(Edward's P.O.V)

There were exactly one-hundred seventy-two thousand three hundred and four leaves on the giant oak tree in the backyard. I leaned against the windowsill and watched as the insects scoured the tree. Ants and beetles alike. This is what I did in my spare time; well, this is what I did all of the time. All of my time was spare, after all.

Counting was my only escape. It passed the time and kept my mind off of trivial matters. It kept my mind off of she-who-shall-not-be-named. Still, from time to time, my thoughts got away from me, wandering away to her. It happened much more often now than it used to. Since returning to my family, the defenses I had spent twenty years building were slowly caving in, brick by brick.

In that moment, I allowed myself to think about her.

What was she doing right now?

Does she ever think of me?

Does she ever miss me?

Does she ever regret her decision?

Do her big, brown eyes still shine as brightly as the stars?

Is her hair still long and flowing? Perhaps, it's shorter now?

Did she go to college?

Did she get married?

Does she have any children?

I bet she has a dog and a fenced-in yard.

I wonder what sort of career she pursued.

Does she still live in Forks? Probably in La Push. With him.

A snarl ripped through my chest at the thought. With clenched fists, I carefully filed the thoughts in the dark recesses of my mind and locked them away. A wave of numbness washed over me, easing the dull ache in my chest, leaving me hollow once again.

I heard Carlisle approaching. His footsteps were nearly silent but his thoughts gave him away. He spends all of his time in his room. Is he ever going to heal?

He knocked once, out of courtesy, before opening the door to my bedroom and stepping in. He looked at me with wary eyes.

"Where are you, my son?" His voice was careful; gentle— as if a single word possessed the power to crush me.

I furrowed my brows at his words. "I'm right here," I responded stiffly, reflexively.

Sorrow filled his eyes. He shook his head grimly. "No. You're not." We are worried about you. "Edward, we haven't spoken about your time spent away from us. You know none of us judge you for the choices you made while you were gone. Won't you, please, talk to us? Let us help you."

"I'm fine," I spoke firmly.

His mouth turned down in a frown. Disapproval was set in his features. "Alice mentioned that you threatened to take the life of a fellow classmate. Is this true?"

I rolled my eyes. Of course she told. No matter. I shrugged in faux nonchalance. "Yes."

"Why?" His thoughts were guarded as he awaited my answer.

"Alice has no business befriending the girl," I spoke through clenched teeth.

Carlisle raised his brows in clear surprise. Given his thoughts, he was shocked that I spoke in a full sentence.

"So, that makes it okay for you to kill her? Is that really what you think, Edward? Does human life mean nothing to you now?" I could hear the betrayal in his voice; he was hurt.

I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "I'm not going to kill her," I admitted in complete honesty.

No matter how deeply her blood sang to me, I had no intentions of killing the broken-hearted girl. Despite my strong disdain for her— disdain that was unjustified on her part— I wouldn't harm her.

"I trust you," he spoke the words slowly. "Same as I always have."

I met his gaze briefly. His warm eyes were full of trust that wasn't deserved. His hand clamped down on my shoulder and he gave it a gentle squeeze.

"You're still in there somewhere. I trust that you'll find your way back to us. Someday," he whispered with the saddest of smiles before he glided away, leaving me to my thoughts once again.

(Lynna's P.O.V)

I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror and frowned, wrapping my arms around my torso self-consciously. I was wearing something very much out of the norm for me— a pale-blue drawstring dress. The material clung to my body like a second skin, making every single flaw blaringly obvious.

I eyed Grayson's hoodie that was folded neatly on my bed with longing eyes. Every fiber of my being was screaming at me to change into a pair of sweats and his hoodie. Why did I choose today to give up donning Grayson's hoodie for school? Couldn't I choose some other day— any other day— to do this? No.

I needed to put on a brave face. Today marked the anniversary of Grayson's death. Most of the student body population didn't keep up with facts such as dates, but the select few that did, would be watching me with wary eyes— waiting for me to fall apart before them. I couldn't allow that to happen.

Another reason for my current attire was due to the fact that I needed to talk to Tyler today; I desperately needed to convince him to cancel the bonfire. Was I trying to impress him by wearing a skin-tight dress that hugged my curves? Absolutely not. Was I hoping that I could use his attraction for me as leverage? As much I hate to say it— yes, I was. I couldn't, under any circumstance, allow the bonfire to happen tomorrow.

I donned a pair of white flats and stared at the hoodie that was calling to me. With a sigh, I grabbed the hoodie and clutched it tightly against my chest before heading out the door. I wasn't planning on wearing the hoodie today, but I wasn't ready to part with my safety blanket entirely. I draped it over my arm and smiled before walking downstairs.

My grandmother looked up from the book she was reading and gasped. "You look like a princess," she said with a smile.

"Thanks, mamaw." I returned the smile as I grabbed my bookbag.

Dustin came bounding down the steps and let out a low whistle when he saw me. "What's the occasion?" Curiosity seeped through his voice.

I shrugged. "I thought it was time for a change."

He nodded in approval and grinned hugely. "Change is good. You look great."

(Edward's P.O.V)

Emmett and Alice were staring a hole straight through my back as the students spilled into the classroom. As always, my siblings' thoughts were guarded around me. I watched, out of sheer boredom, as each student walked in and took their seat. Each and every one of them were in awe of the three of us. They thought we were strangely beautiful and oh-so-mysterious. The thoughts of the teenage girls had me stifling eye-rolls. They were beyond cliché.

He's so mysterious. It's sexy.

He's obviously single. Maybe I should say hi?

Those muscles— ugh! And his depressed brother is just as good looking. I wonder if they would be down for a threesome? Mmm.

He's looking at me! Omg omg! Breathe!

Those were the typical thoughts of every hormonal teenager. I continued watching the door as the children filed through. I was starting to become antsy and I wasn't sure why. I chalked it up to wanting to start the lesson, so I could block out the thoughts of those around me.

My mind stopped working all together when she walked in. Her golden waves flowed down her chest like a fountain. Her blue eyes were bright and dancing. When I saw what she was wearing, my jaw hit the floor. Every time I had seen her, her body had been well concealed by the giant hoodie that she always wore. This time, that wasn't the case.

She was wearing a drawstring dress, the perfect shade of blue, that hugged each of her womanly curves like its life depended on it. I had no idea she had a body like that under the hoodie. She had a perfectly cinched waist— the definition of an hourglass figure. Her hips and breasts were larger than I had anticipated them to be, which contrasted with her small frame in the most sensual way. Women paid huge money striving for a body like hers, and here she was, blessed beyond measure. It had truly been a crime of the century hiding a body like that!

Emmett let out a low whistle from behind me, causing me to clench my fists involuntarily. "Wow. I hardly recognized her at first."

"Omg! She's wearing a dress! Maybe she would be down for a shopping trip. That would be so much fun—" I tuned out Alice's chatter as I focused on the girl standing in the doorway.

I heard a few students gasp from around the room as they took note of her attire.

She's back. It's about time.

Holy shit. I forgot how hott she was.

She's so pretty. I'm glad she's finally back to her normal self.

Funny how she chose today to dress like that.

What was today? My curiosity was getting the best of me per usual. I couldn't stop staring at the gorgeous girl even if I wanted to. I was obviously attracted to her, in more ways than one. I couldn't deny that. But that didn't mean I had to like her. I couldn't stand her. The fact that she possessed such beauty made me hate her all the more.

Emmett tapped on my shoulder, causing me to rip my gaze from Lynna as I spun around to face him with an angry expression. He chuckled. "Hey, bro. You got a little drool. Right here," he teased as he touched the side of his mouth with his index finger.

I glared at him intensely; I felt a growl building up in my chest. How dare he mock me in such a way. His thoughts alerted me that he was just trying to get a rise out of me. I couldn't help but give him the satisfaction.

"Shut up, Emmett," I growled. "And I do not."

I spun back around and discreetly wiped at the side of my mouth, just to be sure. The motion wasn't missed by Emmett or Alice. They both snickered quietly at my expense. I was on pins and needles as Lynna hesitantly walked towards me. I inhaled carefully, tasting her sweet scent in the air. My throat and lungs were on fire. My thirst for her blood was a distraction from the hunger that pierced through my core when she sat down beside me.

Why was I attracted to her in such a way?! I was growing more and more angry with myself, and her, with each passing second. Did she have to wear something that outlined every inch of her figure?! Does she have to twirl a curl around her finger in an enchanting manner?! Does she have to look at me with those sapphire eyes of hers?!

She quickly looked away when she saw the fire that was, no doubt, dancing in my eyes. I vaguely noticed the hoodie that she set on top of the table. So, she wasn't wearing it, but she was carrying it around? Why?

Alice tapped on her shoulder, gaining her attention. Lynna turned to face my annoying sister with a kind smile.

"You look ah-mazing! I love that dress!" She complimented her.

Emmett was quick to nod in agreement. "Yeah, you look awesome. You clean up nicely," he teased with a grin, earning himself a glare from me that went unnoticed. "So, who's the lucky guy?"

My glare intensified. Lynna laughed nervously; it was a light, airy sound that caused my body to relax involuntarily.

"Thanks, guys. And— No one," she stated before adding with a thoughtful smile, "However, I do have to convince Tyler to cancel the bonfire. I know Dustin told you guys about my… weirdness."

Alice offered the girl a brilliant smile. "We all believe you, Lynna. I'm actually a bit of a psychic myself."

Lynna's blue eyes widened. "Seriously?"

I was shocked. Was Alice crazy?! Why would she tell a human about her psychic abilities?! The fact that Lynna was supposedly psychic herself didn't matter!

Alice saw my horrified expression. Stop looking at me like I have three heads, she thought in annoyance before she nodded in response to Lynna.

"I sure am. So, I understand what you're going through. Believe me. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Lynna blinked rapidly before a breathtaking smile lit up her features. "Do you have a magic wand?" She joked.

Alice laughed; as did Emmett.

"I don't think you'll need a magic wand with what you're wearing," Emmett stated with a goofy grin.

"I hope not. He has to listen to me," she said with a sigh.

Emmett let out a deep, rumbling laugh. "I don't think he will be doing much listening."

I wanted to knock that stupid grin right off of his stupid face.

A certain dark-haired jock walked through the door and I wasn't able to stifle the eye-roll this time. The guy was perfectly harmless, but exceedingly annoying. He was the perfect definition of the dumb jock stereotype.

"There he is," Alice whispered.

Lynna turned and stared at the annoying boy. She took a deep breath before she stood up. What was she doing? This was her assigned seat. She wasn't going to try to sit with him, was she? Mr. Turner wouldn't allow that, surely. But did he really pay close attention to the seating chart? I doubted it.

My jaw dropped when she sat atop our table as if to be alluring. She crossed one leg over the other and tossed her hair over her shoulder, her delectable scent smacking me in the face in the process. My entire body stiffened as fresh venom filled my mouth.

You good, bro? Emmett's thoughts called out.

I instantly cut off my breathing in a feeble attempt to calm the monster threatening to be unleashed. Still, the memory of her scent danced on my tongue. To my dismay, my mind instinctively used the lure of her body as a distraction. The way she was sitting on the table was an obvious (and very much successful) attempt at being seductive. She was hoping to charm the poor boy into canceling the event. I say 'poor boy' because I knew he would fall prey to her trap.

I studied the creamy skin of her toned thighs that was exposed. The drawstring dress stopping halfway down her thighs was proving to be a tease. Out of sheer desperation to calm the blood-thirsty beast, I allowed a different sort of beast to take control of my thoughts. I imagined Lynna and I alone in the room. She was sitting just as she is, but instead of gesturing to Tyler with her index finger, she was summoning me.

In my fantasy, I was the one falling victim to her entrapment. I positioned myself over her and crushed my solid body made of stone against hers; her womanly curves pressed against me as my lips collided with hers— So warm, so SOFT.

I couldn't help but scoff at the deluged fantasy. If I ever got that close to her, she would be dead in a heartbeat. Her oh-so-sweet scent would do me in. Besides, I wouldn't want to be intimate with her like that. It was just a simple fantasy to distract myself. That's all. She was a beautiful girl whom I couldn't help but be attracted to— I am a man, after all— but I still felt immense hatred towards her. Regardless, what's the harm in having a little fantasy every now and then?

I was pulled back to reality when Tyler caught sight of her. His eyes grew to the size of saucers and his jaw went slack. And Emmett said I was drooling. Ha.

My jaw followed suit when Lynna gestured with her index finger as a seductive smirk played on those rosy lips of hers— It was as if my fantasy was coming to fruition and I was being forced to watch as Tyler took my place! Oh, I was being downright ridiculous.

Tyler, like the love-sick puppy he is, wasted no time in practically running over here, tripping over his own two feet in the process. His face was beet red as he stood in front of her. Holy shit. She looks fucking amazing, he thought.

"Hey, Ty," she purred his nickname and flashed him the most dazzling of smiles.

I was surprised that the boy didn't melt into a puddle on the floor in that moment. His heart was beating like a hummingbird's. This was going to be too easy for her. She had him wrapped around her little pinky and hadn't the slightest of clue.

Poor guy doesn't stand a chance. Emmett was amused.

He's got it bad. Alice was quick to notice.

"H-Hey, Lynn. You look.. incredible today," his voice wavered. "Not that you don't look incredible every day, but just especially incredible today. I-I mean, I like your dress." Did I really just say that? Real smooth, he thought sarcastically; no doubt going to beat himself up about that later.

Noah and Paige walked in and took their seats at the front; both wore matching puzzled expressions when they looked over.

"Thanks." She laughed lightly; even her laughter sounded oddly seductive.

Lynna wasted no time beating around the bush. "I need to ask you for a favor," she whispered as she blinked slowly, seeming to put him in a trance.

The girl seemed to know exactly what she was doing. Was it all an act? The air of confidence she appeared to possess didn't seem to be an illusion, but I could be wrong. She didn't strike me as the type of girl to go around seducing guys, but what would I know? She was a mystery to me, after all.

Tyler gulped. It was obvious. I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

"What might that be?" He wondered; his mind led him down a path of possibilities.

Is she going to ask me out? Favor… What sort of favor? Friends with benefits? No way. She's still pining for Grayson. But just because she's grieving doesn't mean she doesn't have needs. Mmm.

I clenched my jaw at his thoughts, snapping it shut with an audible click. I wanted to rip his head from his shoulders. If he so much as touches her, I will— Do no such thing! I don't care what he does to her. I despised the blue-eyed girl with a passion. If he wanted to take her to bed, I wouldn't stop him; as long as it was consensual, of course. I might be a monster, but I'm not that kind of monster. His thoughts didn't alert me to him being that low of a scumbag.

"You need to cancel the bonfire tomorrow," she blurted out before she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, causing desire to pierce through my core at the sight.

The fog in the boy's mind lifted for a brief moment. "Why?" He questioned.

Emotion was swimming in the depths of her eyes. "You trust me, right?"

He nodded. He trusted her completely; he believed in her visions. The guilt he felt over Grayson's death was nearly suffocating; his thoughts revealed that he had made a silent vow to never doubt Lynna again.

"Something very bad will happen if you have the bonfire tomorrow." The truth behind her words was undeniable.

He shifted his weight anxiously. "Something like what?"

She sighed deeply. "Someone will die, Ty."

His brown eyes bulged. "Who?!"

She shook her head ruefully. "Just… Please cancel it," she pleaded, ignoring his question.

He raked a hand through his dark hair in exasperation. "If I cancel it, someone else will just host it, Lynn."

She gracefully hopped down from the table and looked up at him. "I know. But I'm hoping postponing it at the very least will be enough to alter the vision."

He stared down at her with a burning intensity that made my stomach churn uncharacteristically. "Consider it done," he finally spoke. "I'll wait till the last minute to let everyone know. That way, no one will have the time to throw one together tomorrow."

"Thank you," she spoke with full sincerity.

Throughout the remainder of class, I tried (in vain) to hone in on those chaotic thoughts of hers. Whispers. Echoes. Random words. The only word I was able to pick out that made any sense was Grayson.

I was pulled from my thoughts, or should I say— her thoughts, when the bell rang. By that time, my head was seriously pounding. Alice hopped up and locked arms with Lynna.

"We might as well walk together since we both have gym. We can wait on Noah and Paige as well if you want—" Alice started droning on as she does.

But I was intrigued. Alice had gym with Lynna. It actually hadn't occurred to me of that until now. Not that I cared, of course. Still, I stored that information away for later. I couldn't help but be curious. What was she like in gym? Was she athletic? She certainly looked the part. Or was she clumsy like– I mentally slapped myself, bringing me back to reality. I couldn't afford to think about she-who-shall-not-be-named right now.

After second block, I found myself waiting impatiently, being the first to arrive to the classroom. I was tapping my foot in an anxious manner. Wtf is wrong me?

Lynna walked through the door and reluctantly made her way towards me. Her face was flushed, as it always was after gym. Her scent hit me like a ton of bricks, nearly doubling me over as she sat down. Her scent was unlike any other. If I hadn't built up a tremendous amount of self-control being around Bel–, she-who-shall-not-be-named, then Lynna would be dead in a heartbeat.

The golden-haired girl sighed as she stared out the window. It was raining. Per usual. She kept her face hidden from me as she watched the raindrops gathering on the glass. She didn't say a word to me. Per usual. This time though, I would break the silence.

"Why are you dressed like that?" I asked her.

The girl turned to me with a look of surprise. "Excuse me?" She quirked a brow.

I repeated the question. "Why are you dressed like that?"

Her face scrunched up in confusion. "Dressed like what?"

I furrowed my brows, trying to think of the right words. I wasn't exactly used to conversing with humans as of late. "Different," I blurted out.

Her delicate features were solemn as she said, "This is how I used to dress before–," She stopped short, sparking my curiosity even more.

"Before what?" I urged her to continue.

She narrowed her bright blue eyes at me. "It's none of your business, Cullen. Why are you even talking to me?"

Her sharp tone threw me for a loop, despite how deserved it was. I had been nothing but rude to her since we met, after all. Still, her words were able to cut right through me, and I hadn't the slightest clue as to why.

"I was just curious, Holloway," I sneered her surname. "Won't happen again."

"Good," she mumbled bitterly as she folded her arms across her chest and started staring out the window once more.

To my dismay, guilt flooded through me. After not feeling anything for twenty years, having to deal with guilt… Well, it sucked. It was not a good feeling.

"I'm sorry," the words were out before I even realized I was speaking.

The girl tilted her head to grace me with those blue eyes of hers once again. She said nothing as she stared at me with a dumbfounded expression.

"I've been extremely impolite towards you. Actually, I've been a downright prick. Forgive my language," I met her gaze nervously before continuing, "Could we start over?"

The hatred I had been feeling towards the girl was entirely unjustified on my end. She didn't deserve the cold shoulder I had been giving her. Her eyes widened and her rosy lips parted slightly, as if to tempt me. When she didn't respond, I took it upon myself to continue.

"I'm Edward Cullen. It's nice to meet you," I spoke in the smoothest voice possible.

Her eyes glazed over and I was immediately reminded of my ability to supposedly 'dazzle people'. Was I dazzling her? I quickly realized the answer was no when she narrowed her eyes at me once again.

"Whatever game you're playing, Cullen, I'm not interested," she grumbled before she twisted in her seat and resumed watching the rain.

My jaw hit the floor. A surge of anger pierced right through me. "Holding grudges will get you nowhere, Holloway," I sneered.

"Good thing I don't plan on going anywhere then, huh, Cullen?" She snapped back.

Her snarky tone was surprising. I had never heard her use such a tone with anyone else she conversed with. She was always so kind and soft-spoken. Perhaps I got under her skin as deeply as she did mine?

"Aren't you feisty," I mumbled with an amused smirk.

I couldn't see her face, but I could practically feel the eye-roll. Testing the waters, I decided to dive headfirst.

"So, what's the big deal about today anyway? Is it a special occasion? Is that why you're dressed like that?" I pursed my lips, awaiting her reaction.

She clenched her tiny little fists and snapped her face towards me. "Aren't you nosy," she taunted.

I shrugged and flashed her a mocking smile. "Just curious."

"Well, as I said before, it's none of your business!" She exclaimed.

I scowled. "What's your deal?!"

Her eyes flashed in anger. "What's my deal?! Seriously?! For one, you've been nothing but a jerk towards me from day one, and now, all of a sudden, you want to talk to me?! On today of all days!"

"What's today?!" I practically yelled, desperate to know.

I saw tears well up in her sapphire eyes and felt a lump form in my throat at the sight.

"Today… marks the anniversary of my boyfriend's death, if you must know," she whispered dejectedly as a look of pure sorrow fell across her face.

The urge to comfort her in some way was strong; it shocked me. It frightened me. Why do I want to comfort this strange, mysterious girl that I hardly know nothing about? Was it simply my attraction to her talking? Was it pure guilt for craving her delectable blood so badly? I was at a loss, knowing that neither one of those were the true reason.

"Grayson," I spoke his name softly. "I've heard about him. I'm sorry for your loss."

She nodded once, curtly— I might add, in response.

"So, you chose today to give up your usual baggy attire to prove what? That you've moved on?" I didn't realize how utterly insensitive my question sounded until the words were already out.

A gasp flew her through lips before she narrowed her eyes at me. "I'm not trying to 'prove' anything. And FYI— I haven't moved on. Now go back to your sulking and giving everyone the cold shoulder."

I visibly recoiled at her words. Ouch. Why did she bother me so? It's not like I actually cared what she thought of me.

"What if I don't want to go back to sulking?" I challenged.

She clenched her jaw; I could tell I was getting on her nerves, but I didn't care. For some reason, I just wanted her to continue talking to me.

"Then, don't," she said sternly. "I don't care what you do. Just leave me alone."

I couldn't stifle the smirk that took over my face at her annoyed expression. I hated to admit it to myself, but she looked kind of cute with her face all scrunched up in frustration.

"You don't like me very much, do you?" I asked her with a quirked brow, already knowing the answer.

Her sapphire eyes locked with mine. "You don't like me either."

Couldn't argue with that. "Touché."

She folded her arms across her chest and stared straight ahead, clearly wanting our conversation to be over. I pursed my lips, trying to think of something to say to the stubborn girl.

"That shade of blue looks lovely on you," I admitted, secretly hoping a compliment would score some points with her.

As soon as the words were out though, I wanted to slap myself. What was I thinking complimenting the girl?! We both just expressed mutual dislike towards each other and here I was giving her a compliment?!

She oh-so-slowly turned to look at me with a befuddled expression. "Um, thanks?" She spoke unsurely, probably as confused as I was.

Can I take it back? How can I take the compliment back? Ugh, I was so frustrated with myself and her! I clenched my fists. Okay, maybe I couldn't take the compliment back, but I could make it backhanded.

"That dress is awfully tight though. You're trying way too hard," I stated firmly as I stared straight ahead while the students spilled in.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see her head snap towards me. No doubt she had fire dancing in her eyes.

"Excuse me?!" She somehow managed to shriek in a whisper.

I shrugged in a nonchalant manner but refused to meet her furious gaze. "You heard me. Just offering you some friendly advice. A dress like that makes you look…" I trailed off, trying to think of the modern word for it. I smirked before continuing, "Well, it makes you look easy."

Her jaw hit the floor. She slammed her little fist down on the desk, the sound taking me by surprise. I hesitantly met her gaze and was met with blue fire.

She pointed her finger at me and glared with the force of a thousand suns. "You, Edward Cullen, are the biggest douchebag I've ever had the displeasure of meeting."

Good. My compliment was erased from her memory. I couldn't help but feel slightly uneasy under the intensity of her gaze.

"The displeasure is all mine. I assure you," I countered back with a frown.

She slunk back in her seat and clutched the hoodie to her chest. Another wave of guilt racked through me. I compliment her only to insult her— a true backhanded compliment at its finest, and on the anniversary of Grayson's death nonetheless. She was right— I'm a douchebag.

(Lynna's P.O.V)

What an arrogant jerk! I felt my face and neck heat up with anger. Who the hell does he think he is?! I pressed Grayson's hoodie against my chest and closed my eyes, forbidding the angry tears to fall. I made myself a vow in that moment— I would never let Edward Cullen see me cry.

I felt his burning eyes on me and I resisted the urge to flip to him off. That wouldn't be very ladylike now, would it? I'm sure he would have something demeaning to say about it. I wanted so desperately to put my hoodie on, but I didn't want him to know how deeply his comment affected me. I decided I would wait until class was over. Maybe he wouldn't notice. Maybe he would think I just got cold.

My eyes were still closed when I heard Tyler's voice, "Hey, you alright?"

My eyes fluttered open as I tilted my head to look up at him. He was standing in front of the table with a worried frown. I nodded in response.

"Yeah, I'm fine. You?" I knew that today was hard for him as well, given that Grayson was his best friend.

He offered me a small smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I'm okay."

I could see Cullen staring at us out of my peripheral vision. Why is he so damn nosy?!

Tyler rocked back and forth on his heels with a solemn expression. "I was going to tell you… The guys and I are planning on having a memorial thing for Grayson tonight. It's sort of last minute. I know you were supposed to start work after school, and that was my bad. I thought it would be good for you if you were distracted today, but now I'm not so sure. You can start tomorrow morning instead and we can all go to the memorial together. How does that sound?"

My mouth fell open as his words registered. A memorial for Grayson. A lump formed in the back of my throat and my eyes started burning with tears— tears that I couldn't allow to fall; not with Edward Cullen watching me, looking for weakness.

I nodded fervently. "I-I would love that. Who all is coming?"

"The football team, for sure. Some of the cheerleaders. Everyone that was close to him. Noah is obviously invited as well, along with the rest of his family. It will be at my house at seven. You can invite anyone you'd like," he said with another sad smile.

"Thanks, Ty," I whispered as I gave him a genuine smile.

Tyler smiled back with a little more enthusiasm before taking his seat across the classroom. My stomach churned anxiously when I noticed Cullen's eyes had never left my face. It was though he was looking for any cracks in my fortitude, trying to find a weakness that he could advantage of. I wished more than anything that I hadn't chosen to sit next to Edward Cullen.