A/N:This is my first fanfic so I'm not sure how I did lol. Bella and Edward WILL get together, but it'll be a long ride. Please review!
Disclaimer for this and all chapters: The characters belong to Stephenie Meyer, I just wanted to borrow them. Please don't copy my story either.
We pulled into the school lot like any other day. Jasper's going on and on about girl he met the last week. Allie, Alison? Something like that.
"She's really cute. Not cute as in a puppy though. I think I'm going to take her out again..." He babbled on and on. Jasper's a year older than me, a senior. He doesn't usually talk this much. I just sighed as he spoke continuously without a breath, not giving me time to give my input.
We both got out of the car and proceeded to one of the most boring and insipid schools in America: Forks High School. It was pouring buckets outside. The parking lot consisted of wave of students swarming to make way under the cover of the school roof. I put the hood of my raincoat up, but I was already soaked. Ah well, I'll dry off.
Not only was the school stupid, but the girls in it were even more stupid. Yesterday was the last day of christmas break, so what better way to end the vacation than hooking up with a girl? Anyway, I slept with Lauren...uh Lauren...something. She was okay, but by no means the best. Just another notch on the head-board. She has platinum blonde hair, weird freckles, and her voice was so nasal I'm surprised they made it legal for her to talk. She has a decent body though, so why not?
Jasper interrupted my thoughts though, "Hey bro look who's coming our way."
I turn to where he's looking and see the blonde bimbo I did last night walking right to us with the biggest freaking grin on her face. We were already in the school, so she was making her way through the small crowd. Great. What the hell does she want?
"Hey Edward. Last night was fun." She did a stupid little giggle that I knew for sure wasn't genuine. "So I was wondering if you wanted to hang out tonight? Maybe catch a movie or grab some dinner or..." She continues rambling on like I was actually listening. I stopped her before her nasal words could do any damage to my hearing.
"Look, uh, Lauren, I think you're under a misunderstanding. We, under no circumstances, are together." I made it short and sweet. I lightly squeezed her shoulders and walked away before she could react.
I didn't even realize that Jasper was nowhere in sight for a couple of seconds. Honestly, how oblivious could that girl be? She knew who I was: Edward Cullen, the hottest, most respected, praised upon, player in history. Did she really expect something special?
I hate it, and I love it. I hate how they all think they can change me. Like they will be the one to make Edward Cullen see the light. Last time I checked, I wasn't in the dark. I love it because of the name it gives me. I built a reputation, and an empire with it.
Another girl caught my eye as I walked into my homeroom. I winked at her, causing a fit of giggles to erupt from her throat before she turned around from embarrassment.
It would have been convenient to know her name, but I'm sure I can get to her any less.
Liam walked in soon after and took the seat next to me. They needed to make these desks bigger, they were tiny.
He grinned and ran his hand through his dirty blond hair. He held his fist out, to which I automatically pounded back.
"So what was Lauren? Number 92, 93?" He joked. Liam was perfect. Friendly and obnoxious when necessary, but he can also take part in a serious conversation.
I rolled my eyes at him. "You know I don't keep count."
We started talking about last night's football game: Cougars vs. Ravens.
"So I think Principal Maze found out about your mass text about Swan. Word is she's gonna call you down by the end of the day"
Once again, I rolled my eyes. They had absolutely no proof that was me. But then again, who else would send a picture of Swan on her ass at the grocery store? It was hilarious, I couldn't exactly keep it to myself could I? She literally just fell out of nowhere and landed right on her bum. I happened to be in the right place at the right time, and was smart enough to take a picture.
"I suppose they think it was me. Shocker." I couldn't help laughing while I said that.
The teacher gave us a glare, because we were somewhat disturbing his attendance taking, but we continued anyway.
"Well, obviously. Who else would it be?" Liam stated in a slightly lower voice, "Like who else would fill Mrs. Jenning's car top to bottom rocks? Or pull the fire alarm during a down pour? Or lock a teacher in on herself in the teacher's lounge? My friend, you are not the best at secrecy." Liam finished with a smirk as I reached to punch his shoulder, which he effectively blocked.
The bell rang then and we all got up to go to our first period class. I grinned to myself as I made my way to Civics. Half of the girls were turning to gawk at me. I acknowledged a few of them. One even came up to me and complimented my shirt. I looked down to see what I was wearing: a dark green t-shirt and jeans. Not amazing by itself, but it was pretty amazing when put on me.
Seriously, who wouldn't want to be me? I have rock hard abs, amazing hair, and a reputation to be proud of. Girls practically drooled, scratch that they did drool over me, and guys were jealous as fuck. Everyone except Swan fit into those categories, but she didn't count so it doesn't matter.
I walked into Civics about a minute or two late. It's not my fault the school was retarded and gave me two classes on the polar opposite ends of the building, and I wasn't about to rush through the hallways to be here on time.
"Nice of you to join us Mr. Cullen," recited Mr. Grole. He was such a weirdo, probably 50 years old, balding hair, glasses, and a black suit so old and faded it looked as it was gray and his granddad's.
"Sorry Mr. G, I had to save cat from a tree."
"Very funny, Edward. Hand in your paper and take a seat." We always have a paper due in this class. I gave up on writing them myself after the first one. Chelsea wrote this last one for me. Explain the importance of judicial independence.
I scanned the room for an empty seat. I smiled when I saw that the only vacant chair was next to Swan. This should be fun.
I sauntered over to the desk and sat down, not bothering with subtlety.
She looked over at me for a fleeting second before turning her attention to Mr G's lecture. Honestly, she was such a freak.
She wore blue skinny jeans, a blue t-shirt, black converse, and that was it. I had to admit, she was stunning. Her skin was as pale as possible, but it didn't look bad. Her hair was mahogany brown, and fell halfway down her back. Her eyes were a deep, chocolate-brown. She didn't have much curves, but it was enough. She didn't have the biggest breasts I've seen, but any bigger and they wouldn't be proportionate. Her shirt was a V-neck, and if she bent down I would be able to see her bra.
But other than that, she was pretty boring and annoying. She got straight A's, would have an
aneurysm if told to take a shot of vodka, and has probably only been to the principal's office to receive some useless certificate.
I smirked as I remembered her first day here in the beginning of freshman year...
I was sitting with the guys in the corner of the room. It was first period, the middle the October, ten minutes into class and still no sign of our Geometry teacher. The one day I decide to be on time the damn teacher isn't even here. I turned around from my crowd to talk to this girl Kerry.
"Hey, Kerry. I was wondering if you wanted to come over today after school? My brother, Jasper, will drive us home. Meet me in the parking lot?" I said will a smile. The chances of her saying no are slim to none.
"Oh um sure I mean uh yea, I-I mean yes I mean yes." She stammered like an idiot. I just smiled at her and turned back. Liam, Conner, Tyler, and all the guys went into a raucous of laughter after hearing my exchange.
They didn't think I would be able to juggle two girls in one night. Sure I could. Have Kerry leave by 6, and have what's-her-face over at 7. Simple as that.
We all turned as the door was opened and closed, expecting the Mrs. Cartman to walk in. I was about to make a smart ass remark about how I wasted my time coming to her class on time when she wasn't even here, but it wasn't Mrs. Cartman who came in. Instead, this other gorgeous girl walked in. Huh, I don't recognize her. Must be the new girl.
Sure enough I hear one of the guys whisper "That's the new chick. Isabella Swan. She's pretty hot."
She was extremely pale, but it fit her. She wore jeans and a long sleeve red shirt. Her hair looked like it was left natural, but it was alright. Her hair was a brown that just fit her so well, I couldn't describe it if I wanted to. She didn't wear any makeup as far as I could tell. Maybe a little mascara and blush.
Everyone just stared at her as she made her way to the only empty seat: next to me. She blushed a deep red as she realized no one was going to avert their gazes. I guess it's not prosthetic blush she's wearing. I finally said something to break the ice.
" So you're Isabella?"
"Bella, actually," She basically whispered. Everyone was still pretty much staring.
"Well I'm Edward. How's your -"
The teacher finally decided to show up and interrupted me.
"Settle down. Sorry I'm late. Let's stop harassing...Mrs. Swan isn't it?...Pleasure to meet you."
She glanced at me then and then proceeded to talk by saying "Mr. Cullen, good to actually see you in my class."
"Aww good to know you missed me Mrs. C." I replied just as snarky.
She rolled her eyes and began with the lesson
I turned to Liam and whispered "Ten bucks I can make it three girls, the third Swan."
He glanced at the girl for a minute, then raised an eyebrow and stuck his hand out "You're on, Cullen." I shook his hand and waited impatiently for the class to end.
When the bell rang, everyone sprung up and out of the class. Everyone except the teacher,
Liam, and the new girl. Bella was looking at her schedule before continuing to her next class. She got up and walked out, but I caught up before she could get too far.
"Hey, Bella," She stopped abruptly and turned to look at me. "I thought it would be fun to hang out tonight. I know it might be hard as the new girl, so this would be fun. Just you and me." I stopped talking and waited for her to respond, but she just stared at me.
Was she deaf? No, she answered my question before in the beginning at class. Her eyes narrowed slightly before she decided to answer.
"Um no thanks, I'd rather not." Just like that. She said it and walked away. Ugh bitch. Who says no to someone trying to be nice to a new student? Alright it was for a bet, but still she didn't know that. AND, she said no to ME. Even as the new girl she had to be aware of who was talking to her.
Someone tapped my shoulder, It was Liam. He grinned while I took out a ten and threw it at his face. Idiot's so happy over a bet.
"Oh, don't be like that. Losing your money to me was bound to happen at some point. But damn was she hot. Now I guess it's my turn to have a go." He chattered.
"Go for it. She's really weird, I thought she didn't understand for a second but obviously she's just slow. See ya at lunch." And I walked away. I loved Liam, like a brother. Really I did, but sometimes he just got on my nerves.
The next two periods passed with nothing too interesting. I threw a water balloon at the phys ed. teacher but he was too far to realize who did it. It was funny as hell though.
Fourth period came around so I made my way to spanish. We had assigned seating in this class, so because of my "disciplinary incapabilities ", I was placed in the front and center where Senora Frill could keep an eye on me.
I sat down and seconds later, in walks Swan. She blushed as she made eye contact with me. The class hadn't actually started yet so she wasn't sure where to sit. Swan made her way to the front desk to wait for the teacher and I casually pushed my backpack strap out a bit. Just enough so that when she walked by, her foot got caught and she toppled onto the floor. The entire class searched for the source of the disruptive noise and saw Swan on the floor. Of course, everyone erupted into laughter. She got so red I couldn't help but keep laughing.
She stood up as soon as she could and quickly walked to the front desk, but she ended up pushing my backpack further from my desk.
"Watch where you're walking, you almost ripped my backpack." I got up and grabbed my backpack and sat back down.
If it was even possible, she blushed even more. "Sorry I didn't mean to-" But Frill came in before she could say anything else.
After that, I couldn't resist from teasing Swan. She was just so easy to target. She falls over literally every five minutes, and is just a freak over all. And obviously it's not just me who thinks that because she has no friends. Swan always sits by herself at lunch with a book.
I looked over to her desk and saw Wuthering Heights in the corner. I rolled my eyes. The book was battered as hell, meaning she most likely read it a thousand times. It has to be one of the worst books in history.
I read it for English this year. Usually I would just Spark Notes something and that's that, but this book seemed slightly interesting. Boy was I wrong. The two main characters were both either too self-absorbed and materialistic to actually be together. And they were supposedly one of the best fictional couples, but honestly, I don't think they deserved that title. Neither loved the other enough to do anything about it.
Swan caught me looking at her book, but looked away quickly. I didn't bother averting my stare, what was she gonna do? Tell me to stop staring at her book?
The class ended and I was quite proud of myself, I didn't cause one problem. Before Swan could pack up her stuff I grabbed her Wuthering Heights copy.
I looked at her for a second before chuckling and saying "Honestly, even someone as obtuse as you shouldn't be reading a book as terrible as this. Oh let me guess, it makes you feel better that your life isn't as bad as poor Catherine's? At least she was getting some, and from two guys."
She continued to stare at me, but pursed her lips and took a deep breath before replying. She was blushing too(what a shocker), because the whole class was listening to our encounter.
"Can I just have my book back Edward?" She stared me right in the eye while she said it. He held her hand out, palm up, expectantly.
What always surprised me was her reaction. She never cried when I make fun of her or call attention to her. Sure she blushes and walks out of the room sometimes, but she never actually runs out crying. She either ignores me completely, or looks right at me and says a short comment. So I never felt bad about anything, because she clearly didn't take offense.
"Hmmm lemme think. No. I'm actually trying to help you find better literature. You should be thanking me Swan. Maybe if you're nice, you can get it back later." I grinned as I said the last part.
"Are you serious? Whatever, nevermind keep it." She turned to walk out but not before I screamed "Wait Swan don't trip!"
That comment startled her and effectively made her trip. She fell right on her face at the door. Everyone once again laughed at her clumsiness.
"Jeezus, I warned you not to trip didn't I? Guess nothing you can do about a permanent clutz."
I stepped around her to leave and went on to second period euphoric.
The rest of the day passed without a complaint. Well actually no. I did end up being called to the principal's office. However, since Swan didn't actually ever make a complaint against me, there wasn't really anything to be punished for. I never got punished for the things involving Swan, because she never seemed to care enough to do anything about it, like snitching to a teacher.
Eighth period was marriage and family life. It was the only elective open that I could take. It was fairly easy because most of the grades were tests or projects. Projects were always with a partner, so I never did any of the work. And as for the tests, I have a knack for acing them. It's the reason I'm in all honors classes. I don't do any of the homework, get some girls to write my essays for me, and then the tests are usually simple. I don't exactly get A's, but they are good enough. Truthfully, I could probably get straight A's, but it seemed like such a waste of my time.
Dad always nags me about my grades. I don't understand what his problem is. Sure I get 70's on nearly everything, but they are honors classes.
That response never went well with him. Usually he would end up saying things like "You have so much potential" or "Just exert some more effort and actually do your own work instead of having your little girlfriends do it for you."
I never even have a girlfriend for more than a week, so I don't know what he's talking about. And as for the effort, I didn't see the point of trying. I would just end up like Swan.
I sat down with my arm around Chelsea Watson. She was cute and more than happy to be with me. She just wrote my civics essay, so I had to show some sort of appreciation.
Mrs. Scully called the class to order after the bell rang. She was young, about 30 years old or so. She had red hair a little below her shoulders. She wore a skirt or a dress every single day.
She was one of the only teachers I didn't hate. She didn't bother with me all that much, and just let me keep to myself. I'm passing her class and that's all that matters. I'll admit, sometimes my grades are a bit precarious, but not in here.
I didn't pay attention to the class much until I realized the bell rang. I looked over at Chelsea, about to ask her out, but Mrs. Scully interrupted before I had a chance.
"Edward, Principal Maze wants to see you in her office immediately," she said briskly. She turned back to her desk then to work on whatever teachers work on.
I kissed Chelsea on the cheek, causing yet another girl to giggle, and started to make my way out of the room when I heard Mrs. Scully begin to talk again. Assuming she was referring to me, I turned around and looked at her.
But she ignored me and shifted her gaze to speak to Swan.
"Bella, you too. Principal Maze wants you in the office also."
What?! Swan in the office? How extraordinary. I laughed out loud. The rest of the class was already gone, so it was just the three of us.
Swan looked at me with a glare before trying to walk out of the room. I happened to be in the doorway though, so she couldn't exactly get passed me.
"So what did Mary do to get sent down the big, scary, principal's office?" I said with an eyebrow raised.
"Edward!" Mrs. Scully screamed, but it didn't affect me.
Swan rolled her eyes at me, but didn't say anything. Finally, I just moved out of her way and walked behind her to Maze's office. Huh, I don't even know what this is about. I haven't done anything today. This has to be one of the most well-behaved days for me. I was only late for one class.
Eventually we both walked into Principal Maze's office. It was stuffy. The walls were blue, and a large oak desk sat right in the middle. Maze sat in one of those large, black, comfy chairs you see any principal on tv sit on. There was a large window on the left wall, and she kept the shades halfway down. Even so, it didn't brighten up the room, considering the fact that there was absolutely no sunlight and it was still raining like there was no tomorrow. There were three seats in front of her desks. All three were black and plastic and uncomfortable. The middle chair and the furthest right chair might as well have my name on them.
"Hey, Mrs. Maze. I believe it's been a full six hours since I was last in this very same room."
I sat down on the right chair without an invitation, and then turned the middle one so I could put my feet up. Maze didn't even bother scolding me. A lost cause I suppose.
"Nice to see you too Mr. Cullen. Please, take a seat Miss Swan." Maze said while gesturing to the only chair left for Swan to take. Swan sat down like the obedient freak she is, but didn't say anything besides a quiet "thanks."
"So why are we here? And more importantly, why am I here with her?" I asked Maze with the nicest tone I could manage.
"First of all, you will speak to your elders with respect," so much for my attempt at being polite, "And secondly, you will not refer to a fellow classmate in that manner. Understood? Apologize to Mrs. Swan immediately, Edward," She finished with slightly flushed cheeks.
"Yes, ma'am," I retorted with reluctance. I turned to Swan and said in the most genuine voice I could use, which also sounded incredibly insincere and said, "I am incredibly sorry, Bella, for my indecent reference to you." Then I shifted my gaze back to Maze and asked her if she was happy.
Mrs. Maze ignored me and I thought she would start explaining to both us of why we were here, and why we were here together, but she directed her next statement to me.
"Now, Edward, you were well aware of your civics essay due today, correct?" she didn't wait for a response but just kept talking, "I was informed that an essay was handed in with your name on it, but I was also informed that you did not write the essay yourself. Unofficially, the entire school, including teachers, have been aware of your academic dishonesty with handing in written assignments. Officially, however, you have never been summoned here for that reason because they were just suspicions, and I was not about to waste my time with something and someone so useless. This time however, it is clear that you did not write the essay handed in today with your name on it. It was brought to my attention of your cheating by another student, who asked to remain anonymous and therefore-"
"This is bullshit! What makes you think you can take some other kid's word over-"
"HEY! What did i just say about respecting your elders? As I was saying, therefore, the most logical step would be to expel you. Forks High School has a zero tolerance policy for academic dishonesty. But after I informed your father of the incident, he was able to sway my decision. Instead, I will give you one other chance. This is where you come in Bella because-"
"What do you mean this is where she comes in? What can-"
"Edward, stop interrupting me! It's rude and impolite. Bella, seeing as you are an organized student, capable of prioritizing your life in a more sensible manner than Edward here, you will be accompanying him academically..."
I zoned her out about then. I was fuming. Having Swan tutor me? I wasn't even stupid! I was probably smarter than half the junior class. I looked over and saw that Swan still had the same shocked expression: wide eyes, jaw dropped, and that blush.
"Wait wait wait wait wait wait wait." Swan started, "Mrs. Maze, I'm flattered, but I can not tutor Edward! It will just cause more harm than good. And it's not like he will actually listen to me! I don't even think he's capable of doing-"
"And what's that supposed to mean? You think I'm an idiot Swan? Well you can just shove-"
"Calm down both of you!" Mrs. Maze stood up and slammed her hands down on the desk, startling both of us. Maze smoothed out her long, grey pencil skirt before sitting back down. "Now, where was I? Yes, don't think of it as tutoring, because we all know that if Edward put in the effort he could be at the top of his class. It's more like you will be helping him organize his time and manage his work in an effective and productive manner-"
"So you want her to babysit me?" I asked incredulously. This was ridiculous, I can take care of myself. "Just let me off with a warning. I won't be, uh, academically dishonest anymore," I said the last three words with my fingers as quotation marks. And no way in hell I was gonna stop, I'll just be more careful. Who the hell snitched on me in the first place?
"No, Edward I can not let you off with a warning. This is your last chance. And I know if you don't turn around and I do expel you, your father will be sending you to an all boys reform school..."
She got me there. There was no way in hell I was going to any all boys school, reform or not. It would be miserable. Dad threatened it more than once, but I knew he wouldn't act without an instigator. Especially when Mom would be devastated. At least one of them cared. But expulsion would definitely give him a reason to ship me off.
Swan interrupted Mrs. Maze right on cue. "What about me? Don't I get a say? I don't want to do this. Shouldn't I get a choice? Surely there are more students more willing to do this, more students who could do it better than me."
Who knew Swan could be so verbose?
Mrs. Maze listened to Swan's little rant with a sympathetic smile before responding. "Yes, there are more students more willing to do what I want you to, but not any that would make any progress with him. I don't mean to be so direct, but even among staff is Edward's...social recognition...quite evident. Freshmen and sophomores are too young to understand the lessons in the junior year curriculum, and that leaves juniors themselves and seniors. Out of those remaining groups, no one will be capable of resisting Edward's...bribes, for lack of a better word. I'm sure you understand what I'm saying," she finished with another soft smile.
"Sure, just ignore me and talk about me like I'm not here," I nearly shouted.
And ignore me they did.
"But, still, Mrs. Maze, you aren't requiring me to accept this task are you?"
"No, Bella, I'm not. But I do know that you won't be able to help your guilty conscience when Edward is denied entrance into the school. I know, it's a cruel card to play, but necessary. Honestly, Bella, I think you will be fine. Both of you are making this much more melodramatic than it needs to be."
Swan and I were both speechless. We just stared at Maze. After it was clear we didn't have anything to say back, Mrs. Maze wrapped up this little meeting.
"So, Bella you will be helping Edward with his work about three hours every night. I already informed both of your fathers of this, and both were fine with it. And Edward, your father will be informing me if you try to skip out on this opportunity, and rest assure I won't be too happy. Now I'm not saying you need to be together for exactly three hours every single day, but you get the gist? I suppose you can start tomorrow. Have a good evening, you're free to leave."
What did you think? I know Edward's a complete jackass, and he will be for awhile, but don't worry he'll change, obviously. Please please please review!