the fire under the ice | j.hale

4 | obsession

Reasoning with Rosalie proved futile. She insisted on driving her Porsche to school, disregarding the attention we were already attracting. Her mood had soured since Alice revealed that Edward had disclosed our secret to Bella. Alice and I considered taking one of our vehicles, but like Edward and Rosalie, we only owned luxury cars. This meant students would notice not just two, but three high-end vehicles. Ultimately, the four of us squeezed into the Porsche, while Edward left to collect Bella.

Throughout the journey, my thoughts were consumed by Tess. She had occupied my mind all night. Alice's words echoed in my head—she had foreseen a rift in our family, a separation. She had envisioned Tess alongside us. I couldn't fathom why. Tess had piqued my interest, certainly, but nothing more. I found her exceptionally attractive for a human, and her blood had captured my attention in an unusual way. But to integrate her into our circle? Besides, the family's potential fracture might have nothing to do with Tess at all.

The truth is, I was terrified. The prospect of our family falling apart frightened me more than anything I'd ever faced. Though I wasn't much younger than Esme and Carlisle, they were true parents to me. Alice was the best sister I could ask for, and Emmett the best brother. Even Rosalie and Edward, despite our differences, held a special place in my heart. Hell, even Edward and Rosalie loved each other deep down. The notion that Tess could wield enough power to shatter such profound love and respect seemed absurd. Yet why did this fear grip me so tightly? It felt as if my mind was blocking something I already knew on some level.

Emmett chuckled at the students' wide-eyed stares as we pulled into the parking lot. I simply ignored them, stepping out of the car. As I closed the door, Tess walked past us. She glanced briefly at Rosalie before looking straight ahead again, wearing a small, enigmatic smile I couldn't decipher.

I had no time to ponder this when Mike Newton called out to Tess and rushed towards her. His emotions were transparent—his desire and interest in her hadn't waned a bit, but I sensed a surge of hope that irked me. Annoyed, I observed their interaction, slowing my pace to eavesdrop. My body tensed as I heard him offer her a ride to school. Alice had mentioned Tess lived alone, and I was curious about her commute—who dropped her off and picked her up? I hadn't realized I'd been holding my breath until Tess declined Mike's offer. Meeting her beautiful almond-shaped eyes, I relaxed slightly. I'd been so captivated by their color and depth that I hadn't even noticed their shape before.

I couldn't tell if it was her striking eyes or her irritation with Mike that lifted my spirits. With a lighter mood, I headed to class. The lessons dragged on more than usual. Sharing most of them with Rosalie and Emmett kept me from utter boredom. Together, we made our way to the cafeteria. Rosalie's growl at Bella's presence was audible.

"And to think she's coming to our house on Saturday."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Edward had decided to bring Bella to meet Esme and Carlisle properly. Though she'd seen Carlisle briefly as a doctor, this would be different. Alice and Esme couldn't contain their excitement about Saturday. Alice had already broken Edward's request by speaking to Bella—they'd quickly become friends—and was eager to have her over. Esme, too, was impatient to meet the girl who'd captured her son's heart. I knew Esme loved us all deeply, but she'd always had a special fondness for Edward.

As soon as we sat down, Edward's irritation was palpable. Even without my gift, I would have known—it was written clearly on his face. Alice explained the brief exchange between Edward and Tess that morning. He was still annoyed that he couldn't read her thoughts, and apparently, she had stared at him boldly. Emmett burst out laughing.

"Is that what's bothering you so much? That she didn't lower her eyes before you?" he asked, amused.

"She's nobody. She has no right to look at me like that."