Rosalie was still in Bella's room when she woke up. "Morning." Rosalie leaned over and kissed Bella's forehead. "Did you sleep alright?"
Bella frowned. She couldn't remember if she had any nightmares. "I think so," she said softly. "Charlie?"
"Went to work," Rosalie replied. "But not before checking on you. He's worried about you."
Bella looked down. "I don't want him to worry." Bella felt bad for making him worry. She hadn't meant to. It was the reason she didn't tell him what happened.
"I know." Rosalie cupped Bella's cheek. "Why don't you go get ready and I will make you some breakfast?" she suggested. Bella nodded and climbed out of bed.
While Bella showered Rosalie made some bacon, eggs and toast for her mate. Bella came downstairs just as Rosalie finished up the food. "Milk or orange juice?"
"Milk," Bella requested. Bella sat at the kitchen table and Rosalie poured milk for Bella. "Thank you." Bella dug into the food. "It's good."
Rosalie grinned. "So what do you want to do about school?"
"I don't know," Bella admitted. She grabbed the salt and pepper shakers and poured a small amount on her eggs. "Honestly I'm a little afraid of what people will say when they see I'm all over you."
"They don't have to know anything," Rosalie told her. "They don't need to know about us. There is nothing for them to know anyway. We are friends, let them think what they want."
"Okay," Bella agreed.
Rosalie cleaned up the dishes while Bella gathered her things. When got downstairs she heard a car horn. "That's Emmett. We are riding with him today." Rosalie glanced at Bella. "Normally we ride with Edward but for obvious reasons we can't do that so Emmett offered to drive. Emmett will drop us off here after school."
"Okay." Bella followed out of house and to Emmett's jeep. She climbed into the backseat in between Rosalie and Jasper.
"Morning Bells," Emmett greeted cheerfully.
"Morning," Bella greeted.
"You don't have to be nervous." Jasper patted Bella's hand. "We will be here for you. There's no need to worry."
"It's Biology that I'm worried about," Bella admitted.
"He's not school today," Alice informed her. Bella leaned against Rosalie. She was relieved he wouldn't be around.
Bella could feel everyone's eyes on her when she walked into the school with Rosalie and the other Cullens. She did her best to ignore them. Rosalie walked her to her locker and waited while Bella put away her books that she had taken home for the weekend. She made sure to keep her history book since she had history first period.
"Bella," Angela Webber exclaimed walking up to Bella. "Where have you been? I tried calling but your dad say you were staying with the Cullens. I didn't even know you were friends with them." She caught sight of Rosalie. "Oh, hello Rosalie."
"Angela," Rosalie greeted. She took Bella's history book from her.
"I bumped into Alice in Port Angeles," Bella lied. "We got to talking and I ended up staying there. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you."
Angela was so relieved to see Bella was okay she didn't bother getting mad over Bella not calling. She was afraid something had happened to her friend. Angela threw her arms around Bella and Rosalie growled at her.
Angela heard the growl and quickly pulled away in confusion. She had no idea who or what made that sound and she didn't want to find out. "I'm glad you're okay Bella. I'll see you in class."
"You didn't have to growl at her," Bella scolded. "She wasn't going to hurt me."
"She touched you," Rosalie said simply. "Only I get to touch you."
Bella touched Rosalie's cheek. "She's just a friend Rose. A friend who was worried about me. There's no need to be jealous."
Rosalie frowned. She wasn't jealous. Okay, she was jealous. But that wasn't the reason for her reaction. She didn't like anyone touching Bella, especially in Bella's delicate state. "I'm sorry," Rosalie said finally. "I'll try to control my reactions. But it won't be easy."
"I know." Bella hugged her. "Thanks for trying."
Rosalie walked Bella to class. Alice and Jasper were waiting for them. "If you need me just send me a text and I'll get out of class."
"She will be fine Rosalie," Alice promised. She kissed Jasper and pushed her mate toward Rosalie. "Go. We will see you after class."
Bella followed Alice to some seats at the back of the classroom. "She is trying, you know," Alice commented. Bella looked at her. "Her reaction earlier… It's her instinct to not let anyone touch you. She's trying not to react like that but it's hard."
"I know. I'm not mad at her. It's just… Angela was the first person that was nice to me." Bella pulled her homework out of her backpack.
"I understand that," Alice said. "So, Rosalie mentioned the wolf is coming over after school. Are you nervous?"
Bella shook her head. "I like Paul and I trust him. I'm a little worried about him seeing Rosalie but she promised he wouldn't try anything."
"If it helps I can still see her future," Alice told her in hopes of making her feel better. "It means he doesn't kill her."
"That's reassuring," Bella muttered under her breath.
Alice giggled from next to her. "I sorry I can't be more helpful." She looked thoughtful for a moment. "If it makes you feel better I can have Jasper go with you. Paul definitely won't attack if Jasper's there." Bella liked the thought of having Jasper nearby as well but she couldn't take Alice's mate from her again. "Bella you're not taking Jasper away from me." She sighed. "I know it's hard for you to understand, especially with your bond to Rosalie being so new. Not all of us are affected by the separation like you are. We've had plenty of time to adjust."
"I… I don't want you to think I'm trying to steal him," Bella admitted.
Alice laughed. "I'm not worried about that." Alice shook her head at the ridiculousness of Bella's comment. "Bella it's impossible to steal him from me." Alice turned so she was facing Bella. "Bella, promise me you will stop feeling guilty about spending time with him. I know you are more comfortable with him then the rest of us, minus Rosalie. If being with him makes you comfortable, then please, spend time with him."
"Are you sure?" Bella asked.
"Yes Bella, I'm sure," Alice confirmed.
The teacher came in and collected their homework. Alice was exempt from this assignment since she just moved into the class. The teacher continued her lecture on World War II in preparation for their group project which she was assigning at the end of class.
Ten minutes before class ended she passed around the paper explaining the project. "I will allow you to pick your partner or group. No more than four people in a group," she announced. "Choose wisely as this counts for half your grade."
Bella and Alice glanced at each other and silently agreed to be partners. "Ms. Swan and Ms. Cullen," Mrs. Light said surprised. "It's nice to see you working with someone Ms. Cullen." Alice rolled her eyes when Mrs. Light wasn't looking. "Let's see…" she flipped through the papers. Each was marked with a different war. "I think you two will do well with the Civil War."
Bella giggled from beside Alice. Alice grinned. "I'm sure we will," Alice agreed.
Mrs. Light handed over the paper and moved on to the next group.
"Is it cheating to ask Jasper for help?" Bella whispered.
"No, it's fact checking," Alice replied with a grin. "Don't worry about the project. I'll take care of it."
Bella frowned. "You can't do the entire project. I'm supposed to do it too."
Alice was a little surprised Bella was insisting on doing the work as well. Most kids would be thrilled not to do anything. "Okay," Alice agreed. "We can figure out a plan."
"Sure," Bella said just as the bell rang.
Bella followed Alice out of the classroom where Jasper and Rosalie were waiting for them. "How was class?" Jasper asked.
"It was fine," Bella replied. "We were assigned a project but I'm sure you already knew about it."
Jasper grinned. "Yeah we know about it," he confirmed. "Need some help?"
"Um…" Bella looked to Alice.
"It's up to you Bella. If it were me I would get Jasper to do the whole thing. But this is your first time doing high school and if you want to do it right then go for it," Alice said.
Bella turned her attention back to Jasper. "Maybe when we figure out what we are doing?"
Jasper nodded. He offered his arm to her. "Can I escort you to class Darlin'?" he questioned. Bella hugged Rosalie before taking Jasper's offered arm. "What's bothering you?"
"It's nothing," Bella lied.
"Is this about what you and Alice talked about in class?" Jasper questioned quietly enough that the passing students wouldn't hear him.
Bella sighed. She should have known he heard that too. "A little," she admitted.
Jasper pulled Bella to the side. He glared at a few passing students that were trying to listen in on their conversation. He sent them a small amount of fear causing them to all run away. "Bella, Paul won't hurt Rosalie. He can understand Rosalie's need to protect you. I promise he won't be angry, not when he hears the truth. But if you want, or need, me there today. Then I will be there."
"Thanks Jazz," Bella said hugging the vampire.
Jasper led her to class and they took a seat in the back. "So what do we actually do in this class?" Jasper asked curious.
"It's creative writing. So basically we write. The teacher usually gives us some guidelines, like length or a certain idea that has to be incorporated. Other than that we do what we want," Bella explained.
"Do you like writing?" Jasper wondered.
Bella nodded. "I thought about being an author," she admitted. "Now I'm not so sure."
"Why not?" he asked concerned.
"I have a death sentence don't I?"
Jasper turned to face Bella. "Bella, we are not going to let you die."
"Rosalie said she wouldn't change me unless I was certain I wanted to be changed. Honestly I have no idea if that's what I want. I just know I want to be around Rosalie," Bella confessed.
"Rosalie won't let anyone kill you. She would rather die first," Jasper said firmly. "She will protect you and if you decide not you be changed she will keep you safe. There is no need to rush this Bella. You don't have to decide today. Just remember there is no going back."
Mr. Burns walked into the classroom. "Pass your homework to the front," he instructed. Bella pulled out her homework and passed it to the boy in front of her. He collected all the papers. "Good."
He spent the class period talking about the different genres of writing. Five minutes before class ended he assigned their homework.
Mr. Burns started by passing around a quarter of a piece of paper to everyone. Once that was done he passed around a small packet. "On the small sheet of paper you will find a list of genres. This packet," he held up a copy of the package, "has guidelines for each genre. Your homework is to write a story using the guidelines depending on the genre you pick. You have until Monday." Everyone shoved their homework into their backpacks and rushed out of the room. "Mr. Hale, Ms. Swan, hang back please."
Bella latched onto Jasper's arm. Her fear almost knocked Jasper to the ground. "It's okay Bella," he muttered squeezing Bella's hand. "He's not upset. He's proud of you and cautious about me. He's curious as to why I transferred here."
Bella followed Jasper to the front of the classroom. Her free hand gripped her backpack tightly. Mr. Burns glanced at their linked hands in surprise. He didn't expect Chief Swan's daughter and Dr. Cullen's son to be together. The thought of his students love lives made him shudder. Unknown to him Jasper had manipulated his emotions. "Ms. Swan, your story about that lost boy discovering a family was excellent." He handed her graded assignment. There was an A written at the top and a few notes on grammar. "Have you thought about writing as a career?"
Jasper narrowed his eyes at the man for half a second before relaxing when he saw his teacher's emotions were pure. "It's crossed my mind," Bella shrugged. She avoided eye contact with her teacher.
Jasper frowned and sent Bella some calm and reassurance. "You're good Ms. Swan," he said gently. He was worried about Bella. He glanced at Jasper, wondering if maybe Jasper had to do with her actions. Jasper noticed and sent him a small amount of indifference so he would pass it off as nothing. "Don't let your talent go to waste," he finished. He turned his attention to Jasper. "I expect to see some good things from you Mr. Hale."
"Yes sir," he said respectfully.
"Do either of you need a note to class?" he questioned. Both shook their heads. "Alright, off to class."
"Have fun in Spanish," Jasper grinned after walking Bella to class.
Bella walked in the classroom and found Alice already there. "Why didn't you tell us you wanted to be a writer?" she demanded.
"It never came up," Bella reminded her. "We've really only known each other since this weekend."
"Sorry," Alice said looking down. She felt guilty for not paying Bella much attention when Edward was befriending her, if you could call that befriending.
Bella sighed. She hadn't meant to make Alice feel bad. "My mom always told me be a writer wasn't a real job."
"Bella, we have more than enough money if you want to be a writer," Alice said, not realizing it was the wrong thing to say.
"I don't want to rely on your money," Bella said firmly.
"You're Rosalie's mate. She's not going to let you take crappy jobs that you hate just because you need to pay bills." The teacher came in and started taking role but Alice ignored her, other than to announce she was here when her name was called. "I know you have an aversion to our money but the fact is it's yours now too. Besides I've already made an account for you." She grinned.
Bella didn't get a chance to talk to Alice until lunch. Alice had managed to slip in and out of their fourth period before Bella could stop her. Bella had a feeling Alice did that intentionally.
"Did what Alice said upset you that much?" Jasper asked approaching her. Bella ignored the question. He led her into the cafeteria. "Take what you want."
Bella grabbed a decent sized lunch and groaned when Jasper paid for it and his own food that would remain untouched.
Jasper led her back to the Cullen table. Bella sat in between Rosalie and Jasper with Emmett and Alice on either side of the two. "Are you still mad at me?" Alice questioned. She, of course, knew the answer she wanted to give Bella a chance to answer.
"Not mad, just…"
"Confused, surprised, overwhelmed?" Jasper supplied.
"Bella." Rosalie took Bella's hand. "The money was never meant to be a secret. It's more for security. We all have multiple accounts in multiple names, just in case."
"You're one of us now Bells," Emmett said cheerfully.
"Multiple names," Bella repeated. "Do I have multiple names?"
"Not yet," Jasper answered. He leaned closer to Bella. "I have a guy that makes IDs for us. I'm going to have him make you a couple, just in case something happens and we need to get you out of here."
"Is that likely?" Bella asked nervously. Rosalie squeezed her hand.
"Probably not." Jasper ripped a piece of bread off the sandwich and shoved it into his napkin. "But there's always a chance a nomad will catch our scent and investigate. There are some that specialize in finding people, human or vampire. They're called trackers and they are dangerous. If one ever caught your scent," Rosalie tensed up, "well we would need to get you away. It's always better safe than sorry."
Alice glanced at Bella. "Bella, you're family," she sighed. "Of course we would protect you. It's what we do."
"Bella, you are worth it," Jasper said softly. "Someday you will believe it."
Rosalie scooted closer to Bella. Rosalie dumped her French fries onto Bella's plate when Bella was finished eating. "Rosalie, I can't possibly eat all this," Bella protested.
"Eat what you want. Otherwise it will all be wasted." Bella took a fry and dipped it into the ketchup.
"Do you want to come over tonight and work on our project?" Alice asked eagerly.
"Alice, I doubt she will want to go anywhere tonight," Rosalie said, tucking a piece of hair behind Bella's ear.
"Tomorrow Alice," Bella promised. She was too worried about the meeting with Paul to think of anything else.
Alice pouted and Jasper patted her hand. "She needs to get this meeting with Paul done," he said trying to comfort her. "Then you can have her come over."
Alice beamed and Bella groaned into Rosalie's shoulder. Rosalie rubbed Bella's back. "Don't worry, she will behave," Emmett snorted, "or else her shoes will disappear." Alice stared at Rosalie, horrified the vision she just had.
"You don't have to destroy Alice's shoes," Bella mumbled. She leaned against Rosalie's shoulder. She no longer cared that everyone in the cafeteria was probably watching them. Rosalie held Bella's hand and growled.
Bella jerked away from Rosalie. "It's not you Bella," Emmett assured her, glaring at Rosalie.
"Don't glare at her," Bella snapped. She covered her mouth with her hand as the others stared at her in surprise. "I'm sorry."
Emmett grinned at her. "Don't be sorry," he said waving his hand. "I shouldn't have glared at her. She wasn't growling at you though."
Bella turned to Rosalie. "What were you growling at?"
"The humans," Rosalie replied, pulling Bella back against her. "They're making comments about you and me. The comments about me don't really matter but the ones about you… I don't like them."
"They assume we are together?" Bella wondered. She looked around the table but no one answered her. "Jazz."
"Those are the nicest of the comments," Jasper sighed. He would never lie to Bella because if the situations were reversed he wouldn't want anyone to lie to him.
"What are the other comments?" she asked. She focused on Rosalie. "Rose?"
"They're saying you get around quick," Rosalie said gritting her teeth. "They know you were… attracted to Edward first. Earlier today they thought you were with Jasper, and now you're close to me. Some are betting whether or not you will go after Alice or Emmett next. Most guess Alice because she switched into your classes."
Bella stared at Rosalie horrified. "They really think I would do something like that?"
"It is a little suspicious," Jasper admitted. "But mostly the thoughts of you and Alice and you and Rosalie are part of the guy's sick fantasies." Bella shook in Rosalie's arms. "Don't worry Bella. I'll take care of it." He winked at Bella. He closed his eyes and focused on the people gossiping about Bella and Rosalie or Bella and Alice. Each one of them was hit with nausea. Close to half the cafeteria had their hands go to their mouths.
"Damn Jazz," Emmett whispered. "Didn't know you had it in you."
"How do you think I kept dozens of newborns in line?" Jasper questioned raising an eyebrow at Emmett.
"Thanks Jazz," Bella mumbled.
Rosalie was waiting for Bella outside of the Biology classroom. "How was class?" she asked. She led Bella to the locker room.
"It was fine," Bella answered. "Much better when Edward isn't glaring at me… or staring at me."
Rosalie held the door open for Bella. "Well I'm glad it was more tolerable for you." Rosalie's locker was only a few spots over from Bella's. She quickly opened it and pulled out the repulsive clothing. She pulled off her clothes, ignoring the looks of jealousy the other girls were giving her. Rosalie grinned when she found caught Bella staring at her. "Enjoying the view?" she questioned.
Bella quickly looked away from Rosalie. Rosalie pulled on the P.E. clothes and walked over to Bella. "Are you okay?" she asked concerned.
Bella had never been a fan of changing in front of other people. She was even less than thrilled at the idea after seeing Rosalie half naked. "I… I'm not a fan of changing in front of people," she admitted. She looked around but no one in the locker room was paying attention to them. "And you're all perfect and I…"
"Just tell her you've already seen her naked," Emmett said from the boy's locker room.
Rosalie growled at him. Now was not the time for Emmett's jokes. "Bella," she said softly. "You are beautiful. I can turn around if it make you feel better."
Bella shook her head. "No, it's okay," Bella whispered.
She slowly pulled off her clothes and quickly changed into her P.E. clothes. Rosalie did her best not to stare at her mate's body. She would need to speak to Bella about her insecurities later. Now, however, was not the time for it.
By the end of P.E. Rosalie was ready to kill everyone in the gym. They had played volleyball and Lauren and her posse were targeting Bella. Luckily Emmett and Rosalie were on Bella's team and were able to keep Bella relatively safe. That was until Lauren chucked a ball at Bella's head right after Coach Cleary blew the whistle dismissing them.
The ball hit Bella right in the nose. Neither Rosalie, nor Emmett, had a chance to stop the ball. Even Alice was unable to warn them. Rosalie and Emmett immediately smelled the blood. "Go Em," Rosalie whispered to him. He had excellent control but there was no need for him to suffer.
Emmett nodded. He turned to Lauren and glared at her. Lauren winced at the look and practically ran to the locker room. "Bella," Rosalie said softly.
"I'm sorry," Bella mumbled covering her nose in hopes of masking the scent of blood.
"Don't be sorry my Bella," Rosalie muttered. "Come, let's get you cleaned up."
Rosalie led Bella to the bathroom. She locked the bathroom so they would have some privacy. Once the door was secure she tilted Bella's head back. "Pinch your nose. Good. Hold it while I clean you up." Rosalie wet a few paper towels and cleaned the blood off of her mate's face.
Rosalie gently moved Bella's hand from her nose. She was relieved the bleeding stopped. "This is still weird." Rosalie glanced at Bella. "You, so close to me when I'm bleeding. It's… I don't know… strange having a vampire comfortable with blood."
"I'm comfortable with your blood." Rosalie tossed the paper towels in the trash. "If it were anyone else I would be struggling not to kill them." Rosalie quickly washed her hands. Bella washed hers too so she didn't make the others uncomfortable. When Bella was done Rosalie gently touched her nose. "It doesn't look broken. Lucky for that bitch Lauren. If I ever get my hands on her…" Rosalie's lip curled back as she imagined a slow and painful death for Lauren.
"Don't hurt her, please," Bella pleaded.
Rosalie kissed Bella's forehead. "You are too kind for your own good." She unlocked the bathroom door and grabbed their things.
"How?" Bella looked at her clothes and backpack in Rosalie's hand.
"Alice didn't get a vision about you getting hit until it after it happened. Lauren decided at the last minute to throw the ball at you. She saw me take you to get cleaned up and got our things and brought them here so we didn't have to go back," Rosalie explained. She locked the door again and stripped off her clothes.
"I… thanks Alice," Bella called, knowing Alice could hear her.
"She says you're welcome," Rosalie told her. Rosalie pulled her clothes on. Bella pulled off her P.E. clothes and changed back into her regular clothes. Rosalie unlocked the bathroom door again. "Are you ready to go home?"
Bella took a deep breath. "Yes, let's go."