"Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, and three times is enemy action."

-Ian Fleming

***

"Hey, I am sorry about what I said about the Cullen's yesterday. They seem like a good group."

"Huh?"

Conversation is not something that I expected Bella to spark during the ride to school. A fire maybe, to burn down the house, but not conversation. About the Cullen's to add to the crazy factor. Bella Swan sparked a conversation in the car about my new friends.

This is going to be a weird day.

"Uh... thanks. I am sorry for scaring Mike."

Bella laughed at that, actually laughed, and continued to drive. "Yeah I think he's in love with you now."

That sparked my interest. "Really?" I asked, my face drooped. "That is so weird."

"Tell me about it."

We continued to drive in silence, but for once, and this hasn't happened for as long as I could remember, it was comfortable.

"He reminds me of a golden retriever."

"That's what I thought!"

We giggled, and Bella's face soon became serious again. "I do have a question for you though... did any of them ask about me?"

narrowed my eyes, picking at my nail. "Um, no, why would they?"

"I just don't think that Edward likes me that much. We have biology together, and when I walked in, it seemed like he was glaring at me, and his eyes looked, so... dark." She paused when she took in my expression. "Wait, you noticed it too?"

I nodded, my throat suddenly closed up. "Well, yeah... but I am sure that it was just a coincidence." I muttered, pulling at he strings of my sweater. "I mean, remember what Phil-" My voice caught when I said his name, "-used to say? That the second time the same thing happens, it is just a coincidence, but the third time, be on guard?"

Bella frowned. "He never said that to me, he said that to you when you were talking about baseball plays."

Huh. That is where I heard it. Phil probably didn't like me that much because I am better then him at baseball. I am sorry, Phil.

Except that I am not.

"Whatever, just look out for it again. If it happens a third time, come talk to me. I don't care where I am or what I am doing."

I glanced out of the window as Bella parked, my eye catching Jasper's as he and Alice stood bye the entrance of the school. "Unless I am talking to him." I corrected, gesturing toward Jasper. Bella raised her eyebrow. "Okay." She smirked at me, and I rolled my eyes. "Come on, he's hot, I know it's obvious." I smiled back at Bella. "See you Bella-bear. I'll try to talk to you at lunch. But I might kill one of your friends."

Bella laughed. "Okay, Court."

As I exited the truck, I felt happier then usual. For one, I actually got along with Bella for once, and second, she called me by my nickname!

I can't wait to text Sadie.

Oh Sadie. My best friend, scratch that, my only friend from Arizona. She was incredibly short, the same height as Alice, but armed with rust colored hair, mixed with hot pink, and a take no prisoners attitude. My mom thinks that she is a bad influence, and in her mind, if it weren't for Sadie, I would be the perfect daughter, armed with the perfect grades, perfect boyfriend, and perfect life.

It is actually funny how wrong she was.

"Hey Cordie!" Alice grinned, tackling me in another one of her cold hugs. I am usually not much of a hugger, but I like Alice's hugs. They're comforting.

"Hi Alice." I grinned, at the shorter girl, admiring the stark contrast between Alice's pale skin and black choker. "Hey, Texas."

Jasper managed a smile, nodding at me in a friendly manner. "Hi."

Alice mumbled something quickly under her breath, and Jasper sighed in response. It was like they were having some sort of telepathic communication. The Cullen's are pretty weird. But in a good way.

"Courtney?" Alice asked, waving her hand in front of my face. "Courtney?"

I snapped out of my trance, my head jerking up. "What?" I blurted out, and felt my face turn red as Alice giggled at me. "Come on, we have history."

I groaned, gripping the straps of my bag tighter around my shoulders. "Yay." I muttered sarcastically, as Alice linked her arm through mine, and dragged me off down the hall, "Bye, Jasper!" I waved to the blonde boy, before we turned the corner and he disappeared from my sight.

***

My first three classes came and went like lightening. In art, we were told to draw the person next to us, and while Alice was carefully scribbling away, I just stared blankly at my paper.

English was just as awkward as yesterday. I didn't manage to get him to laugh, but I did come close, which was almost as infuriating.

"Hey Texas." I leaned over in my seat. "What's the best thing about Switzerland?"

He glanced over at me, and I saw amusement dance in his amber eyes. He sighed. "What?" He whispered back, ignoring the gazes Jessica was sending us. "I don't know, but the flag is a big plus."

He sighed again, putting his hand on his forehead, and silently chuckled. That is not good enough for me! I want to hear him laugh.

Lunch rolled around, and I was just as nervous as yesterday. I whipped out my phone, and quickly sent Alice a text.

Courtney:

Hi Al, just wanted to let you know that I am going to give Bella's table a go today... if you see me beat anyone up... send help.

She responded shortly after.

Alice:
I'll have Emmett at the ready.

I grinned, picturing what Jessica's face would look like if Emmett casually walked up to our table. She would probably faint.

I gripped my tray so hard that my knuckles turned white as I ventured over to Bella. Angela, a girl in my trig class who is actually very nice, Mike, Jessica, and... Eric I think it is, were already seated.

"Hi." I muttered shyly as I approached the table. I saw Jessica's face immediately scrunch up in disgust, and was very close to calling off my promise. I could feel the Cullen's table staring into my back, hopefully preparing Emmett to come and scare some little girls.

"Hey, Courtney!" Bella's face lit up as she moved aside, making room for me to sit in between her and the Eric boy, who not-so-discreetly moved to the other side slightly. I sighed, this is already not going well.

The Cullen's were all watching, as their new friend attempted to make amends with her sister. The table heard the low growl from Jasper when they saw Jessica scoff in disgust, and Eric move away.

"They are all stupid." Emmett muttered as he took in the blush on Courtney's face. Sure, the girl may have an intimidating factor about her, but these people were treating her like something they found on the bottom of a shoe.

"That's it." Jasper snarled as he made a move to stand up when he eavesdropped on Jessica's hushed whispers to Eric. Alice grabbed his arm and quickly pulled him back down. "Don't, Jasper." She whispered threateningly. "I know Courtney, she can handle herself."

"Plus, if those bitches make a move, I am marching up there, and just glaring at them until they leave." Emmett added, and Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"Plus Jazz, don't you think that it would be a little odd if you went over there?" Rosalie asked, raising a perfect eyebrow. "I mean, you've been playing the roll as the moody one in her eyes. If you want her to like you, you might want to open up."

The four Cullen's went silent as they continued to watch the other table. No one could put into words why they are all already so attached to the Swan girl.

"Guys, you all know my sister."

A depressed arrays of mutters was the only response I need. This was a terrible idea, I should just go. "Um, it's nice to see you again, Courtney." Angela grinned, and Jessica rolled her eyes. "Yeah, hi." Mike waved, a blush already forming on his cheeks.

"I don't believe we've met." Eric extended his hand, which I shook. "My name is Eric, it's nice to meet you."

At least some of them are attempting at being nice.

It was quiet for a few moments, a time that we used to awkwardly eat our food. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, it was a text from Alice.

Alice:

Need me to send in the troops?

Courtney:

The code word is: "bologna."

Alice:

Just say it normally if you need help, Emmett has good ears.

I giggled at the screen, and heard Jessica scoff loudly. "Seriously, if you are gonna sit with us, at least talk to us." Jessica mumbled to Angela, who ignored her. I looked up and focused my steely gaze on her small frame. "Well sorry for not starting a conversation among people I don't know, at a silent table." I quipped sarcastically, turning my head slightly. "Bologna, Bologna." I whispered hurriedly under my breath, and heard the squeak of a chair a few seconds later.

"Look, Courtney." Jessica began, and launched herself into a rant that nobody listened too. I leaned over to Bella. "I apologize for what is going to happen."

Bella looked confused. "Why?"

The rest of the cafeteria seemed to hit pause, except for Jessica might I add, and I saw Bella's eyes grow. Emmett smirked from behind Jessica, his arms crossed. "Hi Cordie." His deep voice spoke, as the eating teenagers pretended to not be watching, and went back to their conversations.

"Hey, Em." I stood up, grabbing my bag as the bell rang. "This has been fun." I mumbled dryly. "See you guys around."

I grinned at Emmett, bumping his large body with my shoulder as we walked out of the cafeteria, where the rest of the Cullen's were waiting.