Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original Twilight characters and whatnot. Also, please note that after some personal issues, a few minor edits have been made to earlier chapters as to who I am using from real life as characters.

I found myself still pissed off with Edward the following week. Every time I tried to ask him for answers, he would change the subject or fall silent. It was irritating the hell out of me that he was leaving me out of the dark.

Not to mention, Edward seemed to having the time of his life watching me be the center of attention, much to my dismay. I was unused to having so many people, so many boys, take an interest in me. Since the almost-accident, I had gotten an invitation to the girls' choice dance that was coming up from almost every single boy in my class, including Nick and Cameron. However, I had refused all of them, telling them that I was going to Seattle that weekend. In reality, I was absolutely terrified of the possibility that one of them would then ask me to be their girlfriend; despite the fact that I was a hopeless romantic, I didn't think I was ready for it to happen to me…

As I slammed the door, my keys fell to the ground and into a puddle. "Dammit…" I bent down to retrieve them, but a white hand flashed out to get them before I could.

"Missing something?"

I straightened up and glared at Edward, hating him for doing it again—somewhere else one moment, in front of the next. It definitely wasn't helping my temper.

I snatched my keys back from his hand. "Thanks," I growled, turning on my heel.

However, he made a sidestep and blocked my path.

"What? Are you trying to irritate me to death since I didn't get crushed last week?" I demanded, crossing my arms and glaring at him again.

"I've only known you for a few days, and I already think you're absurd."

With a sigh of insult and disgust, I stepped around him, making my way to English. However, he followed doggedly.

"I am sorry…I'm not saying that it isn't true, but it was quite rude of me to say it out loud. I came over to ask you something."

I sighed in exasperation, stopping to face him. "What is your problem?" I demanded. "Do you have multiple personality disorder, or something?"

He smirked at me. "Do I have permission to continue?"

After one more glare, I waved my hand impatiently. "Go ahead."

"I was wondering if the night of the dance—"

"You've got to be kidding me, right? Is this your idea of a joke?" I asked, feeling my temper flare up again. He must have realized that I wasn't going to the dance, least of all with him.

He smirked again. "May I finish my question?"

"Fine," I replied irritably.

"I was wondering if I could drive you to Seattle."

I gaped at him, momentarily too stunned to remember that I was supposed to be angry with him. But once I did, I composed my face into an angry mask. "I thought you didn't want to be friends with me, let alone give me a lift to Seattle. On top of that, my car works perfectly fine. So, sorry, but no." I stepped around him, but he blocked my way once more.

"I never said that. I said that I thought it would be better if we weren't friends, not that I didn't want to be. Truly, I do want to be, but it's…"

"Complicated?" I guessed.

He suddenly smiled, flashing his white teeth. "Exactly. But it's becoming hard to stay away, Tiana."

I was silent, too stunned to really form a coherent thought.

"So, will you let me drive you?"

I sighed, reaching up to run a hand through my hair. "I'll think about it," I finally relented.

He smiled, as if he were relieved, before his face became serious again. "But you should stay away from me," he warned and then went to his first class.

I stared after him incredulously. What the hell?

At lunch, I walked into the cafeteria with Amber. I glanced at our usual table and saw that the boys were already there. Panning over the rest of the cafeteria, I noticed that the Cullen table was missing Edward, and I had to admit that I found myself feeling a bit disappointed.

But once I stepped out of the lunch line, I noticed that Edward was at a separate table, looking around the cafeteria. Once he caught my gaze, he gestured to me with his index finger.

"I'm almost certain he means you," Amber said, seeming just as surprised as I was feeling.

"Yeah, I guess so…Maybe he needs some homework help, or something…" I mumbled, embarrassed as I waved goodbye to her and approached the table Edward was currently occupying. However, I hesitated once I got there.

"Hello. Why don't you sit with me today?"

"Sure…" I replied slowly, taking a seat. After a long, awkward silence, I said, "So…This is…different…What changed?"

"Well, I decided that if I have to go to hell, then I might as well do it properly."

"Okay…?" I was completely confused.

"I'm sure that doesn't make sense to you," he said with a wry smile.

I shook my head. "No, not really…"

He laughed slightly and then glanced over his shoulder; he chuckled. "I think your friends are mad at me for stealing you."

I looked past him, and sighed when I saw that he was referring to the fact that Nick and Cameron seemed jealous about the new seating arrangements, while Amber looked like she was doing the best she could to distract them with conversation. "They'll live…"

"What if I decide that I don't want to give you back?" he asked playfully.

"Is that supposed to mean something?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I have given up on being good. I've decided that I will allow the pieces to fall where they may." After a slight pause, he looked like he was cursing himself for saying too much.

"Don't worry," I said quickly when I noticed his expression. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Well, I suppose that's a good thing. I find myself saying too much when I'm around you."

"Okay…So…in English, are you saying that we're friends, now?"

"We will try, but I'm warning you now that I'm not a good friend for you." He smiled, playfully, but I could still see the warning behind it.

"You've said that a lot lately…"

"Because you're obviously not listening. You would avoid me if you were smart."

I frowned. "Yes, you've made that pretty clear, too."

He smiled apologetically.

"So…What you're saying is that if I'm being not smart, we'll try our best to be friends?"

He nodded and glanced down at my almost-empty plate; I hadn't even started eating. "Aren't you hungry?"

"Not really…What about you?" I noted that he didn't have a tray, nor did he before I joined him.

"No." He looked like he was enjoying a private joke, or something.

"I have a request, if you don't mind," I said after a roll of my eyes.

"I suppose it depends on what it is."

"Could you warn me the next time you're going to act like you're ignoring me?"

"Very well. But, only if you tell me one theory."

I blinked. "What do you mean?" I asked innocently.

"I know that you're trying to figure out what I am."

"Well…" I bit my bottom lip. "To be honest, I really don't know. But I'm open up to all types of things. You said so yourself. I look past the logic that everyone else sees. But I can tell you that I know you're the protagonist."

"But what if I'm the bad guy?"

"No. You're not the antagonist." I was surprised how firmly I believed it. I fell silent for a while, and then I realized what he was trying to get at. "Oh, I see…"

"You do?" Edward suddenly looked scared, as if he had said too much.

"You're telling me that you're dangerous."

"Finally, you're understanding."

"But you're not bad. No, I don't think you're bad."

"You're wrong," he murmured.

By then, the cafeteria was emptying. Sighing, I stood up, picking up my tray.

Edward stood, as well. "I'll see you later."

I blinked. "Wait, you're ditching?" I asked incredulously. Edward didn't seem to be the type to do it…

"It's healthy to do so once in a while."

"Well, then I suppose I'm a very sickly person, because I've never skipped a class, and I'm not starting now."

He smirked slightly. "And that's your choice. I'll see you later."

But when I entered Biology, I found myself wishing that I had followed Edward's advice, just like I always did when I figured out we would be doing dissections. I noticed that Mr. Banner was handing out supplies for blood typing. I swallowed, beginning to feel nauseous. Oh, no…

"Um, Mr. Banner…?" I asked weakly as I approached his desk.

"Yes, Miss McKay?"

"I-I know all-too-well that I get queasy with even a little bit of blood…And I've already had tests done, so I know my blood type…M-may I go to the office this hour…?"

Rather than seeming angry, he just nodded. "There's always someone. Go on."

I dipped my head in thanks and hurried from the room, heading outside in a desperate search for fresh air. So much for not ditching…

I was practically gasping by the time I got outside, and took in gulpfuls of air, leaning against a wall as I closed my eyes.

"Tiana?"

I groaned. No, not him…I hesitantly opened my eyes to see Edward approaching me, a startled and concerned expression on his face.

"Are you hurt?"

"N-no…Just a little nauseous…" I closed my eyes again, but they flew open when I felt my feet leave the ground; Edward had picked me up, and was carrying me towards the office. "Don't…" I groaned, now feeling dizzy. "Either slow down, or let me walk…"

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Not until you slow down. You're not helping my stomach," I grumbled.

He smirked a little, and I pouted faintly. Great. Now he was making fun of me.

"Seriously," I tried to continue. "I'll be fine in a few minutes. I just need to sit down or something. I don't need to see the nurse, I swear."

"That's for her to decide," he quipped back, ignoring my protests as he opened the door to the front office. Still not putting me down, he explained the situation to a startled-looking Ms. Cope, who eventually nodded once she seemed over her shock of seeing me being carried bridal-style, and led Edward to where the nurse's office was. She hurried off to get the nurse herself while Edward gently placed me down on one of the cots.

I huffed and glared up at him. "Why do you insist on babying me? I can handle myself." I sat up once I was certain he wouldn't try to push me back down into a lying position. "Besides, I already feel better." And it was true; the momentary wave of nausea was beginning to fade.

"Is it wrong for me to worry about your wellbeing?" he asked, quirking a brow.

"Gee, aren't you chivalrous?" I replied, aiming for a sarcastic tone in order to hide my embarrassment at the idea of Edward being worried about me.

"I heard someone isn't fond of the bloodtyping exercise," the nurse said as she entered the room, immediately coming to my side with one of those frozen sponges that schools used instead of actual ice packs.

"Yeah…" I murmured slightly, taking the sponge and pressing it to my forehead. "I'll be fine in a few moments, though."

"Well, I'll let you lay down, then. And there's nothing else I can get you, dear?"

"No, thank you. I'll just rest for a bit."

"Alright. Well, if you change your mind, let me know." The nurse glanced at Edward. "You'll take her back to class when she's ready to go?"

"Yes, ma'am," he replied pleasantly.

The nurse nodded and left the room.

Once she was out of earshot, I sighed, lowering the sponge from my forehead. I glanced at Edward. "You were right."

"Well, I usually am. But what am I right about this time?"

"Ditching is healthy," I joked before sighing a little bit. "I should've done it when I could."

He smiled a little bit, that crooked half-smile that was really beginning to grow on me. "Well, I'm glad it was just nausea and not someone else making you cry. I was afraid I would have to avenge your honor."

"You are so old-fashioned," I told him. "I have never met anyone, aside from English majors, that even think about those old codes of chivalry. Not in this day and age."

Surprise—and maybe even fear?—flickered across his face. "Well, what about you? What was that last statement supposed to mean?"

I shrugged. "Eh, I'm an old soul. Most people my age are obsessed with partying and popularity and materialistic happiness and sex. I would prefer to stay home with a cup of chai tea, reading a Jane Austen novel while having Frank Sinatra playing in the background."

"I see. You really are an old soul."

I blushed a little bit, nodding in embarrassment.

"Well, if it helps, I am, too."

I glanced up at him, taking note of the way that his mouth seemed curled in amusement, while his eyes were very guarded. I frowned a little at the odd mixture of expressions on his face. "Well, I suppose that's a relief. If you still want to take me to Seattle, then I won't have to worry about accidentally finding myself in a corner of a bar."

Edward's expression finally became one of full amusement, and he laughed slightly. "No, you do not."

I nodded a little bit. "So…How did you even see me? Wouldn't you have gotten in trouble if you were just wandering around the hallways without being in class?"

"I was listening to music in my car," he replied. Before I could say anything else, he asked, "And are you feeling better?"

I nodded. "Much. Thank you. Though I should probably go home. I wouldn't want to risk puking all over the gym floor next period."

Edward chuckled a little. "Then we should inform dear Ms. Cope of our absence." He offered one of his arms, and I used it as a support for helping me stand up. Out in the waiting room, he deposited me in one of the folding chairs. "I'll take care of getting us out of class."

I nodded and waited patiently, fiddling with my hands. I glanced up when I heard the office door open, and Nick walked in, leading in one of our classmates from Biology. The other student Nick was helping looked a little green, and my new friend had to explain to the nurse that the poor girl had actually fainted in class.

As the nurse led the girl to her office, Nick turned to go, but caught sight of me and joined me.

"I never took you for a ditcher…Did you get in trouble?"

I shook my head, remembering that Nick probably hadn't seen me talk to Mr. Banner before class had started. "No, the minute I saw the equipment in the lab, I knew I had to bail. Otherwise, you would have had to help me to the nurse, as well."

"Oh, you're a fainter, too?"

I nodded sheepishly. "And I'm going to go ahead and head home, since I'm still a little queasy. I'd rather not be that person that throws up on the basketball court in seventh."

"That's too bad. But, hey, before you have to go, I have a question for you."

"…Yeah?"

"Want to join us on our trip to La Push this Saturday?"

I brightened at the thought of the beach. Maybe I could even arrange to meet up with Jacob again, since I hadn't really had the time to call him since I'd met him. "Yeah, totally!"

He smiled. "Great."

At that point, Edward returned. "Are you ready to go?" he asked.

I nodded, standing up. "I'll see you tomorrow, Nick," I said before I followed Edward out of the office. It had started drizzling while we had been inside, and I turned my face skyward, sighing a little in relief at the cool wetness.

Edward lightly touched my shoulder. "Come on. I said I would get you home safely, and I intend to keep my promise," he said before starting to head towards the parking lot.

I followed after him, frowning when he approached his Volvo rather than my Taurus. "Wait, what about my car?" I asked.

"I'll have Alice drop it off," he replied with a shrug as he climbed into the driver's seat. "It's unlocked, by the way," he added.

I huffed and called, "I can drive myself home! I'm not that nauseous!"

The passenger window opened as Edward leaned over the middle console to look up at me. "Please just get in the car, Tiana," he said, sounding rather exasperated.

I glanced over my shoulder, towards where my car was parked, wondering if I could cross the parking lot before Edward had a chance to catch up to me.

"I'll just drag you back," he warned, as if he had read my thoughts.

After a few more moments of deliberation, I huffed, "Fine," and slid into the Volvo.

He started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. In my frustration with not being allowed to drive myself home, I had intended on giving Edward the silent treatment the entire way home, but then I recognized the song playing, and my curiosity ruled over my pride.

"Ave Verum?"

Edward glanced at me. "And you know Mozart because…?"

"Choir kid," I replied. "It was forever ago, though. I'm not very fond of the limelight…But, yeah, this is one of my favorite songs. It's really the only Mozart I know, though."

"Why is it one of your favorites?"

I shrugged. "I just like it. Everyone else in that class hated it, though."

"Because it's in Latin?" he guessed.

"Exactly," I replied with a nod.

"So, how old are you?" Edward eventually asked after a considerable lull in our conversation.

"Um…Seventeen. Why?"

"Hmm…I suppose you really are an old soul," he replied.

"Oh, shut up," I muttered in embarrassment.

By then, we had reached my house, much to my surprise. I reached for the door handle, but stopped when Edward rested his hand on my arm.

"I'll see you next week."

"But won't I see you tomorrow?" I was surprised how my heart fell at the thought of him not being present at school.

Edward shook his head. "Emmett and I are actually going to start our weekend early. We're going camping near the Goat Rocks Wilderness."

"Well, that sounds fun…I hope you two have a good time."

"Just be careful while I'm away."

My pride flared up, and I puffed out my cheeks in irritation. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You just seem to attract trouble."

"Hey, just because I'm clumsy does not mean…" I trailed off in my retort, noticing that he looked genuinely concerned. My anger ebbed slightly, and I finally sighed. "Alright, fine. I'll promise to be careful. Just as long you promise to be careful." I blushed when the last part slipped past my lips, since I hadn't intended for it to.

I mentally cursed myself at my carelessness and hurried out of the car, slamming the door behind me maybe a little harder than was necessary. But I was too flustered to care, especially when I didn't want Edward to figure out just how much I was beginning to fall for him.

When I got to the porch and glanced back at the Volvo while I absentmindedly searched around for my keys, I could have sworn that I saw Edward smiling before he drove off. And it was only when I opened the door that I realized that I had never told him where I lived.

That night, I dreamed about Edward again. But it was considerably different than my previous one, because the realm of fantasy had finally penetrated my subconscious and twisted Edward into the image of such supernatural aspects.

I was standing in a forest, then I saw Edward. I ran after him as in my first dream. When I caught up to him, I saw he had stopped at the edge of a sunlit clearing, looking wary. He turned at the sound of my approach.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, his ocher eyes turning onyx. "Soooo thirsty."

He leaned towards me, holding me close. I was paralyzed with fear and anticipation as his breath whispered against my neck…