Chapter 2
BPOV
I awoke to an eerie feeling of goose bumps, against my usually flushed skin. My muscles ached in protest as I stretched in my bed. Another cool drift spread throughout my room and eyes immediately shifted to my now open window. I could have sworn I had closed it the night before but I was clearly mistaken. I got out of bed and headed towards the window and I was surprised to actually see the sun. From what Jolie spoke of this place I was under the misconception that it rained constantly here in Forks. Despite the sun being out there was still a slight breeze that made me shiver. I glanced over at my alarm clock to see it was 7. I had about an hour for school to start; I grabbed my toiletries and headed towards the bathroom.
I stood in front of the mirror taking a stand still to take in my reflection. My hair was a rat's nest piled on the top of my head. My face was flushed as usual nothing new for my constantly heated face. I took in the rest of my features, button nose, full lips, pallid complexion and doe brown eyes. My eyes; a dark sullen color had drifted beneath them. Probably from my lack of sleep the previous night before. My dreams had becoming more vivid lately, that I swore that it was actual reality. It was always the same dream, the night that had changed my life forever.
Both of my parents in the front seats of the car, the only clear image I can see, everything else is blurry. I can feel myself in the car and I know that there are other occupants in the car, but my eyes don't travel away from the faces of my parents. My father: Charlie was his name. He drove with a vivid smile on his face, his large brown eyes that I inherited full of joy and laughter. My mother was in the passenger seat just as beautiful as ever. Her twinkling bright blue eyes wrinkled at edges; I could even see the dimples in her rosy cheeks that I knew my brother and I inherited. She looks at my father in adoration, he smiles at her. Her face suddenly shifts to a mask if horror. I hear a commotion but my eyes don't travel away from her. Her eyes are spread wide; she glances at me before she lets out an ear piercing scream, as the car jolts forward, and then nothing. I always awake after that. I don't know why my mind suddenly wants to relieve what little I do remember of anything. But the strangest thing is that I don't remember any of those things happening at all, yet when I dream it's in perfect clarity. I can smell the woods around us, my mother's light floral scent compared to my father's musky cinnamon scent. It's unnerving to me how dreams could be.
I knew dreams were unique. That no other individual can have your background, your emotions, or your experiences. Every dream is connected with your own "reality". My reality was a confusing one. Dreams allow the repressed parts of the mind to be satisfied through fantasy while keeping the conscious mind from thoughts that would suddenly cause one to awaken from shock.
"Look at me; I'm starting to sound like some philosophical educationalist." I said aloud to myself. Taking one final look at my reflection I headed towards the shower.
After showering I decided to dress appropriately for the rare sunny weather. Throwing on a navy blue tank top, favorite pair of blue jeans, and my grey converse I headed downstairs. Jolie was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee reading the newspaper.
"Hey Bells. Sleep well?" She asked looking over the top of her newspaper.
"Yep. I slept like a baby." I lied. I didn't want to plague her with my problems; she did enough for me already.
"Can you believe it's actually sunny? I thought the sun never showed its likes here." Jolie grinned.
"It's amazing isn't it?" I responded. Jolie was gladly dressed in a white lace sun dress with gold sandals strapped around her feet; her curly burgundy hair thrown in a bun at the top of her head.
"You're mighty dressed up aren't you?" I teased. She blushed before shaking her head.
"Shut it Bells. Not everyone likes to lie around in sweats all day." She pushed.
"Hey! It's comfortable." I defended.
"I'm sorry about yesterday. I hope the rain didn't bother you too much. I felt so bad; the rain was coming down in thick sheets." Jolie said guiltily.
"Don't worry about it Jo, I caught a ride home anyway." I said. She raised an inquisitive eyebrow at me.
"With whom?"
"Oh just The Cullens." I replied nonchalantly.
"Cullens?" she asked folding the newspaper down.
"Yeah Dr. Cullen's adoptive children." I responded.
"Is he even old enough to adopt? He doesn't look a day over 25." she responded.
"I have no clue. So what are your plans for the day?" I asked.
"Well my classes don't start until 10, so I might do a little shopping today. Oh by the way you can take the car today." I looked at her in confusion.
"Well then how will you get to class?" I asked dumbly.
"Hmm…I have my ways." she grinned.
"Jo what aren't you telling me?" I asked eagerly. I wanted to hear about her for once. She was always my rock and I loved all the little tidbits she would tell me about her day.
"I'll tell you later. Now get your but going. I don't want you to be late." She smiled at me.
"Well thanks a lot Jolie. You'll do anything to get rid of me huh?" I laughed. She smiled once more before kissing my cheek. Grabbing a light cardigan and my book bag I headed towards our truck. Throwing my stuff in the cab I pulled out, and hit the now familiar street to Forks High.
I pulled into the parking lot and quickly turned off the engine. I looked around to see if I spotted a familiar looking jeep, but to my disappointment there was none. I saw Angela and the guys off near the benches so I grabbed my bag and keys and strolled over to greet them.
"Hey Bella." Angela greeted me shyly behind her boyfriend Ben.
"Hey Ang." I smiled timidly back.
Hey Bella." Ben greeted me as Jacob bounced over grabbing me in a bone crushing hug. I was startled by his display of affection.
"Um…hi Jacob." I responded. He smiled widely revealing a set of pearly white teeth. He went to greet the others so I turned my attention back to Angela and Ben.
"Can you believe it's actually sunny? I was under the impression that all you guys got here was rain 24/7." I asked.
"It is rare. It's the first time in months. Maybe you bring sunshine to this small town Bella Swan." Angela grinned at me.
"Awe...stop it Angela. You're going to make my head big." I laughed.
"If it isn't big already." I looked at her astonished. Angela was very shy like me. She didn't like attention focused on herself either. Grinning at her I looped my hands through hers. The bell soon rang and we all parted ways to head to our first period.
My first three periods passed in a blur. It was strange I had no recollection of my lecture in English or even what my project was in Art. I seemed to be daydreaming all day and I didn't even know the reason why. It was soon lunch one more. I eagerly headed towards the cafeteria and looked towards the table. I glanced toward the table where they usually sat and I was saddened to see that it was empty. Why would they miss a glorious day, anyone who was anyone was outside enjoying the soothing warm rays of sunshine. Grabbing myself a salad, and a bottle of water I headed towards the table where everyone was sitting. Settling down between Jacob and Angela I greeted my hellos.
"Enjoying your day so far Bella?" Mike asked eagerly.
"Um yeah. My day is going fine." I answered glancing back over at the empty table.
"Looking for someone Bella?" Lauren asked frankly.
"No, I'm not." I quickly responded.
"Bull. You were looking for them." Jessica added.
"I don't know what you're talking about." I responded.
"The Cullen's. I heard from a reliable source that they gave you a ride yesterday." Lauren said. Jacob who was drinking his soda spluttered and began coughing violently. Leah patted his back to stop him from choking.
"So? It was raining. I walked home and they gave me a ride home.
"But that is so unlike them. They don't talk to anyone. What makes you so special?" Jessica asked. Angela gasped and Samantha bumped her shoulder.
"Jess!" she exclaimed.
"Still. I just want to know. It's been 3 years and she comes along and they're all friendly friendly with her. That seems strange to me." She added.
"Well I don't know what you're talking about. I thought that they were just being nice." I responded.
"The Cullen's are anything but nice." Jacob growled.
"What makes you say that?" I asked.
"Trust me; I just know alright." he said more calmly.
"Whatever Jacob. Where are they anyway?" I asked.
"See she's even curious as to why they aren't here." Lauren butted in.
"Oh like you haven't wondered." Angela said immediately coming to my rescue. I smiled at her in thanks."Well on sunny days like this. Dr. Cullen and his wife like to take them camping." Angela said.
"Camping?" I asked.
"Yeah apparently it's the best time for them to go sightseeing and go hunting." Samantha said. Leah surprisingly huffed and I heard Jacob mutter under his breath.
"Yeah, those stupid blood sucking leeches."
"Pardon?" I asked confused as to what he had just said.
"Nothing." Jacob huffed. The lunch bell soon rang and everyone began gathering their belongings. I looked down at my plate to realize I hadn't eaten anything. Sighing I got up and dumped my tray. Throwing m book bag over my shoulder I headed to Biology. Class was excessively boring. Mr. Banner lectured throughout the class while we copied down notes and much to our classes dismay we were going to have a project dealing with any topic of our choice due at the end of the month. It just happened to be my luck that Edward was not in class today. History and P.E were pretty much the same. In history we watched a video on the Civil War and in P.E I managed to hit not only my teammates but myself also playing volleyball. At the end of the day. I was extremely sore and achy all over. The day was soon over, and I all but ran to my truck. Waving a quick bye to Angela and Ben. I pulled out and headed home.
I opened the door and call out for Jolie but she was no where to be found. She would usually be home by this time. I headed into the kitchen where a note was posted against the refrigerator.
Staying out late. Don't wait up for me.
Love you lots…. -Jo
She was definitely up to something. After finishing my homework, I made myself a quick sandwich before taking a shower and changing into my pajamas. I was mentally and physically exhausted. Sore from all the physical abuse I suffered from P.E and the mental from all the lingering thoughts that left me with questions about the Cullen's. Signing to my self I buried my face in my pillow and fell in to a dreamless sleep, in which for once I was grateful.
The next three days passed in a blur. The days were still sunny to everyone's amazement. The weekend was a major bore, where I found myself alone once more. Jolie had been M.I.A lately and I missed her. It was now Monday morning. Since the weather was now overcast and foggy; I now had to dress warmly. Shrugging into my oversize jacket and boots I hopped into my truck.
Of course it being me; my truck decided not to start. That was just my luck. I had about twenty minutes till school started. Jolie was gone before I woke up this morning and we still hadn't had our phone line hooked up yet; which was great if we had an emergency. Sighing I began my trek to school, praying to got it wasn't going to rain. I made it halfway down the street and I was already out of breath. My face was flushed and my hated matted to my face. To say it was such an overcast day it was extremely hot. It was a shame that I could be so out of breath. I had always been slender but nowhere near being athletic, but this was just plain ridiculous. The gods must have been on my side, because Jacob just so happened to be riding by on his motorcycle.
"Need a ride? You look a little out of breath. You look a little flushed too." He smiled at me. I smiled back.
"Really Jacob, I haven't noticed." I said sarcastically.
"Whatever Bells. I wouldn't be talking like that to someone offering you a ride." he snickered.
"Oh so you're offering me a ride now?" I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Yeah now hop on school should be starting soon."
"Jake, I'm not sure about this. I've never rode a bike before." I said panicking.
"Relax Bella. I've never been in an accident. Besides it's only a couple of blocks anyway." he reassured me.
"Have you met me? With my luck I'll get scared and make you crash thus killing the both of us, leaving a completely bloody mess." I huffed. Jacob put a soothing hand on my shoulder."God Bella. Has anyone ever told you have a very vivid imagination?" He laughed.
"So I've been told." I muttered under my breath. Sighing I hopped on and wrapped my arms around Jake's waist. He revved the engine and pulled forward. My heart pounded in my chest in adrenaline. Instead of been scared like I thought I would. I was bubbling with ebullience. I leaned my head back and smiled toward the sky, which really isn't safe including the fact that neither one of us were wearing helmets. I hadn't realized we had arrived in the parking lot where everyone was now staring at us, including them.
They were off to the side near the jeep, and a shiny silver Volvo. They all were standing there looking at various directions, but from the expressions on their faces they looked distressed. Emmett, Jasper, and Edward all held looks of pure rage while Alice looked panicked while Rose was off to the side looking at herself in the mirror. Confused by their expressions I hopped off and fixed my hair which was probably a rat's nest by now from the wind. My legs felt a little uneasy under me so I slightly stumbled.
"Whoa there Bells. Haven't got your land legs back yet?" Jacob laughed.
"No not yet. Everyone's not a big motorcycle junkie like you are." I huffed. Jacob mocked hurt."Oh you kill me."
"Thanks for the ride Jacob. I really appreciate it. If it weren't for you I would probably still be walking by now or with my luck trip and end up falling in a ditch." I laughed.
"Silly Bella. He laughed as we walked over the group I now called my friends. Well technically I only considered Angela, her boyfriend Ben and Jacob my friends. Lauren and Jessica seemed to confront me on every occasion. Samantha was quiet but never really said a word to me. Leah didn't seem to dislike me but she wasn't cordial towards me either. Mike and his goons all irritated me in some form of fashion. I hated being rude but with the consistent asking of dates can really tear a girl down. After a brief hello the bell rang once more and everyone headed to class. As I was walking my foot caught, and I braced myself for impact with the ground but it never came. I opened my eyes to gaze into a pair of amused topaz ones.
"Thank you." I said timidly, my face filling with my traitorous blush.
"The pleasure is all mine Isabella." he smiled crookedly at me, and I felt my legs turn into goo. I didn't even try to correct him with my name because when he said it I lost all train of thought. He released my arm and I felt saddened at the lost of warmth he seemed to evoke in me. I headed to English in daze. We were studying Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, one of my all time favorite books but I couldn't seem to concentrate. My thoughts seem to linger on the warm topaz eyes, and crooked smile. I didn't know why he had such a strong pull but one thing I knew for sure; it was going to be a long day.
EPOV
"What in the hell do you mean you can't see her?" I growled at Alice. Jasper growled back defensively at me.
"I'm sorry Alice. Just tell me what you saw." I said calmly.
"I told you. She was just walking down the street one moment and the next she disappeared." Alice said worriedly.
"Well we must find her. Anything could've happened." I pushed. Just as I was about to hop in my Volvo Bella rode in with none other than Jacob Black. I growled inwardly and it took all of my restraint just not to rip his arms out of the socket.
Bella shakily got off his motorcycle. Jacob rested a hand on her shoulder and what I could hear from his thoughts he was truly interested in her. I just Bella had not felt the same. She looked a little uneasy by his touch, but I couldn't help but be envious of him. At least his was able to touch her tender soft flesh. The magnificent flush against for almost translucent skin. She glanced around the parking lot as if she were looking for someone. Her eyes glanced over in our direction and what appeared as relief rested momentarily in her eyes. Her look led then to confusion. I couldn't blame her we probably looked a sight, well not to the other humans who were exceptionally unobservant.
Emmett, Jasper and I all held looks of pure fury upon our faces, while Alice still looked panic stricken. She still must have been unable to see Bella's future. The bell rang and we all headed off to class. I hate school, after taking numerous times, you kind of get sick of it. Given its only been about 12 years; I wasn't ready for the whole college route. Pulled from my merciless thoughts, I focused on Bella who was waking in my direction. I couldn't help but get lost in her brown doe-like eyes. She must have been intently focused on something, because she failed to notice the crack in the sidewalk as her foot caught. She closed her eyes if waiting for impact but with my vampire reflexes I easily caught her. She cautiously opened her eyes and I saw her eyes dilate in some unknown emotion. She was clearly embarrassed as her once pallid skin turned a beautiful shade of crimson. My now favorite color. It was now my goal in life to see that beautiful blush of hers.
"Thank you" she timidly answered.
"The pleasure is all mine Isabella." I smiled at her. I didn't even bother using the shortened version of her name. I loved her name such a beautiful name of elegant class and beauty just like her. I released her arm and she stood there momentarily stunned. I headed to my first hour class knowing I wasn't going to pay attention that I wouldn't even let the rancid thoughts of these impervious humans get to me. I only let my thoughts linger to my brown eyed angel. My Isabella.
BPOV
"Bella…Bella. Bella!" Angela screamed in my ear. I jumped and looked at her startled.
"Sorry. I've been calling your name for the past 5 minutes. Where did you go?" she asked concerned.
"Sorry just a little bit of daydreaming." I said sheepishly. It wasn't a complete lie. I indeed was daydreaming and had heard her call my name numerous times, but I had let my thoughts consume me with images of him. I didn't understand why he affected me so much, but I was ashamed to admit that I like that he did. I should really get over it. He could never like a girl like me. Plain ol clumsy Bella. I knew I wasn't ugly but I always felt like an ugly duckling. My heart faltered a little in my chest. Its better that I not get my hopes up, only to have them crushed anyway,
"Ready for Lunch?" Angela smiled at me.
"Yeah, let's go." I answered throwing my bag over my shoulder. I stopped at my locker to grab my biology and history book and followed Angela to the cafeteria.
We both got in line sliding down our trays. I grabbed a sandwich, an apple, and bottle of water while she grabbed a hamburger and fries. We paid for our lunches and we to sit next down to Ben. He mumbled a quick hello to me before wrapping his arms in embrace with Angela as he leaned his forehead against hers. I had to look away feeling like I was intruding on such an intimate moment. While I was looking away I let my eyes drift and f course they landed on them. Ever since they gave me a ride they had yet to speak another word to myself. Besides the little run in I had this morning with Edward none of them bothered to talk to me. My mood shifted a little turning into disappointment. They had probably only talked to me because I was the new girl. As I was pondering this, the blond one; Jasper. His eyes shifted in my direction and he raised a questioning eyebrow at me. There gazes all shifted over to mine and I quickly averted my gaze. They were probably thinking I was weird for staring at them like that.
I looked down at my plate, and begging picking at my plate. I guess the silence was unnerving at our table because Jessica and Lauren decided to pick on me.
"Well Bella. Looks like your little friends are back today." Lauren said."The aren't my friends. I barely know them." I answered timidly.
"Enough to catch a ride with them." Jessica added in.
"So I got a ride. Get over it." I answered, and I was surprised that I even had the courage to respond back so forcefully.
"Well aren't you the feisty one. Let me clear this up for you Swan. I see you pining after him, but you're wasting your time." Lauren said.
"I don't understand." I responded nonchalantly.
"Of course you do. Besides it's pointless he doesn't date; and even if he did, he could do so much better than you." I gasped at her words.
You're plain, overly skinny; you have mousy brown hair and boring eyes. He could have any girl in the school and I know for a fact he wouldn't choose you. You're just here."
Lauren glared. The table became suddenly quiet. They guys were looking around trying to ignore what was going on in front of them. The girls were shocked even Jessica her usual partner in crime seemed to appalled by her words. I felt tears well up in my eyes, and knew that if I didn't get out of here soon they were going to see my have a major breakdown. Lauren had a smug look on her face; she knew she had won this battle.
I abruptly got up and was about to storm out the room when I crashed in Jacob spilling his contents of food all over my clothes.
"Oh god Bella I'm so sorry!" he gasped apologetic. That was all it took; the catalyst. I let my tears flow and ran to the nearest bathroom and locked myself in the bathroom stall. I don't know how long I sat there until there was a knock on the outside of the doors. Trying not to release anymore tears I opened the doors and gasped at what I saw.
Standing outside of my door were the Cullens.
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