word as to where she was going.

"Why did you move here then?" He asked. The physics building was in sight, so I knew I could probably figure out an easy way to avoid a conversation I didn't want to have.

"My dad grew up here and always felt very connected to this town. He was up in Phoenix not long after he graduated high school. He met my mom, had me, and then we moved back here when he heard there was an opening for the police chief."

"I see." Edward said, seeming to contemplate his next question. I had to distract him.

"So, uh, Alice tells me your dad is a doctor?" I asked, trying to divert the subject.

He nodded and smiled. "Yes. My dad is a great guy and a great doctor. I look up to him in so many ways."

I sighed, but put on a fake smile. I would never look up to either of my parents in that way. I wish I could, but they weren't much to look up to.

"That's nice…you know, to have a role model like that. He sounds like a great guy. What about your mom?"

He looked at me curiously, but answered.

"Esme." He said with a smile. "She's an architect. She designs buildings, and also dabbles in interior design. She's an awesome woman. What about you-"

"Here's the physics room." I said quickly.

He looked up quickly. "Oh." He said, probably startled by my interruption.

I walked into the class room and smiled at the teacher, Mr. Monroe. He smiled back as I approached him, Edward trailing right behind me.

"Mr. Monroe, this is Edward Cullen. He just moved here."

"Mr. Cullen, welcome to Forks. Did you take physics at your old school?" Mr. Monroe asked.

"No." Edward replied. "I took chemistry, but that class was full here."

Mr. Monroe thought about it for a moment before shrugging. "No big deal I suppose. The year just started, so it's not like you've missed that much. And anything you need help with, I'm sure Miss. Swan can help you with. She's an exceptional student." He smiled at me.

"Thanks." I replied.

"In fact, take a seat by Bella, Edward. You don't have a lab partner, do you?" He asked.

I shook my head. "Nope."

"Ok, great. Take your seats then, kids. Class starts in five minutes."

I showed Edward back to where we now both sat now. It was the desk farthest back in the classroom. I could hide easier that way, like when I wanted to read in class or sneak in a nap. Mr. Monroe didn't really care. I still aced every test and had an A. I had him last year for Chemistry, so he knows I can handle it.

I threw my bag down on the floor next to my normal desk. I decided to pick the side closest to the window, because I enjoyed staring out of it and daydreaming.

"Nice. I like sitting in the back." He said with a smile as he sat down on his stool.

"I know me too. I basically pushed everyone out of the way so I could get this seat." I shrugged.

"So is anyone else in this class that your friends with?" He asked curiously.

"Ummm…just Mike. And thank goodness he was dating Jessica on the first day of school and had to sit by her, or I would have had to sit next to him." I shuddered at the thought.

"I don't get it." He began questioningly. "Why are you friends with him if he annoys you this much."

I sighed. "He's a nice guy, he just tries too hard. And plus this is a small town. The fewer enemies I have, the better."

He nodded in understanding. "Yeah, this does seem like the kind of town where everyone knows everyone."

I sighed "Yeah, basically. It kind of sucks though, because there is almost no way to keep a secret in this town." It was so hard keeping the secret about Renee and my father from everyone. But at least the drunks he hung out with kept their mouth shut, and I sure wasn't going to tell anyone.

"My, my, my, Bella. It sounds as though you speak from experience." Edward said with a mischievous smirk.

"What are you talking about?"

"It sounds like you have some secrets that you've had a hard time keeping."

I shrugged, trying to play it off. "Everyone has secrets, Edward. I'm sure you have some of your own."

"Eh." He said. "I have a few, but I'm pretty open about everything."

"Well, I'm not." I said a bit defensively. I wasn't stupid. I knew that sooner or later, both he and Alice would know about my mother and pity me like everyone else seemed to. But until then, I just wanted them to like me for me. Not because they would feel bad if they didn't.

"I'll figure them out eventually." He said confidently. "I'm really good at reading people."

I sighed and turned from him to look at the clock. Two minutes till the class would start filing, so I figured I was in the clear.

Wrong.

"So, Bella, you told me about your father, what about your mother? What does she do for a living?" He asked curiously.

Oh great. How do I get out of this one? I didn't want him to know, not yet.

"Bella, what's wrong?" He asked. "Your face looks paler then it usually is."

"Uh, nothing. Sorry, I just zoned out. You see, my mom is a-"

"Bella? Can you run these to the office for me?" Mr. Monroe asked, looking at me expectedly.

"Sure!" I said with a bit too much enthusiasm. I looked over at Edward. "Be right back." I said with what I hoped was a reassuring smile.

I walked up to the teacher's desk where he sat with a smile, holding the papers out to me. As I went to grab them, he pulled them back and gave me a knowing look.

"You looked like you could use some help. Awkward conversation?" He whispered.

I gave him a relieved look. "Yes. Thank you, Mr. Monroe. I really appreciate it."

He smiled again. "No problem, Bella. Take your time."

He handed me the papers and waved me along. I gladly walked out the door. Mr. Monroe was truly a good man. He was good friends with both of my parents for the longest time, so I knew him pretty well. But, after my mom left, my dad stopped being social with everyone who had been friends with her also, besides Billy Black. I think that's why Mr. Monroe let me get away with everything his class without so much as a warning. He knew what my mom had done to me, and I think he knew that Charlie wasn't the greatest parent on the planet.

As I walked to the office, my rarely used cell phone went off. I looked down at the caller ID and saw that it was Charlie calling from the police station. I knew exactly what he was calling to say, but I figured I better answer it anyways. I snuck back into an area between two of the buildings where students normally went to make out. You couldn't be seen from any of the classes, so it was safe.

"Hello?"

"Bella, it's your father." He said gruffly.

"Hey dad, what's up?" I already knew exactly what he would say.

"I'm going out after work tonight. Probably up to Port Angeles since it's a Friday. I'll give you a call when I'm on my way home." His voice had no life to it, like talking to me was a chore.

I sighed. "Ok, dad. Have fun and be safe."

"Bye." He said, and then hung up.

"Love you." I whispered to no one. I sighed as I wiped away the stray tear that had fallen.

I quickly walked to the office and gave the secretary the papers and hauled out before she could question me about my dad and everything else. The woman was nice, but she didn't know when to shut up.

I walked back to the classroom quickly. The rain was beginning to pick up, and I could tell a storm was on its way. Great.

When I entered, Mr. Monroe had already begun the class. He smiled in my direction as I headed to my seat and I gave him a half smile.

I could feel Edward's stare on me as I took my seat, and it made me uncomfortable. It was too intense.

"Bella?" He whispered. "Are you ok?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"

He looked like he didn't believe me, but he let it drop.

At the end of class, as we gathered up our stuff to go to our last class of the day, Edward smiled at me.

"You'll let me in eventually Bella. I'll figure you out." He said with a determination and intensity I didn't understand. And then he walked away.