Meeting The Cullens - Part III
Desmond Connolly's POV
Today's gym lesson is having all the students taken to the football field where the boys and girls would run laps around the track field, that's pretty much it. Coach Clapp doesn't push hard on those students who joined in his class for extra credit. This is one of those days where he'll go easy on them and let them enjoy his class, to which everyone is appreciated. However, I've been told that there are days when he puts his teammates, students who are in his program of basketball and volleyball, to pushed them the best he could. Yesterday was one of those days when he put the girls' volleyball team next to the boys' basketball team, where he could keep an eye on both.
Coach Clapp allowed the girls to go run first on the track field, while the boys or those with doctors noticed were sat down on the bleachers, talking among each other. I choose to sit on top and away from the others as I prefer to be alone. I could have chosen to sit with Mike, but he was busy talking among his teammates to which is a territory I'm not allowed to go. I would have chosen to work on my homework, but not today. My eyes are glued between Bella and Jessica. Earlier, when we entered the gym, I've enhanced my hearing once more to listen if Jessica is mumbling words to herself, and I was right. The girl is saying a lot of revolting things about Bella. Planning how to make her life in gym class a living hell. Jessica even has another plan to cause an 'accidental' physical harm towards Bella, but the question is when.
The girls began running, it is only mere exercise for cardio. So far, everything is going well as Bella was doing a surprisingly decent job of keeping up with the rest of the girls. Of course, Jessica ran past her once, clearly showing off that she's more athletic than her. Bella just ignores her as she finds it childish, petty, and pathetic. She doesn't have the time to deal with this nonsense. While running, Bella manages to spot me, smiling at me. I gave her thumbs up in support, but she frowns at me, shakes her head, and gives it a thumbs down.
Laughing it off, knowing full well that she hates sports activity. It further doesn't help when unsurprisingly today, there are dark clouds right above us, clashing to one another causing thundering sounds. My eyes never left on Bella, keeping a surveillance out for any mischief things that Jessica has in planned. Honestly, I have no idea what I would do if she did do something to her. Scold her? No, that would be ridiculous! It would be more embarrassing than it would be to humbling her. I should have asked Edward on how he manage to get Jessica off his back.
Suddenly, on the same row where I'm sitting on. I felt the bleacher slightly move by an unknown heavy impact on to my left. I didn't bother to look as my eyes are still on Bella, until I can smell the cool water cologne getting near me.
"You know if you want advice… it's best not to get involved between two girls who are going after that same man they want, because to tell you the truth."
A deep male voice whispers to me, I whipped my head to my left only to find a giant round pale face with dimples as he grins, Emmett Cullen. His expression is almost laughable because he almost looks like a child's face in a grown man's body.
"I like to see the claws come out and see them fight!" said Emmett, rubbing his hands together.
I narrowed my eyes at him, never knew he was into that. Though, I wouldn't bother questioning about it, because up close with him, he is quite intimidating. I knew from distance, Emmett is a big guy, but never in my life would see guy that big. The guy doesn't carry a single fat in him, just pure muscle. Emmett could pass on as a lumberjack or a body builder. The palm of his hands is larger along with his long fingers, he could easily grab anyone with only just one hand.
"I prefer neither of them to get hurt." I spoke.
"Oh, come on! Imagine seeing two girls clawing and pulling their hair at each other. Soon, they'll fall to the muddy ground, rolling around each other's bodies... maybe ripping their clothes, naked!"
"What the hell are you on to?!" I exclaimed, keeping my voice low for the others won't hear.
I can feel the cheeks burning up out of embarrassment, how he described it as the images appear in my head. My heart is beating so rapidly that it would alarm my watch once again. Emmett barked with laughter as he throws his head back. He finds it amusing, knowing full well that he was teasing me, but never thought this guy would have that type of imagination.
"Wait! Is it because Jessica is in the picture? Fine! How about we replace her with..." Emmett quirks an eyebrow at me while grinning as he leans closer. "Rosalie?"
"No! What is wrong with you?!" I alarmingly asked.
The raise of my voice did reach to the hears of a few students nearby, their heads turn back to us and were shocked to see Emmett sitting next to me, laughing once again. The attention of a few eyes put me agitated and uncomfortable. It didn't help with Emmett's laughter, loud enough to get the rest of the students gazing at us with questionable looks.
A firm hand laid on top of my right shoulder, my gaze turns to him as to why he's putting his hands on to me, but to my surprise it wasn't him. Emmett's hands are still clasp together while resting his elbows on top of his knees, but his eyes are gazing above me. His laughter seizes, but he kept his grin. That's when I felt someone's presence, standing right next to me. I gaze over to my right to see who it was, to my surprise, its Jasper Hale. Standing in full height, making him the second tallest person in this school, while Emmett is the king who towers over everyone.
"Please, excuse my idiot brother, partner." said Jasper, giving me an apologetic smile as he sits down. "He can be very childish and inappropriate for some time, let's just say today it's his way of greeting new people while being... entertained."
"Jasper Hale." He extends his right hand to me.
The feelings of embarrassment and uncomfortableness has completely vanished as I felt a wave of calmness. I find it strange because it takes me a while to calm my nerves, but then again, I feel content. I happily accepted and shook his hand with grace. Not bothered to question about their cold skin as I'm distracted with the feeling of joyfulness out of me... it's weird.
"Desmond Connolly, but I'm sure your aware of it." I happily greeted.
Jasper chuckles. "I get where you are going." He then looks down at the nosy crowd below us, their curiosity eyes never leaving on us, but Jasper glares down at them.
"Sometimes... folks need to be reminded." His voice became deeper, a menacing tone "It is rude to stick your noses on other people's life."
In an instant, everyone's faces turn from curiosity to fear as they all snapped their heads back to the field and focus on the girl's running. My eyes slightly widen in concern, I was one of the few people that was eavesdropping earlier on them during lunch period and Jasper was the one who caught me. However, that concern has vanish when he turns and smiles at me, the wave of calmness and happiness takes over me. I can clearly see the Hale twins are the ones who carry the 'Don't Mess With Us' sign over their heads. While the Cullen kids are more friendly and compassionate. Not saying that The Hales don't have that, just saying they're the most protective siblings in the family.
Although, this does bring a good question about Jasper, why does he have a southern accent? Rosalie doesn't have an accent and so far from what I heard is that their mother was the one who adopted them last. So, they both must have a southern accent if they are twins, unless they both grew up different states separately for other reasons, but that doesn't make sense for twins. In most cases, twins are considered to have the strongest bond than any other siblings and are inseparable. I'll have to note that in my mind for some time later.
"And I'm Emmet Cullen, little squirt!" Emmett greeted happily.
He extends his left hand, to which I find it unusual to shake people's hand with lefty. I accepted it as I barely managed to wrap my fingers around his hand, but the moment he wraps his fingers around my hand, he pulls me forward to him. Expecting for him to hug me as I'm getting used of the Cullens greeted me like that, except Jasper. However, that was not the case, he uses his right arm to headlock me while letting go of my hand and starts ruffling with my hair. I should have gotten irritated and told him off, but I couldn't as I find it very amusing to the point I started laughing.
"Dude! What are you doing? Let go of me!" I told him between laughs.
"Ha! Not a chance, squirt! I've been meaning to do this for a while since the moment you step on foot of this school." He said with enthusiasm as he continues to ruffle my hair. I tried to escape, but his large muscular bicep wouldn't allow me.
"Emmett! Jasper! What are you two doing here?" Coach Clapp calls over, his eyes staring at us from down the ground. That is an excellent question, why are they here? It's not like these two would switch classes just to be with me like how Alice did it. Emmett is a senior, so it wouldn't make any sense for him to switch this class where most of them are Juniors and not to mention that he's close to graduation with Rosalie. Jasper, on the other hand, would have made an exception, but that would draw suspicious with the school administration. Emmett finally releases me as I sat up and fixed my hair as best I could. He raises his hand as if to present their presence with a toothy grin on his face.
"We are ditching, Coach!" Emmett shouts proudly.
'Okay! That makes sense.'
Coach Clapp rolls his eyes, shaking his head in a disapproving way, but then half smiles at them. "Alright then! Don't get caught!"
The Coach then turns and focuses back on the girls running on the track, as if nothing happened. I was even taken aback with his kindness, never knew he was that much of a laid-back Coach. Emmett then patted my shoulder, I stared at him question as he has a wide grin on to his face.
"So… where were we?" He teasingly asked.
Before I was going to respond in protest, in the corner of my eye, I caught Jessica shoving Bella from behind while running past her. Bella didn't see who it was as she lost balance and fell forward. To my relief, she landed on top of the grass instead of the synthetic rubber track as she was a few inches away. Jessica stops and goes over to her, kneeling in front of Bella who stares at her in disbelief. She caught on who the culprit did it.
"Jessica! What the hell?!" Bella exclaims in irritation.
"Oh! I'm so sorry, Bella. It was an accident, I swear!" She responded innocently while placing her hand on top of her chest.
'Bitch!'
I bare my teeth in anger, feeling the vocal cords vibrating in my throat. Resulting a growl escaping through my teeth, something that I would have never hear from me or if I was able to do that. But it didn't matter because the anger has gotten the best of me. I stood up from my seat, ready to head down and help Bella while confronting Jessica's despicable behavior in front of everyone. But not before two different pairs of hands took a firm grip on both of my shoulders and pulled me down to my seat. I knew who they belong to, one of them is larger than the other who has it slimmer.
"Hold your horses there, partner." Jasper said, with a stern look. "What are you going to do? Scold her in front of everybody, give an opportunity to these youngsters to become her white knight of armor to protect her from you. You're clearly outnumbered." Jesper gestures to the rest of the males below us.
"Yeah, but she still did it on purpose-"
"Then that would be Bella's battle to deal with her, not yours!" Jasper said, his tone sounded like a drill instructor would give to his cadets.
"Look! Bella's okay and she's a tough one." Emmett said as he pointed his finger out in the field. I gaze over to see he's right, Bella stood up to her feet with no hesitation of pain. She pushes Jessica's hand away who she was offering to help. Jessica shrugs her shoulders innocently and gives her a false apologetic smile.
"You got to learn to be humble, Bella." Jessica said, turning her back towards Bella and running away to join with the girls. Bella puffs in irritation as she glares at her.
"Swan! You good?" Coach Clapp calls to her, she nodded her head, throwing a thumbs up to him as she later joins with the girls. I guess Bella chose not to tell on her.
I shook my head in disbelief, calming my nerves as I contemplate on Jasper's words, he's right though. If I go down and confront her in front of this male simps, they'll jump on to me in matter of seconds to impress her. I'm not sure if Bella is the type to act on violence or doing mischief things. Everything started because I'm more interested in Bella than Jessica, who obviously she has a crush on me. It is up to me to tell Jessica that I'm not into her, but then again, she will take it out on Bella.
"It's like I said, little squirt. Girls will be girls and boys will be boys. That's why it's more fun to see them fight." Emmett said as he patted my back with ease. "Tell you what... If your still feeling bothered about it, I know how to cheer you up!"
"Which is?" I suspiciously asked, already aware that he's the trickster in the family.
"How about stopping a creepy kid taking photos of Bella as if right now we are speaking." Emmett said.
He points his finger across the field on the visitor's side bleachers. My eyes squint to see two people standing on top row, one of them is Angela who looks annoyed with her companion who was holding the camera, Eric. My eyes widen as to wonder why he's taking pictures, isn't Angela the only one taking pictures for the school's newspaper while Eric's job is running the editorial. I tuned in to their conversation.
"Eric! I told you I can handle it. You didn't have to come over!" Angela annoyingly told him.
"Chillax! Jessica told me to get clear shots of her to make her look good." Eric said, as he continues to take photos.
"I'm not here for Jessica, I'm here to take a few sample shots of all student's activity. That way these pictures will be used for the announcement of Forks High School's new gym facility extension for this upcoming Friday." She vexes on to him. "And who exactly are you taking pictures when Jessica is right over there!"
Angela's right, Jessica is taking the lead while the rest of the girls are a few feet from behind her. Eric's aim is not even close to Jessica as it is clear he's aiming at Bella. It really is beginning to irritate me that these two lunatics are still working on separating us while having it their own way. Eric seizes of taking photos, passes the camera to Angela, but not before he takes out the micro-SD card.
"Eric! That's mine, give it back!" Angela demanded.
"You have a spare one, don't you?"
"Yes, but that's not the point-"
"Good! I'll give it back to you when I'm done." Eric then descends to the stairs without looking back at her.
The micro-SD card is clearly in his possession, right on the palm of his hand, walking with a satisfying smile upon his face. The question relies on whether the pictures he took of Bella was for him or was it a favor for Jessica, either way, I can't allow them to further harm her. I need to do something before he gets back-
"Here! Take a shot at him!" Emmett said, as he digs into his white sweater's pocket and pulls out a transparent plastic bag filled with... Eggs?
Emmett pulls a couple of eggs out of the bag as he hands them to me. I looked at him with skepticism, not due to questioning his seriousness, but because I doubt myself whether I can make the throw from this far. Especially when it is an egg.
"Come on, little man! You can do it! I believe in you!" said Emmett with enthusiasm.
"Don't think about it, just do it!" Jasper said, with a calm and supported tone as he patted my right shoulder.
I smiled widely of their support, now truly and genuinely believing that the Cullens do care about me no matter what. Even though, we have just met, I feel like they have been nothing but treated me like I'm part of their family. Honestly, I don't know where these feelings of emotions are coming from, but I don't care because for the first time. I feel grateful to be in this school, to make friends, and to be feel loved. Unlike George and Evelyn, who have been nothing but false hope and controlling. A small tear rolls down my cheek before I wiped it off. It wasn't tears of sadness, but tears of happiness.
I gave a genuine smile, nodding at them with appreciation. Without any hesitation, I stood up from my seat, pulled my arm back while holding an egg and aimed it toward Eric's back. He was about twenty feet from the entrance and that is when I threw the egg, wasting no time, I threw the second one at him. Just to make sure the first one didn't make it, so there will be a second one coming right up.
The three of us stare and waited in anticipation as the first egg, to my shock, hit directly on the back of his head. He yelped in pain as he began rubbing the back of his head, mixing the yolk with the albumen over his hair, along with the pieces of eggshells. A few nearby students witnessed it and started laughing at him. He turns around to see who it was, a huge mistake he made.
"What the hell! Who threw that eg-"
Eric then receives the second egg, only this time it landed between his eyes. He lost balance and fell backwards, resulting him landing on his rear into the grass. He lost the micro-SD card while trying to wipe off the rest of the yolk from his face. He screamed in anger as he began cursing in his own language. Angela steps down from the bleachers and ran over to help him up. She then guided him to the building as he hadn't cleaned off all the yolk from his eyes. At first, I felt a bit remorseful for what I've done, but then again, he humiliated me in front of everyone during lunch period. So, payback is a bitch.
"Bullseye!" Emmett enthusiastically shouted.
"That's a direct hit!" Jasper proudly commented.
Emmett then wraps his arms around me from behind and started ruffling with my hair once more. We both began laughing about it, I genuinely never thought I would find someone who has the same humor as I do. Perhaps, I can now finally feel comfortable of being myself with this family.
"I'm so proud of you, little bro!" said Emmett.
'Little Bro? Huh… I liked that.'
We later sat down and began having a conversation. I've only gotten a brief info about their hobbies. Emmett loves playing video games or games that involve a challenge, it is his passion. He also likes to play baseball to which I asked him if he joined the baseball team here at Forks High School. Emmett's response with a grin was 'I would have crushed the other team with every home run when I get to bat.' Point taken, but aside from not joining the team, he only plays with his family during thunderstorms.
'How thrilling!'
Jasper also like to play video games, but he prefers to play the strategy games. He finds it admirable to play against an artificial intelligence opponent as he believes that strategy and puzzle games would further develop intelligence in your brain. In his spare time, Jasper likes to play solo guitar, an acoustic guitar. He was influenced by Latino culture music when he was raised back in Texas. Confirming my suspicions of his accent, but it doesn't answer why Rosalie doesn't have one like her twin brother. Like his brother, Jasper enjoys playing baseball, but he'll play with only his family. Perhaps the Cullens are really that good at sports that they don't wish to play with anyone else, I should definitely see one of their games if they ever plan to invite me one of these days.
Sometimes they would take turns asking me questions, but they weren't about me. More specifically towards my guardians, George and Evelyn. The questions were mostly about their occupations. I've answered from what I know so far, back in Ontario, George used to work in a timber company and Evelyn worked in pharmaceutical office, which is how I get my prescription pills by the same doctor who's friends with her. Although, I've never visited their work sites, mostly due to being stuck at home with the physician to get my feet back up. Jasper and Emmett were listening intensely with every word that came out of my mouth. Not even once, Emmett made a snarky comment as he's face was stoic.
"You never questioned about their work related or curious?" Jasper asked.
"For the past two years ago, I didn't. Now I do!"
"What caught on your nose?" Emmett asked.
"I have a hunch."
George's and Evelyn's conversation from last night, at that point I have already made my decision to investigate who I am without their help, since they hidden things from me. Emmett and Jasper smiled beamingly with my answer, their eyes glee for hopefulness. There is one more thing that I've been meaning to ask them, the question was for Edward, but I couldn't, if it wasn't for my stupid condition back at Biology. Hopefully this two will be, able to shed some light. Maybe I can learn something from them, and I'll be able to practice.
"How did he do it?" Emmett and Jasper looked at me in question, arching their eyebrows. "Edward. How did he get Jessica off his back?"
Emmett scoffed. "Eddie is too polite and doesn't have the heart to tell off to a girl, he's still stuck in his old ways. Don't bother asking him because he will just tell you to politely decline her."
"So… what stopped her?"
"Rosalie." Emmett and Jasper answered in unison.
I let out an exasperated sigh. "Figures… how'd she, do it?"
"Are you aware of my sister's nickname?" Jasper carefully asked.
I softly stare at him with ease, nodding in understanding, and cautiously using my own words to not say the wrong thing. "The Ice Queen... Rosalie humiliated many guys who tried to ask her out on a date, she did it in the coldest way out in public, right?"
"Only those who deserved it." Jasper reassured. "And it wasn't just only guys that asked her out, but people who bothered or have spoken negatively towards us. Rosalie confronted them on the spot and never spoke a single word again... Jessica was one of those people."
I raised my eyebrows in surprise of this information. Rosalie Hale, an adopted daughter and sibling who has no blood related to the rest of the Cullens, aside from Jasper. Has taken the responsibility of the role of big sister and never would let anyone off the hook to disrespect her family. She dearly loves them no matter what and will do everything she can to protect them. This wholeheartedly changes my whole perspective of her, I admire and respect that.
"I'm guessing it's a scar for Jessica that she'll never forget."
Emmett chuckles. "Oh, it's embedded in her memory! You should have been there... It was last year during lunch period. We were all enjoying our own business until she decided to approach our table for the eighth time and asked Edward out. Rosalie stood up from her chair, slamming down her hands on the table, getting everyone's attention. In her most furious anger... by the way, that's one of the things I love about her!... She told her in I quote 'He's already told you no! Why can't you take the hint? Oh, that's right! You are not worthed! You're an abomination and a parasite that no men should ever dealt with you. First and final warning Jessica Stanley, stay away from my brother!' end quote, pretty messed up right?"
"Shit..." I breathed out, shaking my head in disbelief in agreement. "What happened afterwards? I'm sure people didn't laugh at that, right?"
Jasper shakes his head. "No... Everyone kept their mouth shut. The only thing was heard was Jessica's sobs and running away from the cafeteria, never to be seen again for a while."
"She never attended school for a week and that clearly sent a message throughout the rest of the school to never talk about us." Emmett adds on.
"Yet, everyone is still talking about you guys." I spoke.
Jasper shrugs his shoulders. "It's a small town, they always talk. Nothing but narrowed minded people."
I hummed in agreement. I can't believe this kids really bath mouth a family who rather be left alone than be in the zone with nosy brats who have nothing better to do. I feel sorry for them to indorse this type of behavior while trying to enjoy your school years of life.
"If Jessica is still bothering you, Rosalie will handle her." Jasper suggested.
"No, it's okay... I'll handle her, don't want to involve any of you in my problems." I sincerely told them.
"Hey, little squirt, you're not always alone. We are here for you… always." Emmett reassures, places his cold hand on to my neck, and squeezes.
"Thanks… but come on! It's just a girl that I can deal with."
"Speaking of girls… are you planning on whoo-hoo the Chief's daughter?" Emmett asked with a grin. Jasper frowns and smacks him over the head with his hand. Emmett only laughed, but I shook my head while rolling my eyes.
"No."
"Well not to worry, little man! I got your back." Emmett reaches into his pocket and pulls out a box of… condoms!
The box looks almost brand new, he was preparing for this moment. Was this another one of his teasing moments or is he being serious. My cheeks immediately heat up out of embarrassment. I stare at him with dumbfounded, my mouth gape as well as my eyes are widened. I looked around in haste, making sure no one else have seen it. Already aware of how this school is nothing but nosy people that will spread rumors like it's the end of the world.
"You out of your fucking mind?! No! You can have it back." I tried to hand them back to him, but Emmett crosses his arms while digging his hands under his armpits. Shaking his head while looking away with a grin.
"Nope! No takes backsies!" Emmett said, his grin widening. "If you are planning to go on first, second, third and home base. Just make sure you don't paralyze her."
"You better hurry up and put it away. Bella is already approaching." Jasper said.
Both of my eyes gaze over and see that she is indeed barely ascending the stairs, coming directly towards us. The girls have finally finished and sat down on the bleachers, while the boys lined up at the starting point. I had to act quickly and hide it before she sees me with it. I immediately pulled out my prescription bottle from my jacket's hidden pocket and switched it with the box of condoms. I put the bottle in my backpack and sat straight, acting normal while smiling at her. Throughout this brief time, Emmett has been snickering while covering his face with his hand, Jasper only half smiled as he finds it amusing.
Bella slowed down her footsteps when she was nearing us, nervously rubbing her left arm as her eyes stare between Jasper and Emmett. A slight visible reddish rash can be seen on her elbows, there's no blood, but it still looks painful. Fucking Jessica!
"Uhm… Hey guys." She nervously greeted them while waving. Emmett smiles sheepishly while Jasper respectfully acknowledges her with a simple nod.
"It's pleasure to meet you, Miss Swan, names Jasper Hale." He said in courtesy, he gently reaches to grab her hand and shake it. Bella is stunned with his deference from his sister, expecting that he would be the same as his twin.
"Emmett Cullen, little squirt!" Emmett stood up and gave her a hug while picking her up over his shoulders. Bella releases a squeal as her eyes nearly bulged out of her sockets. He then puts her down as she stares at him in astonishment. Likely due to his large muscular body and height.
"Nice to meet you all… but what are you doing here, if you don't mind asking?"
"We're ditching!" Emmett responded.
"To meet with him?" Bella asked, pointing her finger at me.
He lightheartedly laughs. "Not just him silly! I wanted to me you too!" He crouches down to meet in Bella's viewpoint level, cover his mouth with his hand, and whispers. "He's been talking about you lately…"
Even though, he's trying to look like he's whispering to her in secret, away from us. Jasper and I still heard him, immediately feeling embarrassment as I cover my face with both hands. Jasper shakes his head, disapproving his brother's antics. Bella blushed as she stares at me with her eyes widen and eyebrows raised to the top of her forehead. Emmett, as usual, burst into tears of laughter for seeing the reaction between Bella and me.
"Please ignore my brother. This is who he is." said Jasper. He turns his head over the school, his eyebrows frowned upon seeing a middle-aged man in a brown suit approaching to the field. "We got to cut this short Emmett."
Emmett stops laughing, frowning in confusion. "What! Why?"
"Principal Greene is on his way over here and he does not look pleased."
Emmett sighs. "Well! We'll talk to you both later, see ya-"
"Wait!" Bella stops him in his tracks and points her finger at him. "Do you still have any more of those eggs?"
"How do you know he has eggs?" I surprisingly asked. She was out running with the girls, there's no way she may have known that he had eggs in his pocket, unless...
"I saw you throwing them at Eric, which by the way, nice shot! Asshole was taking pictures of me." Bella said, a smile upon her face.
She then offers her palm towards Emmett, waiting upon the bag of eggs. Emmett gleefully smiles at her, like a child has found a dollar on the sidewalk. He digs into his sweater's pocket, takes out the bag, and hands them to her. I'm surprised how he manages to keep them intact without cracking one of then, especially with his large body. Bella only grabs one egg from the bag, without thinking she turns around, throws the egg down below the first-row seats, and landed on the back of Jessica's head.
"Whoa! Hell of a throw!" Emmett commented as he barked in laughter.
Just like Eric… Jessica squealed as she rubs the back of her head, mixing the yolk with her once beautiful hair. The girls burst into laughter, some of them even had their phones in their possession, taking photos of her.
"Stop it!" She shrieks, then whips her head towards our direction. "Who threw that?!"
Emmett quickly raises the bag above his head, he smirks at her and points his thumb to himself, he's taking the blame. Bella expresses a staggering look at him, they've just met and he's already covering for her that ways she won't be in trouble. Jessica's face morphed into rage, her lips trembled in exposing her bare teeth, and her eyes dangerously glared at him.
"Your such an asshole, Emmett! I'm telling Principal Greene on you!" Jessica shrieks, she stomps down the path while the girls were laughing, but not before she turns and speaks. "You and your whole fucking family are nothing but incest freaks in this town!"
"Hey Jessica!" Bella calls to her.
"What!"
"You got to learn how to be humble, right?"
I suppress my laughter by covering it with my arm, looking away from her. Jessica screeches like a crow, before continuing to stomp down the bleachers and walks over to Principal Greene. Jasper stood up and taps over Emmett's shoulder, signaling him that they needed to leave.
"Well! We got to dip, see you both around."
"Hey! Uhm... Thank you for covering me... and the eggs!" Bella said.
"Anytime! If your friends with this little guy, then you're my friend as well." He ruffles Bella's hair, but she allowed him as she finds it wholeheartedly that two more Cullen members accepted her.
"Mr. Cullen! I need to have a word with you at this instant!" Principal Greene yells out to him as he approaches. He expresses a disappointment and anger within his face, while Jessica walks next to him with a frown and crossing her arms.
"Gotta go!" Emmett excitedly exclaims.
He and Jasper descended the stairs in haste then jumped over the fence and ran as fast as they could. The whole class cheered for them as they disappeared out of our sight. Principal Greene chose not to chased them as perhaps he's too old to be chasing teenagers, he shakes his head while rolling his eyes. He decided to scold Coach Clapp for allowing students who skip classes to be hanging around his class. Of course, Coach Clapp just acknowledges him and returns to mind his own business as usual, it seems these two don't get along well. Principal Greene then decided to head back to his office, possibly call their parents and informed them what happened, and Jessica went back to the lockers to clean herself.
"They seem nice!"
"I know right!" I agreed.
I reached and softly grab hold of her arm, examining the reddish rash on her elbow. Shaking my head slowly to what Jessica has done, I could never see why Bella chose not to tell Coach Clapp about Jessica. My eyes stare at her in sympathy, but she only gave me a reassuring smile.
"Do you want me to take you to the Nurses Office?"
"No, it's okay. Don't worry, it's my battle with her." She softly spoke.
"Okay then..." I whisper to her.
Throughout the period, we sat and talked about what were Eric's intentions of those pictures. Is it for his personal gain or was it something sinister? I did let Bella know or shall we say... theorized. That Jessica and Eric have cruel intentions for their own benefit to separate us. Eric wants her and Jessica wants me. I'm not sure when I'm going to tell her about my strong hearing sensation. I must get close to her first, see if she can fully understand and trust me. She has already told me that she will help, but I don't want to push my luck.
The period has finally ended, Bella and I walked out of the gym and began heading to the parking lot where our trucks are waiting. I let Bella know that needed to stop by my locker and grab a textbook that will help me work on my homework for tonight. She happily agreed and told me that she'll wait by her truck, she wanted to ask me something important. Hearing those words from her, I felt a bit excited and curious as to what she wanted to ask me.
I quickly maneuvered my way through the crowds while Bella headed to the parking lot. When I finally arrived at my locker and rolled the combination to unlock it. An old worn-out envelope fell from the inside of the locker, but I manage to grab it before it landed on the floor. The envelope is a vintage brown paper with a red wax seal. But the crucial clue that caught my attention and interest was the name written on the envelope in cursive; Desmond Connolly.
I looked around my surroundings, kids walking past me as they minded their own business. Nobody in suspicious was around to be eyeing me from the corner or anywhere else they would hide from my sight. I raised the envelope above me, see if I can spot anything through the transparent of the ceiling light. Indeed, there seems to be two papers with a small thin object that I feel from the press of my fingers. I then brought safely close to my nose and took a slow sniff, making sure it isn't a prank a foul stench or chemical from Eric. But there wasn't, it just smells paper.
Carefully opening the envelope and pulled out a folded piece of paper. I continued to cautiously unfold the paper, but it's a letter that's written in cursive. Thankfully, I can read the whole thing without any issues.
Desmond Connolly,
I know who you are and what you are. It would be delighted to help you as much as I can, but unfortunately due to some circumstances I cannot exceed further. What do I mean by this? It means you are in grave danger, and you are being watched by an unknown group. You have been kept in the dark for so long that you have been led by many lies.
If you would like to know more about yourself, then start with the tokens that I have left inside the envelope just for you. Investigate further into the significance of this items. Once you found the answers, do not stop, look furthermore into the context. You need to do these with discreet, don't let anyone know what you are doing. Follow your heart and instincts, always be smart on your next moves. Just be aware that you're not alone.
Good Luck.
Yours Truly,
A Loving Family Member.
"What the fuck... I have another family member!" I mumbled in shock.
I once again looked around my surroundings, and yet again, no one was around to spy on me for opening this letter. Most of the students were already gone as the hallways were nearly empty. I reread the letter, carefully making sure I didn't misread every word. These must be a prank; someone is messing with me. I pulled out the last two items that were inside the envelope.
One was a paper that was scanned from an old black and white photograph of a young woman and a child. The woman looks young, around her mid-twenties, round face and large eyes. I can't tell what her hair color is due to the photo being black and white, but she's Caucasian. She seemed to be dressed in an elegant dark dress, an expensive one. The child, on the other hand, looks significantly like me. He looks no more than five years old, wearing a buster suit, with a fancy hat. The hat was the one that rouse my interest. It looked identical to the one in my dream this morning. But it cannot be, can it?
I look over to the last item, however, this one did make my blood drop. I gasped as I held the small object on to my fingers. A silver pin with a crossed shovel and mining pickaxe with three letters across, N.M.C. Only it's not shine as there is evidence of rusty on the edges.
'No! This can't be! This is just a coincidence!'
I frantically looked over at the photo once again, observing every detail that I may have missed. Indeed, I did, the child's hat, it has a pin exactly to the one I have in my possession. Is there possibly that I'm experiencing a memory flashback of this child, that came from my dream and the vision at Biology? Is this the same child who I'm experiencing those memories? If that was the case, then where is the woman, Esme, who has been on both occasions? The woman in the photograph is not her, but who is she. The more I look at them both, the more they do resemble to each other. The letter states I need to look deep into the photo in order to find out about myself. I then felt the vibration from my phone coming from my pocket. It was a message from Bella.
Bella: Is everything okay?
Desmond: Yeah! Sorry about that, I'll be there in a moment.
Bella: Okay J just making sure!
I didn't know time went by quick, I put the three items back into the envelope and place it securely into one of my back pockets from my pants. I grabbed the textbook that I needed in the first place and put it inside my backpack. I close my locker, slowly walked away as I overlook my shoulder to see if anyone is following me. I'm not sure who left it inside my locker, and why are they leaving me this clue. But the mystery has piqued my interest, I've always found mysteries to be trilling, and I can't wait to get back to my room and start.
I've finally made it to the parking lot, where Bella still waited for me as she leaned on to her truck with a novel book in her possession. When I arrived, her eyes shot up on to me and expresses in relief. Wouldn't blame her if she thought I had another episode, at Biology, that experience put in anxiety. Something that will not happen again in front of her.
Bella puts her book away inside her backpack, I glance at the title of the book she was reading; Anne of Green Gables. Okay, never thought she was a huge fan of Lucy Maud Montgomery. The book is immensely popular in Canada and tourist visited to Prince Edward Island, mostly due to how beautiful the place is. Nevertheless, I've never been there as I was literally under house arrest in Ontario for two years.
Come to think of it, Bella and I do have something in common. We both are suffering from being trapped in an encloser from our comfort zone. In the past, I hated being trapped in the house that supposed to be called home for two years and not let go within my own freedom. Until arriving at this lovely town, I can finally have the opportunity to escape from that encloser and be myself for once. Bella, on the other hand, must deal with her encloser by going through her last two years of High School, just to make her mom happy. A place she hates being in the cold, rain, and snow. However, that torture has subsided when she met me. If that is the case, then I'll be sure to make her smile and happy.
"Finally... I was beginning to worry about you."
"Yeah, sorry about that. I got distracted and didn't realize time flew by."
Bella throws her backpack to the passenger side and nervously turns towards me, as she's looking down at the ground while biting her bottom lip. "So... I've been meaning to ask."
"Yeah, sure. What's up?"
"My dad invited us to his favorite cafe... you want to come over?" She nervously asked.
My eyes instantly widened, her father, The Chief of Police, has invited me over to eat at his favorite cafe. Have I've done something wrong that he wants to see me? Is he going to activate 'Protective Dad' mode to question me what my intentions are to being with her daughter or warn me if I ever hurt her, he'll come after me.
"Uhm... is there a particular reason why your dad invited me, if you don't mind me asking?"
"He wants to meet the one who makes me smile." She answers with a fond smile at me.
"Okay..."
"And he wants to learn it how you do it... I think." She then looks away, an unsure expression.
"You're not sure either." I stated.
Bella sighs in defeat. "Truthfully I'm not, but he promises that he won't intimidate you, just wants to get to know you."
I contemplated whether to go meet her dad or go home and have a head start with this mysterious clue. A part of me wants to spend more time with Bella, but the other part is having me worried of what her dad might think of me. But then again, I'm not ready to go home and deal with controlling freak Evelyn.
"Alright then, why not. I can't deny free food, right?"
Bella gleefully smiles. "Awesome!"
"So where is this cafe located?"
"Oh, you can just follow me. It's not that far."
"Okay, lead the way!"
Bella excitedly hops into her truck and turns the key's ignition. I started walking back to my own truck, but while walking, I couldn't stop thinking who would have dropped off the envelop in my locker. Obviously, it must be someone who personally knows me, but I still don't have any memory of anyone in particular. It must be someone from this town when I arrived. But the question is who? It can't be Angela or her group of friends like Lauren, Ben, Mike, or Tyler. It could be Jessica and Eric trying to get back at me, but why bother when they obviously lost todays battle. Was it one of the staff members in this school, but none of them showed any interest or glanced on me as they went on to teaching like any normal business day.
Either way, I can't wait to get back to my room and start with this mystery. I got into my truck and twisted the key's ignition as the roar of the engine has awakened. Bella pulls out of the parking space and waves her hand at me, signaling that she's ready to move. I flash my high beam lights at her, signaling for her that I'm ready to follow. Bella nodded and drove off. But before I was about to shift it to first gear, I realized that the Cullens are still here. They were huddle together with their own vehicles, all looking at me with curiosity. I waved them goodbye and then they returned the gesture with smiles. I slowly drove off and away from the school premises, following Bella just right behind her.
"They look so cute together, don't they?"
"Don't test me, Alice!"
Rosalie hissed between her gritted teeth. Her eyes narrowed with her lips pursed on Bella. Her arms crossed over her chest; she cannot understand what he sees into this girl. Rosalie believes that Jackson can do much better than this boring girl.
Emmett has taken keen interest in her, he has accepted her as his sister already, no matter what Rosalie tells him. If Jackson is willing to be with Bella for eternity, then Emmett will support him. Jasper has also accepted Bella as being part of the family. Mostly because he's supporting his younger brother's happiness. Shockingly, Jasper couldn't smell her blood or being drawn to her because she's covered with Jackson's scent. Rosalie will not accept Bella because she knows that she's not Jackson's soulmate. If it wasn't for vampire soulmates, Rosalie will still not approve of her because she wants what's best for Jackson, she always had when he was just a boy. Lastly, Edward isn't sure what to think of Bella, as he's still doing everything he can to not attack or hurt her that will affect his little brother.
"Well! I love her and I know we're going to be good friends!" Alice stated happily with a smile on her face.
"Yeah! I like her too!" Emmett exclaimed happily.
Rosalie elbows him on his ribs as she scowls at her husband, but Emmett just laughs. Knowing full well how his wife would react when he teases her. Emmett returns to her with a peck on her cheek.
"We don't need another conflict right now! Jackson is our main priority!" Rosalie snaps. She then turns to Edward and subsiding her anger. "What did you listen?"
"He received the envelop that Alice left in his locker…" Edward turns to them with a smile. "And he's intrigued."
"Good! That's wonderful!" Rosalie said it with joyfulness.
"Did you guys at least manage to get a few samples of those pills for Carlisle?" Jasper asked.
Alice takes out a small Ziploc bag from her purse and presents it to her siblings, four pills were inside as she's waving it in victory. Rosalie's eyebrows raise in surprise as she takes it from her and observes the pills closely. She opens the bag, but not before she quickly zips it closed when a wave of strong chemical scent hit their nostrils. Emmett, Jasper, and Rosalie covered their noses and scrunched in disgust. Edward and Alice stopped their breathing when Rosalie opened it, not bothering to smell it again when Bella spilled them over the table.
"What the hell! How come Jackson isn't bothered with that smell?" Emmett exclaims.
"How did you get them?" Rosalie asked.
"Bella accidentally spilled the pills over the table while being frantic to help Jackson, Alice was able to grab them out of Bella's sight." Edward answered.
Rosalie scoffs. "So, she's clumsy too..."
"Will you stop being mean! Once Jackson gets his memory back, he'll be with her, and I will support him!" Alice exclaimed.
"Over my already dead-beat body, I do not approve of her and Esme will back me up on this. Jackson will soon meet his right soulmate, end of discussion!" Rosalie argues back at her.
"Speaking of girls, Rosalie, there's another one who's infatuated towards our dear little brother." Jasper spoke, hopefully changing the subject as he finds their bickering argument pointless.
"Who?!" Rosalie hissed.
"Her…"
Jasper points to the girl who's descending from the stairs and walking to her own vehicle, Jessica Stanley. She wasn't alone though, walking next to her is Eric, who seems to be expressing an annoyed look on his face while she's fuming over to him. Edward, Alice, and Rosalie noticed Eric's hair seemed to have some dried white stains on his hair and clothes, while Jessica's hair seems wet as if she just recently got out of the shower.
"How could you lose the micro-SD card of the photos I asked you to take?!" Jessica asked, her tone with furious.
"Well, if it wasn't who ever threw those eggs over my head and face, I wouldn't have lost it!" Eric exclaims irritated, throwing his arm up.
"Then we're going to have to come up with another plan, he will be mine!" Jessica opens her trunk and pushes her gym bag inside.
"Whatever…" Eric then realizes that Mike or Tyler have already left. "Hey, can you give me a lift?"
"Take the school bus!" She snapped at him as she got into her vehicle, turn the ignition, and drove off. Leaving him stranded, he then walks over near a group of students who were waiting for the next route. Those same students took a few steps away from him due to the foul stench and because he looks upset.
"I believe you should add unhealthy obsession on that list." Edward said.
"That bad?" Rosalie asked, she had a feeling Jessica was going after another family member, but this one will not let Rosalie cross the line.
"Worse. Possibly way worse than she was after me. She's determined to do anything to get him such as stalking, food poisoning Bella's food, and manipulating him."
"Stalking? Will that be Jackson's second stalker throughout his time in school while he was with us?"
"Third. And yes… I can taste and feel her rotten of emotions like the previous girls." Jasper added.
"Damn it!" Emmett slams his hand on top of the Jeep's hood. "I want stalkers too!"
Rosalie whips her head in disgust. "Why would you want that?"
"For I can gain the lead over against Jackson." Emmett explains, this cause Rosalie to slap him over his arm.
"I am this close of ripping your dick off and hiding it until you've learned your lesson!" Rosalie hissed in irritation, he barks of laughter.
"Hey Alice, let me know if see there's a future a stalker will be waiting for me? Alice?" Emmett turns to her.
Alice's eyes widen and stare off into space. Her body stays stiff as she's stuck in trance. They all turn and look at her with worriedness and curiosity. She hasn't received any visions in the past three days ago, only when she can peek into other things that is not related to Jackson like yesterday. Jasper at once takes out a sketchbook with a pencil in case she needs it, but soon Alice comes back to reality. Her face expresses horror as she grabs a hold of her hair. Edward's expression also mirrors her reaction as he also read her mind.
"No! What is she doing?!" Alice alarmingly asked.
"Who?" Emmett asked in confusion.
"Esme! She's going to meet Jackson at Carvers Cafe!" Alice panicked as she begins to walk in pace.
"That's good! Right?"
"No! Esme is going to take Jackson on the spot, right in front of everyone including Chief Swan!" Alice explains.
Edward turns to glare at Rosalie. "What exactly did you tell her?"
"I told her the whole truth! What's wrong with that?" said Rosalie in defense as she crossed her arms and scowls at them.
"You must have told her something to encourage her!" Alice argues.
"Good! Esme has every right to see her son, she was the one who marked him as hers when he was a baby!" Rosalie shot back.
The rest of the siblings didn't want to argue about that. Everyone is aware that they're a few bonds out in their world; soulmate bond, sibling bond, and parental bond. Esme's maternal instincts forced her vampire's parental bonding with Jackson when he was a baby. That day, she left her scent all over Jackson, a scent that no human can smell. However, a vampire can and if they get near him, they will know he belongs to her.
"Alice, do you see anything that can prevent her from kidnapping him?" Edward asked.
Alice closes her eyes as she begins to see all other options. If they all go near the cafe, that would agitate Esme and made the situation worse. Jackson will be running through mixed of emotions such as shock, panic, doubting, and worst of all; fear. If they manage to catch up to her before she reaches to him. It will sour their relationship and might take many years for forgiveness. The only person that Alice can think of is Carlisle. He's the only one who will be there to deescalate the would-be situation.
However, she cannot see anything further once he enters the diner to stop her. She doesn't understand why she can't see Jackson's future when he is attending during school. Obviously, she can't see him when he's over at the shapeshifter's territory, but here at school raises a lot of questions. She also can't see Bella's future too... Is it her who's causing this? Is she being affected the same way as Edward's ability to not see her future? Alice needs to bring this up with Carlisle tonight.
"Edward, call Carlisle!" Alice commands. Edward doesn't hesitate as he's already on the phone calling him, soon he picks up.
"Edward, is everything alright?" Carlisle asked, his soothing gentle voice always does bring calm to any situation.
"Carlisle. We need you to head to Carvers Cafe. Esme is going to meet Jackson and take him in front of the Chief of Police." Edward explains, he can hear on the end of the line, Carlisle releasing a sigh while getting up and moving to exit his office.
"I was afraid she was going to do this... The parental bond is nearly strong as the soulmate bond. I'll handle this, how long till she meets him?" Carlisle asked.
"In twenty minutes after he arrives there."
"Very well, I'll be there as quick as I can. You children should head home, I'll make sure she doesn't do it."
"Okay, we'll be waiting in the living room."
Edward ended the call. He then looks over to his family, who have heard what Carlisle has told him. Their expressions look between anxious and concerned, especially Alice, who is rubbing her arms and continuing to pace. Jasper stood beside and stopped her pacing; he uses his ability to calm everyone. All of them got into their vehicles and drove off without saying another word. This will be all under Carlisle's hands and possibly Jackson's hands too if he could react calmly.