the fire under the ice | j.hale

2 | new face

The ride to high school was silent. Stress welled up inside me as we approached. Being so close to humans remained painful, despite it getting easier with time. The thirst and suffering persisted relentlessly. Bella's lingering scent in the Volvo didn't help matters. Edward emitted a low growl, and I felt ashamed, apologizing silently. Trying to distract myself, my gaze fell on Alice's worried expression.

Alice was undoubtedly my favorite—a fact known to all. She had found me when I was alone and lost, even after I'd freed myself from Maria's influence. Our connection was nearly instantaneous. I'd appeared in her first vision as a vampire, and her second foresaw our integration into the Cullen family. Though Alice shared a special bond with Edward due to their respective powers, she and I understood each other best. I didn't need to sense her emotions to know her thoughts, just as she didn't need visions to anticipate my reactions. As always, before I could even ask, Alice spoke up.

"The new girl arrives today."

It took me a moment to realize Alice was referring to the new student—a girl named Tess Lasier.

"What do you see about her?" Emmett asked.

Alice's face contorted into a slight grimace.

"I'm not sure. It's blurry."

I sensed she was withholding something.

"Maybe Edward will fall in love with her too," Emmett teased.

Edward scoffed disdainfully. I sighed inwardly. When it came to Bella, Edward lost all sense of humor. Of course he wouldn't like the new girl—his entire universe revolved around Bella, just as Emmett's centered on Rosalie and Carlisle's on Esme. I sensed their emotions but couldn't fathom them. The power of their love, even their desire at times, remained a mystery to me. Once, I thought I loved Maria—believed she was "the one." But witnessing the love my brothers and father have for their partners made me realize how mistaken I was.

Though not jealous, I sometimes yearn for what they have. Like Alice, I'm content as I am—except at school. Yet something's missing. Alice occasionally laments not finding her soulmate, neither in reality nor in her visions. The same holds true for me. Are we fated to live alone, never knowing love? I can't decide if this prospect reassures or terrifies me.

I tensed as we pulled into the high school parking lot. Taking my customary deep breath, I exited the car. And so the routine begins anew—proof that Monday mornings aren't just a trial for humans.

The classes dragged on, each more tedious than the last. Today's sole novelty was the chatter about the new student. Apparently, she'd made quite an impression: a girl clad entirely in black, oblivious to those around her. The description didn't bode well. I sensed the students' typical excitement over a new "toy," but there was also an undercurrent of intrigue. Not the expected sexual attraction, but something more mysterious. And unlike Bella's arrival, I detected something else: confusion.

If this girl aimed to make a memorable entrance, she'd certainly succeeded. She was clearly causing a stir. Was she aware of it? I decided it wasn't my concern and refocused on the class.

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

The time I both anticipated and dreaded arrived: lunchtime. On one hand, I reunited with my family; on the other, I had to endure the cacophony of the cafeteria. As I entered, I saw my family—Bella included—already seated. They appeared engrossed in a serious discussion, save for Rosalie. Her disinterest likely stemmed from Bella's involvement. Edward's voice snapped me out of my musings.