III. Trail of Broken Hearts

Summary: To Isabella's relief, Edward proceeds to ignore her for the month of February, subsequent to the van incident. Then, come the numerous offers for the upcoming spring dance, and jealousy rears its ugly head. [Part I]

"So, Jessica asked me to the spring dance."

In stark contrast to canon, Mike grinned triumphantly.

"She's your girlfriend," I deadpanned, and then huffed a laugh, taking my seat beside Edward. "You're such a dork."

Mike snickered, leaning casually against my lab table. "So, is it true that Tyler is taking you?"

"Ugh, is that what he's telling everyone?" I rolled my eyes. "I already told him no. Even if I wanted to, I'm pretty sure Lauren would rip my head off."

"Yeah, Lauren is pretty intense," Mike winced. "Eric's going to be stoked once he finds out."

"Him too? I should've known," I shook my head, face twisted with disbelief. "Any other offers I should take into consideration?"

Mike shrugged. "Maybe? I'm not sure, but Jess was complaining about how picky you are and then started asking me about the seniors on the football team."

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that…'' When Mike gestured for me to elaborate, I explained, "We were talking boys, and I told her I liked older guys, and she said something about finding me a senior for the dance. This was a couple weeks ago. I didn't think she'd remember," I huffed.

Mike laughed. "Jess sounded pretty determined."

"Great," I pursed my lips, before shrugging off the whole thing. "Well, Jessie has decent taste and it's only for a night. I'm sure it could be fun."

Crack!

Mike and I simultaneously jumped and snapped our gazes in Edwards' direction, where he sat, a broken pencil in his hands, dark eyes glowering down at the table.

Mike and I exchanged a glance, simultaneously wondering: What the fuck?

And then the tardy bell rang.

Reluctantly, Mike drifted over to his lab table.

It was as Mr. Banner was beginning his lecture that I felt Edward's heavy gaze on me.

"Quit staring at me," I hissed.

"My apologies," Edward bit out, falling back into routine and proceeding to ignore me.

What's got him all twitchy?

By the time the bell rang and he'd sped away, I'd already shrugged it off. Sheesh, what a grouch.

It was the end of the day and I was shoving my Spanish textbook back into my locker when I noticed Eric awkwardly hovering near me from my peripherals. I shot him a friendly smile. "Hey, Eric. How's it going?"

He instantly relaxed and plodded over to my side. "Hey, Isabella! Everything's cool. I was just wondering...if you would like to go to the spring dance with me?" His voice broke on the last word.

I was a little grateful for Mike's warning. If Eric had caught me off guard, I'm not sure I would've kept my cool.

"Thanks for asking, Eric, but I'm going to have to decline," I shot him an apologetic smile, and then suggested, "Why don't you ask Katie? I think she'd be interested."

Eric shot me a startled glance. "Really? You think?"

I shrugged. Pretty sure you two are supposed to date. "I do. I'm sure if you hurry you can catch up with her."

"Oh, awesome! Thanks Isabella!" he grinned before striding off.

Wow, he sure moved on quick.

I slammed my locker shut and turned to head out when Jessica accosted me.

"Tell me," she demanded with a cheeky grin, "Who is the greatest friend in the whole wide world?"

I lifted an eyebrow. "Going by your smug little attitude, can I assume it's you?"

"You bet'cha!" she giggled, "I think I have the perfect guy for you to ask to Sadie Hawkins! Don't say I never did nothing for you!"

I snickered. "Sure, whatever you say, Jess."

"Isabella?"

Jess and I startled at the sound of Edward's alluring voice.

"Uh, hey Edward. What's up?" I squinted up suspiciously at him. Beside me, Jessica gaped, wide blue eyes darting between Edward and I.

"Do you have a moment?" he asked.

"Sure…" I shifted awkwardly on my feet and snapped Jess from her stupor. "I'll call you later, okay Jessica?"

"Um, right. Talk to you later, Isabella," she agreed, lingering for a second longer, eyes gleaming with curiosity, before she finally flounced off.

Once she disappeared, I shot Edward a pointed stare.

Despite this, he hesitated, running a hand through his disarray of copper hair, lips twisted in thought. "You're going to the spring dance?"

I blinked. "Yes…" I lifted a hand to my hip and narrowed my eyes. "Do you have a problem with this?"

Edward abruptly stepped forward, emphasizing just how tall he was as he peered down at me, golden eyes boring into mine. "I was wondering if...I may accompany you to the dance?"

My brain short-circuited.

And then, I glanced around the empty hall, wondering if I was the butt of some practical joke.

When Edward made a noise of impatience, I glanced back at him, my expression contorting with confusion. "Why?" I demanded, suspicious. What on earth could possibly be his motive? I sure as hell wasn't Bella.

Edward huffed a frustrated sound. "What do you mean why? Is it not evident?"

"Um, no," I sniffed and pointed out, jabbing a finger towards his chest, "You are being rather aggressive about this, so forgive me if I'm looking for an ulterior motive."

"Ah, I am, aren't I?" he realized. "I'm sorry if I frightened you. I'm asking because...I'd like to go to the dance with you. That's all―there's no convoluted reason."

I pursed my lips. "That's it?"

His lips quirked into a small smirk. "That's it," he repeated.

"Huh," I blinked, trying to wrap my head around the idea of Edward actually being interested in me. "Well," I finally replied, "There's a problem."

Edward's brow furrowed with concern. "Is it something I can resolve?"

"Not really," I said dryly, hands dropping back to my hips as I explained, "You see, you've been acting like a real asshole towards me for the past month and I don't appreciate that. So, my answer is no. See ya, Cullen."

I spun on my heel and began the trek down the hall.

"Isabella, wait," Edward hurried after me, easily keeping up with my pace. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" he probed when I didn't bother acknowledging him.

We reached the parking lot and I made a beeline for the ancient truck. "Sorry, I've got to run!"

"Where to?" Edward huffed with an expression of disbelief.

"Um," I wracked my brain for an excuse while I pulled the keys out of my bag. "I've got to go change a light bulb. Very urgent business! Bye!"

I jumped into my truck and cast Edward one last wave before taking off.

A/N: Hahaha, poor Edward! I had too much fun writing this! I may come back and write a brief follow-up. Maybe Isabella will give him a second chance?

In Reference to A Body of Water and Bones: Canon compliant after the van incident, mid-Chapter 2.