(Lynna's P.O.V)

"How's your day going so far?" My younger brother, Dustin, asked while dribbling a basketball.

I grabbed a basketball and started dribbling alongside him. I had gym for second period, which I was actually grateful for. Being active got my mind off of everything else. I shrugged nonchalantly.

"It's great," I lied through my teeth.

Aside from sitting beside an unbelievably attractive guy in History that hates my guts for an unknown reason. Oh, and aside from Tyler Caldwell showing a newfound interest in me. Yeah, everything's great.

"You know I can tell when you're lying," he said with a small smile as he threw the ball into the hoop.

It made a satisfying swish as it fell through the basket. I gave him a reassuring smile.

"Just gotta get into the swing of things, is all," I told him.

He nodded in understanding. I watched as his eyes widened and his mouth fell open. The ball fell from his hands and rolled along the floor.

"Who are they?" He asked with bright eyes.

I followed his gaze and saw Alice walking into the gym with a tall, beautiful blonde girl. Her skin was like porcelain, same as Alice's, and she had the same golden eyes. She looked like a model that had stepped straight out of a magazine.

"The little one is Alice. I'm not sure who the blonde one is though," I told him.

"Wow," was all he said as he chased after the runaway ball.

Alice met my eyes and gave me a quick wave, followed by a friendly smile which I returned. The beautiful blonde standing next to her wore a blank expression as she looked at me.

I was distracted by a light tap on my shoulder. I spun around and was met with a clearly annoyed Noah.

Why did you give up your seat for that girl? He asked me with a frown.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alice and the unknown blonde take a seat on the bleachers nearest to us.

Relax. You two are going to get along great. I assured him with a smile.

His frown deepened. Is it because you wanted to sit next to that guy?

My jaw went slack. "You mean, Edward?!" I spoke aloud before signing, Absolutely not. He's a huge jerk.

Noah gave me a disbelieving look. I sighed.

Trust me, okay? Paige is wonderful, I told him with a gentle smile. Give her a chance.

He furrowed his brows. Do you know her?

I shook my head. No. But I will. And so will you.

His brows knitted together before realization dawned in his eyes. Did you.. see something?

I shrugged and gave him a knowing smile. Maybe.

It was then that Paige walked into the gym and I waved her over.

"Hey, Paige," I greeted her.

"Hey," she said in a timid voice before locking eyes with Noah. A blush crept to her cheeks as she signed, How are you?

Noah's mouth hit the floor. You know how to sign?

Paige looked at me, clearly confused and nervous.

"He was asking if you know how to sign," I said to her with a smile.

"Oh," she blurted out before signing, Learning.

A grin broke out across his face. He nodded at the girl, signaling that he understood.

"He can read lips, by the way," I told her. "He's a great listener." I joked, earning a chuckle from Noah.

For the duration of gym, it was mostly just a social gathering. Coach Miller allowed us all to catch up with our friends since it was the first day back from summer break. I was thankful that I didn't have to change into my gym clothes today; I really didn't want to take off Grayson's hoodie. It was my safety blanket.

Throughout the hour, I noticed Noah and Paige stole a few glances at each other while the other wasn't looking. It warmed my heart to see. Alice and the stoic blonde girl, whose name I found out to be Rosalie, kept to themselves the entire time.

I bid Noah and Dustin farewell before I made my way to Chemistry. Luckily, this time, I was one of the first students to arrive. I chose a seat in the back next to the window. The students started spilling in. I wasn't surprised that no one chose to sit next to me. As Tyler had said earlier, I was the brooding, broken-hearted girl that everyone pitied. Not only that, but most people knew that I had predicted the fire. Some people even think that I had something to do with the fire that took Grayson's life. However, the majority just thought I was a freaky, psychic girl. Aside from Noah and my brother, no one really spoke to me anymore.

After a few minutes, I looked around the classroom and saw that most of the seats were filled except for two. There was an empty seat next to Ashley Tipton, a red-headed cheerleader with a temper that matched her cherry red hair. Once upon a time, we were actually friends. She seemed to change when I got with Grayson. I was never quite sure why.

The other empty seat was obviously next to me. The sound of the door opening caused my head to jerk up. Low and behold, Edward Cullen walked through the door and instantly locked eyes with me. My stomach was in my throat. Immediately after he came in, Tyler followed. I groaned internally, knowing that Tyler was going to claim the seat beside me as Edward couldn't seem to stand me.

I averted my gaze and started staring out the window. The rain was pelting down against the roof of the school. I watched as a raindrop slid down the windowpane. I stiffened when I heard the chair next to me scrape against the floor. I folded my arms across my chest and continued to watch as the raindrops slid down the glass.

The person beside me cleared his throat. I was already annoyed.

"Not now, Ty," I grumbled before I swiveled to look at him.

My eyes grew to the size of saucers when I saw that it wasn't Tyler who had claimed the empty seat. It was Edward Cullen. I furrowed my brows at him. He stared at me with eyes the color of midnight. His face was expressionless.

"Sorry. I thought you were Tyler," I muttered.

"Nope," was all he said.

He tore his eyes from me and started staring straight ahead. I was confused. I glanced over in Ashley's direction and saw that Tyler was occupying the seat next to her. Guess I wasn't the only girl on Tyler's radar this semester? I could only guess that he had beat Edward to the seat, leaving the pissed off boy to be stuck sitting next to me in yet another class.

I sighed deeply. "I can see if Tyler will trade seats with you," I offered in a soft voice.

I didn't want Edward to be forced to sit next to me. He very obviously didn't like me. Granted, I wasn't that fond of him either. Still, I couldn't find it within myself to return his rude attitude. My gut was telling me that something was going on with him that I knew nothing about; he was in pain.

His eyes snapped towards me once again. "Is that what you want?"

"Wha-What?" I stuttered out. I was confused.

"I thought you'd rather sit next to brooding, angry-at-the-world, mysterious asshole guy than douchebag, full-of-himself, buttwipe guy that wants to get in your pants," he spoke in a monotone voice; without any emotion whatsoever.

I blinked rapidly at his stoic, porcelain face. He quoted me to a T. "Um. Yeah. That's right," I breathed out.

He pressed his lips into a thin line. "Okay then. Now, leave me be."

Leave him be, I did. We didn't say a word to each other all throughout class. When the bell rang, he was the first one out the door, leaving me to stare after him, completely dumbfounded. What is up with that guy?!

I gathered my things and walked out into the hall. After shoving my books in my locker, I made my way to the cafeteria. The cafeteria was small and crowded. I scanned the sea of students, looking for my friend. A hand on my shoulder caught my attention. Noah.

Come on. Let's get some food, he said to me as he guided me towards the lunch line.

He handed me a tray and started piling it high with different foods that he knew I wouldn't eat. Not that I didn't like the food— Quite contrary, actually. I loved most food, but Noah knew about my difficult relationship with food. I knew he was worried about me, so I didn't say a word as he dragged me through the lunch line and got one of everything.

He, of course, tried to pay for the food, but I wasn't having it. After paying for the huge meal, we found an empty table and sat down. It was just the two of us. He immediately started digging in to a baked potato as I started picking absentmindedly at a piece of pizza.

All of a sudden, I felt a pair of burning eyes on me. Looking up, I saw Edward as he walked into the cafeteria behind his siblings. I inhaled a sharp intake of air and withdrew my gaze from him. I could feel him studying me, causing goosebumps to erupt all over my body. I was on edge. Doesn't he know it's rude to stare?! Of course he does— he just doesn't care.

My brother, Dustin, locked eyes with me from across the room and gave me a kind smile which I returned half-heartedly. He was sitting with his group of close friends and eating a piece of pizza like his life depended on it. I couldn't help but chuckle quietly at the sight.

"Is it okay if I sit here?" Paige's quiet voice drifted to my ears.

She was standing there awkwardly with her tray. I could tell she was nervous. Noah looked up at her and offered her a small smile.

"Of course," I told her enthusiastically as I gestured for her to sit down.

She sat down beside me and started making small-talk with Noah. She signed what she could, bless her. She was trying. Noah pulled out a piece of paper and a pen to make things easier. They signed and passed the note back and forth. I was too lost in my own mind to pay attention to the conversation.

I could still feel Edward Cullen staring at me, and I was at a complete loss as to why. Noah knocked on the table to get my attention. I met his gaze and raised a brow in questioning.

You need to eat, he told me.

I sighed. I can't.

(Edward's P.O.V)

Why won't she eat? Why do I care? I don't care. I'm simply curious. But why? Why does she intrigue me so? Because I can't hear her thoughts? Does she remind me of.. her? No. She's nothing like her. That much is obvious.

Emmett distracted me momentarily as he chuckled at the castle he made out of mashed potatoes. I rolled my eyes.

"It has a gravy moat," he laughed.

Alice breathed out a giggle before she looked at me. Are you okay?

I nodded once in answer to her silent question.

It will be easier after today. She assured me.

Jasper gave me a sympathetic look. I didn't need any help from him in keeping myself in check. As usual, I simply felt numb, so I wasn't sure what Alice was worried about. Her mind offered me no answers either.

Her eyes flickered to Lynna. She, too, was curious about the girl. She felt drawn to her in a familiar sort of way. Alice was quick to withdraw her gaze as she leaned into her mate and started talking to Rosalie about going on a shopping trip. My gaze, however, never faltered from the golden-haired girl sitting across the way. My family didn't seem to notice my ogling. Their thoughts were elsewhere.

Lynna's friend, Noah, met my burning gaze for a split second before he turned to her.

That guy from history class is staring at you. He told her.

"I know! Don't look at him!" She demanded.

Noah was perplexed. He wondered what my problem was. As did I.

He has staring problems. He said with a frown.

Obviously. Lynna agreed.

Paige looked between the two of them with curiosity. Lynna wrapped her arms around her stomach self-consciously.

Noah looked my way once more before smiling at Lynna.

Maybe he just thinks you're pretty, he suggested with a smirk.

I thought she was much more than pretty. She was easily the most beautiful girl I had ever laid eyes on. Just because I was attracted to the human girl, didn't mean I felt anything for her. I felt absolutely nothing for her. I didn't even like the girl.

Lynna rolled her eyes. "That's definitely not the case," she spoke as she signed, so that Paige would feel included. "He probably heard about my freaky weirdness, is all."

Freaky weirdness? What did she mean by that? Now, I was even more intrigued. Alice picked up on their conversation as well. She looked towards their table to watch the exchange.

Noah raised his brows in disbelief. You can see the future. Anyone who doesn't think that's cool is just jealous.

Alice let out an audible gasp, causing our siblings to look at her with curious eyes. My eyes widened. Lynna was psychic?

"Thanks. But I disagree. It's far too unreliable to be anything but a burden," she said with a frown.

Alice looked at the human girl sympathetically.

"She's.. like me," Alice said in a mere whisper.

Emmett looked up from his food castle as Jasper stared down at his mate curiously. Even Rosalie appeared to be interested.

"Who is?" Jasper asked her curiously.

Alice and I had been the only ones paying attention to the exchange. She looked at me with wide, golden eyes and breathed her name, "Lynna."

"Plenty of humans claim to be psychic," Rosalie spoke up, feigning disinterest.

Alice shook her head grimly. "No. She's different. I can feel it. It's like.. we're connected somehow."

"That doesn't make any sense," Emmett stated as he squashed his castle of mashed potatoes.

"Are you certain?" Jasper asked her tenderly.

She nodded. "Yes. Something is telling me that I need to know her."

"No!" I snarled, earning confused looks from my family. "Stay away from her, Alice. She's human."

Alice's mouth fell open in shock.

"Edward's right. Befriending a human isn't a good idea. Psychic or not, you need to stay away from her," Rosalie was quick to agree with me.

Who would have thought that Rosalie and I would ever agree on anything?

"They're right," Jasper told his mate with a sorrowful frown. "You need not get close to her. If she is truly psychic, then she could easily catch on to us."

"Aw, come on guys. Lynna's clearly been through a lot. We found her sleeping in a cemetary, for crying out loud. Alice could be a good friend to her," Emmett voiced his opinion. "The only friend she has is that deaf guy. And if Lynna's right, then he's going to end up with that Paige chick." He paused and frowned before laughing. "Damn. If she's actually psychic, then I'm going to be out fifty bucks."

"Involving ourselves with humans doesn't end well," I told them in a tone that wasn't open for discussion.

They knew I was referring to she-who-shall-not-be-named. Alice pursed her lips before she scowled at me.

"All I want to do is befriend the girl. That's different," she said to me with narrowed eyes.

"Well, I like her. You have my blessing, Alice." Emmett wore a boyish grin.

I shook my head and clenched my jaw. No way. Jasper sighed in defeat.

"I trust your judgement," he said to his mate with loving eyes. "You know I'm on your side, no matter what."

Alice smiled up at him before she planted a kiss on his cheek. I gritted my teeth at the display of affection. Rosalie scoffed at the idea of her sister befriending a human, but she knew there was no sense in arguing. I, on the other hand, wasn't having it.

"No," I growled as I locked eyes with Alice. "I will not allow it."

She knitted her little brows together. Jasper wrapped his arm around her in a protective manner. His mind alerted me that he was prepared to fight me if that's what it came down to. I felt a sense of betrayal; he should know I wouldn't harm Alice. He didn't trust me. None of them did. Not anymore. I could see that now.

"It's not up to you," Alice spoke in a soft voice.

I quirked a brow at her. "Oh, yeah?" I stood up, towering over their sitting forms, and leaned on the table. "How about I just kill her then?"

Their jaws all fell to the floor. Alice was the first to recover. She stood up and looked up at me with fire in her eyes. Jasper was quick to follow her lead. Emmett and Rosalie were quickly on their feet as well.

"You're bluffing," Alice spoke up with certainty.

I scowled and shook my head. "I assure you that I'm not. Her blood sings to me like no other."

They knew who I was referring to. Lynna's blood put hers to shame. I could feel Jasper using his ability to calm me down. I was instantly relaxed, but my mind wasn't changed. I couldn't allow Alice to get close to her.

"You won't do it," Alice told me. "You wouldn't do that to me. Or to her. You've been watching her all day. And I know you chose to sit next to her in Chemistry so that she wouldn't have to sit next to Tyler. Deep down, you still have a heart. You're still capable of feeling. You won't hurt her."

I felt a growl building up in my chest. "Try me. I feel nothing for the pathetic girl."

Alice blinked slowly as a faint smile played on her lips. "I never said you did. Regardless, you won't hurt her. I won't let you."

Jasper placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and stared at me intently. "Nor will I."

"She's under my protection as well," Emmett spoke up, more than happy to play the role of bodyguard.

Rosalie shot him a glare. "Whatever," she hissed.

I glared at my three siblings intensely. The anger I felt in that moment was unmatched. I, once again, felt an immense hatred towards the human girl. My eyes traveled in her direction. My breath hitched in my throat when I saw that she was looking directly at me. Her sapphire eyes burned into my own, causing a whirlwind of emotions to stir within me.

The feeling was strange and very much unwelcome. I had been numb for twenty years— feeling absolutely nothing. Now, here I was, feeling every negative emotion imaginable and the blue-eyed girl was to blame. All I wanted to do was go back to feeling nothing. I wanted to feel empty. Instead, all I felt was darkness. Anger. Hatred.

I scowled at the human, causing her eyes to widen before she averted her gaze.

(Lynna's P.O.V)

I walked into English Comp and sat down near the back. The classroom was nearly empty. I was in such a hurry to get out of the cafeteria and away from Edward's burning gaze that I was one of the first students to arrive. I pulled out my notebook and a pencil and started doodling absentmindedly.

"Do you mind if I sit here?" A soft voice distracted me from my doodling.

I looked up and was met with kind, golden eyes that belonged to Alice Cullen.

"Be my guest," I said with a small smile.

She returned my smile with much enthusiasm before she sat down in the desk to my right.

"I'm sorry about Edward. His rude behavior is entirely unacceptable," she told me with a frown.

"It's okay," I breathed out. "Do you know what I did that offended him though? Is it because I bumped into him?"

Alice pressed her lips into a thin line before she shook her head. "No. It's not you. You didn't do anything."

I gave her a disbelieving look. That was hard to believe. "Are you sure? I mean, he stares a hole straight through me anytime he sees me."

"I'm sure. It has nothing to do with you. He's just going through a lot and takes it out on all the wrong people. You didn't do anything though," she assured me.

"If you say so," I chuckled softly, still unsure.

Students slowly started to trickle in. Tyler locked eyes with me when he walked into the room and smirked. He casually strode over and claimed the empty desk to my left.

"Long time, no see, Doll." He winked with his good eye— the eye that wasn't blackened by Noah.

I remained silent as I continued to draw abstract figures. I knew the second Edward Cullen walked into the room without even looking up. I could feel his midnight eyes burning a hole through me, putting me on edge. In that moment, I knew how prey felt under the hungry eyes of a predator. Why I felt that way— I wasn't sure.

My entire body went rigid when he sat down in the desk directly behind me. My heart was racing as adrenaline coursed through my veins.

I took a couple deep breaths to calm myself down. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alice spin around in her desk to shoot her brother a glare. He paid her no mind; he never tore his eyes from me— I could tell.

I continued drawing random loops on the paper, trying to distract myself. All of a sudden, a hand banged on my desk and I nearly jumped three feet in the air due to being so on edge. A yelp flew through my lips and the pencil in my hand went flying across the room, hitting Marty Webb in the back of the head.

"Ow," Marty mumbled while rubbing the back of his head.

I felt my face heat up in embarrassment. "Sorry, Marty!" I called out.

I could hear my heartbeat in my ears as I looked up at my brother's surprised face.

"You good, sis? Didn't mean to give you a heart attack," he joked with a chuckle as he sat down in front of me.

To my dismay, a low, musical sound came from behind me. I spun around in my seat and saw Edward Cullen shaking with laughter. I narrowed my eyes at him. Jerk.

Alice's mouth fell open as she stared at Edward, and I wasn't sure why. I spun back around to face Dustin. When I locked eyes with him, we both started cracking up. Alice and Tyler was quick to join in as well.

"You scared the daylights out of me," I spoke between laughter.

"My bad," Dustin laughed. "For real though— Why so jumpy?"

At this, I shrugged and smiled sheepishly. I could hardly tell him the truth— that Edward Cullen has me on edge due to his incessant staring. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Marty pick up my pencil and hesitantly walk over to us. He wore a nervous grin as he handed me my pencil with shaky fingers.

"H-Here," he stuttered out.

I gave him a kind smile as I took it from him. "Thank you, Marty," I spoke softly.

His eyes fluttered as his mouth fell open. "W-Wait. You know my name?"

I nodded and furrowed my brows. "Yeah. Of course I do. I've known you since third grade, remember? We were both in Ms. Rhoton's class."

"Um, yeah. I know that. I mean— I know who you are. I'm just surprised that you know who I am is all," he stammered out.

His face reddened in what I guessed was embarrassment. I gave him another genuine smile as I tilted my head to the side.

(Edward's P.O.V.)

I watched Lynna through Marty's eyes and I was almost in awe. The girl tilted her head to the side and stared at him intently. Her blue eyes were lit with kindness as she gave him the softest of smiles that would make any man go weak in the knees.

"You're Marty Webb. You play the trombone in band. Freshman year, you won the chess tournament and competed in state where you placed second. You're captain of the debate club and Spencer Higgins is your best friend. You two have been inseparable since seventh grade," the words spilled from her lips.

Shock fell across the trombone player's face. His thoughts were scattered. Evidently, Marty had no idea that a girl like Lynna even knew he existed. The fact that she did gave him a huge confidence boost.

"Wow. You knew all of that," he spoke after a moment.

Lynna nodded. "Of course I did."

A huge grin spread across his face. He placed his hands in his pockets and rocked back and forth on his heels. "Wow," he said once again, at a loss for words.

The blue-eyed girl appeared slightly confused. "I'm sorry about hitting you in the head," she told him.

"No, no. It's totally fine. My head's fine. How's your pencil?" Did I really just say that? I'm an idiot.

I breathed out a silent laugh when Lynna's face lit up with amusement. She looked down to 'inspect' her pencil before meeting his timid gaze. "My pencil is totally fine," she said with a giggle and a thumbs up.

"Great, great." He said before spinning on his heels and hightailing it back to his seat as he called out, "Talk to you later."

Tyler turned to Lynna with a sarcastic smile. "How's your pencil?" He whispered with a dry chuckle.

Her blue eyes narrowed into slits as she looked at him. "Don't make fun of him, Ty."

'Ty' raised his hands as if to surrender. Dustin, who I assume to be her brother based on their earlier words, spun around in his seat to face her.

"He's probably in love with you now. No joke," he teased his sister with a cheeky grin.

Lynna rolled her eyes. The thing was, her brother was right. Marty Webb saw Lynna Holloway with new eyes. He always considered her to be the most beautiful girl in school, but now he saw her inner beauty as well. His thoughts gave himself away. Of course, he had no intentions on acting on his feelings. The boy was far too shy for that. No, Marty would simply admire her from afar which suited me just fine. Suited me just fine?! Why should I care if Marty tries to woo her? I don't! She can become Mrs. Webb for all I care. That is, if Tyler doesn't get to her first. My fists clenched involuntarily at the thought and I hated myself for it. More than that, I hated Lynna for it.

"He seems really sweet," Alice spoke up with a grin. "I think you made his day."

"Yeah. Who wouldn't want to get whacked in the head with a pencil," I grumbled bitterly, earning a sharp look from Alice.

Can you not? She spoke in her thoughts.

"Shut up, Cullen," Lynna sneered my surname.

I glared at the back of her head. "Make me, Holloway," I shot back.

(Lynna's P.O.V)

Edward Cullen was seriously starting to get on my nerves. All throughout class, I could feel him staring at the back of my head. Was my head really that fascinating? The teacher, Mr. Mahoney, wanted us to write an essay about what we did over the summer, but I found it extremely hard to focus on writing due to the rude boy.

When class was over, I was more than happy to escape. The last period was study hall. It was pretty much just free time where we could all catch up on assignments and get some studying done. Dustin and I made our way over to the library before we went our separate ways. He hurried over to the computer lab while I sat down at one of the round tables in the middle of the library.

Before too long, Noah and Paige joined me. We sat in companionable silence until I felt that all-too-familiar burning stare. I stiffened and shook my head in annoyance before I turned my head to lock eyes with Edward Cullen. He was leaning against a bookshelf in the corner in a casual manner, but his intense gaze was anything but.

I tore my eyes from his and sighed. This was already getting old.