Shifting Moon Ch 11 (31-33)

Since Bella didn't have to pick me up from the station, we left the house a little later than normal. Once we got to the school parking lot, Bella avoided the usual parking spot out of reflex and went in a bit deeper than normal. I wisely kept my mouth shut.

It seemed as if everybody in the parking lot turned their heads at the sound of the big red truck. Bella and I both groaned out loud. Neither of us was good with so much attention. I reached into my backpack and pulled out my headphones. They hadn't gotten too much use since coming to Forks, but I still kept them with me and fully charged.

When I stepped out of the truck someone started clapping and suddenly everyone else joined in. I blushed and put my headphones on, Bella just looked down and started for the lockers. I quickly followed her, trying not to acknowledge the cheers. I prayed this passed quickly.

Once I grabbed the books I would need for the first half of the day, I waved at Bella and made a beeline for Art class. My headphones provided the best excuse for not reacting to people trying to get my attention.

Once I got to my classroom, I opened the door, and the first thing I saw was Alice in her seat. After hanging up my coat I realized I was the last person to class, but at least the bell hadn't rung yet.

As soon as I sat down, Alice gave me a brilliant smile, "Thank you for saving my brother, I know you are going to hate the attention from it all but things could have gone very wrong if you hadn't reacted."

"Like I told your dad, if Edward hadn't gotten Bella out of the way, I wouldn't have been able to save anyone," I said in all sincerity.

When the bell for class rang Ms. Ross stood and started class. Once she finished speaking, she turned the class over to the book for a set of review questions. "Thomas, Alice, would you two come to my desk please."

When we approached, Ms. Ross started explaining, "I was planning to speak to you both yesterday but considering how things went I am just happy to have you both in class today. Now, on to business. I have thought over your request to each paint the same person, but I believe that is rather limiting with both your social circles."

She let this sink in a bit, "How about instead you each draw 3 events that are chosen randomly by me and you both do your own interpretation of the subject. For example, if I were to draw the subject of a Baseball game. Then you could both paint your interpretation of the game. Say Alice could draw a scene from the women's league in the 60's and Thomas could paint a sandlot game from memory. Once again those are just examples. What are your thoughts?"

I could see her points about drawing people, my subjects would be Charlie and Bella, and I have never seen Alice interact much with anyone outside her own family. I looked at Alice with a raised eyebrow. She looked at me and nodded.

"It seems like your passion has convinced us both Ms. Ross, we will do it your way. But I am curious if we would turn them in to you before starting the next one, or hold them all tell the end?"

"I think turning them in before starting the next sounds like the best option. If you both see the other's painting, it may help motivate you both and your competitiveness may just bring out a masterpiece."

"Can we do a drawing today? I have some free time on my hands due to yesterday's accident. If my beautiful partner agrees that is."

"If you use the word beautiful in relation to a woman you will always be partially right in what you're saying. This time you are completely correct though."

"Okay kids, we have about 15 minutes of class left. So, I want you both to give me 10 words or ideas that could be used in a scenario. Then I will fold them and mix them and choose."

-(Alice Prospective)-

Once Ms. Ross finished speaking Thomas and I returned to our desk and pulled out some paper. "She didn't say we couldn't come up with the ideas together, that way there are no doubles. What do you say?"

"Pretty and smart, no wonder all the girls start gnawing on their livers the moment you enter the room," Thomas said with a smile.

"Save that silver tongue for Edythe you smooth talker." Watching the blush creep up his neck was adorable and mouthwatering. Control yourself girl, Allice told herself.

After coming up with their ideas, they cut the paper into even slips and took them to Ms. Ross's desk. She looked them over and smiled, "There are some great ideas in here, that are open to wonderful interpretation. I am very much looking forward to your paintings." She folded them into little squares and using both hands she mixed them up until it was impossible to remember where any individual word was.

Alice was at a bit of a loss; she was not used to being clueless about what was coming up. The change was both an irritation and a source of anticipation. Finally, Ms. Ross stopped mixing up the papers and drew one. She was definitely teasing them by opening it so slowly. Alice resisted the urge to grab the paper so she could be the first to see.

Ms. Ross looked at the word and smiled. She then placed it on the desk for both of us to see. The word chosen was Music. "That one leaves so much to interpretation, I can't wait to see what you come up with. By my math, if you turn in one painting every 40 days it will be perfect for the final turn-in."

As she finished speaking. The bell rang for the end of class. Thomas and I gathered up our things and headed for the door. Thomas opened the door for me to reveal Jasper standing there. Naturally, I was overjoyed at seeing him and I couldn't resist jumping into his arms. I knew he wasn't much for public displays of affection, but I just can't help myself sometimes. Well, most times. Eh Whatever!

-(Thomas POV)-

After Jasper hugged Alice and set her gently on the ground, he turned to me and nodded. I was glad he didn't say thanks for yesterday, and I didn't have to reply. Just a simple nod of acknowledgment and move on from there.

I walked to Alice's class with them and parted at our usual spot. Walking into Government class I saw Mike panting over Bella like he was afraid she would disappear, and her giving just enough attention to him to not be rude in her book. I just wish he would take the hint or force her to say what she really thought of his empty and insincere flattery.

Her description of Mike as a Labrador-style dog was exactly as I saw him. He would chase something until he caught it. Show it off to the other dogs and then get bored and look for something else to chase. Going back to chew on his first catch again every once in a while and then head back out for something new. I felt bad for anyone he was with, at least until he grew up. If he ever did.

He looked at me as I approached and put his fist out, "I heard you laid out a great tackle yesterday too bad you weren't here for football tryouts, I could use someone to block for me as I throw the winning touchdown. If you would like, maybe I could talk the coach into letting you on the team." He made sure to watch Bella's face so he would see the gratitude on her face for helping out her brother.

Using the book in my hand to bump his fist, "No thanks Mike, I am not much for sports. I lose my temper and people get hurt. I will stick to being the quiet guy in the bleachers."

"You will never get a girl sitting in the bleachers man."

"The type of girl I want won't care where I sit. Looks like the teacher is here, talk to you later." His voice was especially grating this morning and I felt my temper fray a bit. It didn't help that the class was as boring as normal.

After class, I said my goodbyes to Bella and planned to meet up with her at lunch. Biology wasn't bad once I got past the talk of yesterday's accident. Ben came and talked to me to make sure I was ok and then went back to his lab partner, a girl named Angela. She was part of the group me and Bella ate with, and I really enjoyed her company.

She was what I would consider a good person all around. She always talked about her little brothers and was eager to help when asked. I also got a ton of amusement watching her and Ben interact. Both were into each other, but they were both too insecure to make the first move. I would have to see what I could do to fix that.

Time for Math.

I was strangely anticipating math class today; I knew it was my favorite subject, but the class itself was unimaginative and boring. It's no wonder people don't follow math as a career with teachers like this one.

I was in such a hurry that I forgot to put my headphones on. I had underestimated how helpful they had been previously. I was instantly bombarded with questions about how I managed to stop the Van. I simply replied that it was off balance from the first impact, and I just managed to nudge it enough to tip it over.

"Anyone could have done it if they hit it in the right spot." Thomas himself having no clue it was actually Edward who used Thomas's action as a diversion to flip the Van from underneath.

Finally making it to his classroom he went directly to his desk, making eye contact with no one. He knew that eye contact invited conversation and questions. He quickly sat down and opened his book, but anyone watching would see that he looked toward the door every time it opened.

He smelled the sweet scent before he saw her, and when she entered the room, he saw nothing but her. She wore a pair of white pants artfully cut open at the knees, and light grey shoes that looked a bit like Vans (Ironically). A light gray and white long-sleeve sweater that hung off one shoulder and her hair was very artfully done.

Her lovely bronze hair was parted down the middle and flowed straight until it went past her chin. Then it was an artful mess, curly in some areas and feathered in others. She let it fall partially over her shoulders hiding any skin the sweater was revealing. But still showing patches of white as she moved.

Thomas forgot to blink as Edythe approached him, well her desk, but he was next to it, he defended himself, against himself in his mind. While Thomas was justifying himself to ... himself, Edythe sat down and looked at Thomas who looked like he was concentrating very hard on something.

"Good morning, Thomas."

Thomas turned to look at Edythe, his gaze slightly unfocused "Me... Thomas!"

Thomas blushed and shook his head and gathered himself. "Good morning, Edythe... You look exceptional today.

Edythe looked closely at Thomas and noticed his pupils were dilated and his heart was beating very quickly. Almost as fast as when they argued in the hallway. When what he said registered in her mind, she couldn't help but smile at him. For some reason, his compliments meant much more than anyone else who told her the same thing today, even her family.

She wanted to see his reaction to her outfit so much that it had been a battle to not show herself to him between his other classes. She now understood a little why Emmett and Jasper made so much effort to see Rose and Alice between classes.

Edythe didn't know this, but at this very moment, a change had taken place in her mind and heart. At this very split-second, her whole perspective changed just slightly but still very significantly.

Something unseen and unknown had formed between herself and Thomas, a link that lay semi-dormant for now, but one that would affect their very existence for the remainder of their lives.

-(Alice)-

Across campus in gym class with Edward, Alice was slightly frightened to see Edythe fade from many of the visions she had of the future. Her presence in some key visions was the only thing that kept her from grabbing Edward and running through the wall this instant to find Edythe and ensure she was okay.

Once her panic had settled a bit, Alice remembered that Thomas and Edythe had the same class right now. She smiled at the thought that it was only the proximity of Thomas that clouded her visions.

{Looks like I will be seeing less of my sister for a while}, Alice thought to herself. Focusing on her class, she saw that several of her classmates were looking at her wearily and making more distance than normal between them and her. Alice remembered that humans felt fear at her full-faced smile. She steadied herself and started looking over some more visions to learn if she could see Thomas by looking at those around him, specifically Edythe.

-(Thomas & Edythe)-

Concentrating on math was just impossible today. The occasional glance that Edythe threw his way made sure he focused on her in case he missed one. He burned her into his memory, every detail he could find by looking at her was another memory he wanted to never forget.

He quickly reached into his bag, grabbed his sketch pad, and started to furiously draw the vision in front of him. If the teacher had looked his way, then there was no way he wouldn't be able to tell that Thomas wasn't doing math, as fast as the pencil was moving.

Edythe was lost a bit in thought about how Thomas's every action impacted what she thought and felt. Going back over some conversations and comments she overheard in the past; she suspected that others in her family saw this coming.

When she thought about how suspicious she was when they started to pay so much attention to Thomas, and finally realized that their attention wasn't nearly as fixated on the boy as hers was.

She stopped at that moment and looked at Thomas who was writing something rather quickly, she thought about the word 'boy' she used to describe him. {He isn't even 18 years old yet and here she was 104 years old. Talk about a cradle robber}, she said to herself as she looked away from him.

{How will I tell him what I am, I will need permission from my family because it isn't just my secret that will be exposed. What will this do to Edward who was embarking on his grand plan to ignore Bella starting today? Will my presence in Thomas's life make it more difficult for Edward?}

{I have so much to figure out on my own. Then I will have to figure it out with Thomas. Oh My God, what if he doesn't want anything to do with me? Will he think I am a monster that feeds on blood? Is this what Edward has been going through this whole time? No wonder he has been such a grouch, even with our brain it's a lot to think about, and we can never stop thinking.}

Thomas was surprised to see that the smile that had been on Edythe's face turned into a frown that drew her eyebrows down. He turned the page of his book and started drawing again but this time her face was worried, not happy.

He wondered idly what had caused such a change, but he didn't want to interrupt her, so he kept drawing what he saw. He felt that he could draw her every action for the rest of his life and be happy. The bell rang but Edythe was lost in her thoughts and didn't hear it. The same with Thomas, he was so focused.

The rest of the class, gathering their stuff and standing, finally broke through to Edythe and Thomas. Thomas quickly put away his sketch pad and books, mustering all his courage, he looked at Edythe who still seemed worried about something.

"Would you mind if I walked you to the lockers?"

Edythe's frown went back to a smile in an unseen instant, "I would like that, Thomas."

This time, when Thomas was walking people weren't staring because of the Van incident but because of who he was walking with. No one had ever been so close to any Cullen during leisure time here at school. They didn't dare stay close for reasons unknown to them. However, many had made the effort to get near Edythe, only to be politely ignored.

They didn't talk at first, just slowly walked enjoying the sensation of being next to one another.

"Who did your hair? It is very eye-catching."

Edythe smiled, "It was my mother, every once in a while, she likes to spend some quality time with each of us kids. Usually doing something to open us to new experiences and grow as she puts it. I don't usually care for my appearance beyond decency, but I find that being looked at the way you are looking at me right now is very nice." {Thanks Mom, I owe you for this one.}

"You must thank your mother for me, she is very skilled. Any professional can turn someone plain into beautiful with clothing and makeup. But to turn someone like you who is naturally gorgeous into even more gorgeous is no easy task."

We stopped at Edythe's locker first and then went to mine, as it was on the way to the lunchroom. "Um... I woke up early today and was bored not being able to work out. So, I reached for my phone to talk to someone and realized that I only had Jasper and Ben's phone numbers from here in Forks. I was. Um... Would you like to take my number or give me yours? So, I don't feel like such a loser, and maybe you could call me, or I can call you too."

Taking a deep breath I finally collected myself and made a more coherent request. "I know I am rambling here, but I would like your phone number so that I can talk to you outside of school. Maybe we could even meet up and do stuff together?"

We had just reached my locker when I finally got to the point. After I shoved my books in, I looked over to see Edythe with her phone out looking at me expectantly.

I quickly raddled off my number and Edythe called it to make sure I had hers. I immediately added her to my contact list and took this opportunity to ask for a picture to add to her contact page. {Finally, you do something smooth, stupid brain.}

"I am asleep from 11 pm to 4:30 am, but you can feel free to wake me if you want to talk. Um, I am going to shut up now, so I don't keep talking like a fool."

"You are fine Thomas, I find it... Reassuring that you are stumbling over things the same as me. I have never felt this way with anyone, so I am nervous but seeing you nervous as well is calming. You can call me any time of the day or night and I will answer if I am in cell range."

"You spend lots of time out of cell range?"

"My family likes to go to the woods rather often and just about any time it's sunny we skip school to be together." Edythe was trying very hard not to lie to Thomas, she felt that a bald-faced lie would be disrespectful to Thomas. But a lie of omission didn't sit well either. {I really need to get this settled soon.} She told herself.

"Where I usually go isn't always out of range though, so you should be able to reach me most of the time. If not, just leave a message and I will call as soon as I get it."

As we approached the lunchroom doors, I saw Bella and was looking forward to introducing her to Edythe.

"Hey Thomas, I am going to split off here and find my family. I really look forward to talking after school though" Edythe said.

I couldn't react or say much before she was gone. I swallowed my disappointment as I walked to where Bella was waiting. "Hey sis, ready for lunch."

"Was that Edythe you were just walking with?"

"It was, did you see how stunning she looked today?"

"I did. I also saw the lost puppy look you had when she left you. What's up with that?"

"Ohh, you got jokes. Should I then bring up the permanent blush you have any time you are within sight of Edward?"

We both smiled at each other, agreed on a truce, and headed to the lunch line. When I noticed who was in front of us, I leaned down to whisper to Bella, "You mind if I bring someone to our table today?"

Bella just shrugged so I reached over her and tapped on Ben's shoulder. "Yo, what's up man?"

Ben looked over his shoulder and saw it was me. "Hey man, I heard you were walking around with Edythe Cullen. You are my hero man. That takes Batman-level courage."

"What, talking to a girl isn't even as courageous as Superman being shot with a revolver. A girl can just tell you no, but the bullet could be Kryptonite encased in lead." I joked with him using terms that would hit home.

Ben smiled at my words, "Well us mere mortals who don't have the body shape of a god, can lose all our self-confidence under a pretty girl's eyes."

"How about you sit with us today, it should even out the numbers so everyone has someone to talk to."

"Sure, I am good with that. Who all do you sit with?"

"You will see, just a group of us," I told him offhandedly.

After we all paid, I found a moment to lean down and whisper to Bella, "Angela"

She had a surprised and somewhat disbelieving look in her eyes, so I just winked at her and motioned towards the table. I saw that Angela was sitting at the edge of the group, so I angled myself around Ben to force him to sit next to her. Poor guy didn't realize who he was sitting next to until he was halfway sitting, and he just hovered there awkwardly.

I patted his shoulder, forcing him all the way down in the seat. "You're blocking my view of a pretty girl dummy, sit down." I winked at Angela, and she blushed. After that, I ruthlessly ignored Ben so he would be forced to talk to Angela or be rude to her. Halfway through lunch Bella caught my eye and smiled at me nodding her head after subtly pointing at Ben and Angela talking.

It looked like I had a conspirator in getting the two together. Now it was my time to gaze longingly at Edythe as she talked animatedly to her family.

-(Edythe)-

Edythe wanted to keep her involvement with Bella to a minimum until she could talk with her brother. So, she made an excuse to escape the situation. The first member of her family she runs into is her brother Edward, followed shortly by Alice and Jasper.

Edythe is trying to work her thoughts out but realizes for her brother there is a better way. She tapped Edward pointed to her head, and focused on all her thoughts from today.

As Edward absorbed her thoughts, he staggered back a few steps. He looks at Edythe, "This complicates things. I am... Happy you found someone who touches you so deeply without the trials I find myself facing. I am actually a bit jealous."

Alice speaks up, "So you finally realized it did you?" Jasper smiled at Edythe at the same time.

Emmett walked up with his arm around Rosalie, "Realize what?"

Rosalie looked on with a lack of interest.

"It looks like there is another meeting at the table tonight, Emmett. Moving to this town has been good for the twins." Jasper said. He then looked at Edward apologetically, "I am sorry Edward that was thoughtless of me."

"It's ok Jasper, I think I have it handled for now."

Edythe looked at everyone, "We should get to our table and talk a bit there."

"Good idea, you should always try and find a way to be in the area of someone you like, so they can admire you. You are finally using your looks, Edythe; I am so proud of you." Rosalie showed a glimmer of interest in something finally.

After going through the line and collecting their props, they all head to their usual table. Edythe immediately looked for Thomas and saw him at his table. She looked on enviously as he interacted with everyone there. While she was focused on him, he turned in her direction and smiled at her with so much warmth that Edythe wanted desperately to go sit with him. But that would not be comfortable for the rest of his friends.

As she looked at him, she saw Lauren giving Thomas googly eyes and trying to recapture his attention. She felt a bit of anger, a bit of fear, and a lot of worry all at once, and suddenly Jasper was beside her and the feelings bled away.

"Careful Edythe, those feelings lead to nothing but pain, for everyone."

"What was that feeling Jasper? I have never felt something like that before. It was almost like seeing Edward in the driver's seat of my car, but much more intense. I want to hurt that girl Lauren, but every instinct is telling me not to look in her head to see why."

Jasper chuckled, "That my dear moody teenager, was Jealousy. I have seen that emotion be the ruin of relationships and Cities alike." Jasper directed Edythe to the table, and everyone sat down.

Edward looked at Thomas's table, being careful not to look at Bella. "You really don't want to investigate her head sister, it's the same as all the boys looking at you in college but from a different perspective."

Edythe thought for a moment and then her eyes went sharp, "I think I should have a conversation with the little girl and tell her to shut her hormones off for a couple of years. Maybe she will be a better student then." Hmm... she put her hand to her chin in thought. "I could have that conversation with every girl in school, minus Bella." She looked at Edward with a smile. "I bet the average test score would rise quickly."

Edward saw the plan unfold completely in Edythe's mind. "Remember what we talked about concerning your compulsions. Only in serious cases sis."

Edythe looked at her brother, "But I am very serious, he is mine. No one should be thinking about him like that."

"Trust me, I know. You should hear the way every boy in school thinks about Bella. I have envisioned putting the Newton kid through a wall more times than I have ever thought possible. At least you can turn your gift off."

"So, how do I stop that from happening?" Edythe asked the table.

"You make sure he thinks only of you in that way and claim ownership by rubbing their nose in you being next to him. Then these sheep will keep their distance." Rosalie said.

Edythe looked at her siblings and wondered who the best person was to go to for advice on how to make Thomas hers. Alice and Jasper? {No that was destined from when Alice woke up.} Rosalie and Emmett? {No, what worked for them wouldn't for me and Thomas. We were just too different from them.} She then looked at her brother who was looking at Bella through someone else's mind and sighed. {Esme and Carlisle it is!}