Shiny New Toy Syndrome

by quailtails

After a year abroad, Bella is shocked to find that the boys at Dartmouth haven't forgotten her at all...if anything, they are flocking to her. As she readjusts to life in the States, the attention is the last thing she needs, but...will her new status be enough to attract the attention of Edward, her long-time crush from afar? AU, canon pairings. [DISCONTINUED]

2. Chapter 2

Hello everyone! Here is chapter 2, from Edward's POV. Please R&R, thanks!

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Chapter 2

EPOV

Another year, another semester.

Moving back on campus was like coming home. The summer had been way too long, even with the distraction of an internship. Dartmouth was where my real life was, now (much to the annoyance of my helicopter parents). This was going to be a damn good year.

I floundered out of bed, realizing how late I had overslept. Not a great way to start my first day of classes. I raced through my shower and managed to scarf down a protein bar while pulling on my jeans. Fucking alarm clock piece of shit, I mumbled as I cut across the quad to my first class.

By lunch, I was very nearly ready for a cold beer.

Unfortunately, Dartmouth dining halls do not cater to the true needs of the student body. Tyler was supposed to meet me for lunch but it looked like he was going to be late, as usual. Ah yes, there he was, chatting up girls. As usual. I recognized Alice right away, she always hung around during soccer practice and it was no secret she had a thing for our goalie, Jasper. I didn't get a good look at the girl sitting next to Alice, but she had a cute face and long dark hair.

Tyler glanced at me and shouted about some party this weekend, which I was always down for.

"Sure." I replied on my way out of the dining hall.

Tyler and I had biochemistry together so I tried to hurry him out of the building so we wouldn't be late. "So….who was the brunette with Alice?" I prodded.

"Oh didn't you hear? Bella's back from Italy!"

"Wait, that was Bella Swan?" I tried to hide the excitement in my voice. We had been in the same orientation group as freshmen, but being the chicken I was, I didn't have the courage to talk to her. We saw each other at parties since we shared a bunch of mutual friends, but I was usually too drunk to talk to her properly so naturally, chicken.

I received a swift punch to the arm from Tyler.

"Yeah, it seems like everyone has their eye on her this semester." That asshole knew exactly what to say to make me angry.

"Shut up, let's get to class." Like I was going to be able to focus on lecture now.

I tried my damnedest to focus on the lecture slides, but to no avail. I couldn't help but think about all the slimy jerks clamoring for Bella's attention. It made my skin crawl. As the professor ended class I looked down at my almost blank sheet of notebook paper. What a great start to the semester. I was definitely going to need to copy Tyler's notes.

Girls seem to always get in the way of my grades.