A/N: Though following a set up by the Linkin Park Hybrid Theory cd, this is NOT a song fic. Quotes from the song will be used as an introduction to the chapter, but the chapters are not strictly limited to the song lyrics. My friend Fiona gave me the idea- and the book- so I hope you like it.

Disclaimer: S. Meyer owns all these characters. I'm not cool enough to think them up. She was even cool enough to put two Linkin Park songs on the play list she made for Twilight (hence how I got the idea to use the CD). Linkin Park owns the story and chapter titles... and the lyrics before each chapter.

1. PAPERCUT

It's like I'm paranoid lookin' over my back

It's like a whirlwind inside of my head

It's like I can't stop what I'm hearing within

It's like the face inside is right beneath my skin

The sun goes down

I feel the light betray me

I could see myself staring back at me, except I was years younger. I was twelve actually. There was California sun all about me as my mother tousled my hair, laughing lightly in relief. "Bella? Bella?"

Then the screen turned blue and I realized it wasn't just a silly memory; it was a tape, a family movie. I turned slowly and he walked toward me, quite close.

"Sorry about that, Bella, but isn't it better that your mother didn't really have to be involved in all this?"

I couldn't help myself- I tried to run. It didn't work. He walked toward me slowly. No, no, no. He was over me, his foot stepping down hard my leg. I heard a sickening snap before I felt it. And then something smashed into my face, throwing me back into the mirrors. I could see, through the long tunnels my eyes had become, his dark shape coming toward me... with my last effort, my hand instinctively raised to protect my face...

"Bella? Bella!"

My eyes opened wide and I shot straight upward. My heart had to beating faster than normal, even normal for me. A cool protective shell wrapped around me suddenly as I tried to settle my breathing as well. I didn't question the cold or how it was in the shape of a human. I knew it was Edward without even having to look at him.

Without thinking, I moved to wrap my arms around Edward's neck, breathing hard into his neck. I wasn't going to cry. It had been months since my almost death and I wasn't going to let him- James, the hunter, the one who tried to kill me, drink me- get to me. Edward pulled me into his lap protectively.

He hadn't left my side since the attack. Just like he promised.

"You were having the dream again." His perfect, velvet voice soothing me. I nodded though it wasn't necessary. I didn't even have to tell him about the dreams. As he sat in the rocking chair every night, he heard my sleep induced mummers.

"Don't leave," I commanded breathlessly. His grip around me became tighter; I could feel his lips in my hair subtly.

"I wasn't planning on it," he stated. I took a few more deep breaths and unburied my face. As tough as I tried to seem, that dream was still haunting me. If Edward had been any other boy I probably would have never told him about my nightmares.

My eyes glanced to his, a darker honey brown than normal. It was time for his hiking trip soon, most likely this weekend. It stung my heart so badly I had to look away. Luckily the digital clock on my bedside table made the glance away less obvious and readable.

It was five am. Early enough to get ready for school, but I knew then I would have to speak to Charlie. Of course things were better. I had even gone fishing with him once over the summer, but he was still quieter than usual. I knew it was because of what I said so many months ago.

Summer had passed. Even in Forks it stayed cloudy if not misting. It made those few days Edward and I could sneak off to his little meadow something to cherish. And now I sound like a sap.

"I should get ready for school," I noted and there was a soft laugh to Edward's voice. He knew the time without having to look- and he knew I hated having to get up any earlier than I had to.

"What? I'm excited for school," I lied to him. His smirk grew; he didn't buy it and neither could I. Senior year. Help me please.

"Mmm, yes, maybe you should call Jessica and suggest matching outfits even," he laughed at me. I glared at him. He was so stuck up sometimes. Lucky for him, I still loved him.

"The only person I match with is you," I grinned and untangled myself from his arms. He leaned back on my bed watching me busy myself with my clothing. It was too dark to see the weather today yet, but as I looked out the window the leaves on the tree outside shifted, causing a shiver to run up my back.

I realized then that I was cold not just from Edward's body, but the thin layer of sweat that had accumulated during my sleep. Pressing my eyes closed I could just see his face in the mirror, the dark gleam of his teeth, no longer able to resist. Yet another shiver shout down my back and I reached for the hem of my shirt ready to get rid of the damp garment.

Suddenly there were cold hands firmly atop of mine. "Don't."

"I-" I started to explain myself, but I couldn't remember. I wasn't thinking. It had been three? Four months since he first kissed me? I wasn't sure, but since then I never had revealed any skin to him besides my kaki skirt. It was probably for the best; I still got lightheaded and my heart would still race when he leaned in to kiss me.

However, I bit my lip worriedly. Ever since... since the attack... he had been a bit more protective of me with him. Of course there were times he held me, let me touch him, just as I had after my nightmare, but I had begun to notice he no longer touched me as intimately. Nothing like in the meadow the first time I saw him in the sun.

"Bella, don't worry, I love you," came like silk from his lips, making a lopsided smile appear on my face. "It's just safer for you to change in the bathroom," I sighed. Always safer. I was getting being just safe with him. Truthfully, my hormones were out of control, but I didn't let him know that. His ego didn't need to be inflated by my reminding him of how beautiful he was.

"If Charlie came in, I'd be too entranced by your skin," his cool lips were on my neck, his hands still on my hips, "to leave." He caught me there. A soft shiver ran down my back. I could feel his smirk on my skin causing my cheeks to rise in color.

"Okay," I nodded and he released me from his embrace. My body felt heavier and I just noticed he had been holding me off the ground just so slightly. I grabbed a shirt and jeans from my dresser, but when I turned around I noticed Edward was gone.

This was how it had been for the past few months of summer. Edward would spend the night and leave once I was awake, then when it was of decent time he would show up on my doorstep knocking. Sometimes he was accompanied with his brothers or sisters- usually only Alice- and we would go out for a day of something that I never thought possible.

I dressed in my room, a black V-neck sweater with a white tank top underneath to reduce cleavage and a pair of dark jeans, before going to the bathroom to fix my hair, brush my teeth, and all those human things Edward usually chuckled about. He may tell me I'm beautiful, but I'm pretty sure everyone else will mind if my hair looks like a haystack or not.

As I walked down the stairs slowly, I could hear Charlie in the kitchen. I wanted to escape him this morning, but it didn't look that way as the stair squeak with my arrival.

"Bella, you're up!" he smiled walking to me with his arms open in a hug. I had to try and not back away from this unusual greeting. "I was trying to get breakfast together for you, maybe surprise you in bed," he pouted and it made my heart soften for him like always.

"Really Dad, I'd be late if you did that," I bit my lip. Breakfast in bed? That never happened.

"You could have been a little late," he smiled. I looked at him suspiciously. That never happened either. "It is your birthday you know."

There was a sudden knock on the door. I cringed. He heard. I could almost hear his smirk from behind the door as Charlie went to go answer it. I grabbed my bag and raincoat, racing to the front door before Charlie had a chance to invite Edward inside.

"Bye Dad, I'll see you tonight for dinner," I rushed out the door and to the car before my dad could answer. I could hear Edward chuckle as I fumbled with the door handle trying to get the silver Volvo open.

"So its you're birthday today?" Edward grinned as he sidestepped me and opened the door flawlessly. His perfection may be beautiful, but it was moments like this it was annoying. I didn't answer, but my huff of annoyance as I scrambled into his car was enough.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked as he started the car. I blinked and looked out the window quickly. I don't think I'll ever get used to his speed- walking, running, or driving wise. I blinked again and we were speeding away. I rushed to put on my seatbelt.

"I did, remember, during one of those rounds of twenty questions," I lied again. He had asked when my birthday was, and I distracted him. I knew I wouldn't get away with this lie. He had an amazing memory. It wasn't good for my immediate health some days. Especially when he remembered the exact spot on my neck that caused my knees to lock and myself to fall forward when his cold lips pressed upon it.

"No, I believe you conveniently didn't answer that one," he growled, his eyes glaring at me from across the seat. It was moments like these I didn't understand why I wasn't in a mental institution. I knew for a fact my boyfriend was a vampire and when he looked at me I should be scared he was about to kill me, but no, I was scared he was upset by my lie... and that would cause him to run us into a tree.

"Oops," I shrugged like it was no big deal. I hadn't told anyone actually. If you were me, you'd know why.

"Bella..." he growled again and I gave an over dramatic sigh.

"Okay, yes I didn't tell you, but I have my reasons. I don't like my birthday." I crossed my arms as if the subject was closed for further discussion. However, the gleam in his honey brown eyes told me it wasn't. I got him interested. Damn.

"Why's that?"

"What's today Edward?" I sighed looking out the window. It was raining. I suddenly wondered why we never hydroplaned like those driving school classes had all warned me about.

"September thirteenth," he grinned, "your birthday." I cringed.

"No, the day as in day of the week," I helped sort him out, still refusing to look over him. I could feel his smirk.

"Are you telling me that you aren't scared to be alone in a room of vampires, but you're afraid of some silly superstition about the conjoining of Friday's and the number thirteen?" he asked. His lips were right by my ear I could smell his voice. It was soft and heavenly. If I hadn't been sitting at the moment I would probably have been in the next few seconds.

My cheeks burned a raw red and I felt his cold nose against my blushing skin. "Edward- watch the! - Oh," I stopped looking up. We were already in his usual parking spot. I told you I would never get used to his speed. He chuckled, not moving as I sunk into my seat. I felt my heart beat increase rapidly and the smirk on his lips told me he heard it as well.

I blushed as some kids walked by, ones I knew- then again, I knew everyone at this school. However, these kids I really did know. There was a soft 'aww' and a whistle causing me to quickly unbuckle my seatbelt and scramble out of the car, almost denting my neighbor's car with the door.

"Staying out of trouble?" Mike smiled as I straightened myself out. He still wasn't fond of Edward, but his unsoundness had turned from Edward being his enemy to Mike acting like my big brother. This was, of course, because Mike's girlfriend Jessica finally taking up his heart.

Edward's arm laced around my waist. "Less trouble then you and Jessica get in," he smiled slyly and gave me a little push to start walking forward. I couldn't help blushing for them, and then giving Edward a nice little elbow to his near marble stomach.

"That's not very fair you know!" I hissed at him. He knew exactly what I meant too; his little listening skills.

"It was completely fair," he shot back smiling. I had never seen him smile this much in school before, but I was informed this was the first school in a few hundred years Edward began happily. Esme was also kind enough to explain it was because of me. I've begun to realize the entire Cullen family enjoyed watching me blush.

"Well it wasn't nice at least," I sniffed. Jessica and Mike were walking behind us. They said their goodbyes and Jessica was waiting for me so we could go into Pre-calc together.

"Of course it was nice. Do you want to see something not nice?" he grinned. I glared at him, daring him to even say it.

"I'll see you after class love, happy birthday," he said, just loud enough for Jessica to hear. I glared at Edward as he kissed my cheek before leaving. As soon as he was out of earshot- or what Jessica though far enough- she squealed.

"It's your birthday? Why didn't you tell me!"

I groaned. If he weren't invincible I would so kill him for that.

The entire morning the news of my birthday spread, and by lunch, just about the entire school knew it was my birthday. No one seemed to notice it was Friday the thirteenth though. Well, everyone but the Cullen family who were inconspicuously more alert than normal.

"Happy Birthday," Alice grinned at me as I sat down. I sent an angry glare at Edward who pretended not to notice. I was the only person to ever sit at the Cullen table who was not part of the immediate family. I was also the only human to have ever sat there, but I was sure only the six of us knew that.

"What are you planning to do to celebrate?" Jasper asked with a crooked smile. I sensed they were doing Edward's dirty work for him as I took a loud, sickening crunch from a red apple.

"I'm staying home," I spoke towards Edward. A barely noticeable smile laced on his lips though to anyone else it would look as if he was speaking in a whisper to Emmett. To my horror, I swear I heard the word 'party.'

I really would find a way to kill him if he threw me a party. I don't think I threw a birthday party since I was eight and it was a princess theme. When girls started growing and maturing, I seemed to have lost even my closet friends. Those made parties just seem awkward and uninviting. I wasn't going to plan a party now, even if I did have friends.

"It's not me, its Jessica," Edward nodded towards Jessica who sat behind me. When I turned she stopped abruptly talking, making me fume. Edward grinned, "A surprise one at that."

"I don't want to go, give me an excuse not to," I pleaded with him. My unwillingness to go to my own birthday party caused him to get one of those half-smile grins that forewarned me of a day of his questions and my answers. I intrigued him and interested him once again.

"Jasper and I are going hiking," he bit his lip and I noticed for the second time today his eyes were turning darker. It reminded me not to anger him. My eyes drifted towards Jasper and I shivered. It reminded me to never get anger him as well.

"Even if you were in town, that wouldn't be an excuse not to go," I reminded Edward dryly causing his marble face to crack with laughter. I rolled my eyes.

"Just remember to not accept any slumber party invitations for this Saturday," he grinned back at me, nudging his plate of food towards me. In the avoidance of my birthday woes, I had forgotten to eat and the bell was rather close to ringing.

"Oh yes, because I want everyone to hear my sleep talking," I noted sarcastically, stuffing food into my mouth.

"Only me," his smile was beautiful, soft like an angel, causing him to glow even. He was doing it again, the dazzling. I blushed a bright red and heard a soft giggle from my side where Alice sat, but when I turned she was gone. They were all gone, besides Edward.

"Yes, but you never asked for permission to begin with," I chortled back, picking up my try and in seconds his arms around me, him carrying the tray, and disposing it before walking me off to my next class.

He laughed as we entered Chemistry together, his lips slipping down to my ear, letting me in on his inside joke. "Jessica's jealous that Mike doesn't carry her books for her."

I looked down and noticed he had slipped my books into my hands without me noticing. It wasn't hard; I was too wrapped up in walking without collapsing from his touch. I threw him a glance and snatched my books from him, playfully hitting him with them. "Stop being so perfect. It makes us normal clumsy people feel inadequate," I laughed.

"Normal clumsy people? That wouldn't happen to include you would it?" he teased right back.

"Actually no, it wouldn't because according to you I'm beautiful," I blushed even though I was the one saying it.

"Beautiful only begins it." He made me blush harder and himself chuckle.

"And, since I got my cast off, I've barely fallen." I reminded him. He smirked, a honey brown hinting at his eyes.

"Only in the forest," he grinned as the teacher walked in front of the class.

"I blame the green," I muttered. From my side, I could hear a soft chuckle that I was sure no one else could.