Chapter 2: Biology

BELLA

Peace. Glorious peace, at least for a few days. Sure, Rosalie keeps glaring at me and the others are showing some curiosity from a distance. But Edward is gone for now. Edward. I can say that name. Okay, I can think it anyway and not feel the pain. No more gut-wrenching, heart twisting, gaping-hole pain. I admit the first day was rough, really rough. I'm sure that the pain will come back, hopefully like a shadow of the real thing, when he comes back. For now, though, I revel in the peace.

It occurs to me that Jacob is the cause of that peace. I wonder if it would be a good idea to start the real part of our friendship earlier, instead of trying to pump him for information. Probably not a good idea, I'm in a different place. I feel … too much right now. It would be awkward, at best. I think a little time would give me the chance to build up my defenses, so I don't treat him like I did before this freaky time travel thing.

I never noticed before, but Alice keeps hovering closer and closer. Last time, all I noticed was Edward's absence. Man, I was so into him before I even admitted as much to myself. Obsessive much?

I'm not sure how I feel about this whole do-over thing. It's a do-over, at least for me. Don't get me wrong, it is very interesting to see new things that I don't remember. Things like Alice's hovering or Mike's extra efforts to get my attention or Angela proving how awesome she is. I mean, people always say that if they had the chance to do it over again, they would do some things differently and other things the same. The tricky part is, what exactly would you change and how would that affect your life later on? Would you date the guy who broke your heart again? Does that pain shape you in some way that ends up making your life better down the road? Would you befriend those who you knew would lie to you and abandon you again? Does their betrayal shape you in some way? There is just so much to consider, too much to consider. Let's just take this one step at a time.

The rest of the week flies by. Angela is turning out to be as amazing as predicted. She is already showing interest in Ben. Jessica has melted towards me. That is due in no small part to my insisting that she and Mike would make simply the most adorable couple … right in front of Mike. Sure he looked like a kicked puppy, but he needed to find out that we were not an option. It was time to nip his infatuation with me in the bud.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Edward returned. Somehow I manage to make it to biology without seeing him. Instead of my heart betraying me again, it fills with anger. I go to take my seat. I'm ready for you this time, jackass. I hear very clearly when the chair next to me moves, but my eyes stay carefully focused on the pattern I am drawing. Keep it together and stick to the game plan, Bella.

"Hello," says a quiet, musical voice.

He remains as far away from me as the table allows, yet he has angled his chair towards me. Who are you kidding, vampire boy? Suddenly, I am super grateful that he cannot read my mind. My eyes take a leisurely route from his face to his feet and back again. I grunt and roll my eyes as I turn my attention back to my doodling.

"My name is Edward Cullen," he continues. "I didn't have the chance to introduce myself last week-"

"Actually, you did," I cut him off. He pauses. I don't look at him.

"You must be Bella Swan," he tries again to engage in pleasant conversation.

"Interesting that you would go with Bella when everyone else knew me as Isabella at first," I comment. Let him mull that one over.

Class starts with a brief explanation of the lab we are supposed to do. An idea comes to me. I have to turn my head so that he does not see my smirk. Taking a deep breath, I compose myself.

"Ladies first, partner?" Edward is faltering. I look up to see him smiling that stupid crooked smile. Instead of dazzling me like before, I find it absolutely infuriating. How could I have ever thought that smile was beautiful?

I pull the worksheet towards me and write the answers down. This lab is seared in my memory, so I remember them all without pause. Then I pull out my notes and turn them to the right page.

"Prophase, Anaphase, and Interphase," he reads out loud. With a puzzled look on his face, he carefully checks the slides.

"See, that's how it is spelled in my notes. I-N-T-E-R-P-H-A-S-E," I point to the word as Mr. Banner comes up to our table.

"You are correct, Isabella. Were you in an advanced placement program in Phoenix?" Mr. Banner is in full on teacher mode.

"She prefers Bella." There is a slight, yet noticeable, irritation to Edward's voice. Good.

"Yes, I just corrected Edward for like the fourth time." I smile sweetly at them both.

"It's good you guys are partners, then. You can challenge each other." And with that, Mr. Banner moves on to another table. He has no idea how challenging I plan to be.

"How could you have known the answers?" Edward quietly asks.

"I'm sorry?" I still do not spare him a glance.

"You didn't even look at the slides," he persists.

"I didn't have to." I replay in an airy tone.

"What do you mean?" he demands. I stop my doodling and look him right in the eyes.

"Maybe I can read Mr. Banner's mind." I shrug my shoulders and see him flinch. "Or simply see myself writing the answers in the future after I decided to do the lab," I keep a straight face despite the obvious shock on his. I can practically hear the wheels turning in his mind. Maybe just one more go.

"Did you get new contacts? Your eyes are a different color," I comment before going back to my drawing.

"It's too bad about the snow, isn't it?" Edward is still trying to play nice. I don't think so, time to shut him down.

"You really want to talk about the weather? What a witty repartee." I sneer at him, hoping he finally gets the hint.

"I just want to understand you." Yeah, there's frustration in his voice. Try again, Bella. This time, be Super Bitch.

"I don't want to be understood by you. Those who are like you just suck the life right out of people. Now leave me alone," I snap. I wonder what he will make of that.

Class ends and I head to my next one. Mike is still being friendly, but I am confident that he has turned his efforts towards Jessica. Thankfully the rest of the day is uneventful. I remember to be careful backing out of my parking space. Edward watches me from his post by his car again. This time though, he is less than composed. Score a point for Super Bitch.

After a productive visit with Angela, I get ready for bed. I wipe the steam off of the mirror and look at the reflection. Something is off. Suddenly all I can do is stare. I can't put my finger on it though.