The alarm blared at six-thirty, and I groaned into my pillow. Another grey morning in Forks.
"At least it's not snowing anymore," Maze commented. "Though I have to admit, watching pretty boy's face during the van incident almost made the weather worth it."
It had been over a month since the accident, and Edward Cullen had mastered the art of pretending I didn't exist. He still came to school, still sat next to me in Biology, but he might as well have been sitting next to an empty chair.
"His loss," Maze said as I got dressed. "Though his siblings are more interesting now. Have you noticed how Alice keeps trying to catch your eye?"
She was right. While Edward maintained his distance, Alice had taken to giving me knowing smiles in the hallways. Even Emmett would occasionally grin in my direction, much to Rosalie's obvious displeasure.
"Maybe they know about you," I thought, heading downstairs for breakfast.
"Of course they know. Pretty boy probably told them everything. Well, everything he knows, which isn't much."
Charlie was already at the kitchen table, reading the newspaper. "Morning, Bells."
"Morning, Dad." I poured myself some cereal, noting Charlie's unusually good mood.
"He's planning something," Maze observed. "His aura's all… sparkly."
"The weather's supposed to be good this weekend," Charlie said casually. "I was thinking of going fishing with Billy."
"You could come along if you want. Or maybe visit Jake while we fish?"
"Subtle, chief," Maze laughed. "Real subtle."
"Thanks, but I've got a lot of homework," I replied. "Maybe another time."
Charlie nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. "Sure, sure. Just thought you might want to get out a bit."
"He's worried about you," Maze said as Charlie left for work. "Thinks you're too isolated."
"I have friends," I protested, grabbing my backpack.
"You have humans who orbit around you because you're interesting. Not quite the same thing. Though Angela's decent."
I couldn't argue with that. As I drove to school, I wondered what Charlie would think if he knew I was never really alone. That I had a constant companion who knew me better than anyone else ever could.
"Now you're getting sentimental," Maze groaned. "Please stop before I have to remind you of my fearsome demon reputation."
"You love me too," I thought, smiling as I pulled into the parking lot.
"I tolerate you," she corrected, but her tone was warm. "Now, let's see if pretty boy maintains his silent treatment today."
The silver Volvo was already there, its occupants nowhere in sight.
Another day of being ignored was about to begin.
English passed in its usual blur of discussion about Shakespeare's intentions in "Macbeth." Even Maze seemed bored, though she occasionally commented on how "amateur" the witches' curses were compared to real demon magic.
In Government, Mike was unusually quiet, fidgeting in his seat beside me.
"Oh, here we go," Maze sighed. "Puppy boy's working up his courage again."
Sure enough, as we packed up our books, Mike turned to me with an anxious expression.
"Hey, Bella?"
"Yes, Mike?"
"Well…" he shifted uncomfortably. "Jessica asked me to the spring dance."
"That's great," I said sincerely. "You'll have fun with Jessica."
"Well…" he hesitated. "I told her I had to think about it."
"For the love of Lucifer," Maze groaned. "Is he really this dense?"
"Why would you do that?" I asked, letting a hint of steel enter my voice.
Mike's face reddened. "I was wondering if… well… if you might be planning to ask me?"
I stopped walking, turning to face him directly. Seven years with Maze had taught me the value of being crystal clear in these situations.
"Mike," I said firmly, "you should tell Jessica yes."
"But… are you sure you don't want to-"
"Listen carefully," I cut him off, keeping my voice kind but leaving no room for misinterpretation. "You and I will never be more than friends. Ever. That's not going to change. Jessica likes you, and you clearly like her too. So take the hint, say yes to Jessica, and let's stop having this conversation."
"Brutal," Maze approved. "I'd have threatened to remove his spleen, but your way works too."
Mike stared at me, mouth slightly open. Several emotions crossed his face – hurt, embarrassment, and finally, understanding.
"Oh," he said quietly. "Right. Yeah, you're… you're right. I'll tell Jess yes."
"Good," I nodded. "Because if we have to have this conversation again, I won't be as nice about it."
"That's my girl!" Maze crowed. "Though you could have at least made your eyes glow a little. Just for effect."
As Mike walked away, looking slightly dazed, I caught Edward Cullen watching from across the hallway. For the first time in weeks, he didn't immediately look away when our eyes met. Instead, his expression was a fascinating mix of surprise and… was that admiration?
"Look who's suddenly interested again," Maze observed. "Guess he didn't expect sweet little Bella Swan to have such a sharp spine."
I turned away first, heading to Trig. Let him wonder. He wasn't the only one who could play the ignoring game.
Spanish and Trig passed without incident, though I noticed Jessica's worried glances when Mike spoke to her quietly before class. Her subsequent beaming smile told me he'd finally done the right thing.
By the time lunch rolled around, I was thoroughly tired of teenage drama.
"Your tolerance for human nonsense is particularly low today," Maze observed as we entered the cafeteria.
"I just need a break," I muttered, bypassing our usual table and heading for an empty one near the windows.
"Ooh, making a statement," Maze approved. "And creating quite a stir, I might add. The gossip mill is already spinning."
She was right. I could feel the stares as I sat alone, pulling out my worn copy of "Macbeth" and an apple. Jessica looked hurt, Angela concerned, and Lauren seemed positively gleeful at this apparent social faux pas.
"Even the Cullens are watching," Maze commented. "Alice looks like she's about to bounce out of her seat - there's something different about her energy compared to the others. And pretty boy… well, well. Seems like the silent treatment might be wearing thin."
I didn't look up to confirm, focusing instead on my book. The witches' scenes were more interesting now that Maze could comment on their technical inaccuracies.
"Bella?" Angela's gentle voice interrupted my reading. "Is everything okay?"
I looked up, giving her a genuine smile. "I'm fine, Ang. Just needed some quiet today."
"She's actually concerned," Maze noted. "Not just fishing for gossip. I like her more every day."
Angela nodded understandingly. "If you want to talk later…"
"Thanks," I said sincerely. She gave me a small smile and returned to our usual table, where I could see Jessica practically bursting with questions.
"Five bucks says Jessica corners you before Biology to demand explanations," Maze wagered. "Ten says Lauren starts a rumor about you having a mental breakdown."
"No bet," I thought, turning back to my book. "Though I might prefer a mental breakdown to more teenage boys asking about dances."
"Speaking of which," Maze's voice held a note of amusement, "Tyler's looking this way with that 'I have an idea' expression. Want me to make your eyes glow now?"
"Maze…"
"Just offering my services. Though I have to say, your way of handling Mike this morning was almost demon-worthy. I'm so proud."
I hid my smile behind my book, enjoying the peaceful solitude of our table for two – or rather, one body, two beings. Sometimes that was all the company I needed.
True to Maze's prediction, Jessica cornered me before Biology.
"Bella! What's going on? Are you mad at us? Is it because of Mike? Because he told me yes, and I wanted to make sure you were really okay with-"
"Jess," I interrupted her stream of questions. "I'm fine. I just needed some quiet time. And yes, I'm completely okay with you and Mike. In fact, I practically had to force him to accept your invitation because of how slow he is."
Her eyes widened. "Really?"
"Really. You two will have fun together."
"Look how happy you made her," Maze commented as Jessica practically skipped to her seat. "Though I still say threatening Mike would have been more entertaining."
Biology was its usual exercise in tension, with Edward maintaining his statue-like presence beside me. Though I noticed his eyes flickering in my direction more than usual.
"Someone's curious," Maze sang. "Bet he's dying to know what you said to Mike."
The final bell couldn't come soon enough. I was ready to go home, make dinner, and forget about teenage drama for at least twelve hours. But apparently, the universe had other plans.
Eric was leaning against my truck when I got to the parking lot.
"Oh, for Hell's sake," Maze groaned. "Another one? What is this, the teenage hormone apocalypse?"
"Hey, Bella," Eric called, trying to sound casual and failing miserably.
I stopped a few feet away, already knowing where this was going. "Eric."
"So, I was wondering… about the spring dance…"
"The girls' choice dance?" I interrupted, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, yeah…"
"Did I ask you to the dance, Eric?"
"No, but-"
"Then isn't that answer enough?" I asked, my voice sharp. "But since you seem to need clarification: No, I'm not going to ask you. No, I'm not interested. And no, that's not going to change."
"Beautiful!" Maze cackled. "Short, sharp, and just the right amount of brutal."
Eric's face fell, then reddened. "Oh… right. Sorry."
As he walked away, I caught a glimpse of Edward by his Volvo, not even trying to hide his amused expression.
"Even pretty boy appreciates a good shutdown," Maze observed. "Though his turn might be coming if he keeps up this silent treatment much longer."
I climbed into my truck, wondering if there was a limit to how many boys I could reject in one day. At this rate, I might find out.
I turned the key in the ignition, ready to leave this day behind, when I noticed Edward's Volvo pull out smoothly and stop, blocking my path. A line began forming behind me, and Tyler Crowley's van pulled up beside my truck.
"Oh, he didn't," Maze's voice took on a dangerous edge. "Pretty boy is NOT playing matchmaker."
Tyler was getting out of his van, heading toward my window.
"Let me handle this one," Maze suggested, her tone promising delicious revenge.
"No," I thought back. "I've got this."
I rolled down my window, not bothering to hide my anger. "Tyler, I'm blocked in," I said through gritted teeth.
"I know," he grinned. "I wanted to ask you something while you're trapped. Will you ask me to the spring dance?"
I saw Edward watching in his rearview mirror, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter.
Something in me snapped. I felt Maze's energy surge supportively through me, not taking control but lending me her strength.
"Are you kidding me?" I demanded, my voice carrying across the parking lot.
Tyler's grin faltered. "Well, I thought-"
"No, you didn't think," I cut him off, my voice sharp enough to draw attention from nearby students. "Because if you had been thinking, you'd realize how completely inappropriate and borderline creepy this is."
"Go for the jugular!" Maze cheered.
"And while we're at it," I continued, getting out of my truck to face him properly, "let me make something crystal clear: I will not go to the spring dance with you. I will not go to prom with you. I will not go to any dance, ever, with you. Your persistent inability to take 'no' for an answer isn't charming or cute – it's disrespectful."
Tyler took a step back, his face burning. "I… I just thought…"
"Well, think again," I finished coldly. "And maybe think about why you needed someone to literally trap me in a parking lot to have this conversation."
In my peripheral vision, I saw Edward's expression had changed from amusement to something else entirely – surprise, maybe even respect.
"Now THAT'S how you handle unwanted attention," Maze said proudly. "Though I still say we should make his van mysteriously catch fire."
Tyler practically ran back to his vehicle. The silver Volvo pulled away smoothly, and I caught a glimpse of Edward's face in his side mirror. He wasn't laughing anymore.
As I drove home, Maze was practically glowing with pride.
"You know," she mused, "for someone who's not a demon, you've got quite a talent for striking terror into mortal souls."
"I learned from the best," I replied, finally letting myself smile.
"Damn right you did. And pretty boy? He's going to think twice before playing games with us again."
Charlie was already home when I arrived, watching a game on TV. I made quick work of dinner - a simple pasta dish that would satisfy Charlie's basic nutritional needs.
"Domestic goddess and demon protector," Maze quipped. "I contain multitudes."
After dinner, I finished my homework, did the dishes, and prepared Charlie's lunch for the next day. By nine, the house was quiet except for Charlie's occasional cheer at a play on the TV.
"Time to sleep," I thought, heading upstairs.
My bedroom was my sanctuary - a mix of old childhood memories and my current life. The purple walls, the rocking chair Charlie had bought me years ago, the desk with my computer and school books.
As I changed into pajamas and settled into bed, Maze's demeanor shifted.
"Something feels… off," she said, her usual sarcasm replaced by a subtle tension. "Not a threat, exactly. But there's a shift in the air - like when the pressure drops before a storm. Something's coming."
"What kind of feeling?" I asked quietly.
"Can't explain it," she admitted. "Just a sense of… anticipation. Like something's about to happen."
The night seemed to settle around me, quiet and still. But beneath that stillness, I could feel Maze's heightened awareness.
"Get some sleep," she said softly. "I'll keep an eye out. As always."
I closed my eyes, trusting Maze's instincts as I always had.