Disclaimer: Sorry I don't own these Characters. I wish I did. I keep dreaming and praying-- God isn't on my side. Very unfortunate, this is.
Chapter 2: Inquiry
The next morning greeted me with a loud shriek. I groaned, tossing over in my bed. And I was having such a good dream...
"ISABELLA!" Her voice shattered my peace. I plugged my ears and squeezed my eyes shut. That didn't help at all. She stormed over to me, and ripped my covers back.
"Excuse me, I want to sleep," I snapped, pulling my covers back.
"It's six fifteen, lazy ass. Classes start at seven thirty. AND WHY DID YOU SHATTER MY MIRROR? I mean, I already know how you did it, just look at you, but WHY MINE?!" Tanya huffed, her arms crossing in front of her chest as she glared at me. I gaped back at her.f
"Last time I checked, it's our mirror, because it's on the back of our door," I started, looking at her with a bemused expression. "And it's not even broken, it's just a teeny crack" I added, nodding towards the mirror mounted on the back of the door. Sure enough, there was a small crack not even a quarter of an inch long. Way to make a mountain out of a molehill.
"You think you're so clever. But I know you did it!" Tanya continued, yelling at the top of her voice.
"Well, now that you've successfully awakened the entire building, I think I'll get ready for class." I rolled out of bed, smirking to myself.
This year was going to be very, very fun.
I draped my backpack over the back of me seat, letting out a wide yawn. Impossibly, I hated Tanya this morning even more than I hated her last night. I stared blankly at the board for a few moments, waiting for the other students to arrive. Five minutes later, Mr. Hall called me to the front of the class to introduce myself. After tripping over my own feet and having my cheeks turn beet-red, I managed to stand in front of the teachers desk, my hands shaking nervously.
"I'm Bella Swan, and I'm from Forks," I said quickly, turning to return to my seat. I stepped on my shoelace, and stumbled forward. My face grew even redder, the blush creeping along my ears and down my neck. I sat down gratefully in my chair, letting my hair fall around my face so I wouldn't have to meet the many stares of my classmates. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, and letting it out slowly. It would be a long day, and I knew it. I sprang out of my seat as soon as the bell rang, having not payed any attention to what Mr. Hall was lecturing.
"Homework for tonight, two paragraphs summary on the first four chapters of Wuthering Heights," So that's what we were focusing on. I hurried from the class, looking at the floor.
Of course, even when my eyes were glued to my feet, I would manage to trip over something. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the floor. But the contact never came. A pair of pale, strong arms were wrapped around my waist, holding me. I twisted around and looked into the face of my savior, preparing a slew of thank yous. But it was for nothing. I narrowed my chocolate eyes as they stared into emerald ones. Edward smirked.
"A thank you would be nice, Bella Swan, the new girl," He said lazily, setting me on my feet.
"Thank you," I mumbled before turning and stalking off to Government. I heard a musical chuckle behind me, and froze. I closed my eyes, and shook my head, before continuing towards my next class.
"What's eatin' ya?" Alice asked as soon as I slammed my books down on the desk next to her.
"English was horrible, I tripped about four times. And then again in the hallway, and guess who caught me?" I fumed, ripping open my notebook.
"Edward? Oooh!" She exclaimed, giggling. I shot her a look, and the giggling ceased. "And that's so bad because...?" She pressed, looking anxiously at me.
"He's an arrogant jerk." I explained shortly, glaring at my notebook. I knew Alice would say something else, but the teacher began to speak at that moment.
"Why do you hate him so much?" She whispered after about thirty minutes. I knew she had been itching to ask for ages, but couldn't find the opportunity. Now we were paired up and starting on a worksheet.
"I told you. He's an arrogant jerk. And he was hooking up with my roommate on my bed." I seethed, scribbling an answer down.
"I think you should give him a chance," Alice mumbled. I froze. "Bella, get over it. He's trying to be nice to you, I think. And he's not nice to just everyone." She continued, looking down at my sheet, then copying my answer.
"Last night he asked if I wanted to make out with him. Because that's just so nice. I'll give him a chance if he stops being a gross, selfish asshole, AKA, never." I concluded, scribbling another answer. "So just drop it Alice, okay?" I closed my eyes again, trying to calm myself.
"Sheesh, defensive much?" Alice murmured to herself. I sighed, opening my eyes and looking at her.
"Look, I'm sorry about all that, but it's just... Edward really touches a nerve." I sighed again, completing the worksheet. I passed it to Alice, who copied my answers. I could have sworn she was muttering under her breath. I caught a few words, like denial... couple... Edward. I rolled my eyes. Alice would never get over it.
The bell rang, and Alice and I stood in silence, and started towards Trigonometry.
"Hey Bella," A musical voice greeted me in front of Trigonometry. A pained cough followed his words. He was giving Tanya a hug– I was shocked that there was no face action.
"Hello." I said shortly, not looking at him. Alice chortled. I ignored her as well. Tanya left Edward's embrace, and I followed her into class. Or at least, I started to follow her, when a hand caught my arm, and turned me to face him.
"Bella, why do you hate me?" Confusion was etched all over his beautiful face, as his green eyes bored into mine. I scoffed, but I couldn't bring myself to twist out of his grasp again.
"Because you're an arrogant, selfish jerk," I mumbled, looking away. He laughed quietly, releasing his grip. I turned away, walking quickly, and stumbling. And again, he caught me. "Thank you," I muttered reluctantly, hearing him laugh again.
"Just try not to trip, because I might not be there to catch you next time. See you tonight," Edward waved a little at me, before gracefully exiting the classroom, not even glancing at Tanya, his girlfriend. I sighed, sitting down next to Alice, who had breezed past me during my encounter with Edward. She leaned towards me, wiggling her brows.
"So Bella, Edward doesn't seem so arrogant and gross anymore, does he?" She giggled, but I just stared at the board, feeling my cheeks steadily darken. "Ah, young love," Alice continued wisely. I smirked, not looking at her still. I had the satisfaction of Tanya twisting in her seat to glare at me. Mr. Turner spotted it, and she reluctantly returned her attention to the front. I snickered, and Alice gladly joined me, but I doubted it was for the same reason. We passed the class with murmurs about Tanya, and all too soon, the bell rang.
"Wow, I don't think I've ever enjoyed math class more," I told Alice, laughing. She bobbed her head energetically, before waving as she headed off to gym, and I walked away towards Spanish. I heard Alice squeal happily, she probably spotted Rosalie. I didn't pay attention to what she was saying, or to whom she was talking to. I just continued down the hall, minding my own business.
Spanish was horrible. Almost as bad as English. I didn't have Alice to talk to, so I resorted to staring at my notes. My disgusting, ugly notes. But my mind was elsewhere. Some place that was not at all horrible, ugly or disgusting.
I flared my nostrils, blowing my breath out sharply. How could I even be thinking about Edward? Considering he was a pig, but such a beautiful pig. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping to block out my thoughts.
"Miss Swan, I would appreciate your attention," My face did something strange. Instead of turning a violent shade of red, it paled. "Oh, I see you are not well. Would you like to go to the nurse?" She looked concerned. I nodded quickly, scooping up my books, and rushing out the door. Luck was on my side– I didn't trip.
I quickly walked across the campus to the infirmary building. Why it was on the other side, I had no idea. I slipped quickly in the doors, and looked around.
I wasn't the only student in the room– there was a huge, dark skinned boy in the room, being examined by one of the nurses. The other one sat behind a desk, and looked up at me.
"How can I help you, dearie?" She asked kindly, looking at my face, which was returning to it's normal color. "You look alright, looking for a reason to skip?"
"No, I just felt a little faint in class," I answered, my voice faint. Why was I here? I was just overreacting to Edward. Stupid, stupid Edward.
"Take a seat, I'll get you some water and a snack and you should be fine. Eat a big, nutritious lunch when I let you go, and you'll be healthy as a horse." I nodded, and sat down in a chair next to the russet skinned boy. He was staring at me.
"Hello..." I started, looking awkwardly at him. "Are you alright? You look a little uh, dazed."
"I'm fine," His voice was deep and husky, and his thick brows furrowed over his deep set dark eyes. He nervously rubbed the back of his neck, reaching under his rather long, shiny black hair which was tied back with a leather strip. "I'm Jacob, by the way. Jacob Black," He shakily extended his other hand to me. I shook it, and his entire palm enveloped my hand. After a moment, he released his grasp, his dark eyes still on me.
"Bella Swan," I replied with a nod, turning my attention to the health posters around the room. I took the water and crackers the nurse offered me, and took a long drink. When I finished, I stood up, thanking them, and headed towards the door.
"I feel better too. I heal quickly." A husky voice behind me said, and I didn't have to look to know that Jacob had leapt up, and was following me out the door. He seemed pretty nice, despite the fact that he was starting to appear clingy.
"So, what brought you to the nurse?" I questioned him, raising my brows as we trudged across campus.
"I got burned my the Bunsen burner. Big hands. Little knobs." Jacob shrugged waving his large hand in front of my face, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Very nice. Next time you might have your partner do it for you." I suggested, shoving my hands in my jeans pockets.
"Interesting piece of advice. Just might take it." He nodded in approval, which got me laughing again. He grinned brightly at me.
"So, Bella Swan. What brings you to Riverside?" He asked me, looking genuinely interested.
"To be honest, I never thought I could be here. I'm from Forks– trust me, the rain there makes this place look like Death Valley at four o'clock," I chuckled, and he did as well.
"I know. I'm from La Push, the little Indian reservation about fifteen minutes from there. Your dad's chief Swan then? He's best friends with my dad," Jacob frowned slightly.
"I remember your sisters Rachel and Rebecca, but not you. I have a knack for blocking out some memories that aren't particularly happy. Like fishing with Charlie. I'm sorry for not recognizing you," I hoped he would forgive me.
"It's okay. My sisters will be uh... amused... that you'll be here," He said rather awkwardly, looking down at his feet. "In a good way," He added hastily. "So look, do you want to hang out or something tomorrow night? As friends, not in a date, because I'm probably too young and all..." He started to ramble.
"No, no, that's fine. How about we go see a movie? Ever seen The Forty Year Old Virgin?"
"Smuggling me in to an R-rated movie? I'm appalled, Bella!" He said in mock horror, tentatively resting his uninjured hand on my arm.
"They won't care, you look older than me. How old are you anyways?"
"Fifteen. Almost sixteen though," Jacob answered quickly. The bell rang shrilly, interrupting our conversation.
"Well, I'll see you at eight tomorrow night in front of the theater. Bye Jacob, it was nice seeing you again!" I waved a little, before bouncing off to the cafeteria. It was nice to have made a new friend– he even got me to stop thinking about Edward for a whole half hour.
I pushed open the doors, and spotted Alice waving me over eagerly. I grinned wider, walking over to her.
"Hey Bella! I think about half the school already heard about your little fainting feat. Is it true?" She asked, her eyes shining.
"Pretty much. I didn't faint, but I did have to go to the infirmary. I met this kid there, Jacob. We're going to the movies tomorrow night." Alice gasped. "Just as friends," I added hastily. She rolled her eyes, obviously not believing me.
"So, what is he like?" Alice pressed, looking even more excited, if that was possible.
"Huge." I stated honestly. She giggled.
"Sounds like Emmett," Alice said, rolling her eyes. "Emmett McCarty is Rose's boyfriend, by the way. You'll surely meet him soon enough. Ah yes, here they come," She smiled brightly at three figures making their way over. A tall blonde boy wrapped his arms around Alice's shoulders, giving her a squeeze. I noticed he had the same hair and eye color as Rosalie. Speaking of which, she was holding hands with this huge boy– Emmett. I smiled shyly at them all.
"Everyone, this is Bella Swan. She's the Devil's roommate." Alice introduced me, and Rosalie rolled her eyes. However, she didn't seem to mind Alice's comment that much. Alice's boyfriend smiled kindly at me.
"I'm Jasper Hale, Rosalie's twin," He kissed Alice on the top of her spiky hair.
"I'm Emmett McCarty!" Emmett boomed, patting me on my shoulder. My knees buckled, causing him to guffaw. I rolled my eyes, and stood up.
"I'm going to get some food... be right back," I strode quickly away, and Alice quickly caught up to me. "I'm okay Alice," I told her quickly. Alice shook her head.
"I'm getting food too, buddy,"
"Oh." She giggled as we waited in line.
I paid for my pizza and soda, and was about to return to our table before I froze, my knees starting to feel weak. Tanya and Edward were now seated there, Edward was deep in conversation with Emmett, who was sitting across the table. I noticed two empty seats– and one was next to Edward. Alice followed my gaze, and nudged me, giggling again.
"Alice, you giggle too much," I groaned, shuffling my feet towards the table. Alice quickly set her tray in the empty seat next to Jasper, leaving me to sit next to Edward. I moodily bit down on the straw of my soda as I took a long sip. I propped me chin on my hand, and my elbow on the table, as I pushed my slice of pizza around my plate.
"Aren't you going to eat that?" Edward inquired. I hadn't noticed him staring at me– Tanya was talking to Rosalie, and Jasper, Alice and Emmett were having a heated argument about whether or not the pasta was whole grain. I shrugged, taking a small bite. Edward chuckled. "So I finally got the stubborn new girl to listen," He brushed a lock of my hair behind my ear, and where his skin touched mine, I felt as if it was burning like a million matches alight.
"Woohoo, have a party," I replied, taking another bite.
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something like that. There's a party tomorrow night, sort of celebrating the start of the new semester. I was wondering if you were going," He looked a little embarrassed, and he looked at his hands, which were in his lap. Aw.
"I don't think so," I said slowly. What was this? Was Edward inviting me to a party?
"Oh," He looked downcast as he twiddled his thumbs. "Are you doing something else?" Why was he so interested?
"Yeah, I'm going to the movies with my friend," I responded quietly, looking at my lap as well. After a moment, I looked back to him. "Why are you asking me anyways?" I asked quietly. "I mean, you're going out with Tanya and all..." He looked back at me, his emerald eyes sparkling in the light.
"We're kind of in a fight. She wasn't happy about last night," Edward laughed his musical laugh quietly. "I guess my welcome was a little too friendly for her liking," I couldn't help but blush.
"You didn't seem happy either. As a matter of fact, you seriously hate me," He shook his head, frowning. "I don't really understand why," I shot him a look. I had already told him why. "Well, other than the arrogant, selfish jerk bit. But I've been trying to change myself." Edwards cheeks turned a very faint pink.
Edward Cullen was trying to change himself. Edward Cullen was blushing.
"I'm flattered, Edward," I snorted. He looked up at me, and stuck out his tongue, looking frustrated. He was so adorable when he was frustrated. He was so adorable all the time. I had a feeling my outing with Jake wasn't going to go as well as I could have hoped.
It was then that the bell rang, making us jump. Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Rosalie and Tanya were all staring at us with their mouths open. I blushed furiously, before scooting out of my chair. Edward grasped my wrist, and I watched Tanya stalk away, fuming. I looked questioningly at Edward.
"From what I hear, you're going to Biology." Oh. Right. Biology with Edward. How fun. I was sure to make more of a fool of myself, but at least Tanya wouldn't be there to watch it. "I'd like to walk with you," He continued quietly, looking at me through his long lashes. He was giving me the choice. But how could I turn those perfect features down?
"Sure thing," I gasped, wrapping my arms around myself, as if I would fall apart if I let my arms go. Edward gave me that half smile that melted my heart. As if I needed it. He walked with me towards the Biology wing in a comfortable silence.
When we entered, everyone was already there, seated and chatting. There was only one empty table. Edward drifted to his seat, and began unpacking his supplies. I stood frozen at the entrance.
"Isabella Swan, correct?" Mr. Roche inquired from his desk at the front of the class.
"B-Bella" I stuttered. Damn, I knew I would make a fool of myself in front of Edward.
"Welcome to Riverside. Your lab partner will be Edward, I assume you already know each other, as you walked to class together." A wave of whispers erupted at his last sentence. I felt more blood rush to my cheeks as I nodded. I stumbled as I made my way to my seat, next to Edward. He chuckled softly, a thousand beautiful bells ringing. I started to feel faint again, as I took out my notebook. I crossed my arms tightly across my chest, and looked defiantly at the board.
Fifteen minutes into the hour, Mr. Roche told us to begin the lab. I hadn't been paying any attention, as all my efforts went into ignoring Edward. I turned reluctantly to him as he pulled a microscope nearer.
"So partner, ready to work with me?" He winked. I gagged, and he frowned. A blow to his self esteem– excellent. "What happened to the nice lunchtime chat?" Edward questioned me, grinning mischievously. I rolled my eyes.
"It went up my ass and around the corner," I sneered, pulling the microscope towards me. We were examining cells of Whitefish Blastula which were going through mitosis, and we had to differentiate between each phase. I slipped the first slide in, and peered through the lens.
"Metaphase."
"May I take a look?" I shoved the microscope towards him. Edward chuckled. "I mean may I look for our conversation." I looked at him, horror struck. What kind of invitation was that?
"That's not a very good pickup line," I scoffed, my face turning redder as I turned my head away from him. He was still chuckling, and I heard him pull the microscope closer to him.
"Yes, this is metaphase," he agreed, and I heard the scratching of pen on paper. I imagined an untidy scrawl, and was blown away when I turned back to him.
"Nice handwriting," I noted, nodding at his elegant script, my jaw hanging. Edward laughed quietly.
"No need to make fun of me," He said, switching the slides. "This one's prophase," Edward said, taking notes.
"I'm not making fun of you. I'm not that mean. I actually think it's nice," I grinned cheekily at him. He peered anxiously at me, as if waiting for me to say Gotcha!
"Thanks," Edward switched the slides again.
"Anaphase." He wrote it down again.
"You going to let me do any of this work?" I asked, peering into the microscope, which was still in front of him.
Bad idea. He smelled so delightful, like sun and honey, and something else I couldn't quite place. I felt myself grow lightheaded as I took a deep inhale of the intoxicating scent.
"What is it Bella?" His velvety voice didn't break my trance.
"You smell delicious," I very near moaned, not realizing how foolish I was acting. Edward chuckled nervously.
"Thanks... but I meant what phase of mitosis is it..." Oh, crap. Crap, crap, crap. I just told Edward he smelled good. Crap!
"Uh, telophase," I said quickly, blushing impossibly more. He patted my hand gently, still chuckling. "Sorry about that other comment... I mean, you do smell good but... well, it was just that--" He cut me off.
"It's okay, Bella." The bell rang, and he stood up, and collected his books. He waited as I fumbled with the zipper of my backpack, before swooping down and knocking my hand gently out of the way. I inhaled sharply– his touch was like an electric shock to my skin.
"Sorry," He murmured, zipping up my bag, and offering it to me.
"Don't." I breathed, looking at him. When his eyes met mine, it was like our own little time bubble. There was no one else in the world, just Edward and I. A grin crept across his face, and I felt my cheeks burn.
"Swan, Cullen, get to class!" A loud voice interrupted our moment. I stood quickly, and started towards the door.
"Bye, stubborn new girl," Edward said, smirking as I passed him
"Bye, selfish pig," I waved at him, still grinning, and strode towards the Gym.
I was very nearly late to Gym. Good. I hated this class. Just another excuse to make a fool of myself by attempting to do a contact sport. I had little hand-eye coordination, let alone coordination in general. Rosalie smiled a little at me when I walked into the locker room.
"Hi Bella. Why are you late?" She asked, waiting for me while I changed.
"Uh..." I hesitated. Would she report back to Tanya? "Got held up in Biology with Edward." There. No lies.
"Interesting..." I could just hear the smirk in her voice. "With Edward, you say?" Rosalie giggled.
"You sound like Alice. Giggle twins," I muttered, following her back into the gym. I was immediately greeted by a group of buoyant boys.
"Rosalie!"
"Hey Rose!"
"Hi Rosalie!" I gave Rosalie a sidelong glance, and she looked like she wanted to jump off a cliff. I smiled.
"Hey Bella!" Well, that took my by surprise. Jacob was striding towards me. Oh. Jacob. Right. He was my friend. I was going to the movies with him tomorrow night. Edward had completely driven that out of my mind.
"Hey Jacob!" I grinned at him. I glanced around the room, and noticed a baby-faced boy glaring at Jacob. He had a glint in his eye, as if his emotions were going to burst.
"Alright kids! Basketballs– now!" Coach Creston clapped her hands together, blowing her whistle. I moaned. Basketball was probably the worst of the sports. I slowly edged towards the bleachers, trying to make my escape.
"Swan! Basketball!" Coach tossed me a ball– damn, there went my plans. I attempted to catch the dark orange menace, but it glanced off my hands and rolled away. I mumbled under my breath, cursing this woman to the deepest pits of hell.
I tried to dribble the ball, but it rolled away again.
I tried to pass the ball, but the ball bounced out of play.
I tried to shoot the ball, but it ended up in Jacob's face.
"Oh crap! Jacob! I'm really, really sorry! Oh god, crap!" I ran over to him, stumbling en route.
"Swan! Newton! Take Black to the infirmary." Coach Creston demanded. The blonde boy from earlier hurried over to me, and helped Jacob up.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Jacob said thickly. Blood was pouring from his nose. I froze, the room spinning. The scent of rust and salt overwhelmed me. "Wait, Bella? Woah, Bella? Bella?"
Then everything went black.
When I woke up, I was lying on my bed. I rubbed my forehead, turning to look at the clock. Five thirty. Dinner time. But my stomach still felt uneasy from the blood during Gym.
I reached across my desk for my laptop, pulling it towards me. I booted it up, and opened up my instant messenger, planning to tell Reene about it. She was all about the new "IM craze"at least, that's what she called it. However, a different name popped up onto my screen.
madtracker12: Hey Bella, you okay?
bellsx5: Who is this?
madtracker12 has changed their name to arrogant pig
arrogant pig: Got a clue?
bellsx5: Hi Edward. How did you get my screen name?
arrogant pig: I asked Rosalie.
bellsx5: I haven't given it out...
arrogant pig: Fine, I looked it up
bellsx5: Stalker
arrogant pig: I was interested
bellsx5: Stalker
arrogant pig: Can you blame me? You're the talk of the school.
bellsx5: Stalker.
arrogant pig: Is Tanya there?
bellsx5: Stalker. And no, she's not.
bellsx5: Why?
arrogant pig has gone away
bellsx5: Edward?
Auto Response from arrogant pig: Visiting Hours.
bellsx5: Evil child.
I closed my laptop just as Edward burst through my door with two bottles of unopened water.
"Hello. I thought you might want some water," He smiled angelically, offering me the water bottle. I accepted it, nodding in thanks. He sat down on my bed, next to my waist.
"So, what brings you here?" I asked him, taking a sip of my water. Edward smirked. "I know it's not your girlfriend, because I told you she's not here. Got a thing for the new girl?" I teased, taking another sip.
"You could say that," He replied with a shrug. I nearly choked.
"Oh. Interesting." Stupid arrogant pig. "So..." I started, awkwardly.
"You fainted...?" He asked, taking a drink of his own water. "And it wasn't even your own blood..." He shook his head. "Imagine if it happened to you. Or worse, if it happened to me." Edward gasped in mock horror. I rolled my eyes, but my mouth was full of water so I couldn't exactly respond.
"You're absolutely disgusting." I scoffed, and he grinned.
"I try, I try." He pushed a lock of hair behind my ear. I shivered involuntarily.
"I knew the rumors were true," I murmured, and he looked up his interest piqued.
"You're exactly as arrogant as I said." I smiled winningly.
"Yes. I won't deny it. What would you say to an arrogant student if that arrogant student asked you to accompany him to dinner tonight?" I glared at him.
"I would say no, because this certain arrogant student has a certain girlfriend who just happens to be my roommate, and also, that roommate already wants to rip my head off as is. I don't think going on a date with her boyfriend would sew us up in the friendship department." His face fell slightly as he exhaled.
"I knew you would say that," He murmured. I instantly felt bad.
"If you weren't with Tanya, I would change that no to a maybe," I said quickly, before clamping my hand over my mouth. No. I did not just tell him that if he broke up with his girlfriend, I would go out with him.
In other words, I told him that I had a teensy tiny crush on him.
Arrogant pig.
A/N: Thank you to my reviewers-- to be honest, I didn't think anyone would really read this. But this storyline comes easier to me than Blue Sunset, so I think I'll work with this one more. Yay!
Keep reading and keep reviewing!
