CHAPTER 13 – BATTLE WITH MYSELF

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody

Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide,
No escape from reality.
Open your eyes, Look up to the skies and see,
I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy,
Because I'm easy come, easy go, Little high, little low,
Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me, to me.

English Literature had gone fairly well as we were studying Gothic literature which was why we were analysing, Edgar Allan Poe's, The Raven. One of my favourite poems, though sometimes the teacher would find underlying meanings that were too complicated.

Now as me and Angela made our ways to the cafeteria, I realised that most people had forgotten about yesterday's blunder as news spread about my victory in World History class. A few were even brave enough to congratulate me while some evolved more rumours about me being some freak government experiment. At least they weren't talking about yesterday and at least I had a good friend like Angela.

She was now telling me about last night's babysitting job where the two mischievous boys painted on the walls. It felt almost….normal.

Once we arrived at the cafeteria, my muscles tightened as their scent wafted past me and I searched the large space for them.

They were sat at the same place.

Even in the same seats.

This time, all were looking at me.

I caught Edward's eyes first as they were conflicted as he tried to read my thoughts but I kept the shield up – the minute they find out who I am, they would send me back.

Blinking away the tears that blurred my vision, I followed Angela to the queue and began to fill my tray with food though, unlike yesterday, I actually wanted to eat.

I could feel his eyes trained on my every move and it seemed I wasn't the only one who noticed as Angela leaned in and whispered, "Edward Cullen is staring at you again" she added a humoured chuckle.

I fought the urge to look up so I bit my lip as I questioned innocently, "Should I be worried?"

She laughed at me, amused by my question before shaking her head, "Not at all. If anything you should be flattered" she smiled, nudging my shoulder and I felt the heat rush to my cheeks.

Keeping up my facade, I glanced behind me and met his questioning eyes then tore away to look back at the display of food, "It doesn't mean anything" I whispered knowing that they were listening in to our conversation hoping that I'd reveal something.

We moved alone to the cashier where I paid for the pasta bake, chocolate chip cookie, green apple and the bottle of water.

Angela waited for me through this before leading the way to the table where Ben was sat. Once she placed her tray down, she turned to me, "Bella?" she called and I set my fork down to turn to her. "Edward doesn't pay attention to anyone", her eyes had darkened and grown serious letting me know that this small gesture was important.

I felt the hot breath next to my ear, making my skin crawl and the fire in my chest flare – the instinctive need to attack grew so I had to will myself to fight it back. "Only because you're a circus freak show" she jeered and I turned to face Lauren whose face was only inches away from mine.

I was tired of these childish games.

Angling my whole body to face her, I watched as she straightened up waiting for me to break down so she could regain her crown but I will never give her that satisfaction.

I permitted the smirk to tug the side of my lips and she looked taken back. For this moment, I allowed myself to delve back into the person that I was and pushed back my tray before standing up from my seat then took two slow steps to stand only inches away from her.

She stumbled back but I took another step forwards. Her fear increased, her breath hitched – caught in her throat as she attempted to regain her composure. Leaning in to her and clenched my fists to stop myself from gripping her fragile little neck and throw her onto the other side of the room.

"Bella don't-" Angela mumbled from behind me. It was like she was my conscious because those simple words were enough to drag me back to reality.

Blinking it away, I looked over Lauren's shoulder and caught those all too familiar golden eyes filled with what I could only decipher as being trepidation and it was that simple look that had been enough to pull me away.

Taking a step back, I focused onto a dazed human girl before whispering, "Go". I hated the way my voice sounded gruff and weak.

Lauren blinked but the fear was still clear. She squared her shoulders and flipped her hair back and then added a carefree, "Whatever"

Bowing my head down to retain my control, I heard the clacking of her heels fade with each step that she took.

Once I was sure she was gone, I spun back round and sat back in my seat, picking up my fork and began to eat like nothing had happened even though every pair of eyes was trained onto me.

A/N: Anyone want Bella to actually hit her? It was a tempting idea - I have to admit. Love to Edward Cullen? Hope you enjoyed this one. I loved writing it. This one is purposefully short because the next one will be really long.

Now comes Biology...