Edward stays in Forks, determined to avoid both outcomes that Alice predicted. He ignores Bella and resists his developing feelings for her. Both his thirst and his curiosity about Bella torment Edward and he finds himself increasingly drawn to Bella’s kindness and purity. He thinks, “Bella was good. All the other things added up to that whole: Kind and self-effacing and unselfish and brave—she was good through and through” (92). As Edward spies on Bella through the thoughts of others, his distaste for Mike Newton grows. Alice is anxious to begin her friendship with Bella and is annoyed that Edward’s avoidance of Bella muddles her future again. Edward’s resistance is finally broken when he overhears Mike ask Bella to a school dance, and Edward speaks to her. He apologizes for being so rude, only to find out that Bella believes he regrets saving her.

After school, Edward overhears more boys in the parking lot asking Bella to the dance, which now amuses Edward. On seeing Edward’s change in mood towards Bella, Alice wants to know if she can finally talk to her, although Edward sees no point. Edward begins to worry about Bella’s safety again, especially given her previous two near-death experiences.