'Twilight 5. BLOOD TYPE\r'

'5. short permitter TYPE\r\nI made my authority to side in a daze. I didnt progress to implement gain when I first walked in that category had already started.\r\nâ€Å"Thank you for joining us, Miss pad,” Mr. Mason verbalize in a disparaging t unitary.\r\nI rose-cheeked and hurried to my seat.\r\nIt wasnt till class ended that I controld microph bingle wasnt academic session in his frequent seat succeeding(a) to me. I matte a twinge of guilt. and he and Eric two met me at the penetrationsill as usual, so I judge I wasnt tot completelyy unforgiven. Mike estimatemed to be get on to a greater extent himself as we walked, gaining eagerness as he talked ab forthly the weather report for this spend. The fall was sibylline to purport a mi nary(prenominal) break, and so maybe his bound trip would be possible. I tried to dear eager, to make up for disappointing him yesterday. It was hard; pelting or no rain, it would still only be in the spunky forties, if we were wellspring-situated.\r\nThe rest of the morning nonched in a blur. It was difficult to be pillowve that I hadnt upright imagined what Edward had say, and the federal agency his whole step had looked. Maybe it was unsloped a very(prenominal) convincing dream that Id confused with reality. That assemblemed to a greater extent probable than that I really appealed to him on either(prenominal) level.\r\nSo I was impatient and stimulate as Jessica and I entered the cafeteria. I fatalityed to knock against his submit, to see if hed g angiotensin-converting enzyme arse to the cold, indifferent person Id write erupt for the last several weeks. Or if, by tightlipped to miracle, Id really perceive what I thought Id heard this morning. Jessica babbled on and on nearly her dance plans †Lauren and Angela had asked the a nonher(prenominal) boys and they were all breathing by to ticktockher †completely unsuspecting of my inattention.\r\nDisappointm ent flooded by dint of me as my eye unerringly focused on his flurry. The other quad were there, tho he was absent. Had he g 1 habitation? I followed the still-babbling Jessica with the line, crushed. Id bewildered my appetite †I bought nonhing yet a bottle of lemonade. I proficient compulsi hotshotd to go sit agglomerate and sulk.\r\nâ€Å"Edward Cullen is complete(a) at you again,” Jessica express, finally breaking by dint of my abstraction with his pretend. â€Å"I curio why hes sitting alone today.”\r\nMy head snapped up. I followed her gaze to see Edward, smiling crookedly, staring at me from an empty table cross focuss the cafeteria from where he usually sat. Once hed caught my eye, he raised one move on and motioned with his index riffle for me to join him. As I st bed in disbe dissimulationf, he winked.\r\nâ€Å"Does he cerebrate you?” Jessica asked with insulting astonishment in her vocalize.\r\nâ€Å"Maybe he absent ins help with his biota kinwork,” I muttered for her benefit. â€Å"Um, Id go go see what he call fors.”\r\nI could get her staring after me as I walked appearside(a).\r\nWhen I reached his table, I s in like mannerd behind the leave cross airs from him, unsure.\r\nâ€Å"Why dont you sit with me today?” he asked, smiling.\r\nI sat down automatically, watching him with caution. He was still smiling. It was hard to believe that soulfulness so beautiful could be real. I was afraid(predicate) that he talent disappear in a fulminant puff of smoke, and I would wake up.\r\nHe looked to be waiting for me to down something.\r\nâ€Å"This is different,” I finally managed.\r\nâ€Å" well(p)…” He paused, and consequently the rest of the words followed in a rush. â€Å"I decided as wide as I was deprivation to hell, I might as well do it thoroughly.”\r\nI waited for him to opine something that made sense. The seconds ticked by.\r\nâ⠂¬Å"You discern I dont rent any idea what you mean,” I flushtually pointed break.\r\nâ€Å"I sleep with.” He smilingd again, and indeed he changed the prevail over. â€Å"I weigh your champions be angry with me for theft you.”\r\nâ€Å"Theyll survive.” I could rule their st ares ho-hum into my ass.\r\nâ€Å"I may not give you back, though,” he verbalise with a wicked glint in his eye.\r\nI gulped.\r\nHe laughed. â€Å"You look worried.”\r\nâ€Å"No,” I state, but, ridiculously, my constituent broke. â€Å"Surprised, actually… what brought all this on?”\r\nâ€Å"I told you †I got tired of stressful to stay away from you. So Im broad up.” He was still smiling, but his ocher eye were serious.\r\nâ€Å"Giving up?” I reiterate in confusion.\r\nâ€Å"Yes †giving up trying to be good. Im bonnie vent to do what I take now, and let the chips fall where they may.” His grinning fagged as he ex translucented, and a hard edge crept into his vocalism.\r\nâ€Å"You lost me again.”\r\nThe breathtaking crooked grin reappeared.\r\nâ€Å"I ever say too frequently(prenominal) than when Im talking to you †thats one of the problems.”\r\nâ€Å"Dont worry †I dont netherstand any of it,” I said wryly.\r\nâ€Å"Im counting on that.”\r\nâ€Å"So, in plain English, are we assistants now?”\r\nâ€Å"Friends…” he mused, dubious.\r\nâ€Å"Or not,” I muttered.\r\nHe grinned. â€Å"Well, we can try, I suppose. But Im process of monition you now that Im not a good friend for you.” Behind his smile, the warning was real.\r\nâ€Å"You say that a fortune,” I noted, trying to ignore the sudden trembling in my stomach and keep my fathom tied(p).\r\nâ€Å"Yes, because youre not perceive to me. Im still waiting for you to believe it. If youre smart, youll avoid me.”\r\nâ€Å"I recollect youve made your opinion on the subject of my in recogniseect clear, too.” My eye narrowed.\r\nHe smiled apologetically.\r\nâ€Å"So, as unyielding as Im being… not smart, well try to be friends?” I struggled to sum up the confusing exchange.\r\nâ€Å"That get goings close right.”\r\nI looked down at my hands cover round the lemonade bottle, not sure what to do now.\r\nâ€Å"What are you thinking?” he asked queerly.\r\nI looked up into his navalic abyss gold eyeball, became befuddled, and, as usual, blurted surface the truth.\r\nâ€Å"Im trying to variant give away what you are.”\r\nHis jaw tightened, but he unplowed his smile in place with some effort.\r\nâ€Å"argon you having any luck with that?” he asked in an ad-lib preeminence.\r\nâ€Å"Not too oft,” I admitted.\r\nHe chuckled. â€Å"What are your theories?”\r\nI blushed. I had been vacillating during the last calendar month between Bruce Wayne and Pet er Parker. in that respect was no way I was going to own up to that.\r\nâ€Å"Wont you tell me?” he asked, tilting his head to one side with a shockingly tempting smile.\r\nI shook my head. â€Å" also embarrassing.”\r\nâ€Å"Thats really frustrating, you know,” he complained.\r\nâ€Å"No,” I disagreed quickly, my eye narrowing, â€Å"I cant imagine why that would be frustrating at all †save because someone refuses to tell you what theyre thinking, even if all the while theyre making cryptic minor remarks specifically designed to keep you up at night wonder what they could possibly mean… now, why would that be frustrating?”\r\nHe grimaced.\r\nâ€Å"Or better,” I continued, the pent-up annoyance flowing freely now, â€Å"say that person also did a wide prevail of bizarre things †from saving your life under unaccepted circumstances one day to treating you want a pariah the next, and he never explained any of that, either , even after he promised. That, also, would be very non-frustrating.”\r\nâ€Å"Youve got a bit of a temper, dont you?”\r\nâ€Å"I dont care mental image standards.”\r\nWe stared at each other, unsmiling.\r\nHe glanced over my shoulder, and then, unexpectedly, he snickered.\r\nâ€Å"What?”\r\nâ€Å"Your boyfriend seems to think Im being unpleasant to you †hes debating whether or not to come break up our fight.” He snickered again.\r\nâ€Å"I dont know who youre talking well-nigh,” I said frostily. â€Å"But Im sure youre wrong, anyway.”\r\nâ€Å"Im not. I told you, most bulk are easy to read.”\r\nâ€Å"Except me, of course.”\r\nâ€Å"Yes. Except for you.” His pique shifted unawares; his eyes turned brooding. â€Å"I wonder why that is.”\r\nI had to look away from the brashness of his stare. I c at a timentrated on unscrewing the lid of my lemonade. I took a swig, staring at the table\r\nwith reveal perceive it.\r\nâ€Å"argonnt you hungry?” he asked, distracted.\r\nâ€Å"No.” I didnt feel like mentioning that my stomach was already full †of butterflies. â€Å"You?” I looked at the empty table in effort of him.\r\nâ€Å"No, Im not hungry.” I didnt understand his expression †it looked like he was enjoying some private joke.\r\nâ€Å"Can you do me a favor?” I asked after a second of hesitation.\r\nHe was absolutely wary. â€Å"That depends on what you want.”\r\nâ€Å"Its not much,” I assured him.\r\nHe waited, guarded but curious.\r\nâ€Å"I entirely wondered… if you could warn me beforehand the next time you decide to ignore me for my own good. besides so Im prepared.” I looked at the lemonade bottle as I stave, tracing the circle of the opening with my pinky find.\r\nâ€Å"That kick the buckets fair.” He was pressing his lips together to keep from express joy when I looked up.\r\nâ€Å"Th anks.”\r\nâ€Å"Then can I turn in one answer in rejoin?” he demanded.\r\nâ€Å"One.”\r\nâ€Å"Tell me one theory.”\r\nWhoops. â€Å"Not that one.”\r\nâ€Å"You didnt qualify, you just promised one answer,” he reminded me.\r\nâ€Å"And youve broken promises yourself,” I reminded him back.\r\nâ€Å" yet one theory †I wont laugh.”\r\nâ€Å"Yes, you will.” I was positive to the highest degree that.\r\nHe looked down, and then glanced up at me through with(predicate) his long raw lashes, his ocher eyes scorching.\r\nâ€Å" delight?” he aphonic, leaning toward me.\r\nI blinked, my mind going blank. Holy crow, how did he do that?\r\nâ€Å"Er, what?” I asked, dazed.\r\nâ€Å" recreate tell me just one little theory.” His eyes still smoldered at me.\r\nâ€Å"Um, well, bitten by a hot spider?” Was he a hypnotist, too? Or was I just a hopeless grab?\r\nâ€Å"Thats not very creative,” h e scoffed.\r\nâ€Å"Im sorry, thats all Ive got,” I said, miffed.\r\nâ€Å"Youre not even close,” he teased.\r\nâ€Å"No spiders?”\r\nâ€Å"Nope.”\r\nâ€Å"And no radioactivity?”\r\nâ€Å"None.”\r\nâ€Å"Dang,” I sighed.\r\nâ€Å"Kryptonite doesnt bother me, either,” he chuckled.\r\nâ€Å"Youre not supposed to laugh, remember?”\r\nHe struggled to compose his face.\r\nâ€Å"Ill blueprint it out eventually,” I warned him.\r\nâ€Å"I wish you wouldnt try.” He was serious again.\r\nâ€Å"Because… ?”\r\nâ€Å"What if Im not a superhero? What if Im the bad jackass?” He smiled playfully, but his eyes were impenetrable.\r\nâ€Å"Oh,” I said, as several things hed hinted fell all of a sudden into place. â€Å"I see.”\r\nâ€Å"Do you?” His face was abruptly severe, as if he were afraid that hed accidentally said too much.\r\nâ€Å"Youre dangerous?” I guessed, my puls e quickening as I intuitively realized the truth of my own words. He was dangerous. Hed been trying to tell me that all along.\r\nHe just looked at me, eyes full of some emotion I couldnt comprehend.\r\nâ€Å"But not bad,” I whispered, shaking my head. â€Å"No, I dont believe that youre bad.”\r\nâ€Å"Youre wrong.” His voice was roughly inaudible. He looked down, stealing my bottle lid and then spinning it on its side between his fingers. I stared at him, wondering why I didnt feel afraid. He meant what he was saying †that was obvious. But I just felt anxious, on edge… and, more than anything else, fascinated. The same way I forever felt when I was near him.\r\nThe silence lasted until I noticed that the cafeteria was almost empty.\r\nI jumped to my feet. â€Å"Were going to be late.”\r\nâ€Å"Im not going to class today,” he said, twirling the lid so fast it was just a blur.\r\nâ€Å"Why not?”\r\nâ€Å"Its healthy to spue cl ass now and then.” He smiled up at me, but his eyes were still troubled.\r\nâ€Å"Well, Im going,” I told him. I was far too big a coward to peril getting caught.\r\nHe turned his attention back to his makeshift top. â€Å"Ill see you later, then.”\r\nI hesitated, torn, but then the first bell sent me hurrying out the door †with a last glance electropositive that he hadnt travel a centimeter.\r\nAs I half-ran to class, my head was spinning faster than the bottle cap. So hardly a(prenominal) apparent movements had been answered in comparison to how many sunrise(prenominal) questions had been raised. At least the rain had stopped.\r\nI was favorable; Mr. criterion wasnt in the room yet when I arrived. I settled quickly into my seat, aware that both Mike and Angela were staring at me. Mike looked mulish; Angela looked affect, and slightly awed.\r\nMr. Banner came in the room then, occupational group the class to order. He was juggling a few small bill of fareboard boxes in his progresss. He ascribe them down on Mikes table, telling him to start red ink them around the class.\r\nâ€Å"Okay, guys, I want you all to take one piece from each box,” he said as he produced a pair of good-for-naught gloves from the pocket of his lab jacket and pulled them on. The sharp sound as the gloves snapped into place against his wrists seemed ominous to me. â€Å"The first should be an indicator card,” he went on, grabbing a white card with intravenous feeding squares marked on it and displaying it. â€Å"The second is a four-pronged applicator -” he held up something that looked like a nearly toothless hair pick â€Å"- and the triad is a sterile micro-lancet.” He held up a small piece of blue plastic and bust it open. The barb was invisible from this distance, but my stomach flipped.\r\nâ€Å"Ill be coming around with a dropper of peeing to prepare your cards, so enjoy dont start until I get to you.” H e began at Mikes table again, cautiously putting one drop of water system in each of the four squares. â€Å"Then I want you to treatfully prick your finger with the lancet…” He grabbed Mikes hand and jabbed the spike into the tip of Mikes middle finger. Oh no. Clammy moisture broke out across my forehead.\r\nâ€Å"Put a small drop of livestock on each of the prongs.” He demonstrated, squeezing Mikes finger till the blood flowed. I swallowed convulsively, my stomach heaving.\r\nâ€Å"And then apply it to the card,” he finished, holding up the drip mold red card for us to see. I unappealing my eyes, trying to hear through the ringing in my ears.\r\nâ€Å"The Red Cross is having a blood drift in Port Angeles next weekend, so I thought you should all know your blood type.” He sounded proud of himself. â€Å"Those of you who arent eighteen yet will contend a parents permission †I wee-wee slips at my desk.”\r\nHe continued through the room with his water drops. I put my cheek against the cool black tabletop and tried to hold on to my consciousness. All around me I could hear squeals, complaints, and giggles as my classmates skewered their fingers. I breathed slowly in and out through my mouth.\r\nâ€Å"Bella, are you all right?” Mr. Banner asked. His voice was close to my head, and it sounded alarmed.\r\nâ€Å"I already know my blood type, Mr. Banner,” I said in a weak voice. I was afraid to raise my head.\r\nâ€Å"Are you feeling croak?”\r\nâ€Å"Yes, sir,” I muttered, internally kicking myself for not ditching when I had the chance.\r\nâ€Å"Can someone take Bella to the nurse, please?” he called.\r\nI didnt have to look up to know that it would be Mike who volunteered.\r\nâ€Å"Can you walk?” Mr. Banner asked.\r\nâ€Å"Yes,” I whispered. but let me get out of here, I thought. Ill crawl.\r\nMike seemed eager as he put his arm around my waist and pulled my arm o ver his shoulder. I leaned against him heavily on the way out of the classroom.\r\nMike towed me slowly across campus. When we were around the edge of the cafeteria, out of sight of building four in case Mr. Banner was watching, I stopped.\r\nâ€Å"Just let me sit for a minute, please?” I begged.\r\nHe helped me sit on the edge of the walk.\r\nâ€Å"And whatsoever you do, keep your hand in your pocket,” I warned. I was still so dizzy. I slumped over on my side, putting my cheek against the freezing, damp cement of the sidewalk, gag law my eyes. That seemed to help a little.\r\nâ€Å"Wow, youre green, Bella,” Mike said nervously.\r\nâ€Å"Bella?” a different voice called from the distance.\r\nNo! Please let me be imagining that horribly familiar voice.\r\nâ€Å"Whats wrong †is she thinned?” His voice was closer now, and he sounded upset. I wasnt imagining it. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping to die. Or, at the very least, not to squeeze up.\ r\nMike seemed stressed. â€Å"I think shes fainted. I dont know what happened, she didnt even stick her finger.”\r\nâ€Å"Bella.” Edwards voice was right beside me, eased now. â€Å"Can you hear me?”\r\nâ€Å"No,” I groaned. â€Å"Go away.”\r\nHe chuckled.\r\nâ€Å"I was taking her to the nurse,” Mike explained in a defensive tone, â€Å"but she wouldnt go any farther.”\r\nâ€Å"Ill take her,” Edward said. I could hear the smile still in his voice. â€Å"You can go back to class.”\r\nâ€Å"No,” Mike protested. â€Å"Im supposed to do it.”\r\nSuddenly the sidewalk disappeared from beneath me. My eyes flew open in shock. Edward had scooped me up in his harness, as easily as if I weighed ten pounds sooner of a hundred and ten.\r\nâ€Å"Put me down!” Please, please let me not vomit on him. He was walking before I was finished talking.\r\nâ€Å"Hey!” Mike called, already ten paces behind us.\r\ n Edward ignored him. â€Å"You look awful,” he told me, grinning.\r\nâ€Å"Put me back on the sidewalk,” I moaned. The rocking movement of his walk was not helping. He held me away from his body, gingerly, supporting all my weight with just his arms †it didnt seem to bother him.\r\nâ€Å"So you faint at the sight of blood?” he asked. This seemed to entertain him.\r\nI didnt answer. I closed my eyes again and fought the retchness with all my strength, clamping my lips together.\r\nâ€Å"And not even your own blood,” he continued, enjoying himself.\r\nI dont know how he opened the door while carrying me, but it was suddenly warm, so I knew we were inside.\r\nâ€Å"Oh my,” I heard a female voice gasp.\r\nâ€Å"She fainted in biology,” Edward explained.\r\nI opened my eyes. I was in the office, and Edward was striding past the trend counter toward the nurses door. Ms. Cope, the redheaded front office receptionist, ran ahead of him to h old it open. The grandmotherly nurse looked up from a novel, astonished, as Edward swung me into the room and placed me light on the crackly paper that covered the brown vinyl mattress on the one cribbage. Then he travel to stand against the wall as far across the narrow room as possible. His eyes were bright, excited.\r\nâ€Å"Shes just a little faint,” he reassured the blow out of the water nurse. â€Å"Theyre blood typing in Biology.”\r\nThe nurse nodded sagely. â€Å"Theres eer one.”\r\nHe muffled a snicker.\r\nâ€Å"Just lie down for a minute, honey; itll pass.”\r\nâ€Å"I know,” I sighed. The nausea was already fading.\r\nâ€Å"Does this happen a push-down store?” she asked.\r\nâ€Å"Sometimes,” I admitted. Edward coughed to hide some other laugh.\r\nâ€Å"You can go back to class now,” she told him.\r\nâ€Å"Im supposed to stay with her.” He said this with such assured authority that †even though she p ursed her lips †the nurse didnt argue it provided.\r\nâ€Å"Ill go get you some ice for your forehead, dear,” she said to me, and then bustled out of the room.\r\nâ€Å"You were right,” I moaned, letting my eyes close.\r\nâ€Å"I usually am †but astir(predicate) what in busy this time?”\r\nâ€Å"Ditching is healthy.” I practiced breathing evenly.\r\nâ€Å"You shake me for a minute there,” he admitted after a pause. His tone made it sound like he was confessing a humiliating weakness. â€Å"I thought figureity was dragging your dead body off to plunge it in the woods.”\r\nâ€Å"Ha ha.” I still had my eyes closed, but I was feeling more normal every minute.\r\nâ€Å"Honestly †Ive seen corpses with better color. I was touch that I might have to avenge your murder.”\r\nâ€Å" forgetful Mike. Ill bet hes mad.”\r\nâ€Å"He absolutely loathes me,” Edward said cheerfully.\r\nâ€Å"You cant know tha t,” I argued, but then I wondered suddenly if he could.\r\nâ€Å"I saw his face †I could tell.”\r\nâ€Å"How did you see me? I thought you were ditching.” I was almost fine now, though the queasiness would probably pass faster if Id eaten something for lunch. On the other hand, maybe it was lucky my stomach was empty.\r\nâ€Å"I was in my car, listening to a CD.” Such a normal response †it surprised me.\r\nI heard the door and opened my eyes to see the nurse with a cold shrink in her hand.\r\nâ€Å"Here you go, dear.” She laid it across my forehead. â€Å"Youre looking for better,” she added.\r\nâ€Å"I think Im fine,” I said, sitting up. Just a little ringing in my ears, no spinning. The mint green walls stayed where they should.\r\nI could see she was about to make me lie back down, but the door opened just then, and Ms. Cope stuck her head in.\r\nâ€Å"Weve got another(prenominal) one,” she warned.\r\nI hopped dow n to free up the cot for the next invalid.\r\nI handed the compress back to the nurse. â€Å"Here, I dont need this.”\r\nAnd then Mike staggered through the door, now supporting a sallow-looking Lee Stephens, another boy in our Biology class. Edward and I move back against the wall to give them room.\r\nâ€Å"Oh no,” Edward muttered. â€Å"Go out to the office, Bella.”\r\nI looked up at him, bewildered.\r\nâ€Å"Trust me †go.”\r\nI spun and caught the door before it closed, darting out of the infirmary. I could feel Edward right behind me.\r\nâ€Å"You actually listened to me.” He was stunned.\r\nâ€Å"I smelled the blood,” I said, wrinkling my nose. Lee wasnt sick from watching other people, like me.\r\nâ€Å"People cant smell blood,” he contradicted.\r\nâ€Å"Well, I can †thats what makes me sick. It smells like rust… and salt.”\r\nHe was staring at me with an unfathomable expression.\r\nâ€Å"What?” I asked.\r\nâ€Å"Its nothing.”\r\nMike came through the door then, glancing from me to Edward. The look he gave Edward confirmed what Edward had said about loathing. He looked back at me, his eyes glum.\r\nâ€Å"You look better,” he accused.\r\nâ€Å"Just keep your hand in your pocket,” I warned him again.\r\nâ€Å"Its not bleeding anymore,” he muttered. â€Å"Are you going back to class?”\r\nâ€Å"Are you kidding? Id just have to turn around and come back.”\r\nâ€Å"Yeah, I guess… So are you going this weekend? To the beach?” While he rung, he flashed another glare toward Edward, who was standing against the cluttered counter, placid as a sculpture, staring off into space.\r\nI tried to sound as friendly as possible. â€Å"Sure, I said I was in.”\r\nâ€Å"Were meeting at my dads store, at ten.” His eyes flickered to Edward again, wondering if he was giving out too much information. His body dustup made it clear that it wasnt an open invitation.\r\nâ€Å"Ill be there,” I promised.\r\nâ€Å"Ill see you in Gym, then,” he said, moving falteringly toward the door.\r\nâ€Å"See you,” I replied. He looked at me once more, his round face slightly pouting, and then as he walked slowly through the door, his shoulders slumped. A boyfriend of sympathy washed over me. I pondered beholding his disappointed face again… in Gym.\r\nâ€Å"Gym,” I groaned.\r\nâ€Å"I can take care of that.” I hadnt noticed Edward moving to my side, but he spoke now in my ear. â€Å"Go sit down and look pale,” he muttered.\r\nThat wasnt a challenge; I was always pale, and my recent swoon had left a light sheen of sweat on my face. I sat in one of the creaky plica chairs and rested my head against the wall with my eyes closed. Fainting spells always exhausted me.\r\nI heard Edward speaking quiet at the counter.\r\nâ€Å"Ms. Cope?”\r\nâ€Å"Yes?” I hadnt heard h er return to her desk.\r\nâ€Å"Bella has Gym next hour, and I dont think she feels well enough.\r\nActually, I was thinking I should take her home now. Do you think you could excuse her from class?” His voice was like melting honey. I could imagine how much more overwhelming his eyes would be.\r\nâ€Å"Do you need to be excused, too, Edward?” Ms. Cope fluttered. Why couldnt I do that?\r\nâ€Å"No, I have Mrs. Goff, she wont mind.”\r\nâ€Å"Okay, its all taken care of. You feel better, Bella,” she called to me. I nodded weakly, hamming it up just a bit.\r\nâ€Å"Can you walk, or do you want me to carry you again?” With his back to the receptionist, his expression became sarcastic.\r\nâ€Å"Ill walk.”\r\nI stood carefully, and I was still fine. He held the door for me, his smile polite but his eyes mocking. I walked out into the cold, fine mist that had just begun to fall. It felt pure †the first time Id enjoyed the constant moisture g o out of the sky †as it washed my face clean of the sticky perspiration.\r\nâ€Å"Thanks,” I said as he followed me out. â€Å"Its almost worth getting sick to miss Gym.”\r\nâ€Å"Anytime.” He was staring straight forward, pull a face into the rain.\r\nâ€Å"So are you going? This Saturday, I mean?” I was hoping he would, though it seemed unlikely. I couldnt tantrum him loading up to carpool with the rest of the kids from school; he didnt belong in the same world. But just hoping that he might gave me the first twinge of enthusiasm Id felt for the outing.\r\nâ€Å"Where are you all going, exactly?” He was still looking ahead, expressionless.\r\nâ€Å"Down to La Push, to origin Beach.” I studied his face, trying to read it. His eyes seemed to narrow infinitesimally.\r\nHe glanced down at me from the inlet of his eye, smiling wryly. â€Å"I really dont think I was invited.”\r\nI sighed. â€Å"I just invited you.”\r\nâ₠¬Å" permits you and I not push poor Mike any further this week. We dont want him to snap.” His eyes danced; he was enjoying the idea more than he should.\r\nâ€Å"Mike-schmike.” I muttered, preoccupied by the way hed said â€Å"you and I.” I liked it more than I should.\r\nWe were near the parking lot now. I veered left, toward my truck. Something caught my jacket, yanking me back.\r\nâ€Å"Where do you think youre going?” he asked, outraged. He was enthralling a fistful of my jacket in one hand.\r\nI was confused. â€Å"Im going home.”\r\nâ€Å"Didnt you hear me promise to take you safely home? Do you think Im going to let you drive in your condition?” His voice was still indignant.\r\nâ€Å"What condition? And what about my truck?” I complained.\r\nâ€Å"Ill have Alice drop it off after school.” He was towing me toward his car now, pulling me by my jacket. It was all I could do to keep from falling backward. Hed probably just drag me along anyway if I did.\r\nâ€Å"Let go!” I insisted. He ignored me. I staggered along sideways across the wet sidewalk until we reached the Volvo. Then he finally freed me †I stumbled against the passenger door.\r\nâ€Å"You are so pushy!” I grumbled.\r\nâ€Å"Its open,” was all he responded. He got in the drivers side.\r\nâ€Å"I am perfectly capable of driving myself home!” I stood by the car, fuming. It was raining harder now, and Id never put my oaf up, so my hair was dripping down my back.\r\nHe lowered the automatic window and leaned toward me across the seat. â€Å" regulate in, Bella.”\r\nI didnt answer. I was mentally calculating my chances of gain the truck before he could catch me. I had to admit, they werent good.\r\nâ€Å"Ill just drag you back,” he threatened, guessing my plan.\r\nI tried to maintain what dignity I could as I got into his car. I wasnt very successful †I looked like a half-drowned cat and m y boots squeaked.\r\nâ€Å"This is completely unnecessary,” I said stiffly.\r\nHe didnt answer. He fiddled with the controls, turning the warmer up and the music down. As he pulled out of the parking lot, I was preparing to give him the silent treatment †my face in full pout way †but then I recognized the music playing, and my curiosity got the better of my intentions.\r\nâ€Å"Clair de Lune?” I asked, surprised.\r\nâ€Å"You know Debussy?” He sounded surprised, too.\r\nâ€Å"Not well,” I admitted. â€Å"My mother plays a lot of classical music around the family unit †I only know my favorites.”\r\nâ€Å"Its one of my favorites, too.” He stared out through the rain, lost in thought.\r\nI listened to the music, relaxing against the light gray leather seat. It was impossible not to respond to the familiar, soothing melody. The rain blurred everything out-of-door the window into gray and green smudges. I began to realize we were driving very fast; the car moved so steadily, so evenly, though, I didnt feel the speed. solely the town flashing by gave it away.\r\nâ€Å"What is your mother like?” he asked me suddenly.\r\nI glanced over to see him canvas me with curious eyes.\r\nâ€Å"She looks a lot like me, but shes prettier,” I said. He raised his eyebrows. â€Å"I have too much Charlie in me. Shes more extroverted than I am, and braver. Shes irresponsible and slightly eccentric, and shes a very unpredictable cook. Shes my best friend.” I stopped. Talking about her was making me depressed.\r\nâ€Å"How old are you, Bella?” His voice sounded defeated for some reason I couldnt imagine. Hed stopped the car, and I realized we were at Charlies house already. The rain was so heavy that I could barely see the house at all. It was like the car was submerged under a river.\r\nâ€Å"Im seventeen,” I responded, a little confused.\r\nâ€Å"You dont seem seventeen.”\r\nHi s tone was reproachful; it made me laugh.\r\nâ€Å"What?” he asked, curious again.\r\nâ€Å"My mom always says I was born xxxv years old and that I get more middle-aged every year.” I laughed, and then sighed. â€Å"Well, someone has to be the adult.” I paused for a second. â€Å"You dont seem much like a junior in high school yourself,” I noted.\r\nHe made a face and changed the subject.\r\nâ€Å"So why did your mother bind Phil?”\r\nI was surprised he would remember the name; Id mentioned it just once, almost two months ago. It took me a signification to answer.\r\nâ€Å"My mother… shes very young for her age. I think Phil makes her feel even younger. At any rate, shes crackers about him.” I shook my head. The attraction was a mystery to me.\r\nâ€Å"Do you approve?” he asked.\r\nâ€Å"Does it take?” I countered. â€Å"I want her to be halcyon… and he is who she wants.”\r\nâ€Å"Thats very generousâ⠂¬Â¦ I wonder,” he mused.\r\nâ€Å"What?”\r\nâ€Å"Would she extend the same courtesy to you, do you think? No matter who your choice was?” He was suddenly intent, his eyes searching mine.\r\nâ€Å"I-I think so,” I stuttered. â€Å"But shes the parent, after all. Its a little bit different.”\r\nâ€Å"No one too chilling then,” he teased.\r\nI grinned in response. â€Å"What do you mean by alarming? Multiple facial piercings and extensive tattoos?”\r\nâ€Å"Thats one definition, I suppose.”\r\nâ€Å"Whats your definition?”\r\nBut he ignored my question and asked me another. â€Å"Do you think that I could be scary?” He raised one eyebrow, and the faint soupcon of a smile lightened his face.\r\nI thought for a moment, wondering whether the truth or a lie would go over better. I decided to go with the truth. â€Å"Hmmm… I think you could be, if you wanted to.”\r\nâ€Å"Are you frightened of me now?â⠂¬Â The smile vanished, and his heavenly face was suddenly serious.\r\nâ€Å"No.” But I answered too quickly. The smile returned.\r\nâ€Å"So, now are you going to tell me about your family?” I asked to distract him. â€Å"Its got to be a much more interesting story than mine.”\r\nHe was right away cautious. â€Å"What do you want to know?”\r\nâ€Å"The Cullens adopted you?” I verified.\r\nâ€Å"Yes.”\r\nI hesitated for a moment. â€Å"What happened to your parents?”\r\nâ€Å"They died many years ago.” His tone was matter-of-fact.\r\nâ€Å"Im sorry,” I mumbled.\r\nâ€Å"I dont really remember them that clearly. Carlisle and Esme have been my parents for a long time now.”\r\nâ€Å"And you love them.” It wasnt a question. It was obvious in the way he spoke of them.\r\nâ€Å"Yes.” He smiled. â€Å"I couldnt imagine two better people.”\r\nâ€Å"Youre very lucky.”\r\nâ€Å"I know I am.â⠂¬Â\r\nâ€Å"And your sidekick and sister?”\r\nHe glanced at the clock on the dashboard.\r\nâ€Å"My brother and sister, and Jasper and Rosalie for that matter, are going to be quite upset if they have to stand in the rain waiting for me.”\r\nâ€Å"Oh, sorry, I guess you have to go.” I didnt want to get out of the car.\r\nâ€Å"And you probably want your truck back before Chief Swan gets home, so you dont have to tell him about the Biology incident.” He grinned at me.\r\nâ€Å"Im sure hes already heard. There are no secrets in Forks.” I sighed.\r\nHe laughed, and there was an edge to his laughter.\r\nâ€Å"Have fun at the beach… good weather for sunbathing.” He glanced out at the sheeting rain.\r\nâ€Å"Wont I see you tomorrow?”\r\nâ€Å"No. Emmett and I are starting the weekend early.”\r\nâ€Å"What are you going to do?” A friend could ask that, right? I hoped the disappointment wasnt too apparent in my voice.\r \nâ€Å"Were going to be hiking in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, just south of Rainier.”\r\nI remembered Charlie had said the Cullens went camping frequently.\r\nâ€Å"Oh, well, have fun.” I tried to sound enthusiastic. I dont think I fooled him, though. A smile was playing around the edges of his lips.\r\nâ€Å"Will you do something for me this weekend?” He turned to look me straight in the face, utilizing the full power of his burning gold eyes.\r\nI nodded helplessly.\r\nâ€Å"Dont be offended, but you seem to be one of those people who just attract accidents like a magnet. So… try not to fall into the ocean or get run over or anything, all right?” He smiled crookedly.\r\nThe helplessness had faded as he spoke. I glared at him.\r\nâ€Å"Ill see what I can do,” I snapped as I jumped out into the rain. I slammed the door behind me with ebullient force.\r\nHe was still smiling as he drove away.\r\n'