Building of Emotion

I'd just pulled into the parking lot of the school and there were a few cars already parked; some students and some teachers.

"You okay baby?"

"Yeah. I'll be fine."

I gave her a reassuring smile before climbing from the car. I saw Bella's eyes widen in panic as I closed the door behind me. When I opened her door she grabbed onto my shirt with a vice like grip.

"It's okay Bella. I'm here and if you ever need me I'll be right next door the whole time."

"I know."

Her grip loosened slightly but she didn't let go. Leaning down I unbuckled her seat belt and lifted her from the car. Her shaking was still prominent so I held her tight against my side. We walked into the English building with a couple of students saying hello to us. Teachers welcomed me to school and congratulated us on our engagement. I took Bella to her classroom to find Jasper and Emmett leaning against her desk.

"Hey Bella, Edward. Did you have a good time last night?"

"We didn't do anything if that's what you're asking. Bella fell asleep before we even got in the car."

"Surrrreeee. Anyway we just stopped by to see you two this morning. Esme says thank you for the dinner last night Edward. She still can't believe you're here. She spent last night crying because her baby boys returned. It's great to have you back brother."

"Thanks Emmett. I missed you guys so much when I was gone. I'm sorry for what you went through while I was gone. You're my brother."

Emmett gave me one of his bone crushing, bear hugs.

"I got head over to the sports hall now but I'll see you guys during break in here. Bye Bella, Edward."

"See you later Emmett."

He pulled Bella into a gentler hug and left the room. Jasper then pulled us both into a hug.

"I'm sorry for leaving you out there Edward. If I had known I would have helped you."

"You didn't know and I'm here now. Just let it go Jasper please."

"I can't do that."

Jasper pulled back releasing us from his hug. Bella squeezed my hand once before letting go and picking a pile of papers up and setting one on each desk. Jasper pulled me to the side of the room and started whispering in a voice too low for Bella to hear.

"Edward there's something wrong with Bella. She may seem perfectly calm on the outside but you can see it in her eyes. She seems to be terrified of something."

"I know. She had a mini panic attack this morning. Did you know she's had bad dreams since we left for the war? She had another last night."

"Really. I never knew. She hasn't shown any signs of lack of sleep. She comes to work every day except the day she found out you had gone missing. The students here really help her though. They enjoy their lessons with her because she is so young compared to most other teachers here. She understands them or at least tries to. There have never been any signs of depression or anything."

"That's Bella for you. She hides things so well that you don't find out about it until too late sometimes. Did you know she had a brother?"

"No. What makes you think that?"

"Yesterday in my class I did an exercise to get to know the class and Bella was there. I asked everyone to say something they'd never told anyone and she said she had a brother."

"Wow. Bella is a really strong woman. Look after her Edward; it seems she's been through a lot."

"Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere."

"Good."

He gave me one last hug before saying goodbye to Bella and leaving. Bella was at the back of the room searching through the cupboard for something. I crept up behind her wrapping my arms around her waist and lifting her into the air. She let a small squeal pass her lips at the surprise.

"Hey baby. What you up to?"

"I'm getting ready for first period. Shouldn't you?"

"No. I have a new class this morning. I'm doing the same as yesterday."

"You're a really good teacher Edward. You treat your classes like friends not acquaintances."

"You're a way better teacher than I'll ever be baby. I'm so proud of you love."

"I love you Edward."

"Love you too baby."

I kissed Bella softly just as the bell went. She groaned as I pulled back, leaning my forehead against hers.

"I got to go Love. Don't forget I'm just on the other side of the wall. I'll see you at break."

"Love you Edward."

She pecked my lips before releasing her grip on me.

"I love you so much my fiancé."

I walked out of the door to see the hall packed with students. Some welcomed me others smiled at me. When I got to my room I saw half my class already seated and the rest standing around talking to friends.

"Good morning class. I'm your new English teacher. You can call me Edward. Mr. Cullen makes me sound really old. This lesson we are going to get to know each other. Can you get the chairs in a circle?"

Chairs scraped, as I placed my bag on my desk taking out the papers I'd need for the day. I turned around to see the class sitting in a circle like my class yesterday. I pulled my chair into the middle of the circle and looked round at which I have in this class. It seemed most of the class where those whom are considered 'popular'. Some of the guys were holding hands with a girl next to them. I could see that it wouldn't last long. They didn't have the love in their eyes that my siblings had for each other. There was one girl who sat in a big gap away from everyone else. I could tell she's a shy girl who has probably had a hard time.

"So class, today we are going to go around the circle saying things about you. I did this yesterday with my classes and find it easier to remember people's names this way. It also helps me to understand how you work and what will motivate you. To start with I want you to tell me your name and one thing you enjoy."

"I'm Jessie, I like hanging out with my friends."

"I'm Ben, I enjoy football."

"I'm Terry, I love any sports."

The class seemed to enjoy the task because they really thought about their answers; however, there were some who thought they were superior to the rest of the class. I learnt that shy girls name was Elizabeth. I was right in the fact that she didn't have many friends. She enjoyed spending time with her dog; she didn't say anything about any friends or family.

The lesson was going well apart from when the class had a laughing fit after Terry said he liked maths. I'd have to talk to him about that at some point because, even though he laughed along with the class I could see the embarrassment in his face.

Twenty minutes before the lesson ended a girl I recognised as Amy from my class yesterday ran into the room.

"Sir, Bella's having a panic attack."