Disclaimer: None of this is mine, nor will it ever be (sigh). I like to play with the characters that Stephenie Meyers created and make them do pervy things or become angels with a bad attitude.

Chapter Four

BPOV

"Bella, I've got good news," said my coworker and teammate, Angela. "They found a sub for me. And from what I've heard, the sub is someone you know."

"Really?" I asked, putting down my water and arching a brow at her. "The only people I hang out with is you and the girls from school. Oh, and Rose, but that's not by choice. It's because she's my boss/landlord."

"Well, he put down your name as a reference, but his resume was so good that Mrs. Cope hired him after we met," Angela said.

"He?" I whispered and my heart stammered. Memories of my ex-boyfriend filled my mind, his cruel behavior, the way he took without permission and his uncaring reaction when I confronted him about stealing from me. "What did he look like?"

"Tall, handsome, a jaw that could cut glass, piercing green eyes," Angela said, her voice turning swoony. "If I wasn't engaged to Ben, I'd turn on the flirt to this hottie. Oh, and he had this cool, but unrecognizable accent. The kids are going to love him." Angela sat on one of the tables in my room, crossing her legs. "And to be honest, I don't know if I'm going to be back, Bella. This guy, Edward, had stellar credentials and would fit in with the staff."

"Edward," I drawled out. "When is he coming in?"

"He'll be shadowing me the rest of the week and take over next week. I'll be flying out on Sunday," Angela said. "I gave him your cell phone number, but he said that he already had it. Are you holding out on me, Swan?"

"No. He was there for me when I was attacked last weekend," I mumbled. "He's a good guy." I took out my phone, sending a text to Edward, but erasing it when I saw him get completely flustered when I gave him my cell phone number. I made the decision to call him once I got home from my shift at the bookstore. "I'm glad that you're all settled with the sub. I'll help out Edward whenever I can."

"Thank you, Bella," Angela said, hugging me. I stiffly returned it, smiling tightly. "I have enough stress going on with my mom being sick. Now, having someone who is capable of taking care of my class, that puts my mind at ease."

"Let me know how she's doing, Angela," I said. "If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to call me."

"I will, Bella," Angela smiled sadly. "Oh, make sure you lock your door and any valuables. There's a new custodian and he's got sticky fingers."

"Thanks for the tip," I sighed. Angela left me in my room and I turned to finish grading some spelling tests. I put the grades into the computer before getting into my car, driving home. I changed into my uniform and clocked in. Rose was being nicer to me, but she was still pissed that I'd missed my shift the day after I was attacked. I worked until closing, heading up to my apartment around ten. After I showered, I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Edward, on his cell phone.

"Confounded contraption. How do I pick up?" he grumbled.

"Edward, you already did," I giggled.

I heard a rustle. "I did? How?" he asked.

"When you flipped open the phone," I said. "Where did you find this dinosaur?"

"My sister," he sighed. "The pain in the ass she is. You had my home number. Why didn't you call me on that?"

"Because I didn't know you were home," I chuckled. "Would you like me to call you back on your landline?"

"No … I'll survive," he said, a pout evident in his voice. "So, what's up?"

"My coworker, Angela, said that you're subbing in her room," I murmured. "I thought you worked construction."

"I do, but I also have a college education," Edward said. "I have a degree in elementary education, with a masters in curriculum and instruction."

"Why do you work as a construction worker?"

"I like to work with my hands," he replied. "But, I'm excited to get back into a classroom. I'm shadowing Angela for the rest of the week and then I'll take over on Monday." He cleared his throat. "You'll help me, right?"

"Of course," I smiled. "I'd be a sucky teammate if I let you flounder."

"I'm not worried about the kids or the curriculum, but just organizing it all and teaching and the procedures of the school," he chuckled anxiously. "Anyway, are you guys ready for the Greek festival thing?"

"It's happening Friday afternoon. It'll be one of the last things that Angela does before she hands over the reins to you, Edward," I said. "Make sure you bring a toga."

"I'll check to see what I have," Edward deadpanned. I yawned and Edward laughed. "You must be tired, Miss Swan. Get some sleep."

"I've been sleeping like crap the past few days," I said. "Nightmares."

"About the attack?" he asked, his accent thickening and his voice filling with concern.

"Yeah. I've taken my sleeping pills, but I keep having the same nightmare," I frowned. "Anyway, you probably don't want to hear about that. I'll see you tomorrow. It'll be weird to see you in something other than jeans and that bright jacket."

"I've got suits, ties and fancy shit," he argued. "I just prefer the comfort of jeans and t-shirts." I yawned again. "Get some sleep, pretty Bella. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Kay. G'night, Edward," I mumbled sleepily. He responded in kind and I hung up the phone, charging it on the nightstand. Almost as my eyes drooped, the nightmares began and assaulted my subconscious. However, there was a new element to my nightmares. Edward came and slayed all my monsters, real and imaginary. Waking up before the alarm, I showered and got ready for work. Driving to school, I already knew that Edward was there. Lauren and Jessica were drooling about the new long-term sub. I checked my mailbox, going to my classroom.

"And next door, your teammate and one of my good friends, Bella Swan," Angela said, gesturing to me as I walked down the hallway. I blinked up and saw Edward wearing a pair of black corduroys and a green sweater, making his eyes pop. "Bella, this is my long-term sub, Edward Cullen. Edward, I believe you already know Bella Swan."

"I do," Edward said, taking my hand and smiling warmly at me. "I'm looking forward to collaborate with you, Bella."

"Me, too. Is Angela showing you the ropes?" I asked.

"Just giving me the lay of the land and helping me with the computer system," he chuckled.

"Be careful with him. He just got a cell phone," I teased. "He may not know what to do with a computer."

"I'm not that technologically challenged," Edward snorted.

"He's not," Angela nodded. "Well, the kids are coming in a half hour. I want to show you how to submit your lesson plans online since Mrs. Cope likes to see what her teachers are doing. Plus, I do a weekly email update to all the parents. I can have you tell the parents about yourself in this week's update. Will you join us for lunch, Bells?"

"Yeah. It's too rainy to eat outside," I said, looking out the window and seeing the misty, rainy weather outside. "Welcome, Edward. I'm glad you're here."

"Thank you," he replied, grinning crookedly. He rolled his shoulders as he went back into Angela's classroom and there was a weird movement underneath his sweater. I shook my head, thinking that, perhaps, he had a weird double-jointed shoulder blade. I sent off my own weekly update and prepared my classroom for the day. The morning went by quickly, having two specials with art and physical education. In the afternoon, we'd have music. After school, we had a staff meeting, followed by team meetings. It was a long day, but knowing tomorrow was Friday made everything better.

After the staff meeting, Angela, Edward and I met in my classroom to go over the plans for the next week. "I don't know about you, but I'm so looking forward to move on from Greek mythology," Angela chuckled. "Did Bella tell you about our 'Don't be a Geek, be a Greek' party tomorrow?"

"My toga is at the dry cleaners," Edward chuckled. "What are we doing after mythology?"

"We're going to be switching gears to science," I said. "Biology and zoology. We're going to talk about different animals and the students will be researching an animal to complete a poster project which will be due the week before we have winter break."

"Bella and I usually have our classes research together," Angela nodded. "It's easier to get media center time that way."

"Excellent," Edward beamed at me. "Are the projects individual or in partners?"

"The projects are done individually, but we don't have enough animals for each kid to do their own. So, if two students are researching polar bears, they share the resources," I explained. Edward nodded, making notes in his notebook. "Angela showed where the teacher editions are for math, language arts and spelling?"

"She gave me them and a set of student books so I can begin working on my lessons," Edward murmured, patting a worn leather satchel. "Angela has stuff ready for next week, but I take over after that. I'm looking forward to it. The kids are so amazing."

"And they think you're so handsome," Angela teased. "But, your accent? I can't place it? You sound English, but not quite."

"That's because I'm English, but not quite," Edward quipped. "My origins are quite varied, but I am an American citizen. I've lived here, near Port Angeles, for the past ten years."

"Okay. I'm just giving you shit," Angela said, giggling quietly. "Now, I've got to get going. I have to check on my mom and verify my flights. Have fun, kids!" She left me and Edward, smiling coyly.

"I like her," Edward chuckled, sipping some water. "The kids adore her, but are heartbroken that she's going to be gone, presumably for the rest of the year. Do want me to walk you out?"

"I've got some grading left to do," I said, gesturing to the pile on my desk.

"I don't mind," he grinning adorably. "Perhaps we could go out for dinner, talk about the rest of the year and plan for the return of winter break?"

I bit my lip and as much as I wanted to, I was not in any position to have a relationship. Even friendship with a man was questionable. "I don't know, Edward. Maybe some other time?" His smiled faded, but he nodded. "I'm sorry. I'm just overwhelmed right now and I have to set up for the party."

"I could help, Bella," he shrugged.

"Thank you, but I'm fine," I said, getting up and moving to my desk. "You enjoy the evening and I'll see you tomorrow." He got up and went to Angela's room. He came out, wearing a black leather jacket. He waved, leaving me in my room. I worked on my grades and pulling out the decorations for the Greek party from my storeroom. As I was working, I heard the custodial cart. I took that as my cue to leave, packing my up computer and rearranging my agenda on the board. Putting on my jacket and slinging my bag over my shoulder, I walked out of my classroom and right into a wall of a man.

"Whoa, watch where you're going," said the deep voice. I blinked up and saw one of my nightmares staring down at me. "Well, well, well … talk about small favors. Hello, again, my Bella."

"No," I breathed before fainting dead away.

A/N: Who was this unwelcomed blast from Bella's past? Leave me some loving!