EDITED, RE POSTED JAN 22
Title: Twisted Twilight
Author: Midnight
Beta: Moonlite
Synopses: A different version of Twilight. What if Renee never married Phil, but John Reed, a local cop. John is actually an alcoholic, and is abusive to Bella and Renee. It's after a brutal attack, that Bella decides to go to Forks to live with her Father. As Bella's life experiences have changed, so has our beloved story. See how!
Rating: T
Chapter: Nine
Chapter Title: Conversations
Warning: Includes mention of violence, and rape.
Authors Note: Alright, exams are over and we're into the break! All I have to do is read four books (lol) but that shouldn't be a problem. I hope you all enjoy the chapter, I enjoyed writing it. Particularity the end.
Special thanks: Drama Kagome, VoiceOfAnArchangel, dolphingirl79, Emazuelle (you've reviewed.), Anon, eyeglassed cat, bebepantheon, HerLadyship, A is for Angel, Gothic Saku-chan, -Azn-Grl-Twilight-Fan-, RoryAceHayden147, Princess FSFP, Romance4ever, Crystallized Hope, lilangels0108, mikan kisses, Stargirlrox-hearts-Avatarx4, sunmoonwriter89x2, twilight wolves, Whit7, PyroWhore, akeria26, elemental13
Mike came in the room then, leaving Lee to the mercy of the nurse. He glanced at me, looking concerned, then glared at Edward. Edward was right; that look totally confirmed loathing. Mike looked back at me, his eyes glum.
"You look better," he accused.
"Just keep your finger in your pocket," I warned, attempting to make my voice shaky. I didn't want him to think I'd faked the whole thing, or something.
"It's not bleeding anymore," he muttered. "Are you going back to class?"
"Are you kidding me? I'd just have to turn around and come right back. Beside's, I'm still a little weak, so I'll probably just spend the period in here."
"Yeah, I guess," Mike shrugged. "So are you going to beach this weekend? It wont be any fun without you." While he spoke, he flashed another glare towards Edward, who was standing against the cluttered counter, motionless as a sculpture, staring off into space.
I tried to sound as friendly as possible, mostly out of guilt. "Sure, I said I was in."
"We're meeting at my dad's store, at ten." his eyes flickered to Edward again, wondering if he was giving out too much information. His body language made it clear that it wasn't an open invitation.
"I'll be there," I promised.
"I'll see you in Gym, then," he said, moving uncertainly towards the door.
"See you," I replied. He looked at me once more, his round face slightly pouting, and then he walked slowly through the door, his shoulders slumped. I swell of sympathy washed over me.
"Mike really needs a girl," I whined. Edward smiled wickedly.
"I think, he thinks, he has one." He teased.
"He really needs to open his eyes to Jessica. They'd be so good together. Maybe there's a way to push him to her." I said, ignoring Edward's comment.
"Good luck with that," he muttered. I sighed, feeling guilty. I pondered seeing his disappointed face again in Gym.
"Gym," I groaned.
"I can take care of that." I hadn't noticed Edward moving to my side, but he spoke now in my ear. "Go sit down and look pale," he muttered.
That wasn't a challenged; I was always pale, and my recent swoon had left a light sheen of sweat on my face. I sat in one of the creaky folding chairs and rested my head against the wall with my eyes closed. Fainting spells always exhausted me.
Ms. Cope walked out of the nurses' office, as if sensed she was needed. Funny; I actually was feeling a little faint. I heard Edward speaking softly at the counter. "Ms. Cope?"
"Yes?" She sounded a little surprised.
"Bella has Gym next hour, and I don't think she feels well enough. Actually, I was thinking I should take her home now. Do you think you could excuse her from class?" His voice was like melting honey. I could only imagine how much overwhelming his eyes would be.
"Do you need to be excused, too, Edward?" Ms. Cope fluttered. Why couldn't I do that?
"No, I have Mrs. Goff, she won't mind."
"Okay, it's all taken care of. You feel better, Bella," she called to me. I nodded weakly, my ears ringing slightly.
"Can you walk, or do you need me to carry you again?" With his back to the receptionist, his expression became sarcastic.
"I'll walk." I rolled my eyes, and stood up. Edward held the door open for me, his smile politely mocking. I walked out into the cold, as fine mist that had just begun to fall. It felt nice- for the first time I'd enjoy the constant moisture falling out of the sky- as it washed my face clean of the sticky perspiration. The ringing was fading slowly, but by the same respect, so was my vision. I didn't want to say I didn't feel well, and make him think I was over reacting, but I needed to stop. "Edward, wait."
"Are you alright, Bella?" His hand rested lightly on my shoulder.
"Just a little ringing, but-" My knees shook. "God damn-it."
"Bella?" I attempted to get myself down to the ground before I fell, but wasn't fast enough. Edward moved like lightening, and caught me with ease. "Bella, what's wrong?"
"Stop talking." I whined. Edward chuckled lightly, and stroked my hair. He picked me up, this time carrying me closer to his chest. His smell wiped all thoughts of complaining from my mind. I rested my head against his chest.
"Edward?" A chocked up, a high soprano voice called. I opened my eyes, and looked over towards the girl.
"Hello, Alice," He greeted pleasantly.
"How are you feeling, Bella?" She asked me, but her eyes were locked on Edward.
"Dizzy," I whined. The only problem was that right now, I didn't know if that was because of the fainting spell, or the closeness to Edward. His presents was intoxicating.
"What have you eaten today?" Her expression seemed to relax ever so slightly.
"Lemonade?" I smiled innocently.
"You didn't even drink that, remember?" Edward said, softly. My mind trailed back to lunch, and my break down outside.
"Oh, yeah."
"No wonder you don't feel well," Alice said. "Maybe she's anemic? We should get her to get some tests done." She added to Edward.
"I was thinking that. Right now I think she just needs some sleep, however. I was going to take her home, make sure she get's in safe." Alice's expression turned completely blank for a second. A moment later, she smiled brilliantly and handed Edward my coat and bag; which I hadn't even noticed she was holding until then.
"That's a good idea, Edward." He sighed in relief. It was like they had some strange silent conversation. "Don't forget to come back and pick us up though; Rose will be very upset if she has to walk home in the rain."
"Rose is always upset about something," Edward wined. Alice waved, and gracefully walked back to building three with surprising speed and grace.
"Let's get you home."
"Let me down, I need to drive." Edward laughed without humor.
"Yeah, like I'm going to let you drive like this. Didn't you hear me promise to take you safely home?"
"What about my truck?" I complained.
"I'll have Alice drop it off after school." Edward walked towards the Volvo, still caring me bridal style. I certainly wasn't complaining.
"So are you coming?" I asked, resting my head on his shoulder. "This Saturday I mean?" I was hoping he would, though it seemed unlikely. I couldn't picture him loading up to car pool with the rest of the kids from school; he didn't belong in the same world. I was starting to wonder if even I belonged in their rose-colored world. Bust just hoping that he might, gave me the first twinge of enthusiasm I'd felt for the outing.
"Where are you all going, exactly?" He was still looking ahead, expressionless.
"Down to La Push, to First Beach." I looked up to study his face, trying to read it. For a split second, his eyes seemed to narrow, and his expression seemed like he was uncomfortable.
He glanced down at me, and gave a crooked smile. "I don't really think I was invited."
"I just invited you." I smiled up at him. We were standing beside his car, yet he hadn't put me down.
"Let's not you and I push poor Mike any farther this week. We don't want him to snap." His eyes danced; he was enjoying the idea far for then he should.
"Forget about Mike." I was enjoying the idea of 'us' far more then I should. "Come with us."
"Perhaps next time. Beside's, I'm going camping with Emmett and Jasper this weekend."
"Alright, next time." I agreed. Edward finally seemed to realize that we were standing next to the car, and gently put me down. I smiled in thanks, as he opened the door for me and I sat down.
In silence, Edward closed the door then proceeded to the drivers side.
The interior was grey leather, and very stylish. He put in the clutch, and reversed with ease. He fiddled with the controls; turning the heat up and the music down. I closed my eyes, and listened carefully to the beautiful music. Without thinking, I began to hum along.
"You know Debussy?" He sounded surprised.
"Clair de Lune is wonderful," I said. "My mother used to play classical music around the house. I've only remembered my favorites."
"It's one of my favorites, too." We both stared out in the rain, each lost in our own thoughts. I closed my eyes, and listened to the music. It was impossible not to respond to the familiar, soothing melody. The rain blurred everything outside the window into grey and green smudges. I began to realize we were driving very fast; the car moved so steadily, so evenly, thought, I didn't feel the speed. Only the town flashing by gave it away.
Had it been anyone else, I probably would have been terrified. As a general rule, I don't trust anyone but myself behind the wheel of a moving, particularly speeding, vehicle, but something told me that if anyone was a better driver then I was, it was Edward and his unnatural reflexed.
"What is your mother like?" Edward asked me suddenly.
I glanced over to see him studying me with curious eyes.
"She looks a lot like me, but she's prettier," I said. He raised his eyebrows. "I have too much Charlie in me. She used to be very out going, and I used to think she was the bravest person in the whole world. She's irresponsible, and slightly eccentric, and a very unpredictable cook. She used to be my best friend, until she met John. Then she changed; a lot. She just doesn't see her own potential, and has low self esteem. It's very frustrating." I stopped. Talking about her was making me depressed.
"How old are you, Bella?" His voice sounded frustrated for some reason I couldn't imagine. He'd stopped the car, and I realized we were at Charlie's house already. The rain was so heavy that I could barely see the house at all. It was like the car was submerged under a river.
"I'm seventeen," I responded, a little confused.
"You don't seem seventeen." His tone was reproachful; it made me laugh.
"What?" he asked, curious again.
"My mom used to always say I was born thirty-five years old, and that I get more middle-aged every year." I laughed, then sighed. "Well, someone had to be the adult." I paused for a second. "You don't seem much like a junior in high school yourself," I noted.
He made a face, and changed the subject.
"So why did your mother marry John?" He looked sad.
"My mother... she's very young for her age. I think John made her feel ever younger. When they first started dating, he treated her like queen, but as time went on, he started guilting her into breaking plans with friends, because he wanted to spend time with her. It got to the point were she had to quit her job for him. When they got married, he turned for the worst. But now that she's got one failed marriage, she doesn't want to make this one, too. Plus, I think she's trapped in the old days." I shook my head; the whole thing was disgusting to me.
"Didn't you ever voice your opinion?"
"It didn't matter," I shrugged. "I wanted her to be happy... and he was who she wanted. By the time things escalated, she was far too brain washed to listen to me."
"I wonder if your mother would let you marry whoever you wanted, if they made you happy." he mused. "No matter what the choice was?" He was suddenly intent, his eyes searching mine.
"Her opinion doesn't matter to me," my voice was surprisingly cold. "She made her choices, and I can make mine."
"Wouldn't you want her to approve?"
"I suppose." I shrugged. "But that would just be convenient."
"So no one too scary then," he teased.
I grinned in response. "What do you mean by scary? Multiple facial piercing and extensive tattoos?"
"That's one definition, I suppose."
"What's you definition?" I asked, still smiling.
But he ignored my question and asked me another. "Do you think that I could be scary?" He raised one eyebrow and the faint trace of a smile lingered on his face.
"Hmm..." I thought for a moment, wondering whether he'd believe the truth. "I think you could be, if you wanted to."
"Are you frightened of me now?" His smile vanished, and his heavenly face was suddenly serious. I stared him in the eye, leaning in slightly to get closer.
"No." My voice was sure. "But you're not really trying." His smile returned.
"So now are you going to tell me about your family?" I asked to distract him. "It's got to be much more interesting story then mine."
He was instantly cautions. "What do you want to know?"
"The Cullen's adopted you?" I verified.
"Yes."
"What happened to your parents?" I blurted out, and instantly regretted it as I madly blushed. "Sorry- sometimes I don't think before I speak." He smiled, and shrugged.
"They died many years ago," his tone was very matter-of-fact.
"I'm sorry," I mumbled.
"I don't really remember them that clearly. Carlisle and Esme have been my parents for a long time now."
"And you love them." It wasn't a question. It was obvious in the way he spoke of them.
"Yes." He smiled. "I couldn't imagine two better people."
"You're very lucky."
"I know I am."
"And your brother and sister?" He glanced at the clock on the dashboard.
"My brother and sister, and Jasper and Rosalie for that matter, are going to be quite upset if they have to stand in the rain waiting for me." I thought about what Alice had said.
"Oh, sorry, I guess you have to go." I didn't want to get out of the car.
"And you probably want your truck back before Chief Swan gets home, so you don't have to tell him about the Biology incident." He grinned at me.
"I'm sure he's already heard. There was no secrets in Forks." I sighed.
He laughed, but there was an edge to his laughter. It was very subtle; but I'm good at noticing those types of things.
"Have fun at the beach... good weather for sun bathing." He glanced out at the sheeting rain.
"I'm not much of a sun-bather." I rolled my eyes; as if the pale skin wasn't hint enough. Edward chuckled. "Won't I see you tomorrow?"
"No, Jasper and Emmet want to leave early for camping; it's easier to get a good spot. We're going down to Goat Rocks, south of Mount Rainier."
"Oh, well, have fun then." I tried to sound enthusiastic. I don't think I fooled him, though. A smile was playing around the edge of his lips.
"Will you do something for me this weekend?" He turned to look me straight in the face, unitizing the full power of his burning golden eyes.
I nodded helplessly.
"Don't be offended, but your seem to be one of those people who just attract accidents like a magnet. So.... try to be careful, and not fall into the ocean or get run over or anything, all right?" He smiled crookedly.
"I'll see what I can do," I smirked back. I had some of the worst luck.
I jumped out of the car, and into the rain. I slammed the door behind me as I fumbled.
He was still smiling as he drove away.
As I sat in my room, trying to concentrate on the third act of Macbeth, I was really listening for my truck. I would have thought, even over the pounding rain, I could have heard the engine's road. But when I peeked out the curtain- again- it was suddenly there.
I wasn't looking forward to Friday, and it more that lived up to my non-expectations. I woke up with a pounding head ache, and even thought I had gone to bed right after dinner, I was still exhausted. It seemed to take forever just to get ready, and I half feel back asleep on my bed twice.
My whole body was stiff, so I assumed I had slept funny.
Of course there were the fainting comments. Jessica especially seemed to get a kick out of the that story. Luckily Mike kept his mouth shut and no one seemed to know about Edward's involvement.
At lunch the mere sight of the food caused my gag reflex to flinch. By that point I was irritable, soar, and freezing cold. All of which were sure fire signs I was sick, probably from all the time I spent in the rain at lunch. The slightest high pitch noise, like Jessica's infuriating laughter, caused pain in my head that made me was to throw up.
But the very worst part was, even thought I knew he wasn't going to be there, I still hoped, and was disappointed when he didn't show. In fact, none of them were there.
"When ever the weather get's nice, they go camping and stuff." Jessica said, seeing where my glance was pointing.
"Oh?"
"Yeah Dr and Mrs Cullen take them camping and stuff. I tired that out with my parents; not even close." I smiled, and nodded a little. I had already known that they weren't going to be here, and why, but I didn't want her to know that. Besides, the lack of her laughter was soothing.
I couldn't stop the gloom that engulfed me when I realized that I didn't know when I'd see him again.
Mike was blabbering his plans out for the fallowing day, putting far too much trust in the local weather man in my opinion. He said it wasn't supposed to rain, but I'd have to see that before I'd believe it. At least it was warmer today- in the sixties. Maybe the outing wouldn't be completely miserable.
I intercepted a few unfriendly glances from Lauren during the start of lunch, which I didn't understand. I suppose if I wasn't feeling so disgusting and irritable, I probably wouldn't have done what I did next.
At the same time, maybe I would have. I've got a real issue when people don't just tell you when they have a problem with you, and I'd hate to sink to that level. Once I got an long and pointed dirty glare, the twig in my mind snapped.
"Can I help you?" I asked darkly. The table suddenly went very quit. My heart was racing slightly, my jaw clenched together. She looked to Tyler on her right, then to Angela on her left, but neither of them said anything.
"Because if you've got a problem with me, I really wish you'd just tell me. Quite frankly, I don't enjoy the feeling of eyes burning into the back of my skull, and I refuse to play catty little girl back-stabbing games."
"Excuse me?" I never noticed what an unpleasant, nasal voice she had until now.
"Did I stutter?" I asked, my voice even more cold then before. I really didn't know her well at all, certainly not enough for her to dislike me- or so I thought. "Because I can repeat myself if you'd like. I mean I, unlike you, understand I'm not perfect and make mistakes. But I think I was pretty clear."
"You don't need to repeat anything; I got every word of it." Her head did a little bobble from side to side as she was talking.
"Good, then would you like to answer? Or would you like to take it outside?"
"Bella," Angela said in warning.
"I'm waiting." I said, ignoring the comment. Lauren huffed, stood up, and marched away. "I thought so." I muttered to myself. Once she was out of the cafeteria, I rested my head back on the table.
It was silent for a whole minute before anyone said anything. With my hair tangled around my face, no one saw the smile.