Revised Chapter 1 (BPOV Final Edit 6/2/2009 EPOV Final Edit 6/10/2009)
Don't forget, I'm on Twilighted! Check out Under a Killing Moon over there or come hang out on the UKM thread in the AU forums.
Special thanks to moon920 who also beta'd this chapter for me and then was never heard from again. AND Capricorn75...I shall forever be in your debt.
Side note: Chapter 6 and forward are in the intended format...which is alternating BPOV/EPOV chapters. To avoid headaches and misplacement of chapters, I'm combining the revised chapters together. (Whereas...originally chapter 1 was split into two chapters during the revision...so I don't have to bump and reorder chapters here, I am combining them) Not that many of you will notice, since most of you reading this are new readers; but just in case you're re-reading and wondering "WTF just happened?!" Now you know.
Twilight and its characters are property of Stephenie Meyer.
Chapter 1.
BPOV
I was running late, which was usually the norm for me. Charlie yelled at me to have a good day at school, I think. My hair was still wet as I greeted the familiar grey of another day in Forks, Washington. I'd only been staying here for about a week, but grey or overcast seem to be the only two options.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I had a pop tart in my mouth, my bag in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Quickly, I dropped the bag to the wet ground and went for my phone. My eyes rolled and I groaned internally when I saw the caller ID. Renee.
"Good morning, Mom," I mumbled through pop tart while I picked my bag back up and headed to the truck Charlie bestowed upon me on my first day here.
I was only half listening as Renee droned on with sentiments such as my little baby is growing up and remember to mind your manners, Isabella. She solicited another eye roll from me as I tossed my bag across the truck's cab and hoisted myself in after it.
"I'm already running late, so can we continue this moment later?" My words were clipped, and I'm sure Renee's expression feigned offense on the other side of the line. I had given up the role as child a few years ago. Renee is my superior in a lot of ways but she stopped being my mother around the time I hit puberty. If I didn't know better, I would guess she shipped me off to live with my dad because she just didn't know what to do with me.
Ah, but I am the golden child.
After some sobbing, all from Renee and all of which I felt was much too dramatic, she finally told me to have a good day and hung up. I started the truck and I winced. This wasn't the gentle hum I was used to. The noise the Chevy was making would probably cause war veterans to hit the floor. Or fire back.
Let's recap, shall we? Today is the first day of school at Forks High. Lucky for me, I was a senior. Unfortunately, I was a transfer student, which made me as good as a Freshman as far as hierarchy goes. I can fix that by the end of the day. I gave myself a smug look in the rearview mirror as I pulled out of the driveway and gunned the truck for all she was worth.
It's going to be a great first day.
My favorite part of the first day? Awkward conversation.
Awkward conversation is one of my more obvious talents. If there was an Olympic team for the socially inept, I could probably win us the gold medal. Not that there's anything particularly wrong with me, I just find it hard to relate to normal teenagers. As if there is such a thing as normal anyway. If I went to a psychologist, he'd probably tell me I can't relate to anyone because I can't relate to myself. He'd be right. I've just never been that interested in forging relationships. It has always been easier to rely on myself. Besides, after the last five years of my life, most people are just boring. Maybe that's why I'm so mean. I rounded a corner and gritted my teeth at the way the truck handled.
The first day of school always puts me in a bad mood. Not to mention I'm going to be "the new girl," and will be on display for all to admire. I checked myself in the mirror as I rounded one more corner. Maybe not admire. At least not today. Sighing, I looked ahead and realized the school was within close vicinity.
The first thing I noticed about the high school was all the brick. It looked more like a strip mall than a school. Each building was labeled, probably with benefactor and alumnus surnames, with quaint wooden signs. It was kind of cute, in a really sad kind of way. I sighed loudly and wished I had someone to share my impending misery with. I've anticipated that everything I learn inside these brick walls is going to be redundant. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I was in the top of my class back in Phoenix. My class was bigger than two FHS student body counts put together. I clenched my fists around the steering wheel as I pulled into the parking lot.
There was an empty spot near the back of the parking lot, and I went for it. Jumping out the truck, I noticed three really ostentatious vehicles parked in the middle of the very last row. There were a lot of late nineties and early two-thousand models out in the lot, but these three cars were practically brand new. Obviously Forks only had one particularly affluent family, and they weren't shy about it. I snorted and turned to walk to the office when I ran right into someone.
The second best part of being a new student? The A/V dork they send to show you around.
"Hi, I'm Eric. You must be Isabella Swan," Eric smiled through a mouth full of metal and extended his hand. I took it, against my better judgment.
"Bella, actually. No one calls me Isabella unless I'm being a bad girl," I shrugged. There was no innuendo intended, but Eric's eyes lowered underneath his greasy emover. Next, his cheeks turned a faint pink. Less than two minutes. Swan, you have reached a new record! Another beat passed and he finally built up the nerve to respond.
"Bella, then. Can I show you around?" He called after me as I headed toward the office.
"Thanks Derrick, but I think I got it from here," I waved my hand in the air without turning back to check on him.
"Um, actually, it's Eric!"
Whatever.
Without the help of Derrick, or Eric, I was able to find the administrative building. It was the one that had the big sign that said OFFICEin big bold letters. Eric scurried across the parking lot in the opposite direction as the bell rang. Judging by my tardiness, I assumed it was first period's last bell. Everything was quite on the Forks High front when I pushed the door open and was greeted by the secretary. The nameplate said "Mrs. Cope." She was a gentle looking woman in her mid-thirties. The way she smiled at me alluded to the pretty girl she probably was in her earlier years.
"Is that you, Isabella? We're so glad to have you back!" Her bright smile was so infectious; I couldn't help but return it. Of course, I thought she was crazy. I hadn't been anywhere near Forks since the first grade. Charlie was probably going around town beaming about how his little girl is coming to stay. Typical Charlie.
"Can I help you, hon?" Mrs. Cope was tapping a pencil idly and waiting for me to explain myself.
"I'm just looking for my final schedule. The principal said I could pick it up here," I gave her my best grin.
"Sure thing, dear. Give me just a tic!"
I leaned against the counter and looked around the office. FHS was one of those schools that is defined by its alumni. The school itself lacked any real identity, but the achievements of students come to pass decorated Mrs. Cope's space. I caught a glimpse of a 1983 state track trophy and noticed my dad's picture accompanying it. Charles Swan, track star.
While I waited for Mrs. Cope to return to her post, I glanced through trophies, medals and honor society lists. It seemed that I had to watch out for Mallory, Stanley and Newton. These names had quite the legacy and I imagined their current possessors would be just as irritating as the alumni looked. They were probably all named Muffy or Blaine. I was especially worried about the Class of '08's Mallory. All previous women in the family had been awarded every prestigious beauty award in the tri-state area. My mother did not appear in this room of fame. Big surprise.
"All set," Mrs. Cope startled me out of my trip down memory lane, "just stop back if you have any questions." She handed over the piece of paper that would determine how much my life would suck for the next nine months.
I waited until I got outside, then I peeked at the itinerary. American Literature followed by World History. Great. Then Trig followed by study hall; which was directly followed by lunch. Okay, at least I get a study hall then lunch to recover from the Trig mind meld. Unfortunately, since I had already completed advanced biology and chemistry, all that was left was Physics—which occupied my fifth period. I was relieved to see gym was my last class of the day, with French and Art before it. Well, I might have to spend my senior year in this stupid school, but at least it will be easy.
"What's your first class?"
For someone who spends as much time in dangerous situations as I do, why is that everyone keeps sneaking up and scaring the shit out of me? I looked up for my class schedule and saw a WASP-y looking blonde boy in a green polo.
"English…um…American Lit," my voice was shaky as I tried to compose myself. Normally, I would have told this guy to get bent. Unfortunately, fear usually entails the response you'd least like to give.
"Let me walk you, it's mine too. I'm Mike, by the way," he held out his hand and gave me a big grin. I already knew I was going to hate him. To be fair to Mike, I pretty much hate anything in a pair of khakis.
"Bella."
On the way to Lit, Mike gave me and abridged version of the school's "who's who" and I pretended to seem interested. He made a lot of sexist comments about what clubs and sports were important; my fist was permanently clenched to my right side upon our late arrival. To add insult to injury, I had to stand up in front of the class and introduce myself. My name is Bella Swan, and I can guarantee I will hate every single one of you.
I was already tired of introducing myself when I made it to Trig. I'm not terrible in math, but I looked forward to it the least. The last thing I wanted to do was spend an entire period in a class full of guys like Eric. I shuddered at the thought as I wandered to the classroom. Surprisingly, the class was full of kids that didn't look like they played World of Warcraft all weekend. A small sigh of relief escaped me.
"New girl!"
It was the most irritating shriek known to man. My ears rang and I quickly scanned the room for the source of the decibel violation. Sitting not two feet away from the door was a curly haired girl waving stupidly at me. Not wanting to seem rude, or ruder than necessary, I managed a small wave back. She patted the seat next to her. Apparently she wanted me to sit next to her, and to avoid a future outburst I decided to do it.
"I'm Jessica," she said, "but you can call me Jess. I thought I was going to be the only girl in the class." She was twirling her hair and smacking gum. Is she even smart enough to be here?
"Bella Swan," I nodded to her.
"Wow, I didn't think the police chief's daughter would be so…good looking."
Not sure if she was complimenting or cutting me, I decided to ignore it. I wondered how many more girls like Jessica I could meet before I hung myself in my locker. Fortunately, class started before I felt obligated to continue talking to her. A mind numbing hour of formulae and variables passed before the bell rang for study hall. Thank GOD. Before I could get up to leave, Jessica stopped me.
"So, Bella, you should totally come sit by us at lunch," she inspected her nails.
"Sure." Because what the hell else am I going to do during lunch?
"You'll notice us. We'll be the coolest looking kids in the caf," she wiggled her fingers in pretentious wave as she walked out.
Study hall proved to be an hour of my life I'd rather not remember. A/V Eric sat in front of me the entire period. We compared schedules and noticed we had French together. Tres amusant. After a few peaceful moments, he went in to full on geek mode. It was one awkward moment after another. Don't get me wrong, I would be a gold medalist in awkward conversation. BUT, and that's a big but, my awkwardness has always translated into a thick syrup of sarcasm. Eric's, on the other hand, turned into everything I never wanted to know about WoW and Magik.
I think I kicked up dust when the bell rang.
Not that I was particularly looking forward to hanging out with Jessica and her clique. I figured it would be about as stimulating as a trip to the dentist. Hanging out with my classmates and pretending to be 'socialized' keeps both Charlie and Renee happy. Although they both worry for entirely different reasons.
When I walked into the cafeteria, I could see Jessica's table immediately. She was waving at me enthusiastically. Just in case I didn't see her flailing around spastically, she yelled for me too. Fan-fucking-tastic. The best I could muster was a half smile and a hearty wave. To prolong my stay in purgatory before I headed to lunch-table-hell, I headed to the lunch line. A pint of skim milk and an apple later, I could no longer avoid Jessica's table.
When I approached it, I noticed Mike and Eric were now occupying seats there as well. I can understand Mike, but Eric? I thought Jessica said this was the 'cool kids table.' I sat in the chair closest to Jessica and noticed three other students I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting. Good thing Jessica was there to introduce us.
"This is Angela," she said, pointing to the girl sitting next to Eric, "on the other side of Mike is Laruen." Lauren looked like a total bitch. But I'd probably be a bitch too, if I had a stick up my ass.
"I'm Tyler," said the black boy on the other side of me.
"Bella," I replied to Tyler, but nodded my head in the direction of both Angela and Lauren.
Mindless chit chat ensued. I heard about how Lauren spent her summer tanning off the coast of Amalfi in Italy; I wanted to tell her I've been to Italy tons of times to take her down a peg. Mike was telling Eric about the many uses of hair gel while Jessica used the word 'like' too many times during her conversation with Angela. I was beginning to feel like my brain would explode when the cafeteria doors swung open.
Three of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen walked in; and I have seen a lot of creatures. The first one was by himself. He was gorgeous, in an unkempt kind of way. The bottom of his shirt was untucked on one side and his copper hair was all messy. A couple followed him; they looked ridiculous in a really sexy way. She was almost three heads shorter than him and was dancing around both boys. Almost inhumanly graceful. Her boyfriend was incredibly good looking too, but he looked tense. At first glance, it seemed that the only things the three shared were their pale skin and lithe maneuvers.
"Who are they?" I whispered to Jessica as they walked past us. The copper haired boy was staring at me.
"Trouble. Really hot trouble," Jessica responded dazedly.
"The bronze haired kid, that's Edward. He's a real loner. Kind of weird," Tyler whispered in my ear. The trio made their way across the cafeteria and was sitting down at an empty table. Edward looked up and glared at us when Tyler called him weird. Not that he could hear us. Tyler continued.
"The girl is totally smoking hot, her name is Alice. Alice and Edward are brother and sister. The other one is Jasper. Jasper and Alice have been together since they transferred here a few years ago," Tyler shrugged.
"It's some sort of charity thing. Dr. Cullen takes care of them. There were two others, Jasper's sister Rosalie and Edward's brother Emmett. They graduated last year. All five of them live with Dr. Cullen and his wife. They're real humanitarians," Laruen spat.
Judging by the way these three looked, I had a feeling humanitarian was a really ironic way of putting it. I turned to look over my shoulder to take another peek at them. Edward looked at me like he had just eaten something sour. I gave him the same look back; he averted his eyes to Alice.
Was he scowling at me?
I ignored Edward's table for the rest of lunch. Occasionally, I could feel Edward's glare burning into my back. To keep me distracted, I paid extra attention to Mike and Tyler. After they had asked me the standard new girl FAQs, I became totally engrossed with the task of eating my apple. I waited impatiently for the bell to ring. It felt like forever.
Mike offered to walk me to Physics. I don't know why I allowed it, but it happened. Like our earlier walk to Lit, he talked almost the entire time. I hope he doesn't ask me about anything he's talking about because I'm not listening. He said something about visiting La Push's beach before the weather got too cold. I only remember this because he asked me if I wanted to come. By the time I made to class, I was more than thrilled to have the impending lecture make Mike shut the fuck up.
I just want to punch him in the nose. I could do it without killing him! Just a subtle right hook connecting to the middle of his face. That would shut him up. And keep him away from me. I could do it right now! All I'd have to do is tap on his shoulder…
"Mr. Cullen!" Mr. Fisher jarred me out my day dream.
My head snapped up. Edward was standing near the front of the room and Mr. Fisher was needlessly lecturing him on being late for the first day of class. My eyes scanned Edward from head to toe. He looked almost sheepish as Fisher tore into him. I realized I was sitting alone and Edward was about to become my new lab partner. Well this could be fun.
His dark eyes narrowed in anger as he made his way toward my table. I tried not to stare, so I leaned my head over my shoulder and tapped my pencil absent-mindedly. There was no stopping the force that is Edward Cullen, though. After a few seconds of unsuccessful avoidance, I turned my head to look at him. He was breath-taking. Literally. Breathe, Bella. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. He made it about two feet from my table when I saw him freeze—just for a second.
Well of course he's a vampire. You know what they say…all the cute ones are either gay or vampires.
It wasn't obvious at first. He eyes weren't red. Then again, not all vampires have red eyes. Personally, I've never known a vampire who didn't. Once more, I've never known a vampire that has assimilated so thoroughly into human society either. He took his seat next to me and moved his chair as far to the edge as he could. Okay, maybe not so thoroughly. His skin was paler than porcelain. But so is mine, so that's not really a tell tale sign.
His muscled tensed. I could see every line of his shoulders and back through his t-shirt when his hands gripped the table. Then, he pinched the bridge of his nose, and turned to me. His eyes bore into mine with an intensity I didn't recognize. These feel like the eyes of a vampire. Quickly, I turned my head and angled my body in the opposite direction. Two can play at this game, Mr. Cullen. Before the end of the class, I felt like I was drowning in hostility.
"Relax, would you? You're making me nauseous with all your pent up hostility," I hissed over my shoulder.
He deepened his glare in reply. I've never seen a vampire act this way without being provoked. Oh fuck. Did I provoke him? Edward was very good looking. Sometimes, under the influence of hot and tempting man candy, I have been known to forget my modesty.
I have a very strong scent.
It's part of my allure.
I hoped I hadn't unknowingly tossed that allure Edward's way. Not such a good idea to flaunt your scent in front of a vampire.
The bell rang and Edward left without as much as a glance my way. I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you walk away. Edward Cullen had captured my interest. There were a million questions racing through my mind. How do they live among humans? What made him react to me? Why aren't his eyes red? How did he get to be so fine? My mind was wandering down the road of indecent. Fortunately, Mike Newton was there to snap me back to reality.
"What did you to Cullen? Stab him with a pencil?" Mike was only an uppercut's distance away from my face. I held back the urge to strike.
"I told him a dirty joke. That guy has no sense of humor. I think he's kind of a prude," I shrugged, wrinkling my face up in mock disgust.
There were only two classes between me and the sweet release of gym.
Avancer.
EPOV
The Cullen household was alight with the usual energy the first day of school demands. Alice flitted from room to room. Jasper futilely tried to calm her. This had been routine for as long as we'd been attending school. Alice was easily excited about anything. It's not as though today would be the first, or last, time we'd be completing a senior year. Unfortunately, this time would come again. I saw it as a means to an end. After all, I've more prestigious degrees than some of my high school teachers. Decade after decade, the high school experience becomes increasingly mind numbing.
Jasper must have sensed my feelings of aversion building; I felt a small wave of warm emotion crash over me. I shot him a look from across the room.
"Sorry, Ed. It won't work on Alice, but at least it will work on you," he shrugged.
"Jasper, I don't need you to cleanse my emotions," I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall.
"You're always so negative. I wish I could take some of Alice's cheerfulness and permanently redistribute it to you. Ya'll exhaust me," he pretended to wipe sweat of his brow.
"You know how much I love the first day of school," Alice halted in the front room long enough to pout her apologies to both of us.
I rolled my eyes as another one of Jasper's emotional blankets fell over the room. At times, the two of them were incredibly insufferable. I ran my hands through my hair and waited impatiently for Alice to finish doing whatever it is she does. Today's routine was taking longer than usual because Rosalie and Emmett were also leaving on their umpteenth honeymoon soon. To hunt wild boar in Africa or swim with the sharks off some untraveled coast, I'm sure. The family dynamic was about to change, as it had done every few years for ages. That did not stop the family from milling about and acting as if things would never be the same again.
Some human emotions and instincts never cease, it seemed.
After what felt like hours, Alice had finally indicated it was time to leave. She wanted the three of us to pile into her little yellow Porsche—her newest baby. The Porsche was second only to Jasper. More pouting came from Alice as Jasper explained he promised Emmett they would hunt before he left. He'd need to take the Jeep to school with him today.
"I'd rather drive myself, thank you," was my only excuse.
"Fine, but don't either of you think you're ever getting behind the wheel of her!"
"Wouldn't dream of it," it was much too loud for my taste. I preferred the simplicity of the silver Volvo over the boldness of some of the others' cars.
Even though the drive was short, I enjoyed being alone with my own thoughts. I'd been trying to stay out of everyone's heads lately; it proved to be more difficult than I'd imagined. Especially with Alice's exuberance with one of her visions, in which she seems to think my nasty disposition would finally be alleviated. As if almost a century of solitary brooding could be cured by one mousy little brunette.
The entire town had been abuzz with the arrival of Chief Swan's daughter, Isabella. While Forks is a small, most of the excitement was due to the Chief himself. It has been years since the town has seen him so full of life. Curiosity was the latest driving force behind the people of Forks. I wasn't able to gather much information about her, myself. Only that she's about as exciting as all the other little girls swaying their hips through the high school halls.
Alice's insistence that this girl was somehow going to be different annoyed me. Information was being withheld from me, and that also annoyed me. She's going to change things and you've got your work cut out for you had been Alice's mantras since her last vision. I tried to steal into her mind to see for myself, but she promptly locked me out. It was a skill only she was able to master. I was annoyed by that too.
Jasper and Alice were my closest confidants, despite all our mutual quirks. Perhaps it's because we all possess special powers. Maybe Jasper and I are bound by the mistakes of our past; and Alice by the lack of one. In any case, the three of us have always been very close. Lately, however, I've started to feel as though three is crowd.
"Edward!" Alice squeaked as I shut my car door.
"What is it?" I didn't need to read her mind to know what she was going to say next.
"She's almost here!"
"I'd rather get inside and get to class. Let's not cause a scene on the first day, Alice," I was growing weary of her energy.
"Buck up, Ed," Jasper slapped my back, "it'll be over soon enough."
Not soon enough. Never soon enough.
Jasper and I flanked Alice, in some odd attempt at containing her, and made our way to our respective classes. We received less attention than last year. That was comforting. Most of the students' thoughts ping-ponged between thinking we were freaks and thinking we were fuckable. I winced as a particularly dirty thought about Jasper made its way through the pack and into my mind's eye. Some of the things these kids think of are disgusting and entirely impossible. I was growing tenser as we got closer and closer to the impending doom that is the first day of school.
"Would you lighten up?" Jasper hissed as he tried to relax me himself.
"I hate the attention," I started to say more but Alice cut me off.
"You hate everything, Edward. Sit with us at lunch, we can talk about your future," she sent me a wink and headed to history class.
"I have to agree with the lady," Jasper nodded and made his way to Spanish.
You always agree with the lady, asshole.
Alone, which is the state I usually prefer to be left in, I sauntered to study hall. Typically, I tried to stay out of study halls. The idle time gives way to frivolous thoughts and debilitating boredom; neither of which I was looking forward to. However, I felt it was a good place to work on blocking thoughts. From the moment I entered the room I knew it was going to be more difficult than I originally thought. Lauren Mallory was reading an Anne Rice book and wondering if vampires were real. I laughed aloud before I could stop myself.
Several students turned to gawk at me. All of their thoughts unanimously decided I was incredibly strange. I believe "weirdo" was their word of choice. Weirder than you think.
My interest in my surroundings was only mildly piqued when Eric Yorkie walked in fifteen minutes late. He was mulling over the meeting he had just had with Isabella Swan. Or rather, Bella, as she preferred to be called. Unless she was being naughty? Eric seemed to be very confused about how he felt about her. Throughout the course of first period, he went back and forth between mentally chastising himself for being so uncool—and imagining the meeting going differently. These "new" meetings usually ended with her saying his name correctly.
Apparently she had called him Derrick and it had really hurt poor Eric's ego.
As much as I wanted to stop invading his mind, sometimes he would think something interesting. I found myself being taken with his visions of Bella's eyes. They were deep, dark and truly captivating. Probably just another product of Eric's imagination. I couldn't help but wonder if there really was something different about Bella. Ridiculous.
Second period wasn't any better. English is a dull subject for me. Several of the literary works we study were on the best seller list since I've been changed--and through rebelling. How many times must I 'read' Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mocking Bird? Most of the obscure literature we study I had already discovered in my own quest to fill the void eternity left me with. Aside from the monotony of public education, most high school teachers aren't prepared for a real discussing of literature. Most students are hardly invested in the class at all. In short, I'm bored already.
Third period wasn't bad. I decided to play piano for the choir this year, as I had little else to take and not much interested me. Although I didn't care for the director's musical choices; playing the piano offered me a small escape. It was also easy for me to avoid thoughts when I was flexing my musical biceps.
Fourth period was the most interesting. I expected to spend most of the period immersed in Jessica Stanley's thoughts. Jessica has been enamored with me since I showed up last year. While I don't find her to be particularly appealing, my vanity is often validated by her thoughts. Unfortunately for my ego, she had other things on her mind besides me. At first, I was slightly irritated that Bella had psychically cockblocked me. Then, I was fascinated. Jessica was trying to decide if Bella was prettier than her.
Mike Newton, whom I have despised since the first moment I caught a glimpse of his mind, was also thinking about Bella. Those thoughts were not as interesting. They were mostly disturbing. I was certain that Eric's earlier rendition of Bella's eyes were spot on. The same deep, dark, captivating brown eyes graced both Jessica and Mike's minds. Her expression was always the same. Haughty and bored. Maybe she will change things as Alice demands.
I spent most of the hour peering into the minds of Stanley and Newton. I also googled a list of scavenger hunt items my computer teacher complied. Note to self: use adrenaline rush as an excuse if vampire strength is ever in question. The sound of the bell shot a pang of relief through me. Normally, I would utilize the lunch hour to sulk alone. Today I was looking forward to spending the hour with Jasper and Alice. Most likely because Emmett and Rose wouldn't be there.
Not that I didn't like Emmett and Rosalie.
I just liked Jasper and Alice more.
A lot more.
I walked into the cafeteria ahead of them. Both of them were amused by my impatience. Alice was especially thrilled since she assumed I was seeking out Bella. She stuck out to me immediately. Her brown hair shone next to Jessica's dirty blonde locks. A crease took over her brow as her brown eyes narrowed at Lauren Mallory. Something about a trip to Italy. Too bad it couldn't have been to Volterra. I don't think I would be sad to hear Lauren was kidnapped on vacation. Bella's eyes flicked up to mine.
They were more than the others had imagined. The chocolate brown seemed to glow with a certain degree of wickedness. They widened as our eyes lingered on each other's for a second more. I heard her ask about me, about us.
Tyler Crowley called me weird. I'm really getting tired of that word. Is there no other word that adequately describes me? As I sat down a few tables behind Bella's, I realized I couldn't read her thoughts. She casually peered at me over her shoulder. I wanted more. Why? My face wrinkled in disgust as she turned around to glance at me once more.
She mimicked my expression right back at me.
Feisty.
I averted my eyes to the table and tried to listen to Newton's thoughts. Perhaps I would be able gain some insight. It is a sad day when I am using Mike fucking Newton for insight. He kept telling himself to stare at her face—not her boobs. I was learning nothing I didn't already know. Frustrated, I looked at Alice.
"I thought you were sick of all things involving the new girl?" She raised her eyebrow to punctuate her question.
"I am," I sneered. Clearly! I'm not even looking at her…though I want to.
"Then stop eavesdropping on her table," she stuck her tongue out at me, then returned to her conversation with Jasper.
To distract myself from Bella, I thought about Jasper and Alice. They casually talked to each other about menial things. Their relationship, though only slight by vampire standards, has already lasted longer than most human marriages. As a couple, they bore me. Though, I am easily bored. She remembers little about her human life and spent most of her vampire life before him searching for him. Jasper's history is full of repetition. I was tired of his stories decades ago. You're from the old south. You killed people. You killed vampires. You got hosed. You're skeptical about the 'vegetarian' lifestyle. Empathy is the worst power a vampire can have. Blah. Blah. Blah. They're joined at the hip more intimately than Rose and Emmett.
If ever two did become one.
So to hear her chattering on about the latest school gossip as he attentively listens was making me crazy. It was so banal. And they enjoyed it.
Monotony, not monogamy, has been keeping me from finding my soul mate.
Though, that is not without Carlisle trying.
Unable to concentrate on anything else, I tuned back into Bella's table. Scanning the thoughts of those around her, I learned very little. Lauren Mallory hates her. Reading a woman's mind does not make them easier to understand. Mike wanted to bend her over the lunch table, and I was quick to move on to the next thought. Tyler was building up the nerve to ask her out. And not knowing how she felt about him was impossible! Jessica thinks only of herself when she isn't thinking about me. Angela and Eric offered me very little in the way of Bella intel.
"Edward?" Alice's face was in a pout and her eyes were narrowed when I looked up.
"I'm sorry. What were you saying?"
Her expression lightened before she responded, "have you learned anything interesting about our Bella?"
Our Bella?
"No, Alice, I have not."
"Maybe you should try talking to her. They used to talk to girls back in your day, didn't they?" Jasper prodded me.
"He will. Soon, Jasper. Very soon," there was a gleam of knowing in Alice's eye as she spoke.
I hate her.
The bell rang, and relieved me from my duty of being the butt of all their jokes. I hung back as Alice glided off to her next class and Jasper followed. Slowly, I made my way to the cafeteria doors. Mike was dragging Bella off to fifth period and I tried to catch another look at her. I wasn't sure, but I thought I saw her send me a pleading look. Yes, Edward, because she wants you to save her from the clutches of Mike Newton. Newton might be a complete asshole, but I'm the evil bastard here. Immortal creature of the night. Living on blood and preying on the weak. As if I could be saving anyone. Ever.
I took my time making it to Physics class. For one, Physics never really held much of my interest. I was good at it, as I am with most everything else. But, it wasn't as interesting as some of the other sciences. Personally, I preferred the ologies—any of them are better than Physics. The other reason I was dawdling had to do with Bella. I was becoming increasingly disappointed with my interest in her. There were feelings stirring inside of me that I felt were totally inappropriate for a vampire to be having for a human. Especially one that was spending time with Newton.
It was five minutes after class had already started when I finally walked through the door. I hated to draw attention to myself, but all eyes were on me due to my tardiness. Many of them were wondering where I had been; they had very interesting theories. The teacher, Mr. Fisher, had heard of my smug arrogance from other teachers. He was greatly amused that he got to put me in my place on the first day of school.
"Mr. Cullen! So nice of you to finally join us," he was condescending and I didn't care for it.
"My apologies," my tone was sincere. The look I gave Fisher, on the other hand, was not.
"Go ahead and take your seat. There's only one left, so at least you can't waste anymore of the class's time."
It didn't take me long to find the open seat. Something stirred inside of me as I realized Bella occupied the seat beside it. Anticipation? Curiosity? Mr. Fisher was still giving me somewhat of a verbal thrashing just to prove a point. I narrowed my eyes as I made my way over to Bella. The sooner I sat down to pay attention, the sooner he would stop lecturing me about tardiness. Then, perhaps, the class would learn a thing or two about Newton's Law.
Before I reached the table, something happened. Complications. My body reacted first. All of my senses heightened. The hairs on my neck stood straight. My useless heart squeezed tight. When my brain caught up with my body, I started to go into full on predator mode. I zeroed in on Bella. Send her a dazzling smile and ask her to meet you after class. She looked up at me with a wry smile. Shake it off. Sit down and remain calm.
When I took my seat, it took all the strength I had not to bite her that moment. Her smell was so strong and sweet. Every beat of her heart made the venom swell in my throat. Hunger grew inside of me. I had to angle my body away from her. Anything to dissipate some of the smell. Offer to drive her home. Tell her a secret. Get her alone. My thoughts were clouded by my need. I had to have her. You can't have her. I gripped the table tightly when my body tried to act on instinct.
She flipped her hair over her shoulder and let out an exasperated sigh. Simple, yet deadly. Her scent became dreadfully stronger. I pinched the bridge of my nose. Jasper would laugh right now. The nose pinch is one of my biggest tells. Stop thinking about killing her and start thinking about making it out of the classroom without her, damnit. I turned to look at her and she was looking back. In an attempt to anger her, I glared back. It worked. She immediately positioned her body in the opposite direction.
"Relax, would you? You're making me nauseous with all your pent up hostility," she hissed over her shoulder.
Relax?
I wanted to stun her and take her right then. Stop. Stop. Stop. I glared at her again, hoping she'd get the hint to leave me alone. Alice! What did Alice see? Did she see this? I'm going to hide the keys to her Porsche if she's been hiding this vision from me! Why wouldn't she tell me something that might risk everything? I had never felt so primal in my life. My mind was fighting a war with my body—and my body was gaining the lead at every second.
The bell rang.
I got the hell out of there. Alice was coasting through the halls and I had to find her. Now.
"Alice!" I pushed through groups of students as I caught up to her.
She turned and looked at me, feigning surprise. Now is not the time, pixie!
"Yes?"
"Tell me. Now. What happens?"
"I don't know, you haven't decided," she shrugged.
"What have you seen?"
"You don't kill her," she whispered. "I don't know what happens next, Edward. You have to decide." Her eyes were wide as they searched my face. Then they went out of focus. I had made up my mind. "Oh, Edward. You're so dramatic."
I was bulldozing my way through another group of students.
"If I don't leave, she will die. Our family isn't safe as long as she and I are both here. I'm leaving. I'll go stay in Alaska."
"You're not going to kill her," Alice was so quite, only a vampire could hear her.
"I can't take that chance, Alice."
I left her standing at the doors to the building. She thought I was being a coward. I am a coward. She also thought I would be back within the next week. We shall see about that.
Right now, all that mattered was getting the hell out of Forks. Fast.