Chapter 11
Things did change a little over that Edward free fortnight though. I sat next to Alice Cullen in history and she spoke, in fact she chatted away quite merrily as if we were old friends,
"How are you finding it in such a small school Bella?"
"Well its different but everyone is friendly, well most people. I don't think Lauren likes me very much."
"Lauren doesn't like any female very much, she sees us all as rivals and at the moment she has her sights set on Mike Newton who by the way is very taken by you."
"Really? I thought he was interested in Jessica?"
"No, she's interested in him, not quite the same thing. Listen I have to go to Port Angeles after school tomorrow to pick up some books for Carlisle, why don't you come with me, get to know the town, its our closest for book stores and a decent library."
I thought about this, Jake was calling in every afternoon so Charlie wouldn't be alone and I would like to find my way around. I hated not having a book store close by, I loved reading.
"OK thanks, but who is Carlisle?"
"My foster dad, Dr Cullen. We all call them by their given names, its less awkward."
"Oh right."
I couldn't help asking about Edward because he had just vanished after making it apparent he didn't like me at all, he had treated me like a bad smell.
"Oh he had personal business in Denali, he'll be back soon I guess."
We walked out of class together still chatting and I was so preoccupied that I walked straight into her boyfriend Jasper Hale who was waiting outside for her although he was looking at me. Still you tend to look at someone whose just barreled into you I guess.
"I'm so sorry."
I blushed as he bent to pick up the books I'd dropped as I hit him.
"No problem Bella I'm sorry I didn't move, I was standing in the way rather."
My mouth went dry and that boom boom of my heart was loud enough in my ears to set off an earthquake. He cocked his head to one side with that slightly puzzled expression again then smiled and my jaw dropped to my feet. Alice's words brought me back to my senses
"Well Bella, till tomorrow".
I nodded unable to utter anything intelligible as she took Jaspers proffered arm and they walked away together . I watched and got the impression that the closeness was an act, a brother and sister acting close which was weird.
Charlie was really pleased I was making friends although Jake was just as angry that it was a Cullen but he couldn't say much without upsetting Charlie and that would get him barred from visiting.
"It's a good job Jake is visiting, he and I will get dinner you stay out as long as you like, as long as you get up for school that is."
"I will, I don't suppose we'll be late back anyway, she's just going to show me the way around Port Angeles. I need some new books so it will be fun."
Jake snorted but Charlie and I both ignored him, we'd heard it before, every time the Cullens were mentioned now I came to think about it.
Once he'd gone I asked Charlie what the antagonism was all about,
"Bella I have no idea. The minute the Cullens moved here Harry and Billy started and they haven't stopped. The Quileutes wont use the clinic and they never have anything good to say about the Cullens, it's very odd".
"Maybe they just don't trust newcomers".
"Maybe but its a lot more than dislike, they seem to hate the Doctor and his family".
I left dinner in the fridge ready for Jake to warm up and when I drove to school I was looking forward to my trip out so I was disappointed to see Alice was missing from History, was the trip off? By lunchtime I was feeling really flat and as I walked slowly towards the cafeteria I didn't see Jasper Hale join me and when he spoke I jumped violently, dropping my books again. I closed my eyes feeling my cheeks flame red as he picked them up for me and handed them back with that same heart stopping smile,
"I'm sorry Bella I seem to be making a habit of startling you. I have a message from Alice, she had a doctor's appointment today but she'll pick you up in the car park at the end of the day."
I felt so much better knowing that my trip was back on but I felt guilty taking her away from him,
"Are you coming too?"
He looked at me
inquiringly,
"No, I thought it was just you and Alice, a girls outing."
"Oh right and that's OK with you?"
"Of course, Alice does whatever makes her happy. Well I'd better go, my sister is looking for me. Goodbye Bella."
As he finished speaking Rosalie stormed round the corner her lips tight with disapproval as she saw me and as he joined her I could see an angry exchange but he glanced back before turning out of sight and winked.
"Bella, Bella?"
I started again but this time it was Mike,
"What did Hale want?"
"Sorry?"
"Jasper Hale I saw him talking to you. What did he want?"
"He was passing on a message from Alice, why?"
"Nothing, I just thought he might be pestering you."
Now that made me laugh, Jasper Hale pestering the likes of me! Mike wasn't happy that I'd laughed at his concern but really! I got a cold look from Jessica and Lauren when I walked into the cafeteria with Mike, it seemed I couldn't win. Angela saved the day by pulling out the seat beside her,
"Bella could you help me with this article I'm writing for Eric. It's for the school magazine and my inspiration had dried up".
I sat beside her and we chatted ignoring the others as we ate lunch until the others had left the table,
"Boy, I thought Jessica and Lauren were going to gut you when they saw you with Mike".
"Now that would have been ironic because he was giving me the third degree about Jasper Hale."
"Jasper Hale? Why?"
I explained and she put a hand to her chest,
"I don't know how you have the courage to speak to the Cullens especially the guys, they terrify me."
"He was only passing on a message from Alice".
"See that's another thing. They've been here two years and you are the first person any of them have bothered with, I wonder why?"
"It must be my magnetic personality, anyway let's get to English before we get in trouble for being late."
Alice
I had to speak to Carlisle and I needed to do it alone so I skipped school which wouldn't be a problem, I always aced my tests. Esme went to a committee meeting which left the two of us alone in the house and I knocked on his study door,
"Carlisle do you have a few minutes to spare?"
"For you Alice of course, come in."
I sat beside him at the desk and looked at the parchment he he'd been reading,
"Is that a genuine Greek dissertation on surgery?"
"Yes, Marcus found it in the archives and thought I might be interested but you didn't come here to talk about that so what's on your mind Alice?"
"Edward. He's coming back in a few days and I'm scared for Bella."
"Why?"
"I don't think he's come to terms with his thirst, I think he's coming back to kill her Carlisle."
"Well that would certainly be inconvenient, I suppose we could move away but I remember Emmett telling me that nothing would keep him from draining his singers when he met them so I suppose we have to find a way of covering it up unless you have a solution."