Today pretty lived up to my non-expectations. Mike kept his mouth shut about my trip to the nurse’s office so that was one less piece of gossip flying around. Of course Jessica flooded me questions in Trig. But she was more than disappointed with my plain answers. I guess she wanted something juicy to spread. And even though I knew he wasn’t going to be there, I still had hopes to see him at lunch. When I walked into the cafeteria with Mike and Jessica, I couldn’t keep my eyes off the Cullen’s table. Alice, Jasper, and Rosalie sat with their heads together in conversation. The pain and gloom engulfed me in a sudden wave of disappointment. I didn’t know how long it would be before I saw him again. We sat at our usual table. Everyone was talking about our beach plans and the weather. Apparently we’ll see blue skies, I’ll have to see it to believe it. But today was warmer, around the 60s or so. Maybe it will be a pleasant outing. I caught Lauren throwing me nasty glares. I found out why when we were leaving the cafeteria. I was walking right behind her but she obviously didn’t notice. I heard her mutter to Mike “…don’t know why Bella doesn’t just sit with the Cullens from now on.” I never noticed what an unpleasant and nasal voice she had. I was quite surprised by the malice in her tone. “She’s my friend; she sits with us.” Mike whispered to her territorially. I let Jessica and Angela pass me. I didn’t want to hear more. Biology wasn’t the same without Edward. I could feel his absence freeze my skin. It was hard to pay attention to anything in class but I somehow managed.
At home Charlie was excited about my trip to La Push in the morning. I think he felt guilty for leaving me home alone on the weekends. I never expected him to break his habits for me. He’s lived too many years alone. But he approved of our trip. He knew all the kid’s parents and quite possibly their great-grandparents. I wondered if he would approve of my trip to Seattle with Edward Cullen. He spoke of Dr. Cullen so well. But I wasn’t going to say anything. I did ask him about the place where Edward said he was camping. He sounded surprised and said that it wasn’t a good place for camping. “Too many bears. Most people go there in the hunting season.” I murmured something about getting the name wrong and went to my room. With not much else to do, the bed waits for me.