STRANGER THINGS. edward cullen

( CHAPTER NINE )

CHAPTER 09;
BAD LUCK MAGNET

                      YOU DID NOT NEED a pair of functional eyes to distinguish the vast difference between an ill-tempered Edward Cullen and a brooding Tamara Calahan. A boy—seemingly so—encased in a shell only let open by his own accord and a girl surrounded by a bubble of her own making. Two people, that could very much be friends under different circumstances; Emmetts opinion on that more than apparent. Tamara knew better than to listen to the wordings of an immature man-child. Edward and Tamara were strangers at best. Acquaintances at worst.

Tamara, made aware of her disliking towards her least favourite person of late—which by all standards was completely normal to her—was prepared to stay clear of him. Even going an additional mile by not saying a word to him when they sat barely a fingers length away in biology.

And for a few weeks, delight had never filled Tamara more than it had in a short period. A dramatic response, one that should in no way fill her entire being, but, on every extreme aspect, did. Edward made zero advances to make amends with her again, her first week in Forks only proof that his intentions weren't by his own accord and if not that, far from genuine.

Despite what everyone seemed to presume—everyone being one Bella Swan—it wasn't loathing that riled her emotions when they shared a glance in class or in the cafeteria. Rather, the unexplainable misunderstanding—that was more than clearly apparent—that separated them. Mainly on his part. She didn't enjoy not knowing. And that included his miraculous ability of inhuman strength, which she seemed to share with him, that saved her on her first day. It only meant that at some point, she would be curious to ask, which ultimately lead to understanding then—whatever the tug was in her chest. The more definite term: caring.

And after Vancouver, it was something she could not do—not again. No matter how hard it was proving to be.

So, that left the primary, default competitor: cruelty.

She resorted to harsh glares instead of blank stares, vulgar gestures instead of singular expressions. A pompous and egocentric display of her character, but one that seemed to do its job well. Presumably so, at least. Although, Tamara was sure she was drawing unnecessary attention to herself. Fortunately, it wasn't something that bothered her.

Tamara never knew what Edward was thinking, and he seemed determined never to let her know. A blank expression covered his own icy features, or an unamused smirk decorated his delicate lips. And despite the cliched expression, eyes are windows to the soul, she saw nothing in Edwards darkened, sometimes golden, eyes. Or he was letting her see what he wanted her to. A mask of his own making that very much resembled her own. He was in control of whatever narrative he wanted to display, and Tamara was becoming aware of the fact. An unnerving deception she secretly applauded him for. And while he hid what he felt, quite well might she add, she did the same. Better, even. It wasn't easy conveying falsified emotions and yet she managed to excel spectacularly. Thus, never failing to showcase her feigned hatred for a boy she didn't even know. If only to keep him away from her; the magnet that attracted only the worst luck.

Weeks of back and forth, and not a single ounce of communication, complete avoidance could have easily and soundlessly continued for millennia if Tamara and Edward had that sort of time. And yet, forces unknown to Tamara alone, bonded them together.

"No," A single word, firm and steady with an unwavering and uncaring indication of the authority sitting in front of her. "I refuse to let him tutor me."

A baffled contortion of emotion twisted behind Mr. Molinas glasses. And while she was sure the preppy Biology lecturer noticed her harsh expression; he was by far shocked by the tone she had noticeably spoken to him with. Blatant, knowing, disrespect for him. But just as quick, the emotion drained from his face, an almost understanding expression taking over. Though, not to the situation she thought he understood. "While I may not care for that tone, I was warned of your precise response."