Author's note: I wrote this story imitating Stephenie Meyer's writing style. It also starts up where Twilight's sequel, New Moon, is supposed to start. I wanted to include that small bit of New Moon in this story, but I don't think that is going to happen. I'll think about it. In the meantime, enjoy the first chapter! Make sure to REVIEW!

Disclaimer: All the characters and previous plot reference to Twilight belong to the amazing Stephenie Meyer. As if I could think up anything that good. Ha! Don't be ridiculous.

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I woke on the morning of September thirteenth to a cloudy but not dark day. I wasn't surprised. The last of summer had faded away, and the rare, short weeks of clear and sunny days in Forks were gone. I sighed and pulled myself out of bed.

After washing and changing into my clothes, I headed downstairs for breakfast, expecting the kitchen to be empty. I was surprised to see Charlie sitting at the table, reading the sports section. He looked up when I came down the stairs and smiled at me.

"Morning, Bella," he said warmly. "How'd you sleep?"

"Great, thanks Dad." I was still a little shocked to see him still here. "Um, aren't you late for work?"

His small dark eyes crinkled as he smiled again. "No, not today. Do you think I would forget what day it is?"

I was confused for a moment, trying to understand what he was talking about. Then, with a rush of realization, I understood. Today was Friday. September 13. My birthday. Oh, right.

"Oh, Dad, you didn't need to stay late for me."

He shook his head at me. "I have something I wanted to give you." He reached for a small shiny rectangular-shaped present wrapped in shiny blue wrapping paper that had been lying on the table and handed it to me. I took it, puzzled.

I opened it to find a velvet jewelry box, which I found out after opening, held an unbelievably stunning necklace. It was made of a thin golden chain that held three flawless diamonds opposite the clasp. I held it up to the light where I saw each facet reflect a different color. It reminded me Edward and his glittering skin in the sun.

"Wow, Dad," I began. "I don't know what to say. This is just so…beautiful."

He looked at me, apparently pleased that I liked his present. "It was going to be your mother's," he admitted. "But, I, uh, never got the chance to give it to her."

A feeling of sadness and pity for Charlie washed over me. I also felt the smallest hint of guilt, though I couldn't quite say why.

"Thanks a lot, Dad," I said, to fill the awkward silence. "It's really beautiful. I love it." I smiled warmly at him and he grinned back. I was glad to make him happy.

I glanced at the clock. "Oh!" I was running late. "I'd better get my stuff. Edward's going to be here in a couple of minutes."

Charlie made a slightly disapproving face. "Are you sure you don't want me to drive you to school today? Then you wouldn't have to rush."

I shook my head a little too quickly in response, so that Charlie's face fell a little. I tried to make up for it by saying, "Edward's probably already on his way."

And then, as though on cue, I saw the silver Volvo pull up the driveway. I glanced fleetingly at the window, and then ran upstairs to drop off the necklace in my room. It was too valuable to take to school. I didn't trust myself. I'm sure I would unintentionally find some way to lose or break it. I was far too clumsy to be trusted with anything so precious.

I bounded back downstairs to find Charlie smiling reminiscently at me. "My little Bells is all grown up," he said sadly. "I can't believe you're actually eighteen. Who knows what kind of trouble you could get yourself into? You're midterms are coming up, kids will throw crazy parties, and there will be boys…"

I just grinned and rolled my eyes. I knew he was thinking about Edward. I grabbed my backpack from the kitchen chair. "I'll see you tonight, Dad."

"Alright, but don't worry about dinner. Tonight is my night to treat you. We'll go out together somewhere."

I cringed slightly on the inside at the thought of going out to eat with Charlie. "Okay, sounds good," I called as I rushed out the door. "Bye Dad!"

I was relieved to finally get out to Edward. My anxiety decreased rapidly as I approached the car. I was getting used to driving to school with him now. I had been used to spending the entire day with him, but now school had started again, and I didn't get to have him to myself for all twenty-four hours of the day.

I yanked open the car door to see him giving me his familiar half-smile. His eyes were a dark caramel color today. They smoldered at me and I found myself stunned yet again.

"Are you going to get in the car?" he asked me teasingly. His tone was warm and inviting.

I sat down and pushed my bag in the back seat.

"Happy birthday," he said, turning to me.

I grinned. "Thanks."

He chuckled.

"What?" I looked in the mirror. There wasn't anything on my face.

"I find it funny that you're birthday is on Friday the thirteenth," he said, trying to hold back a small laugh.

"Oh," I answered. "Yes. I've had a lot of those in my life."

He shook his head, laughing. "Why am I not surprised? Perhaps this is the reason for all of you're magnetism for trouble."

"Maybe," I giggled.

"I have a surprise for you," he told me, in that musical and playful, yet unbelievably irresistible voice.

"Oh?" I should have known. "And what would that be?"

He looked at me with mock incredulousness. "You can't possibly think I would tell you! That would ruin the surprise." He grinned.

"C'mon, you won't even give me a hint?"

He laughed freely. "You wish."

I rolled my eyes and gave up, knowing how annoyingly stubborn he could be.

"You will have to come home with me, though, so I can give it to you properly."

I nodded. "Sure." I had planned on it anyway. "Slow down, will you?" I added. I had just glanced at the speedometer, and was annoyed, though not really surprised, to see that we were going a hundred miles an hour.

He sighed. "Bella," he began. "I drive this fast every day."

"Yes, and I tell you to slow down every day, don't I?"

He rolled his eyes at me, and slowed down to ninety. He raised his eyebrows at me. "Is that better?" His eyes did that smoldering thing once again.

I pretended to frown, but failed miserably, due to the fact Edward's eyes were locked with mine. "Hardly."

He smirked. We turned into the school parking lot, and parked next to Alice and Jasper's car. Rosalie and Emmett had both graduated, and Rosalie had graciously lent them the BMW for the time being.

"Ready?" he asked, coming around and opening my door.

"Whatever," I answered. As long as I was with him, I didn't care what we were doing.

He carried my backpack for me as we walked up to class.