V. The Void Behind My Teeth

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 III]

"I thought I told you to quit stalking me," I said before Edward could get a word in.

He peered down at me, eyebrows arched. "Isabella, in case you haven't noticed, we attend the same school."

"Trust me, I'm aware. Doesn't explain why you're walking next to me," I sighed, skin prickling with discomfort beneath all the curious stares in the crowded hall.

"If you'd allow me a chance to explain, I would."

"Go on, then," I said, pausing by my locker to pick up my book for English.

"I was hoping I could walk you to class?"

I paused, and then glanced up to meet his sincere gaze. "Oh. Is this your way of trying to make it up to me?"

He smiled bashfully, running a hand through his hair. "It's certainly a start. But," he added, "I suppose I'd like to change the impression I've given you of myself."

I shifted my feet, unnerved by the intensity of his gaze. Before I could respond, we were interrupted by a boy named Cody―he was a senior on the football team with curly brown hair and a cheerful grin.

"Hey, Isabella! Jessica said you had something to ask me?"

He was also the guy Jess had been trying to set me up with.

I cleared my throat. "Right. About the dance, do you already―"

"Cody!"

I shut my mouth with a click, looking to the loud source of interruption with an irritated scowl. And then my eyes widened, when I saw Emmett rushing over to Cody, casually throwing an arm around the guy's shoulders, and I was forced to watch with a bewildered expression as Emmett hurriedly hissed something into Cody's ear.

Cody's gray eyes suddenly got big, before they shot between Edward and I. "O-oh," he nodded to whatever Emmett was saying. He then turned to me and stammered, "S-sorry, Isabella. About the dance―I uh, can't. But um, yeah! See you later!" He dashed away before I could get a word in.

Emmett winked at me. "Catch you later, little brother," he saluted Edward, before sauntering off.

I stood, frozen in shock, until I heard Edward groan beside me. I turned to find him with his shoulders hunched, face buried in his hands.

"Did your brother really just…?"

"Yes," he growled, dropping his hands and revealing the scowl on his face. "I'm going to kill Emmett."

"Unbelievable."

Edward abruptly turned to me, expression mortified. "Isabella, you have my sincerest apologies. And if…if you were looking forward to being accompanied by Cody to the dance, I will speak with him and clear up any misconceptions Emmett would have him believe." Here, Edward's face twisted with reluctance, the notebook at his side bending painfully in his tight grip.

I heaved a weary sigh. "For the sake of everyone involved, it's probably best if I just attend the dance solo," I decided, fishing my book out from the depths of my locker.

"Oh." Edward seemed surprised and relieved, if a bit disappointed.

I slammed my locker door shut with a resounding bang. "I'll see you around, Edward," I said, ducking around him and getting lost in the crowd without a backwards glance.

The week leading up to the dance was filled with two constants. First was Jessica, who pouted the whole time about me being dateless, annoyed with Emmett for ruining her hard work, as well as annoyed with me for rejecting the infamous Edward Cullen.

The second constant was Edward's efforts to slip into my good graces. It wouldn't have been so bad, if it hadn't attracted so much attention towards me.

In the end, I compromised with Edward. I wouldn't go with him to Sadie Hawkins, but I would save him a dance.

"May I?"

I craned my neck and frowned up at him. "You really had to pick the slow number?"

Edward smiled cheekily. "You said one dance. You never said which one."

I rolled my eyes, but took his offered hand regardless, allowing him to guide me towards the dance floor. In the muted lighting, his soft, gold eyes gleamed. I was suddenly aware of my physical body as he dropped his hands to my hips and pulled me close to him. The high heels I wore gave me the boost I needed to be able to wrap my arms around his neck.

"You look stunning," he murmured, eyes tracing my face lightly.

I cast my gaze aside. "Thank you."

"You don't appreciate compliments," he noted. "Not when it comes to your features."

I smiled awkwardly. "You noticed that?"

"I noticed it was strange. But you're confident, and you're happy to be complimented on your style. I wonder why that is."

I knew I couldn't outright tell him this body wasn't my own. Instead, I asked, "Have you ever looked into the mirror and felt like you were gazing at a stranger?"

Edward's eyes darkened. "All the time."

We fell into a somber silence as we continued to dance. To my surprise, Edward didn't pull out any fancy or elegant moves. Instead, he guided me in a simplified waltz and I was startled by how comfortable I was, being held in his arms. All that supernatural strength coiled in his muscles, and yet, he handled me fearlessly, with no hesitance in his actions. It was his confidence which allowed me to relax, and for the first time, I felt grounded.

I couldn't remember the last time I'd been held so closely. At least, not by anyone in this life.

It was when the song began to slow down further, drawing to its end that he spoke once more, "I've noticed many unconventional things about you, Isabella. I'm uncertain as to what it all means, but…I hope that in time, you will find in me someone worthy of your trust."

I locked eyes with his serious gaze. "I…" the words got caught in my throat, and for a moment, all I could offer him was a pained, glassy-eyed smile.

Suddenly, he drew us to a halt, and I realized the song was over. His hands lingered on my waist.

"Thank you, Edward. But…" I stepped back, sliding my arms from around his shoulders and withdrawing from his hold. "…This is beyond even your grasp."

I turned and walked away from Edward, past my friends, and beyond the cafeteria doors. It felt like a dream, like I was immaterial. And part of me wondered―if I walked long enough, would this body be lost somewhere along the way?

I reached the truck before the thought could deceive me any longer, chest feeling heavy for several seconds afterwards. And then, knowing he could still hear me, I muttered, "Let's just hope this doesn't end in disaster."

A/N: …And moving forward, this could easily segue into the original story, so I'll stop here. Sorry it took me so long to get around to finishing this part! I kind of forgot it existed x)

But feel free to let me know if you have any ideas for a spinoff or something! I may take you up on it. And please let me know what you thought of the chapter! :)

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