Twilight 11. COMPLICATIONS

11. COMPLICATIONSE actuallyone take to beed us as we walked together to our lab table. I noticed that he no longer angled the chair to sit as furthermost from me as the desk would completelyow. Instead, he sat quite close be typeface me, our harness almost fulfilling.Mr. Banner backed into the manner then what superb timing the existence had pulling a tall metal frame on wheels that held a heavy- verbal expressioning, popdated TV and VCR. A scene day the lift in the partitioning atmosphere was almost tangible.Mr. Banner shoved the tape into the reluctant VCR and walked to the wall to turn off the lights.And then, as the room went black, I was suddenly hyperaware that Edward was posing less(prenominal) than an inch from me. I was stunned by the unexpectedelectricity that flowed through me, amazed that it was possible to be much aware of him than I already was. A crazy impulse to reach anyplace and touch him, to stroke his perfect face just once in the darkness, nearly overwhelmed me. I crossed my arms tightly across my chest, my hands balling into fists. I was losing my mind.The uncloudeding credits began, lighting the room by a token amount. My look, of their own accord, flickered to him. I smiled sheepishly as I realized his posture was identical to mine, fists seize under his arms, right defeat to the eyeball, peering sideways at me. He grinned back, his eyes somehow managing to smolder, even in the dark. I looked by before I could start hyperventilating. It was absolutely ridiculous that I should feel dizzy.The hour seemed very long. I couldnt concentrate on the movie I didnt even bang what subject it was on. I act unsuccessfully to relax, just now the electric current that seemed to be originating from somewhere in his body neer slackened. Occasionally I would permit myself a quick glance in his direction, however he never seemed to relax, either. The overpowering craving to touch him also refused to fade, and I crushed my fists safely against my ribs until my fingers were aching with the effort.I breathed a sigh of relief when Mr. Banner flicked the lights back on at the end of class, and stretched my arms turn out in front of me, flexing my stiff fingers. Edward chuckled beside me.Well, that was interesting, he murmured. His voice was dark and his eyes were cautious.Umm, was all I was able to respond.Shall we? he asked, rising fluidly.I almost groaned. condemnation for Gym. I stood with machinee, worried my balance might have been affected by the strange new intensity between us.He walked me to my next class in silence and paused at the door I turned to say goodlybye. His face startled me his aspect was torn, almost distressed, and so fiercely ravishing that the ache to touch him flared as strong as before. My goodbye stuck in my throat.He raised his hand, hesitant, conflict raging in his eyes, and then swiftly brushed the length of my malar bone with his fingertips. His skin was as icy as ever, but the trail his fingers left(p) on my skin was alarmingly warm like Id been burned, but didnt feel the pain of it yet.He turned without a word and strode apace away from me.I walked into the gym, lightheaded and wobbly. I drifted to the locker room, changing in a trancelike state, except vaguely aware that there were other people surrounding me. Reality didnt fully set in until I was handed a racket. It wasnt heavy, yet it felt up very unsafe in my hand. I could see a few of the other kids in class eyeing me furtively. Coach Clapp ordered us to pair up into teams.Mercifully, some vestiges of Mikes chivalry still survived he came to stand beside me.Do you want to be a team?Thanks, Mike you dont have to do this, you know. I grimaced apologetically.Dont worry, Ill economise out of your way. He grinned. Sometimes it was so easy to like Mike.It didnt go smoothly. I somehow managed to hit myself in the head with my racket and clip Mikes get up on the same swing. I spent the rest of the hour in the back corner of the court, the racket held safely behind my back. Despite being handicapped by me, Mike was pretty good he won three games out of four singlehandedly. He gave me an unearned high fivewhen the coach last blew the whistle ending class.So, he said as we walked off the court.So what?You and Cullen, huh? he asked, his tone rebellious. My previous feeling of affection disappeared.Thats none of your business, Mike, I warned, internally cursing Jessica straight to the fiery pits of Hades.I dont like it, he muttered anyway.You dont have to, I snapped.He looks at you like like youre something to eat, he continued, ignoring me.I choked back the hysteria that threatened to explode, but a small giggle managed to get out despite my efforts. He glowered at me. I waved and fled to the locker room.I dressed quickly, something stronger than butterflies battering recklessly against the walls of my stomach, my argument with Mike already a distant memory. I was wonde ring if Edward would be waiting, or if I should meet him at his car. What if his family was there? I felt a wave of real terror. Did they know that I knew? Was I supposed to know that they knew that I knew, or not?By the time I walked out of the gym, I had just just almost decided to walk straight piazza without even looking toward the parking lot. except my worries were un needful. Edward was waiting, arguing casually against the side of the gym, his breathtaking face untroubled now. As I walked to his side, I felt a peculiar sense of release.Hi, I breathed, smiling hugely.Hello. His say smile was brilliant. How was Gym?My face fell a tiny spot. Fine, I lied.Really? He was unconvinced. His eyes shifted their focus slightly, looking over my shoulder and narrowing. I glanced behind me to see Mikes back as he walked away.What? I demanded.His eyes slid back to mine, still tight. Newtons getting on my nerves.You werent listening again? I was horror-struck. totally traces of my s udden good humor vanished.Hows your head? he asked innocently.Youre unbelievable I turned, stomping away in the general direction of the parking lot, though I hadnt command out walk at this point.He kept up with me easily.You were the one who mentioned how Id never seen you in Gym it made me curious. He didnt sound repentant, so I ignored him.We walked in silence a furious, embarrassed silence on my part to his car. But I had to stop a few steps away a crowd of people, all boys, were surrounding it.Then I realized they werent surrounding the Volvo, they were actually circled around Rosalies red convertible, unmistakable lust in their eyes. none of them even looked up as Edward slid between them to open his door. I climbed quickly in the passenger side, also unnoticed.Ostentatious, he muttered.What kind of car is that? I asked.An M3.I dont speak Car and Driver.Its a BMW. He trilled his eyes, not looking at me, trying to back out without running over the car enthusiasts.I nodd ed Id heard of that one.Are you still angry? he asked as he carefully maneuvered his way out.Definitely.He sighed. Will you forgive me if I apologize? by chance if you mean it. And if you promise not to do it again, I insisted.His eyes were suddenly shrewd. How about if I mean it, and I agree to let you drive Saturday? he countered my conditions.I considered, and decided it was probably the best offer I would get. Deal, I agreed.Then Im very sorry I upset you. His eyes burned with serious-mindedness for a protracted moment playing havoc with the rhythm of my heart and then turned playful. And Ill be on your doorstep bright and early Saturday morning.Um, it doesnt solve with the Charlie situation if an unexplained Volvo is left in the driveway.His smile was condescending now. I wasnt intending to bring a car.How -He cut me off. Dont worry about it. Ill be there, no car.I let it go. I had a more pressing question.Is it later yet? I asked significantly.He frowned. I supposed it i s later.I kept my expression polite as I waited.He stopped the car. I looked up, surprised of course we were already at Charlies house, parked behind the truck. It was easier to ride with him if I whole looked when it was over. When I looked back at him, he was staring at me, measuring with his eyes.And you still want to know why you cant see me hunt? He seemed solemn, but I thought I saw a trace of humor deep in his eyes.Well, I clarified, I was mostly wondering about your reaction.Did I frighten you? Yes, there was definitely humor there.No, I lied. He didnt buy it.I apologize for scaring you, he persisted with a slight smile, but then all evidence of teasing disappeared. It was just the very thought of you being there while we hunted. His jaw tightened.That would be bad?He spoke from between clenched teeth. Extremely.Because ?He took a deep breath and stared through the windshield at the thick, rolling clouds that seemed to press spate, almost within reach.When we hunt, he spo ke slowly, unwillingly, we give ourselves over to our senses govern less with our minds. Especially our sense of smell. If you were anywhere near me when I lost control that way He shook his head, still gazing morosely at the heavy clouds.I kept my expression firmly under control, expecting the swift flash of his eyes to judge my reaction that soon followed. My face gave nothing away.But our eyes held, and the silence deepened and commuted. Flickers of the electricity Id felt this afternoon began to charge the atmosphere as he gazed unrelentingly into my eyes. It wasnt until my head started to swim that I realized I wasnt breathing. When I drew in a jagged breath, breaking the stillness, he closed his eyes.Bella, I think you should go inside now. His low voice was rough, his eyes on the clouds again.I opened the door, and the arctic draft that burst into the car helped name my head. Afraid I might stumble in my woozy state, I stepped carefully out of the car and shut the door beh ind me without looking back. The whir of the automatic window unrolling made me turn.Oh, Bella? he called after me, his voice more even. He leaned toward the open window with a faint smile on his lips.Yes?Tomorrow its my turn.Your turn to what?He smiled wider, flashing his gleaming teeth. Ask the questions.And then he was gone, the car speeding down the street and disappearing around the corner before I could even collect my thoughts. I smiled as I walked to the house. It was clear he was planning to see me tomorrow, if nothing else.That night Edward starred in my dreams, as usual. However, the climate of my unconsciousness had changed. It thrilled with the same electricity that had charged the afternoon, and I tossed and turned restlessly, waking oftentimes. It was only in the early hours of the morning that I finally sank into an exhausted, dreamless sleep.When I woke I was still tired, but edgy as well. I pulled on my brown turtleneck and the inescapable jeans, sighing as I dayd reamed of spaghetti straps and shorts. Breakfast was the usual, quiet event I expected. Charlie fried eggs for himself I had my gutter of cereal. I wondered if he had forgotten about this Saturday. He answered my unspoken question as he stood up to take his plate to the sink.About this Saturday he began, walking across the kitchen and turning on the faucet.I cringed. Yes, Dad?Are you still set on going to Seattle? he asked.That was the plan. I grimaced, wishing he hadnt brought it up so I wouldnt have to compose careful half-truths.He squeezed some dish soap onto his plate and swirled it around with the brush. And youre certainly you cant make it back in time for the dance?Im not going to the dance, Dad. I glared.Didnt anyone ask you? he asked, trying to hide his concern by focusing on rinsing the plate.I sidestepped the minefield. Its a girls choice.Oh. He frowned as he dried his plate.I sympathized with him. It must be a hard thing, to be a father living in fear that your daught er would meet a boy she liked, but also having to worry if she didnt. How ghastly it would be, I thought, shuddering, if Charlie had even the slightest inkling of exactly what I did like.Charlie left then, with a goodbye wave, and I went upstairs to brush my teeth and gather my books. When I heard the cruiser pull away, I could only wait a few seconds before I had to peek out of my window. The silver car was already there, waiting in Charlies spot on the driveway. I bounded down the stairs and out the front door, wondering how long this bizarre routine would continue. I never wanted it to end.He waited in the car, not appearing to watch as I shut the door behind me without bothering to lock the dead-bolt. I walked to the car, pausing shyly before opening the door and stepping in. He was smiling, relaxed and, as usual, perfect and beautiful to an excruciating degree.Good morning. His voice was silky. How are you today? His eyes roamed over my face, as if his question was something m ore than simple courtesy.Good, thank you. I was always good much more than good when I was near him.His gaze lingered on the circles under my eyes. You look tired.I couldnt sleep, I confessed, automatically swinging my hair around my shoulder to provide some measure of cover.Neither could I, he teased as he started the engine. I was becoming used to the quiet purr. I was sure the roar of my truck would scare me, whenever I got to drive it again.I laughed. I guess thats right. I suppose I slept just a little bit more than you did.Id wager you did.So what did you do last night? I asked.He chuckled. Not a chance. Its my day to ask questions.Oh, thats right. What do you want to know? My forehead creased. I couldnt imagine anything about me that could be in any way interesting to him.Whats your favorite(a) color? he asked, his face grave.I rolled my eyes. It changes from day to day.Whats your favorite color today? He was still solemn.Probably brown. I tended to dress according to my m ood.He snorted, dropping his serious expression. Brown? he asked skeptically.Sure. Brown is warm. I miss brown. Everything thats supposed to be brown tree trunks, rocks, dirt is all covered up with squashy green stuff here, I complained.He seemed fascinated by my little rant. He considered for a moment, staring into my eyes.Youre right, he decided, serious again. Brown is warm. He reached over, swiftly, but somehow still hesitantly, to disinfect my hair back behindmy shoulder.We were at the school by now. He turned back to me as he pulled into a parking space.What music is in your CD player right now? he asked, his face as somber as if hed asked for a murder confession.I realized Id never take away the CD Phil had given me. When I said the name of the band, he smiled crookedly, a peculiar expression in his eyes. He flipped open a compartment under his cars CD player, pulled out one of thirty or so CDs that were jammed into the small space, and handed it to me,Debussy to this? He raised an eyebrow.It was the same CD. I examined the familiar cover art, safekeeping my eyes down.It continued like that for the rest of the day. While he walked me to English, when he met me after Spanish, all through the lunch hour, he questioned me relentlessly about every insignificant detail of my existence. Movies Id liked and hated, the few places Id been and the many places I wanted to go, and books endlessly books.I couldnt remember the last time Id talked so much. More often than not, I felt self-conscious, certain I must be boring him. But the absolute absorption of his face, and his never-ending stream of questions, compelled me to continue. Mostly his questions were easy, only a very few triggering my easy blushes. But when I did flush, it brought on a whole new round of questions.Such as the time he asked my favorite gemstone, and I blurted out topaz before thinking. Hed been flinging questions at me with such speed that I felt like I was taking one of those psychiat ric tests where you answer with the first word that comes to mind. I was sure he would have continued down whatever mental list he was following, except for the blush. My face reddish because, until very recently, my favorite gemstone was garnet. It was impossible, while staring back into his topaz eyes, not to remember the reason for the switch. And, naturally, he wouldnt rest until Id admitted why I was embarrassed. specialize me, he finally commanded after persuasion failed failed only because I kept my eyes safely away from his face.Its the color of your eyes today, I sighed, surrendering, staring down at my hands as I fiddled with a piece of my hair. I suppose if you asked me in two weeks Id say onyx. Id given more information than necessary in my unwilling honesty, and I worried it would provoke the strange anger that flared whenever I slipped and revealed too clearly how obsessed I was.But his pause was very short.What kinds of flowers do you prefer? he fired off.I sighed i n relief, and continued with the psychoanalysis.Biology was a complication again. Edward had continued with his quizzing up until Mr. Banner entered the room, dragging the audiovisual frame again. As the teacher approached the light switch, I noticed Edward slide his chair slightly farther away from mine. It didnt help. As soon as the room was dark, there was the same electric spark, the same restless craving to stretch my hand across the short space and touch his cold skin, as yesterday.I leaned forward on the table, resting my chin on my folded arms, my hidden fingers gripping the tables edge as I fought to ignore the irrational longing that unsettled me. I didnt look at him, afraid that if he was looking at me, it would only make self-control that much harder. I sincerely tried to watch the movie, but at the end of the hour I had no idea what Id just seen. I sighed in relief again when Mr.Banner turned the lights on, finally glancing at Edward he was looking at me, his eyes ambi valent.He rose in silence and then stood still, waiting for me. We walked toward the gym in silence, like yesterday. And, also like yesterday, he touched my face wordlessly this time with the back of his cool hand, stroking once from my temple to my jaw before he turned and walked away.Gym passed quickly as I watched Mikes one-man badminton show. He didnt speak to me today, either in response to my vacant expression or because he was still angry about our squabble yesterday. Somewhere, in a corner of my mind, I felt bad about that. But I couldnt concentrate on him.I hurried to change afterward, ill at ease, knowing the faster I moved, the sooner I would be with Edward. The pressure made me more clumsy than usual, but eventually I made it out the door, feeling the same release when I saw him standing there, a wide smile automatically spreading across my face. He smiled in reaction before launching into more cross-examination.His questions were different now, though, not as easily a nswered. He wanted to know what I missed about home, insisting on descriptions of anything he wasnt familiar with. We sat in front of Charlies house for hours, as the sky darkened and rain plummeted around us in a sudden deluge.I tried to describe impossible things like the scent of creosote bitter, slightly resinous, but still pleasant the high, keening sound of the cicadas in July, the feathery barrenness of the trees, the very size of the sky, extending white-blue from horizon to horizon, barely interrupted by the low mountains covered with purple volcanic rock. The hardest thing to explain was why it was so beautiful to me to justify a beauty that didnt depend on the sparse, spiny vegetation that often looked half dead, a beauty that had more to do with the exposed shape of the land, with the shallow bowls of valleys between the craggy hills, and the way they held on to the sun. I found myself using my hands as I tried to describe it to him.His quiet, probing questions kept m e talking freely, forgetting, in the dim light of the storm, to be embarrassed for monopolizing the conversation. Finally, when I had finished detailing my cluttered room at home, he paused instead of responding with another question.Are you finished? I asked in relief.Not even close but your father will be home soon.Charlie I suddenly recalled his existence, and sighed. I looked out at the rain-darkened sky, but it gave nothing away. How late is it? I wondered out loud as I glanced at the clock. I was surprised by the time Charlie would be driving home now.Its twilight, Edward murmured, looking at the western horizon, obscured as it was with clouds. His voice was thoughtful, as if his mind were somewhere far away. I stared at him as he gazed unseeingly out the windshield.I was still staring when his eyes suddenly shifted back to mine.Its the safest time of day for us, he said, reply the unspoken question in my eyes. The easiest time. But also the saddest, in a way the end of ano ther day, the return of the night. Darkness is so predictable, dont you think? He smiled wistfully.I like the night. Without the dark, wed never see the stars. I frowned. Not that you see them here much.He laughed, and the mood abruptly lightened.Charlie will be here in a few minutes. So, unless you want to tell him that youll be with me Saturday He raised one eyebrow.Thanks, but no thanks. I gathered my books, realizing I was stiff from sitting still so long. So is it my turn tomorrow, then?Certainly not His face was teasingly outraged. I told you I wasnt done, didnt I?What more is there?Youll image out tomorrow. He reached across to open my door for me, and his sudden proximity sent my heart into frenzied palpitations.But his hand froze on the handle.Not good, he muttered.What is it? I was surprised to see that his jaw was clenched, his eyes disturbed.He glanced at me for a brief second. Another complication, he said glumly.He flung the door open in one swift movement, and then m oved, almost cringed, swiftly away from me.The flash of headlights through the rain caught my attention as a dark car pulled up to the curb just a few feet away, facing us.Charlies around the corner, he warned, staring through the downpour at the other vehicle.I hopped out at once, despite my confusion and curiosity. The rain was louder as it glanced off my jacket.I tried to make out the shapes in the front seat of the other car, but it was too dark. I could see Edward illuminated in the glare of the new cars headlights he was still staring ahead, his gaze locked on something or someone I couldnt see. His expression was a strange mix of frustration and defiance.Then he revved the engine, and the tires squealed against the wet pavement. The Volvo was out of sight in seconds.Hey, Bella, called a familiar, husky voice from the drivers side of the little black car.Jacob? I asked, squinting through the rain. Just then, Charlies cruiser swung around the corner, his lights shining on the o ccupants of the car in front of me.Jacob was already come up out, his wide grin visible even through the darkness. In the passenger seat was a much older man, a heavyset man with a memorable face a face that overflowed, the cheeks resting against his shoulders, with creases running through the russet skin like an old leather jacket. And the surprisingly familiar eyes, black eyes that seemed at the same time both too young and too ancient for the broad face they were set in. Jacobs father, Billy Black. I knew him immediately, though in the more than five years since Id seen him last Id managed to forget his name when Charlie had spoken of him my first day here. He was staring at me, scrutinizing my face, so I smiled tentatively at him. His eyes were wide, as if in shock or fear, his nostrils flared. My smile faded.Another complication, Edward had said.Billy still stared at me with intense, anxious eyes. I groaned internally. Had Billy acknowledge Edward so easily? Could he really believe the impossible legends his son had scoffed at?The answer was clear in Billys eyes. Yes. Yes, he could.