2. Something Is Wrong

BPOV

I woke up to a low humming sound. Soon I could feel gentle, frosty touches all over my forehead. Then I felt my body being moved sideways, rolling off of Edward's chest, to lay on my bed and I moaned sleepily.


Too early.


I could hear a whisper of a chuckle then those little frosty pecks started again. First, on my cheek, then across my nose to my other cheek, eventually landing on my chin. I sighed and tried to shake my head a little to let Edward know that I wasn’t ready to wake up yet. I couldn’t have been asleep for my than a few hours. That’s when I heard it.


“Belllaaaaaa….” Alice’s voice softly sang from somewhere in the room.


Edward didn’t hesitate to join in. “Bellllaaaaa…..” they both said softly in a sing-song voice.


I could feel cold fingers running through my hair and then an Eskimo kiss on my nose.


Aww, I love those.


I slowly cracked my eyes open for a peek and was met with the most beautiful smile. Edward was inches from my face, fully intent to continue kissing me awake, if needed, and I gave him a small smile to let him know I was starting to wake up.


I stretched and yawned sleepily, and started to rub my eyes. When I opened them again, I could see Alice at the foot of my bed, staring down at me. She had a bright smile on her face and an outfit hanging off her arm. I looked back at Edward and rolled over onto my side and curled up, snuggling into my blankets.


Too early.


Edward started rubbing my back. “It’s 6:30, Bella. Alice is here with that outfit she picked out for you today. Charlie left for work already,” he informed me.


“Kay…” I mumbled.

He continued rubbing my back for a few minutes then started getting out of bed, pulling me with him. Once I was standing, he asked what I wanted for breakfast.


“Fruit,” I said and then yawned again, producing some sleep-tears with it.

I sniffled a bit, causing Alice to look at me curiously. I just waved to her and rubbed my eyes again. I looked up to see Edward staring at me with worry in his eyes.


“You’re going to bed an hour early tonight, Bella,” he told me.

I knew not to argue about this and just nodded. Nothing sounded better than ‘going to bed’ to me right now, anyway.


Edward went downstairs to start chopping some fresh fruit for me the same time I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. I came back into my room to find Alice ready to play dress-up. I eyed her warily.


“What?”


“No pink, please,” was all I said.


She giggled and agreed. “Jeans and a nice, form-fitting black top. That ok with you?”


I nodded, “Awesome.”


“I thought so,” she smirked.


I got dressed while she rambled on about how today was gonna be so great and she was so excited that we had three classes together. I just nodded and smiled. It really was great, but right now I was just too tired to show proper enthusiasm.


"...and I finished pairing off the tops and bottoms that you and Edward got over the weekend into complete outfits, so I can bring them all over tonight for you. You picked out some really pretty things, you know? It's makes me proud," she finished, smiling.


"Proud?" I asked curiously. "Jesus, Al, I can dress nicely when I want to. But, you know, jeans and a tee will always be my first love," I said wistfully.


Her face fell and I laughed at her. "Hey, I'm wearing jeans and a tee today, aren't I?" I said, gesturing towards the clothes I had put on. "Does it look pretty? Does it make you proud?" I asked.


"It does," she replied, looking me up at down and nodding.


I was putting my black belt on when Edward appeared next to me and kissed my cheek. “Breakfast is served, love. And, yes, you look 'pretty'.”


I smiled up at him then grabbed a fistful of his shirt and brought his face down towards mine for a kiss. He reached around me and slid both his hands into my back jean pockets. I felt him squeeze my butt with his strong, cold hands as he pulled me flush against his body. I moaned and gently nibbled on his bottom lip. I could feel his lips curve up into a smile as I reached up to run my fingers through his wild hair. He pulled away, starting to kiss along my jaw and I started to catch my breath.


Ugh...I want to lick him.


"Good morning, beautiful," his velvety voice whispered in my ear.


It is now.


His hands were still gripping my ass lightly, and when he started the rubbing, I had to try really hard to supress the moan trying to escape my lips.


"Mornin," I breathed out, thoroughly dazzled.


He chuckled into my hair and withdrew his hands. I looked up into his honey-gold gaze and smiled.


"Go eat your fruit," he said before giving my nose a quick peck and turning me towards the door.


I went downstairs and sat down in my chair at the kitchen table. I started to think about how much had changed in just these past few days. Part of me was expecting to wake up, as if this was all just a dream. Italy and the Volturi were definitely a nightmare. Red eyed demons still haunt my thoughts throughout the day. I have a feeling that they won't be going away anytime soon though.

Lucky me.

Saturday, to my complete suprise, Edward took me shopping. For pajamas, no less! I could tell it was a wierd concept for him, and I tried to tell him that it wasn't needed, but he insisted after having a conversation with Alice, that it was, indeed, needed, stating 'your comfort is a priority'.


Right, okay. Whatever eases your guilt on abandoning me.


While we were pajama shopping for Edward, he asked if I wanted anything, hinting towards the fact that a lot of my clothes were loose-fitting on me now. He must have noticed how my jeans were sagging a bit. I relented and we ended up shopping for me too. When we arrived back at the mansion, Alice had a field day with all my new clothes. She wanted to 'coordinate' them all, promising to have them back to me in a day or two. I let her have at it, she was just to happy about it for me to tell her no.


I called Jake a few times. He has yet to return those calls. I have a feeling the situation with my best friend is going to be complicated. I hate that he's making me feel like I have betrayed him in some way. As though I have to choose between him and my Edward. I won't choose. He's my best friend, and I have never wanted anything more from him. I've made that fact clear a few times. It doesn't seem to stop him from pushing for more though, and I don't know else to do. I mean, there's only so many ways that you can say, "hey, I love you - but I'm not in love with you."

I sighed. "Ugh, it's hopeless..." I muttered to myself.


I was eating my fruit, lost in my frustrating thoughts, when Alice came downstairs alone and sat next to me.


Alone...hmm


I picked up a strawberry and nibbled on it. “Where’s Edward?” I asked, trying for a nonchalant vibe about my missing boyfriend.

I'm sure I didn't succeed by the look she gave me.

Pity.

I immediately looked away, focusing instead on my very interesting banana slices.


Quit feeling sorry for me!


“He’s in your bathroom. He didn’t go home this morning to change for school, so I brought his clothes over too.”


I nodded, that made sense. A few minutes later, Edward came downstairs in all his sexy glory wearing dark blue jeans and a loose fitting black shirt. I sat there staring at him for a minute until I realized I had been caught ogling his perfection, when he started laughing. I blushed and tore my eyes away from his body.

He stepped over to me and murmured, "I love that blush," as he ran his cool fingers across my cheek, then he bent down to kiss where his fingers had just touched.


“You guys match!” Alice announced and then laughed as I looked down at my outfit and blushed. Again.


I laughed lightly, “Yeah. I guess we do,” then began gulping down my orange juice.


I noticed that my head was starting to hurt. With that realization, I started to worry. It wasn't the pain of a normal headache, more like a little pressure and slight dizziness. This only happened when I was getting ready to have what I like to call: 'a Marie-Episode', and that wasn't good. At all. I'm not ready to talk about my split-personality bullshit with any of the Cullens. Especially Edward. He'll just blame himself, due to the timing of Marie's, ummm...arrival. She started showing up around Thanksgiving, while I was apparently 'comatose', or whatever they called it.


I had this problem before, when I was five years old. Back then, I didn't view it as a problem, though. I just figured I had an imaginary friend. Isabella, ironically, is what she called herself. She was a lot of fun. Things were really bad for me at that point in my young life, and she showed up to help me deal with my harsh reality. She was my best friend in the whole world. I could talk to her about everything and she would play with me a lot. But eventually, Mom insisted that I got help for my apparent 'problem', so I started seeing a pshyciatrist when I was ten. I was hospitalized for three months during my treatment, and then the small voice in my head started to fade. Her interactions with me and my episodes of losing the time became less and less, until finally, they just stopped altogether.


Marie, as she likes to call herself, hasn't shown up in a while, though. It's been probably a month or so, since I heard her voice, or lost the time. I had started to wonder where she had gone...


It would be just my fucking luck for her to show up NOW...at a time like this...when I finally have Edward and the Cullens back in my life. This could ruin everything. They would never understand.


With that thought in mind, I stood up from the table then and started up the stairs.


“Whatchya doin?” Alice asked.


“I’ll be right down. You guys can start the car and get it warmed up if you want,” I said without looking back.

I went to the bathroom and started rifling through the medicine cabinet, intent on finding some Excedrin. After a minute, my shaky hands found the blessed green bottle and I smiled.

“Finally,” I muttered to myself and started to twist the lid.


“Bella, what are you doing?” Edward asked from the door frame of the bathroom.

I hadn’t heard him come up and I gasped then turned around to see him staring at me intently.


I lifted up the bottle for his viewing pleasure. “I have a headache,” I informed him.

At this, a look of worry came over his gorgeous features and I smiled a little to try and reassure him that I was alright. Then I took two pills in my hand and popped them in my mouth. Getting some water from the sink, I swallowed them down.

“There, see? All better.” Then I smiled brightly and gave him a quick peck on the lips.


His eyes roamed over my face and he gave a slight nod, seeming to be placated for the time being. “Are you ready to go to school? Alice is down in the car waiting.”


School, Marie...Marie at school. Hmm, this could get really complicated.


I sighed.


"Bella?" I heard Edwards say, but I didn't respond.


Well, fuck, if she wants to pop in and say 'hi', there's not a damn thing I can do about it.

Damn it. Shit. Goddamnit!


I could feel my teeth digging into the flesh of my lower lip. I winced as I began to taste a little blood.


"...should tell me what you're thinking," he requested, probably for the fifth time since we'd been standing here.

I blinked up at him.


But maybe it really is just a headache and I'm worrying over nothing.


Yes, I am overreacting about this, while I stand in my dingy bathroom and stare off into space, while my boyfriend tries helplessly to get my attention.


So much for trying to convince him you're not crazy. Way to go, Bella. Way. To. Go.


Completely conflicted, I just nodded and walked past him to my bedroom. I grabbed my book bag and slung it over my shoulder. Edward didn't say anything as we walked downstairs and out the door, but he had a firm grip on my hand the whole time. After I locked the front door, we got in the Volvo and headed off to school.


Edward walked me to first period, then left to go meet Alice and Carlisle in the office to take care of his re-enrollment. I sat down in my usual seat all the way in the back and settled in to listen to the teacher drone on about history. His voice was getting really fucking annoying and my headache still hadn’t gone away, so I put my head down and looked to my left out of the window in the classroom. It was gloomy and gray outside, to match my mood. I don’t know why I expected anything different.


I knew when Edward walked into the classroom. Not only did I feel his presence, but there were a lot of gasps from the other students and then their whispering started. I lifted my head from it's spot on the desk, met his eyes, and smiled. He smiled back and then walked over to the teacher to give him his tardy pass. Then he strolled down the aisle and sat down right next to me, reaching out to hold my hand. I scooted my desk and little closer to his, and laid my head back down on my arm. Edward’s brow furrowed as he looked at me with concern. I knew he was worrying, but this was just a headache. A normal, common headache. It will go away.

It better fucking go away.


But what if my ‘episodes’ aren't over, though? A one month time-span is hardly enough time to think that Marie just 'went away', for lack of a better term. It never was with Isabella. I'd go two or three months at a time without hearing a peep from her.

Ugh, I am so screwed.

What will the Cullens think when they find out that they came back to a crazy girl? Will Edward blame himself? Oh God, will he want to leave again 'for my own good'? What about the rest of the Cullens? What's going to happen when they find out that I’m not the same Bella they left behind almost a year ago? I can’t bear the thought of it. It's too much, and the 'what-if's' are driving me insane. I feel Edward squeeze my hand a little and notice that I am breathing hard.


Shit.


I start to push these thoughts and worries away. They are useless and besides, it’s only a headache.


Just relax and try to act normal for five fucking minutes!


I started taking deep cleansing breaths and smiled at him. He smiled back a little but it didn’t reach his eyes.

Yeah, this isn’t gonna work.

He’s obviously going to worry about me until this headache goes away. And that’s all it is. A harmless little headache.


Right.

EPOV

Bella had been quiet all morning. I would have little conversations with her here and there, but it was clear that she was still tired. She said her head was hurting her, so that would mean that the Excedrin from this morning obviously didn’t work. That irritated me. If it really is 'the headache medicine', as advertised, then it should do it's fucking job already and get rid of my Bella's headache for her.


Fucking incompetant western medicine.


I asked her if she wanted to go home in third period, but she declined, stating that her father would be angry if she left early. After all, it was just a 'little headache'. She seemed to say that a lot, like she was trying to downplay what was wrong with her. I couldn’t help but worry, though.


We were standing in the lunch line now, getting Bella some food. I had my arm around her waist, keeping her tucked into my side and she kept her head lowered with her hands stuck in her pockets. She mumbled to me that she wanted a sandwich and some carrot sticks. I grabbed them and some lemonade for her to drink, then quickly paid for it all. We went to meet Alice at our table, and I sat down in between them.

Bella started crunching on her carrot sticks, and tapping her fingers on the table when Alice brought up the conversation I had been dreading all morning.


“So, Bella.” Alice started, getting her attention.


“So, Alice.” Bella mimicked, a small smile playing on her lips.


Alice smiled back and got on with it. “Charlie is having dinner at Sue’s house, so you’re going to come to our house tonight. Esme is fixing you some chicken and potatos. Does that sound good?”


Bella shrugged and nodded, “Yum.”


Her father not coming home at night was apparently a normalcy now. He was in a relationship with Sue Clearwater and only came home regularly at night to go to sleep. Sometimes not even then. Bella seems fine with this arrangement though, stating that it’s like living on her own, giving her some independence.


Yes, independence and lots of alone time for us.


Alice continued as Bella bit into her sandwich. “Ok, so we should be by your place to pick you up at 7:00 for dinner at Casa de Cullen, and then we’ll hang out afterwards for a bit, ok?”


'Hanging out', meaning her health check-up.


Bella stopped mid chew and stared at a smiling Alice. She had a little bit of sauce from her sandwich on the corner of her mouth. After a few seconds, her gaze drifted to me and I saw it there in her eyes. Fear.


Why are you afraid?


She started chewing again slowly, never breaking our eye contact and after she swallowed, she picked up a napkin, wiped the sauce off her mouth, then asked, “Where will you be before 7:00?”


I was quick to answer her. “Bella, we’re going hunting today, after school lets out."

I could see the fear, now mixed with worry in her eyes.

"We’re staying close by though, so it’ll only be for a few hours."

And now she was pouting.

Damn it.

"In fact, I’ll probably be climbing in your window around six, instead of seven,” I said, trying to placate her.

I reached out and grabbed her hand, rubbing slow circles into her palm. We stared at each other and I tried to look reassuring in my gaze. After a second or two, I saw something shift in her eyes, but then she looked away, nodding a bit and then went back to eating her lunch.


I looked at Alice and she seemed to be thinking the same thing as me. We were worried about Bella.


After that Bella’s eyes kept drifting over the cafeteria crowd, darting all around. She checked the clock on the wall a few times.


Is she anxious to leave?


“Are you done eating?” I looked at her tray, she had only eaten half of her food. She couldn't finish a little sandwich and a few carrot sticks?


Unacceptable.


I sighed, knowing this would also be a problem. Food and sleep. She needed more of both.


It took her a second to look at me again, but when she did I saw something like recognition light up in her eyes. I furrowed my brow, wondering what that look was about, but she just nodded then stood from the table, walking quickly over to the trash cans. She dumped her tray, with half of her fucking food on it, and we started walking to our next class, Chemistry, while Alice skipped off to her Trig class.


Deal with the food subject later, NOT at school in front of other people. Don't embarrass her.


She sat down at the lab table in the far back corner of the room and I sat down next to her. She turned to look at me and I smiled.


She didn’t smile back.


Instead, she just stared at me...for what seemed like forever, her eyes full of wonder and...anger? I was unsure of what to do, when the other students started coming in from lunch. The noises they were making seemed to remind Bella that we weren’t alone and she finally looked away, starting to get her book and notes out for this class.


Great, now I was worrying again. Was she upset that I had to leave for a couple hours this afternoon? Why has she been so quiet? And what was with the weird staring contest and minute ago…


I was brought out of my reverie when none other than Mike Newton came over to our lab table. I internally groaned. I was not in the mood to deal with him, or his juvenile mind. I could tell in his thoughts, though, that he was wary and resentful towards me. He was remembering what Bella had been like at the beginning of the school year after her birthday. Depressed, and very withdrawn. I winced at his mental images.


“So, Bella…” Mike said.


Bella kept her head down, paying meticulous attention to her doodlings in her notebook. I thought she was going to ignore him, but after a minute, Bella looked up from her artwork and stared at Mike, raising her eyebrows. “Yes?”

I was surprised by her tone of voice. It was louder than this morning’s shy murmurings, and it came out sharper than expected. I looked at her again and examined her side profile.


Hmmm, maybe her headache finally went away.


I smiled at the thought, relieved that she might be brightening from this morning's pouty mood.


“Umm…yeah, umm, so…”


“Spit it out, Newton.” Bella demanded.

I kept staring at her, now amused, but somewhat puzzled.


Is she angry at the boy?


I searched Mike’s mind and found out his intention was to come over here to discuss a project they were assigned to do together a few weeks ago. It was due in on Wednesday, in two days. He was very nervous by my presence though. After a second, I knew why; it seems he tried to flirt with her while I was away. And he was very persistent, as usual. I bristled at the images of him talking to my Bella, persuading her to go with him to see a movie.


Mike looked shocked at her tone of voice for a second, then tried to talk to her again. “Bell-Bella, I was just c-coming over to t-talk about the umm…project? Y-yeah….”


“What about the project?“ she looked at him curiously. “What’s wrong with you? Why all the stuttering?”

Bella stood up now so she could be eye level with Mike. Instead she just came up to about his shoulder, and had to tilt her head up for eye contact. It was adorable how she tried though.


“I-I…I’m not stuttering, Bella.” he said shaking his head a bit and laughing nervously.


“Yes you are,” she insisted. “Is something wrong? What, do I make you nervous now? Why are you stuttering like a goddamn idiot? Why? And what about the project? My part is done, are you done?” she kept shooting off questions, one right after the other, not giving him any time to speak.

I was trying really hard to keep a straight face. My kitten is cute when she’s mad.


Feisty.


Mike stared at her for a minute then finally replied, “Actually no, I’m not done. I was going to ask you-”


Bella interrupted him. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me," she said, exasperated. "I’m not carrying your ass on this project, Newton! Get your shit in gear, and get it done," she demanded. "I’m not failing this class because of you.” She stepped closer to him and glared. “Is that clear?”


Holy hell.


“B-Bella, I’m sorry. I-it’s just that-”


She interrupted him again, shaking her head a little, “No excuses! This project isn’t even that hard. You should have had it done after a couple of days, like I did. But this jack off,” she pointed to the teacher, “gave us two weeks to do it,” she stated, holding up two fingers for emphasis.


"Bella, I've been busy, a-and-"


Her voice started to get louder, her face blushing furiously. “So have I! You think you're the only person with shit to do? Huh?! I just arrived back in the fucking country a few days ago! You think I haven't been busy? That I have nothing better to do than pick up after your sorry ass?" She was all huffy and I saw her clenching her fists.


Shit...


"What is your problem?!” she screamed at him and shoved his chest. “Are you fucking stupid or something?" She was breathing hard and after a few seconds, spoke again in a low voice. "Get it done. NOW."


I stood up, intent on taking her hand to tell her to calm down, but when I did, Newton jumped a little and took a step back, starting to breathe a little hard, himself. Tears started glistening in his eyes. I was starting to feel sorry for the kid.

I grabbed Bella’s hand. “Bella…” but she ripped her hand away and looked at me sharply.

“I’ll deal with you later,” she stated in a low voice, then focused her attention back on Mike.

I sat back down, confused.


What did I do?

When her eyes focused back on Mike, she gasped. He looked up at the noise, into Bella’s eyes.


“Are you crying?” she asked incredulously.


“NO,” he stated in what I’m sure he thought was a manly voice.

Actually, it squeaked a bit.


Bella whispered to herself while staring up at him in wonder. “Jesus Christ, you’re fucking pathetic.”


As amusing as I found Bella railing on Newton was, I really didn‘t want her getting into any trouble. “Fuck, Bella, that’s enough. Sit down, now - the class is ready to start.” I told her after I noticed everyone was staring at their display. Including the teacher.


Bella ignored me, instead she kept talking to Mike. “What’s wrong princess, does your pussy hurt? Is that why you’re crying?” she asked in mock concern.


Everyone in the room gasped, including myself. After a second, the class erupted into giggling and laughter. Then there was snickering, and whispers.


I just stared at her a little stunned. And turned on. When had my Bella gotten such a dirty mouth?


But damn, it's fucking erotic coming from of that pretty little mouth.


The teacher finally decided to speak up. “Ms. Swan, Mr. Newton, please take your seats.”


Mike started muttering at Bella to “shut up” while walking over to his assigned seat, next to Jessica Stanley.


But apparently, my Bella wasn’t finished. “That’s right, go over there and take your seat like a good boy. While you're over there, why don't you start looking for your fucking nut sack, cry baby. Let me know when you find it, ok? Then you can come back over here and try that conversation again, without your stuttering nonsense. And finish the goddamn project, Mike! If I fail it because of your dumbass, I’m taking you outside and ramming your face into that brick wall,” she threatened.


Aaaand, there you have it ladies and gentlemen. She took it too far.

So much for keeping her out of trouble...


“Bella!” I yelled at her the same time the teacher called her name. “Ms. Swan!”


She whipped her head angrily toward the teacher and growled, “What?!”


Fucking growled.

Oh. My. God.


Ok, this is not the time to focus on how sexy she looks in all her angry, growling glory.


Ugh, she is perfection.


“Office, now,” he told her grimly.


Just then, the classroom door flew open and Alice stood in the doorway staring directly at Bella, but her thoughts were screaming frantically at me.

Something is wrong with Bella!!