A self-insert/original character story. Inserting Chloe Dawn McCall into the role of Bella Swan. She is driven to avoid the chaos that is a constant though the Twilight Saga.
Arriving before the before the first bell I saw there were already students gathered for the field trip to the community college greenhouse. Mr. Molina stood in front letting everyone know, "Make sure I get your permission slips."
The skid marks from the accident stand out and I frown huddling into my coat thinking back to the accident. Edward was so close. Edward, Alice, and Jasper arrive for the trip. "Look!" I jump and yelp at his sudden appearance. "You're moving. You're ALIVE!"
I lean away from Mike and respond faintly trying to slow my heart rate and not allow my breathing to speed up dangerously. "Yeah, false alarm."
"Actually, I'm glad you're not dead cause- well, that would suck plus I wanted to ask you - even though it's like, a month away..." Instead of listening to Mike I watch Edward speaking with his family. Edward gives away his hearing ability or maybe he is reading Mike's mind as he looks up. I shudder at the thought of whatever Edward hears from Mike. At that moment I realize I have to look back to Mike. "So what do you think?" I don't want to turn him down harshly so I consider the best method. "You want to go? To prom. With me."
"I forgot, yeah." The pause makes my brain jump into recovery mode. "Prom. No." My sentence so broken up I taken a deep breath to tell Mike I wouldn't be going to prom. "I have to go somewhere. To Jacksonville. Very important."
"You can't go another weekend?" His pleading makes me wince wishing he could just accept that I wouldn't go to prom.
"It's really important. Non-refundable ticket. Maybe you should ask Jessica. She is really sweet even when she's a bit much." Mike looks where I'm looking to Jessica across the way. She smiles to us and Edward moves in past Jessica with a smirk.
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Mr. Molina and a Tour Guide lead many of us through the greenhouse. I feel like a stalker as I watch Edward with Alice and Jasper. Mr. Molina is busy showing the class how the compost machine works. "C'mon, Eric, stuff that compost down deep... that's it.." The machine makes some noises as it moves. "Now Tyler, take a big steaming cup of 'compost tea.' This is recycling at its most basic level- hey, don't drink that!"
Edward stops right where I'm about to pass. Seems intentional, maybe Alice planned this. I walk up to Edward ready for his mix of emotions. "Hello, Edward." Edward just looks over and nods. His hands clench into fists and relax a few times. No response? "Really? What a gentleman." Still he doesn't respond so I turn and start walking. I need to stop letting him get to me.
"What's in Jacksonville?" I really don't feel like turning but can't fight this push to turn around. I shake my head at him in disbelief. "You didn't answer my question."
"Remind me, when did you answer mine? You haven't even returned my greeting."
"Hello."
"And how did you stop that van?"
"Adrenaline rush. Very common. Google it."
"A good beach. That's what's in Jacksonville." I attempt to storm off but almost fall.
Edward helps me center myself and looks upset. "It helps if you actually watch where you put your feet." I scoff and keep moving away from him. "I know I've been rude, but it's for the best."
"Do you really think I care?" I'm angry at myself for caring.
"Guess who just asked me to prom!"
"That's great, Jess."
"I totally thought Mike was going to ask you, Bella. Is it gonna be weird?"
"Not at all. Zero weirdness. You guys are great together."
"I know, right?" Jessica has a giddy spring as she goes to talk to Angela.
Outside the greenhouse is the compost 'worm box.' I walk in the other direction to avoid a worm to the face. "Bella, it would be better if we weren't friends."
"That's fine with me." My anger makes my jaw set. "You could have let the van crush me and saved yourself all this regret."
Edward's anger is higher than I've seen it ever before. "You think I regret saving you?"
My voice starts rising in response. "I know you do."
"You don't know anything."
"I know more than you could imagine." Alice appears at Edward's side and looks at me.
"The bus is leaving." She motions to me. "Hi. Will you be riding with us?"
"No. Our bus is full"
As he said this I told her, "No, I'd rather be where I'm wanted." I make sure I'm the first to walk away. Another day with Edward Antony Masen Cullen.
