Shifting Moon

 Since Bella didn't have to pick me up from the station, we left the house a little later than normal. Once we got to the school parking lot, Bella avoided the usual parking spot out of reflex and went in a bit deeper than normal. I wisely kept my mouth shut.

 It seemed as if everybody in the parking lot turned their heads at the sound of the big red truck. Bella and I both groaned out loud. Neither of us was good with so much attention. I reached into my backpack and pulled out my headphones. They hadn't gotten too much use since coming to Forks, but I still kept them with me and fully charged.

 When I stepped out of the truck someone started clapping and suddenly everyone else joined in. I blushed and put my headphones on, Bella just looked down and started for the lockers. I quickly followed her, trying not to acknowledge the cheers. I prayed this passed quickly.

 Once I grabbed the books I would need for the first half of the day, I waved at Bella and made a beeline for Art class. My headphones provided the best excuse for not reacting to people trying to get my attention.

 Once I got to my classroom, I opened the door, and the first thing I saw was Alice in her seat. After hanging up my coat I realized I was the last person to class, but at least the bell hadn't rung yet.

 As soon as I sat down, Alice gave me a brilliant smile, "Thank you for saving my brother, I know you are going to hate the attention from it all but things could have gone very wrong if you hadn't reacted."

 "Like I told your dad, if Edward hadn't gotten Bella out of the way, I wouldn't have been able to save anyone," I said in all sincerity. 

 When the bell for class rang Ms. Ross stood and started class. Once she finished speaking, she turned the class over to the book for a set of review questions. "Thomas, Alice, would you two come to my desk please."

 When we approached, Ms. Ross started explaining, "I was planning to speak to you both yesterday but considering how things went I am just happy to have you both in class today. Now, on to business. I have thought over your request to each paint the same person, but I believe that is rather limiting with both your social circles."

 She let this sink in a bit, "How about instead you each draw 3 events that are chosen randomly by me and you both do your own interpretation of the subject. For example, if I were to draw the subject of a Baseball game. Then you could both paint your interpretation of the game. Say Alice could draw a scene from the women's league in the 60's and Thomas could paint a sandlot game from memory. Once again those are just examples. What are your thoughts?"

 I could see her points about drawing people, my subjects would be Charlie and Bella, and I have never seen Alice interact much with anyone outside her own family. I looked at Alice with a raised eyebrow. She looked at me and nodded.

 "It seems like your passion has convinced us both Ms. Ross, we will do it your way. But I am curious if we would turn them in to you before starting the next one, or hold them all tell the end?"

 "I think turning them in before starting the next sounds like the best option. If you both see the other's painting, it may help motivate you both and your competitiveness may just bring out a masterpiece."

 "Can we do a drawing today? I have some free time on my hands due to yesterday's accident. If my beautiful partner agrees that is." 

 "If you use the word beautiful in relation to a woman you will always be partially right in what you're saying. This time you are completely correct though."

 "Okay kids, we have about 15 minutes of class left. So, I want you both to give me 10 words or ideas that could be used in a scenario. Then I will fold them and mix them and choose."

-(Alice Prospective)-

 Once Ms. Ross finished speaking Thomas and I returned to our desk and pulled out some paper. "She didn't say we couldn't come up with the ideas together, that way there are no doubles. What do you say?" 

 "Pretty and smart, no wonder all the girls start gnawing on their livers the moment you enter the room," Thomas said with a smile.

 "Save that silver tongue for Edythe you smooth talker." Watching the blush creep up his neck was adorable and mouthwatering. Control yourself girl, Allice told herself.

 After coming up with their ideas, they cut the paper into even slips and took them to Ms. Ross's desk. She looked them over and smiled, "There are some great ideas in here, that are open to wonderful interpretation. I am very much looking forward to your paintings." She folded them into little squares and using both hands she mixed them up until it was impossible to remember where any individual word was.

 Alice was at a bit of a loss; she was not used to being clueless about what was coming up. The change was both an irritation and a source of anticipation. Finally, Ms. Ross stopped mixing up the papers and drew one. She was definitely teasing them by opening it so slowly. Alice resisted the urge to grab the paper so she could be the first to see.

 Ms. Ross looked at the word and smiled. She then placed it on the desk for both of us to see. The word chosen was Music. "That one leaves so much to interpretation, I can't wait to see what you come up with. By my math, if you turn in one painting every 40 days it will be perfect for the final turn-in."

 As she finished speaking. The bell rang for the end of class. Thomas and I gathered up our things and headed for the door. Thomas opened the door for me to reveal Jasper standing there. Naturally, I was overjoyed at seeing him and I couldn't resist jumping into his arms. I knew he wasn't much for public displays of affection, but I just can't help myself sometimes. Well, most times. Eh Whatever!

-(Thomas POV)-

 After Jasper hugged Alice and set her gently on the ground, he turned to me and nodded. I was glad he didn't say thanks for yesterday, and I didn't have to reply. Just a simple nod of acknowledgment and move on from there.

 I walked to Alice's class with them and parted at our usual spot. Walking into Government class I saw Mike panting over Bella like he was afraid she would disappear, and her giving just enough attention to him to not be rude in her book. I just wish he would take the hint or force her to say what she really thought of his empty and insincere flattery.

 Her description of Mike as a Labrador-style dog was exactly as I saw him. He would chase something until he caught it. Show it off to the other dogs and then get bored and look for something else to chase. Going back to chew on his first catch again every once in a while and then head back out for something new. I felt bad for anyone he was with, at least until he grew up. If he ever did.

 He looked at me as I approached and put his fist out, "I heard you laid out a great tackle yesterday too bad you weren't here for football tryouts, I could use someone to block for me as I throw the winning touchdown. If you would like, maybe I could talk the coach into letting you on the team." He made sure to watch Bella's face so he would see the gratitude on her face for helping out her brother. 

 Using the book in my hand to bump his fist, "No thanks Mike, I am not much for sports. I lose my temper and people get hurt. I will stick to being the quiet guy in the bleachers."

 "You will never get a girl sitting in the bleachers man."

 "The type of girl I want won't care where I sit. Looks like the teacher is here, talk to you later." His voice was especially grating this morning and I felt my temper fray a bit. It didn't help that the class was as boring as normal.

 After class, I said my goodbyes to Bella and planned to meet up with her at lunch. Biology wasn't bad once I got past the talk of yesterday's accident. Ben came and talked to me to make sure I was ok and then went back to his lab partner, a girl named Angela. She was part of the group me and Bella ate with, and I really enjoyed her company.

 She was what I would consider a good person all around. She always talked about her little brothers and was eager to help when asked. I also got a ton of amusement watching her and Ben interact. Both were into each other, but they were both too insecure to make the first move. I would have to see what I could do to fix that.

 Time for Math.