a/n: takes place just before New Moon...This is my version of it! I only own Cassandra! Hope you like it!

Chapter 1 - Learn To Fly

Isabella's POV

As I entered my house after school, Edward behind me, I had this odd feeling that something was extremely wrong. When I got up the stairs, I booted my computer to life and as it loaded, I watched Edward, who was now relaxing on my bed, hands behind his head. When my computer finally loaded, I tore my eyes away from his perfection and signed onto my email. Clicking on the newest one from my cousin, Cassandra, I grinned.

Heyy Bella,
It's been so long since we saw each other. It's been what, since two Christmas' ago! Anywayz, my mom said I could have any friend I want over and who better to invite than my best cousin! So, email me or call my cell. Either one is fine. Anwayz, how's life for you? How's the supposedly gorgeous bf that I have never seen? I hope you're staying out of trouble, unlike me! )

Love,
Cassie

I immediately laughed to myself. She had no idea what trouble I submerged myself in. I couldn't tell my cousin the secret of the perfect Cullens. So instead, I wrote a quick, but quirky, reply.

Cassie,

I'd love to come visit. But since my accident in Phoenix, I think I'm better off staying in Forks. Why don't you come visit here instead. Get you away from home. By the way, how is that wonderful guy you gushed last time about? Robert, right? Email back soon!

Bella.

After I sent the email, I laughed again. Since I did invite my cousin to stay with me, then I'd have to end up telling her why the Cullens were so perfect.

"What's so funny?" Edward was suddenly behind me, looking at the inbox that was up on the screen. I shook my head, "My cousin invited me to stay with her in Boston. But I didn't want to leave, so instead, I invited her." I noticed Edward's face become unreadable and I sighed, "Don't worry. She has no idea why you're so perfect." My computer started beeping and I looked away from Edward to realize my cousin had replied to my email very quickly. Opening it, I expected her to say she couldn't come because her mom wouldn't let her, but I got a different reply.

Bella,
Ya...About Robert, he's gone. And when I say gone, I mean he disappeared off the face of the planet, after my BFFL Dan kicked his ass of course. My mom said I can stay in Forks, as long as it's okay with Charlie.

Cassie

"I can't believe she's coming," was all I managed to state. Edward chuckled so lightly, my human ears could barely hear it. I looked at him and he just grinned his famous crooked grin.

"Why is that so unbelievable?" I shrugged, "Her mom barely lets her out of the house. And yet, Cass still manages to get into trouble."

"Really? Is she so clumsy like you?" I could tell Edward was joking so I didn't take it offensively. Anyway, it was true. I was a complete klutz. I smiled, "No. This girl has speed and grace. She studied ballet since she was three, and she was also star of her middle school track team. But she is a magnet for bad luck, like me."

"How old is she?"

"Um...She's going to be a sophomore this coming up year, so she's around fifteen."

"Oh," was all that Edward could say for a minute before continuing, "Are you close to her?" I nodded, "Her dad's work causes her to move around a lot and her mom goes with her dad. So for a while, she stayed with me and Renee. But now then her dad got an honorable discharge from the Marines and so it's been like two years since I've seen her." Tears welled up in my eyes as I said that. Being in Forks with so much going on, I completely forgot how much I missed my cousin and how much she really meant to me. Edward's cool hand wiping away my tears brought me back to reality and I sighed, "I got to go cook dinner for Charlie." I headed down the stairs but Edward beat me to the kitchen and sat at the table as he watched me cook chicken parmesan.

&

Before I knew it, Charlie was entering the house.

"Bella," he called as always. I replied, "In the kitchen." I mean, seriously, where else would I be at this time. As Edward excused himself from the table as Charlie and I were about to eat, I smiled.

"Hey, dad. You remember my cousin, Cassandra, don't you?" I questioned. My dad tilted his head sideways, "Renee's sister, Marie's daughter?" I nodded before continuing on, "She invited me to stay with her in Boston for a while." My dad grinned, despite the shock of what I just told him, "Oh! Isn't that wonderful! Of course you can go!"

"Um..." My smile weakened, "Actually, I don't feel up for the travel. So I offered her to stay here for a portion of the summer. Is that alright?" I immediately cringed, waiting for my dad to unleash something other than gas, and his sudden smile shocked me.

"Sure! Get her away from that grouchy Marie...Tell her to grab the next flight out!" I grinned, "Thanks!" I quickly downed my dinner, put my plates in the sink to wash later, because at that moment, I had an important phone call to make. Grabbing the receiver, I dialed my aunt's number. After five rings I was about to hang up when I heard Cassandra's voice.

"Hello?"

"Hey! Cassie!" I exclaimed, "It's Bella!" I could tell how excited she was through her reply, "Oh my god! Bella! Hi! What's up?"

"When can you catch the next plane to Seattle, then to Port Angeles?" I questioned. Cassandra stuttered, "I'll look it up right now." I heard the tapping of keys and she replied, "Next one leaves tomorrow morning." Suddenly I heard Aunt Marie's voice in the background and Cassandra asked, "Aunt Marie wants to know how long will I be staying." I looked over at Charlie, "How long can she stay."

"As long as she would like," Charlie replied.

"As long as you want," I stated into the mouth piece. Cassandra passed the information onto Aunt Marie and finally, Cassandra exclaimed, "I'm on the next plane out!" I couldn't believe how happy I was that I was actually going to see Cassandra. After I hung up the phone, I joined Edward in the living room. He was staring blankly at the television screen.

"When is she coming?" he asked.

"Tomorrow," I replied. He nodded, "What are you going to tell her?" I sighed.

"I would love to tell her the truth, but it isn't possible."

"Does she believe in all that stuff?" I nodded, flicking through the channels. Edward lightly placed one of his ice cold hands on my face and stated, "Then if you think you can trust her, tell her." I knew that I could trust Cassandra with my life so I nodded, "Okay."

A/n: okay. That was the first chapter. Please no flames! Thank you