Chapter 3: Clear Confusion
"Is it like this everyday?" I asked Angela, nodding my head to the direction of the overpopulated lunch table.
After a few moments of talking to her, I found out that Angela was the nicest person in the group of friends I was sitting with. Also, she was the one who scared me the least and unlike the two other girls— Lauren and Jessica— she didn't feel the need to keep me in the line of her eyesight every few seconds.
"Mostly. On the days they don't go to school though, most people would be sulking about. You'd think they'd have better things to do than bawling their eyes out on the Cullens and Hales." She said all this with her eyes never leaving the book she was holding.
"Some of them are related?" I asked, taking note that she mentioned only two surnames.
"Actually, they all belong to one family. The Hales— the blonde ones— are twins and the rest of them are the Cullens. They all live together with Dr. Cullen and his wife." She finally put her book down and glanced at the still full table across ours. "The Hales are Mrs. Cullen's nieces. I think they're parents died in a crash or something. The Cullen kids on the other hand, are all adopted. It was very kind of Dr. Cullen and his wife to take in all of those teenagers." She said the latter in utmost sincerity.
"It's somewhat a shame they're all coupled off though." I turned to face Jessica as she suddenly entered our conversation.
"And they all live together." She said this as if it was the most appalling thing in the world.
"But they look so perfect for each other. I don't think fate would have it any other way." Lauren was now eagerly speaking too.
"You're right I suppose… though I do wonder why Rosalie went for Emmett. He looks nasty." Tyler elbowed me as he jokingly said this, though I could see a true hint of jealousy underlying his tone.
Jessica was now nodding her head eagerly. "But they do look cute together… But no more cuter than Alice and Jasper."
At this point, I was thoroughly confused. Which one was which?
"I'm sorry, but I can't keep up." I addressed this to Angela once again but it was Jessica who answered me.
She turned in her seat and faced the table that was now mercifully void of people other than the Cullens and Hales.
"The blonde girl is Rosalie Hale. She's with the big muscled one, Emmett Cullen." I paid attention as she explained further. But seriously, why was I even eager to know these things? "The blonde boy is Rosalie's brother, Jasper Hale and he is together with Emmett's little sister Alice— the short one with her hair sticking out in every direction albeit stylishly so. And that leaves…" she trailed off and turned to face our table as Tyler, Mike, Ben and Eric sighed loudly.
"Isabella Cullen." They sighed in unison.
"She's the only single one. She doesn't date, though. I guess no one here in Forks high has caught her eye… yet." Jessica said smugly with a glint in her eye as she looked back at the royals' table again.
"Oh come on. You know she digs me… she's just too shy to admit it." Loud laughter issued from our table as Mike said this. He was admittedly too over confident about himself.
Ben was still laughing as he spoke. I didn't even know he was paying attention to our conversation.
"Stop your day dreaming, Mike. If she really does like you, she would be staring at you and not at Masen."
The laughter died out as we looked at Ben, then at Isabella. Sure enough, she was looking at me and as our eyes connected, I shuddered slightly from the intensity of her golden eyes.
I looked away quickly. My hands unintentionally ran through my hair again— it was also my counterpart of blushing, I guess— making some silken bronze locks fall slightly over my forehead.
I looked back to the people at our table to find different facial expressions. Eric looked as if he'd been beaten over the head with a bat, Tyler's eyes were as wide as saucers, Ben had successfully brought on a calm façade but Mike on the other hand was fuming. But what surprised me the most were Jessica and Lauren. They were sending death glares to Isabella's direction. The words 'if looks could kill' suddenly rang itself through my mind. Angela looked simply amused as she looked on.
I cleared my throat, determined to bring back the flamboyant mood they all had earlier.
"Mike, I'm sure that didn't mean anything. Maybe she just… found my hair color unusual." I reasoned with the first thing that came to mind. It was stupid though not unlikely, but Mike bought it.
"Yeah… I guess you're right. I mean, no offense, but you do know I'm way better looking than you right?" The arrogant glint in his eyes was back.
I nodded and kept my face serious. "Yeah… Of course. Sure."
Jessica giggled. "I'd go for Edward any day."
"Same here. And I think your hair is great the way it is." Lauren leaned towards me slightly. Was she attempting to be sexy? I fought the urge to vomit.
I smiled politely at the both of them, hoping it didn't resemble a grimace more. I brushed off their comments and stood up, saying that I wanted to go ahead first seeing as lunch was almost over. It was partially true. I didn't want to be late on my first day. To my utter dismay, Lauren stood up to.
"I have biology next too! Why don't we walk together?" she barely contained her voice as she grabbed my hand and towed me out of the cafeteria— not even bothering to let me answer.
I tried to subtly remove my hand from her grasp but her grip was strong. It was a good thing the walk towards the biology lab was mercifully short. On the way though, I had other thoughts in my mind to distract me from the fact that Lauren was all giddy beside me as she held on tightly to my arm. I wasn't very open to contact and this was beyond my usual comfort zone.
I let my mind wander as I lingered outside the biology classroom after finally brushing Lauren off me. The teacher wasn't inside yet and I enjoyed the feeling of the rain on my face— it was drizzling slightly.
For the few moments I was with Jessica and Lauren, they acted like love sick, hormonal teenagers towards me— something that has never happened in my life. Everything that was happening here in Forks was the complete opposite of all the drama I had experienced in Phoenix. Which was good… at least I thought so. And I have yet to worry about the popular crowd. All was running more smoothly than I had wanted or imagined.
I was leaning against the wall as a gust of wind swept through my face and brought with it an indescribably sweet scent. I looked around to find the source. There in front of my eyes, walking offhandedly but with utmost grace and elegance under the rain was Isabella Cullen.
Our eyes locked for the nth time this day, and I thought I saw a flicker of disappointment in hers. I couldn't bring myself to look away from her hypnotizing topaz eyes and all too soon, she looked away.
She paused as she was about to enter the building. Our arms were inches from touching and I could feel my pulse steadily increase. Why was it doing that? Then she entered the classroom without sparing me another glance.
Of course. The queen bee wouldn't be caught dead mingling with the inferior people.
The teacher arrived a few moments after Isabella and I promptly got him to sign my form. He directed me inside the classroom but didn't bother with introductions. Well, that was good of him.
The room was full and there was only one vacant chair which happened to be on the same table as the Cullen girl. And of course due to my rotten luck, Mr. Banner sent me there.
I sat down never looking at the person beside me. I was preparing to take down some notes when I saw from the corner of my eyes that she turned to face me.
"It seems Mr. Banner has finally decided to give me a lab partner," she said in a breathtaking musical voice.
I turned to look at her. She was smiling but it didn't quite reach her eyes. It seemed somehow guarded. I avoided looking into her eyes as I responded— afraid that I wouldn't be able to look away again. There was something mysteriously drawing about her eyes.
"I don't think he had a choice." I said, returning her smile. Deciding not to probe on the implications of her sentence. "There aren't any other available seats."
She looked at me as if searching for something and then stretched out her hand, "Isabella Cullen."
"Edward Masen." I said, taking her hand but swiftly taking mine back.
Her hand was as cold as ice but that was not the reason on why I withdrew my hand. The moment my skin touched hers, a jolt of electricity seemed to pass through us.
She didn't seem offended by my sudden knee-jerk reaction though, she just brushed it off. She continued.
"So, how is Forks treating you so far?"
"Like I'm some freak show." I chuckled darkly.
Ever since I came here, people have been frequently staring, following my every move and I wasn't used to so much attention. Back in Phoenix I was treated like the plague by everyone except my friends— credit goes to the royals, of course. They always kept out of my way.
Her forehead creased as she frowned. "I don't understand."
I sighed. "I don't really expect you to."
She nodded and turned her attention back to the discussion. I was slightly surprised that she shrugged it off so easily. I was expecting her to at least ask me to explain myself further. But I was thankful that she didn't. Although I had some inkling that I wouldn't have had it in me to refuse her if she had asked.
Biology had surprisingly passed in a blur and Isabella didn't make small talk anymore throughout the period. I guess she already labeled me as something below her interest level. The bell rung and I swooped down to get my bag. I heard the chair next to me move as Isabella stood up.
I sighed and stood up, swinging my bag over my shoulder. On my right, Isabella was still standing there.
She looked at me with a glance that seemed to hold some unmet expectation. She didn't seem to have anything to say so I slowly turned to make my way to the door.
"It was nice to meet you Edward." Her soft musical voice was barely a whisper.
I smiled slightly at her. "You too Isabella."
She flinched and frustration lit her face. What did I say?
"Please, call me Bella."
"Alright." I smiled crookedly, amused at the annoyance that the use of her full name caused her.
Her eyes widened slightly and I swore I heard a small intake of breath. I shifted uncomfortably again and made the mistake of meeting her gaze. Her strangely golden eyes were smoldering. I felt myself slipping away again. I didn't know how long we stood there, just looking at each other when a high-pitched, nasal voice brought me back to reality.
"Edward I have gym next, how about you?"
I unwillingly looked away from Bella and saw Lauren standing beside me, tugging on my sleeve like some 10 year old… and it wasn't even the least bit of cute.
"Umm… English." I answered distractedly as I looked back at Bella. She was gathering her things on the table and it seemed that she was slightly tensed.
Lauren's face fell dramatically as she reluctantly let go of my arm. "Oh. I guess I'll go now then." I silently thanked the heavens for their mercy. Then her face lit up again. "I'll see you later though!" Okay, I take back my gratitude.
I watched her as she skipped, literally skipped, outside the room. I closed my eyes and ran a hand through my hair, silently cursing her under my breath. I'll have to deal with her sooner or later. A giggle— more like a chorus of bells— made me aware that I wasn't alone in the room yet.
"Getting tired of all your admirers so fast, Edward?"
I smiled as I walked towards Bella. She was leaning against the doorway. "Unlike some people, I'm not used to all the attention."
She smiled mischievously at me as she took a step forward, closing the small distance between us. I took a step back— a gentleman would not allow such close proximity, as my mother had painstakingly told me— only to get smacked against the doorframe.
"Why do I find that so hard to believe?" she whispered, her eyes were intense. She sent a wave of intoxicating sweetness towards my face as she spoke. The scent was similar to the one earlier, only in a more concentrated form.
My heart was now thumping hard against my chest and I felt my brain had stopped functioning as the smell took over my senses. My head was swimming and every thought that passed through my mind was illogical.
Bella's body was now pressed lightly against mine but my body was screaming at me that it wasn't enough. I unthinkingly looked at her and my gaze fell to her full lips. My pulse quickened even more. Right then the most irrational thought spurted in my head: I wanted her. I slightly shook my head as I tried to get out of my daze but my resolve wasn't strong enough. What the hell was wrong with me? Why was she having this kind of effect on me? I never, never, reacted this strongly to anyone from the opposite sex. I clenched my fists at the either side of me. I needed to control myself. I couldn't allow myself to be transformed into some hormone controlled teenager by this girl.
But then Bella brought her head to my side, any closer and her lips would be brushing my neck. I was immobilized. I couldn't think, I couldn't move and my resolve went as quickly as it came.
She pressed herself harder against me and that did not help me at all. Being this close, I knew she could feel the hard thumping of my heart against my chest.
"We're going to be late for our next class." She whispered in my ear, sending her cold breath against my skin. I could practically hear a smile in her voice. I felt myself shiver as my breathing grew uneven.
She finally stepped back and I found that this act irrationally disappointed me. She beamed up at me and I saw that her eyes grew darker. Was that possible? Maybe my head didn't have enough oxygen and I was seeing things.
"I'll see you later." She said in a highly amused voice as she turned and headed outside.
I leaned my head against the doorframe and my entire body relaxed. What on earth just happened? Did she just flirt with me? Attempt to provoke me? I shook my head as I concentrated on making my breathing even again. No, it was something greater than that.
I have always been great in reading people— I almost could anticipate what they were going to do or say but with Isabella Cullen, I couldn't rely on that nifty talent. I needed to be more cautious around her. Another episode like that and I don't know what I'd do. And I didn't need to let things get out of hand due to some apparently obstinate hormones. I didn't want that to happen… at least, I think I don't.
A/N: Review review review!:)
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing.