Crimson Tears:1

9.

Her name was Lise and, although she looked like a midget, people seemed to like her. She was in the popular crowd and…

I felt an arm grab me.

If this had happened before I joined the Cullens, my reaction would be to grab the arm and flip the perpetrator so hard that the evil doer would break every single bone in his or her body. Since I was so reformed, I managed to control my anger as I turned to glare. Thanks to my reformedness, Edward was left standing.

“Hey! You know not to sneak behind me like that!” I hissed.

He glared down at me coldly (he was still a head taller). “What in the world do you think you’re doing?!” he hissed back.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I replied indignantly.

He gave a wry smile, “I don’t know why you bother lying. You’re a horrible liar. I know what you’ve been planning and it’s not right. We’re supposed to stay inconspicuous.”

I frowned, “I wouldn’t do anything that would give us away, Edward.”

He stared at me thoughtfully, “If you’re sure…I guess I shouldn’t have overreacted. Alice just saw something strange.” I sighed, “What did she see?”

Edward turned away, “It’s nothing. You need to get back to class.” And then he turned and left flippantly. I frowned…why couldn’t we ever have a normal conversation?

I did as he said. Classes went as usual except when I bumped into Aiden in Spanish. I “accidentally” bumped into him, knocking both our books to the ground.

“Oops…oh, hello Aiden.”

He seemed to scowl, “You’re talking to me?”

I nodded, “Yup, guess so.”

I picked up my books while he did the same. “I’m sorry about ignoring you. I was going through…a stage.”

He took my words in, “So, is this “stage” done with, then?”

“Yes. Can we…hang out sometime?”

He looked down, “A few friends and my girlfriend are going out for a movie this Friday. Do you want to join us?”

“Sure!”

His blue eyes met mine, “We’ll pick you up at around 7:00.” I grinned and, although he was particularly strong for a human, he smiled back appreciatively. In two days, Lise would be out of the picture…just two days. As he left, I found myself snickering. The day ended and I left for home in the red convertible. Even though I hadn’t said a word, Rosalie turned to me in the backseat for a second smiling knowingly as if to say, “Glad to know you’re feeling better.” I smiled back happily. We got home and I did my homework in only 3 hours with lots of help (and patience) from Jasper. I think I have a schedule coming on. Ugh. Humans have life so planned out…and now, this life was mine as well. Rosalie and I went to the lake but this time Alice joined us. As we came out, to our shock, we found Emment sitting near the lake. He was obviously enjoying seeing Rosalie all wet. He came into the water and started kissing Rose. Alice turned to me and, taking it as a signal, we both got out and ran home. Alice was fast but hardly any competition to my speed. Alice frowned as we reached home, “Wow.” She gasped, “You’re fast! I think we’re going to have to pit you against Edward sometime.” I laughed, “Finally. Let’s home he offers to be a decent adversary.” Alice pouted, “He’s at Bella’s right now but I’ll remember to tell him about your challenge.” My challenge, eh? Well, I guess I’d like whooping his ass. I liked him more right now and we actually got along these days but I’d love to shake him out of his shell. The rest of the night, after Alice went home, I ran through the forest surrounding our house. I came to this beautiful clearing with small, yellow buttercups that covered the floor like a carpet. It was so relaxing. I lied down there and closed my eyes but (obviously) sleep didn’t come. Only blackness met me behind my lids. I wish I could dream. I wish I could see something instead of this blackness…why? I frowned.

The next day was sunny. Yes, I know. Sunshine in Forks is a rare occurrence but it happened to be bright enough for the Cullen family, and I, to ditch school for the day. “Let’s have a picnic!” Alice offered. The others agreed. “I found a really nice clearing.” I said softly.” Rose smiled. “Great. Let’s go.” Emmett and Jasper mumbled but Edward seemed as if in thought like he usually was. I ran to the Cullen. Rose was far off but Alice kept up with effort. I wasn’t really trying but it still surprised me when I found Edward in the clearing before me. “H-how…” I muttered.

“I’ve been here before…with Bella.”

I shook my head. “I meant, how did you beat me?”

He cocked his head slightly, “You’re not the only fast one in this family.”

I felt something flutter when he mentioned me as part of the family but I shook it off.

“Is that so? Well, I’m sure Alice told you about the race we’re having.”

He nodded, grinning. He pointed to the end of the forest, where the lake met, and said, “Race me to there.” I smirked, “Sucker…on your marks, get set, GO.” We tore through. I ran as fast as I could. I wanted to leave him in the dust. I was going so fast, it felt like my legs had taken flight! Shocked, I realized Edward was only a bit behind me. I frowned and picked up speed. Then, I saw a half-fallen tree a couple of feet ahead. I ran up for a second and slammed into it. Before it fell, I ran across. Edward had to stop dead in his tracks. I snickered and ran the shorter distance to the finish. The log hadn’t stopped him for long. He made it only 5 seconds later. “You…cheated.” He frowned. I shrugged. “Not really. I accidentally bumped into that fallen tree. It was an act of God.” I chuckled. He laughed. I noticed something behind his eyes that I couldn’t pinpoint. “You miss Bella.” I guessed.

“No.”

“Then what’s bothering you?”

He stared into my blue eyes with an odd set of passion.