When I First... [E.C.]

Lacking Subtlety

Junior Year

11

When I first felt confused by Edward, it was a week post Bella Swan almost being crushed by Tyler's van. As the week progressed, his features grew darker and darker with confusion and concentration. He rarely spoke to me and when I asked Alice about it, she would immediately change the subject to the weather or a dress she found that would look good on me. I was suspicious but I let her ramble. If she wanted to tell me something, she would. That was Alice.

Bella was a new edition to the school, moving from Arizona to live with her father. She sat at my lunch table and even stroke up a conversation or two. I found her intriguing but at the same time confusing as she was quiet. I could not figure her out no matter how hard I tried.

Edward and I had a history project that would never have been touched by our third partner so we took it upon ourselves to do the research and finish it. We sat in the same coffee shop, done in an hour and a half. I sipped on my lukewarm coffee, no longer feeling the effects of the caffeine.

I looked over and asked, "What's wrong?"

His eyes snapped over to mine and he forced a smile onto his lips that did not match those brooding eyes. "What do you mean? I'm fine."

I snorted, looking down at the uneven heart I was drawing in my notebook. "Something's wrong, Edward. If you told me, I could help you."

He shrugged, leaning back. "I would much prefer not to speak about it."

I colored in the heart with my pencil. "So we're keeping things from one another now? Yeesh," I muttered.

He shook his head. "There's no way to help my situation, I'm afraid."

I laughed, finding this humorous. "If you want to ask her out, just do it. Bella's nice." I felt something tug inside of me. Jealousy, maybe?

At the sound of her name, he went rigid in his seat. I grew still, looking up to meet his eyes. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "That's not it, Alison."

I smirked, leaning back and letting go of my pencil. I crossed my arms over my chest and shook my head. "You're not subtle. Although, neither is Bella."

"Just let it go," he said roughly. I flinched from the dangerous tone. My eyes went wide and I feared this anger, this wrath being emitted from him. I hated this side of Edward the moment it was revealed to me. Upon seeing my reaction, his features softened and I knew he was sorry. "I apologize, that was rude of me."

I shrugged, putting my books into my backpack and standing up. "I should get going. My mom wants to watch West Side Story with me again for some sort of bonding thing." I averted my eyes from his and rushed out the door without so much as a goodbye.

When I reached my car, I felt a chilling hand on my arm and I turned to meet Edward's sorrowful gaze. "Alison, do forgive me. I didn't mean to scare you."

I sighed, adjusting the strap to my backpack on my shoulder again. "It's fine, Edward. Go take a nap, you'll feel better in a few hours."

He chuckled with a hidden smile. "That's a good idea. I'll speak with you tomorrow?"

I nodded, unlocking my car. "Of course."

He didn't speak to me the next day or the day after. I didn't ask and he didn't explain. There was something beginning to bloom between Edward and Bella but no one had a clue as to what would ensue.