DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY TWILIGHT CHARACTERS/LOCATIONS/ OR THEMES
Chapter 1
Breathe Bella breathe.
Ding.
Breathe Bella breathe.
"Sir, sorry to bother you but we are about to land, could you straighten your seat please?"
Breathe Bella breathe.
"Would the cabin crew please take their seats we shall be landing momentarily."
Breathe Bella breathe.
I never felt the need for air more than this moment.
Washington, USA, is where this plane is going to land at any moment. I had had a long journey from Jacksonville in Florida to reach Seattle, then another plane journey from Seattle to Port Angeles. And finally when we land I will have another hour in a car with Charlie and possibly my twin brother Emmett.
I would reach our home in Forks just in time to go to bed ready for a new year at school. I doubt Emmett will be as sensible as me. He won't go to bed as soon as we get home. He'll be doing the last minute summer homework, which I had already completed.
Breathe Bella breathe.
Though it wasn't the actual school I was dreading it is the student body. It is my senior year at high school, and me and Emmett will be graduating along with the other Seniors. One of which, Edward Masen, will be celebrating the best year of his life. A quarter back, possible homecoming king, hottest guy in the school, dating the head cheerleader, and also my next door neighbour. It was him I was most worried about seeing.
Edward Masen and I had been best friends since Emmett and I moved to live with our dad when we were five years of age. Edward had been living next-door. My window and Edwards window were directly opposite. I could sit in my room and see Edward sitting in his room through the windows.
We went into High school as equals, both tall and gangly and rather geeky. However, the summer after our freshman year was kind on Edward, he had grown into a hunky looking man instead of a gangly boy. His quarter back arm caught the coach's attention and ever since he has been the hot rocket of the team, leaving me to handle the geekyness alone.
He would sometimes still consider me a friend, outside of school, and would often climb in through my window to come and see me, but that stopped at the end of the last school year...
A month before the last day of school. School courtyard. I was sat on my usual bench in the corner of the courtyard in front of the school. I could see Edward hanging with his posse and his annoyingly perfect girlfriend Tanya Denali. Tanya was practically thrusting herself upon Edward. That part wasn' the worst for me, the worst part was he looked as though he was enjoying it – Did I mention I had had a crush on Edward Masen since we first met? No. Well now you know.
My friend were yet to arrive, and even though everybody knew I did have friends, Tanya and her posse seemed to have fun mocking me about being alone.
"Where's your friends Bella?" shouted Tanya.
I just ignored her as sniggers erupted from the rest of the group including Edward.
"Arh, is there something wrong Bell" taunted Tanya. "Is your crushee not interested?"
I was pretty sure she knew who I had crushed on. I had made the mistake of telling Jessica Stanley in the first year of middle school and I bet she told Tanya.
"Who's the crushee?" asked Edward smirking.
I remained quiet and kept my eyes on the book I had opened in front of me.
"Oh, she's ignoring us Eddie" I could just imagine the pout that Tanya had put on.
I could just here the rush of whispers that suddenly broke free from the group. I couldn't make out what they were saying but I knew instantly that they were up to no good. I didn't take a genius to be able to figure that one out.
The next thing I knew a shadow had been drawn over my book. I looked up to see Edward's gorgeous green eyes looking back at me. They seemed to be sparkling. He nodded towards the seat next to me. I looked to the seat and then nodded back towards him. He perched himself on that seat just staring at me.
"Bell Bell, trust me" he said slowly.
I nodded. I trusted him. I would trust him with my life.
Before I had a second to think another thought his lips were on mine. My mind went completely blank. I had never felt such bliss than this. It was wonderful, brilliant, my every dream come true. I could feel his hand placed lightly on my back. He slipped it under my top and I felt it slide up my back, but I ignored it. I could feel something going on with my back. I had no idea what Edward was doing but I trusted him. He was my best friend after all.
And then all of sudden, all the support around my chest was gone. My eyes shot open. Something was wrong. Edwards lips left mine as a howl of laughter came from everybody in the courtyard. All I could see was Edwards devilish smirk in front of me. He was holding something up to the rest of the group. It only took a few seconds for my eyes to focus on what exactly he was holding. It was a white and red polka dot bra, but it wasn't just any white and red polka dot bra, it was my white and red polka dot bra.
I gasped, my eyes wide. I made a grab for my bra but he just pulled it out of reach, shaking his head. My eyes were filling up with tears. Everybody was laughing. I couldn't sit it out and ignore it. This was personal. I could take all the other crab that he did to me, like the name calling and the snide remarks, because I knew he never meant for them to hurt me. But this, this was more personal. I grabbed my bags and the book that I had been reading and dashed away, running as fast as I could into the girls bathroom. Sobbing and crying, knowing that my bra was probably being shown and broadcasted to the entire student body.
"Darlin', are you okay?" asked a bold man that I just so happened to be sat next to.
Breathe Bella breathe.
"oh, I... I... I... I'm fine. J... just nervous" I lied.
Breathe Bella breathe.
I had spent the rest of that day sobbing and crying the bathroom until Rosalie, Alice and Angela found me. I explained to them what had happened but apparently they had already known. Jasper had called Alice before she left her house and explained what had happened. She had been furious, and so had Angela and Rosalie. However even through their anger they had come prepared with a new bra for me. I begged for Rosalie to keep her mouth shut from my brother Emmett. Even though I was sure he would know by the end of the day, I didn't want him charging after Edward.
I spent the next month trying, unsuccessfully, to avoid everyone. But just in case you didn't know, I should tell you that you can't avoid everybody when there is twenty person in each class and you have six classes a day. I couldn't even avoid Edward. He was in Biology class, straight after lunch. Tanya was also in that class so I did get to have the lab table to myself – Edward originally sat there in freshman year but after he started dating Tanya he moved to sit next to her leaving that desk empty – so I was free to relax a little.
On the last day of the year Edward humiliated me even further by bringing the bra that he had previously stole from me and put it on the flag pole and then raised it up so it was blowing in the wind. Of course, he and Tanya remembered to tell everybody whose Bra it was. I was completely and utterly humiliated and for once in my life I detested, no I hated Edward Mason.
This summer I spent with my mother in Florida. I wanted to escape from being Edward's next-door neighbour for a moment. I was alone though, Emmett wanted to stay close by to Rosalie and so stayed in Forks.
My mother spoilt me rotten during the holiday. We visited all the best places Florida could offer, Disneyland, Sea World, Orland studio's and much more. I even got to visit my super rich aunty Shelia. I spent a week with her so mom could visit Phil – my step-dad – who was still playing an away baseball match. Me and aunt Shelia get along like two best mates. She is younger than mom and so much more teenagerish. I was never afraid of telling her about everything and anything. I confined in her what had happened in the last month of school and so she spoilt me even more.
First, she decided it was time I changed. Fist she started with my wardrobe full of clothing. She threw out every single piece of clothing I had brought with me apart from a short skirt that Alice had slipped into my bag. She then took me shopping to buy a whole new range of clothes, clothes that I would normally see on Alice and Rosalie, but I agreed with Aunt Shelia, I need a change. Next she took me to the hair dressers who cut my hair and taught me how to curl it so it came out in perfect ringlets every time. Then, she took me to a beautician who waxed my eyebrows and found the perfect tone of make up for me, and then also giving me at least a three month supply of it. And finally she took me to a tattoo parlour. She had originally gone in for herself but...
I followed Aunty Shelia in. Every pair of eyes were on me. I was far too young to be in here. Shelia went straight to the desk where she greeted the man with first names, she had obviously been here a lot. She was automatically lead into a side room where I happily followed her to.
She sat down on the seat and talked about having colouring being put into one of her tattoos which the tattoo artist happily did. While she her tattoo was being coloured I found a book of the tattooist's artworks. I cheerfully looked through the amazing drawings until I saw something that worked brilliantly. It was a Phoenix. It was carrying a sign with Chinese writing in. Thankfully it said below what the writing meant. It meant 'change'. It was perfect. Though I didn't voice my thoughts, I didn't need to, Aunty Shelia and had seen it written on my face.
"If you find one that you like You can have it as an early birthday present" she said, just moments after I spotted one. "I can see in your eyes that you want one."
"Aunt, are you sure? My mother would flip"
"Who said she had to know?" she laughed.
I laughed as well.
"Have you seen one you like honey?" asked the tattoo artist.
I took the book around and pointed to the phoenix.
"Oh, that fits perfectly Bella." Gasped aunty Shelia, obviously approving of my choice.
"It is a good one. Not many people have it but those that do always love it. It could take a while to do though. Perhaps it would be best to come back tomorrow" suggested the tattoo artist.
"I go home tomorrow" I sighed. "I don't mind staying up late if you don't"
"Shelia?" asked the tattooist.
"That's fine by me Bells. Where are you going to have it?"
By the time I was sat on the chair, I had decided exactly where I was going to have it. I was going to place it on the back of my left shoulder. I knew for a fact that my favourite top would show it then, in fact most of my tops will show it off.
It took five hours of absolute pain to finally have the Phoenix and it's Chinese writing tattooed onto my shoulder. It looked wonderful. Though I knew I would have to hide it from my mom for the following two weeks and then hide it from Emmett and dad for the rest of my life. I decided then that I wanted to do Art next year as another subject. I wouldn't mind becoming a tattoo artist, everybody is always saying I was a brilliant artist and I loved this tattoo.
My aunty Shelia spoilt me even more. I had told her about my old Chevy truck and the fact it had finally broken down and no longer worked and so she handed over to me her black BMW M6 convertible. She had recently bought the new Bugatti Veyron and had no need of the BMW M6. She was planning on scrapping it but when I said I was in need of a car, she decided to hand it over.
I had the best aunty in the world.
I had – well my aunt had – the car sent up to Washington state for me as I spent the final two weeks of the holiday relaxing with mom. Though it was a thrilling two weeks. I met a lad named Joshua Weeks. He was moving to Forks in a few weeks – I couldn't believe my luck when he said that. He was to be starting his senior year and so I offered him a taxi ride in my BMW M6. He was thrilled and excepted right away.
But now it was time to return to Forks. School was tomorrow and I'd not only be turning up in a Black BWM M6 with Joshua by my side, but also turning up with a brand new style and hair do. I was a pack of nerves and I hadn't even got out of the plane.
The plane finally landed and I stumbled down the steps to find both Charlie – my dad – and Emmett waiting for me. Both looked shocked by my new look. Mom had loved it but these two were staring at me with their mouths wide open. Charlie looked the same as what he did when I first moved to Forks. He was the Chief Police Officer. He had dark brown hair and brown moustache. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised that he was wearing his police uniform, he had warned me he would be coming straight from work.
Emmett however was wearing his usual casual jeans and t-shirt. Nobody would ever guess that me and Emmett were Twins. He was well built, popular, co-ordinated and strong, while I was the little geeky weakling.
"What?" I asked when I reached them, dragging two suitcases behind me.
I was expecting to have been crushed by Emmett by now, but he seemed to be rutted to the spot.
"What happened to you?" asked Emmett in complete shock.
"Aunt Shelia gave me a makeover, oh and a new wardrobe range, and some make up, and some hair tips, and a new BMW M6 which I want to pick up on the way. It's in the forks garage." I told them.
Their mouths dropped even further.
"Anyway, we can discuss that later. Don't I get a welcome home hug?" I asked.
Both snapped into actions.
Emmett got to me first, pulling me into one of his bone crushing hugs. Not forgetting to cut off my oxygen flow.
"Em, can't... breathe" I gasped.
"Oops. Sorry Belly" he laughed as he let me go.
"It's alright brother bear" I replied laughing as well.
Charlie just gave me an awkward one armed hug – as per usual – as took about placing my bags in the car.
Charlie drove us home, not forgetting to pick up the amazing and totally cool BMW M6 from the garage. It was even better than I imagined now that it was in Forks. I had seen it while I was with Aunt Shelia but it seemed to look even better now it was in Forks.
I drove that home, with Emmett sat beside me.
"So jealous Belly. How come you get a cool BMW M6?" he asked, jealousy filling his voice.
"Because you go that massive Jeep from Uncle Bernie" I replied laughing.
"True" he agreed. "I do still prefer the jeep to this. Not really my thing"
"Of course it's not" I laughed sarcastically.
The conversation between us was light for the whole way and died completely when we turned onto our road. I drove onto the drive, in the spot where my truck used to park. I couldn't help but glance up to Edward's window. The light was on and the blind was open but I couldn't see him in there. Which luckily means he can't see me either.
I put the soft top roof up and then headed inside.
When I reached my room I left my light off until I had shut the curtains. I didn't fancy letting Edward get a peek into my new look before tomorrow morning. I looked terrible from the journey and I want him to see it in full effect.
I remember to call Alice, Rosalie and Angela – not forgetting to apologise for phoning so late – and told them to make sure they were there fairly early because I had a surprise for them. I can't wait for them to see my new look either. I think they will love the clothing choice – Alice had never really liked my old wardrobe range.
I could feel the nerves in my stomach at the thought of tomorrow and I welcomed it. It was a happy nerves, not the I hate school nerves I used to get.
However, it was the nerves that kept me awake all night. I only managed to fall asleep at two o'clock in the morning just to be woken at seven by my phone ringing. I reached over to look at the screen.
'Josh'.
I cheered to myself and opened.
"Hey Josh"
"Hey, Bells. I just wanted to check I had your address right and I remember you telling me to ring you to make sure your awake."
I thanked him for his alarm skills, especially as I had forgotten to set my alarm clock, and then gave re-gave him my address. He would be walking to my house ready for quarter past eight. My nerves were back but I was buzzing with excitement all the same.
So this is what being Alice feels like!
I shot up and did my makeup. I remembered to add the finishing touch of blood red lipstick. Then my hair – curling it into lovely loose ringlets. And now for the hardest choice of the decade. What am I going to wear today?
I picked out several outfits until I decided on a burgundy coloured tight dress. It only went down to the middle of my thigh – which for me was very short. It also showed off my awesome phoenix tattoo. I loved this dress overall apart from the size. I placed a thin black belt around my middle and fastened it loosely. I placed on a pair of skin coloured tights on and a pair of flat black pumps.
I braved a peek through the curtain to see Edward facing away from the window, fixing his hair in his mirror. Is it possible to love and hate somebody at the same time?
I managed to drag my eyes away from him just long enough to see that dad's cruiser had already gone. He must be working early. I also managed to catch Emmett hopping into his jeep. He must be planning to see Rosalie before school.
I opened the curtains and vanished before anybody could have seen me through the window.
I rushed downstairs and fixed myself a bowl of cereal. I managed to gulp it down in time for the front door bell to ring.
As I skipped to the door, the thought of it not being Josh came into my mind. What if it was Edward? He couldn't see me yet. I was determined for him not to see me until I reached school, and I wanted him to be there before me and Josh.
I peeked through the peep hole, relieved to see it was in fact Josh at the door. I swung the door open. But as I did I heard the familiar noise of the Masen's door being closed – only their door clicked like that.
I quickly grabbed Josh by his shirt and pulled him inside, closing the door briskly behind him.
"Sorry about that." I apologised.
"What was that about?" he asked slightly shocked but with an amused smile lingering on his face.
"I told you about my neighbour right?" I asked. I was sure that I explained everything to him.
His jaw locked. I took that as a yes.
"Yes" he said through gritted teeth. "Edward was it?"
I nodded.
"Well I recognise the sound their door makes when it closes, and I don't want to see him yet" I explained.
He nodded.
I peeked out of the peep hole just in time to see the tail end of Edwards silver Volvo go screeching off in the direction of school.
I turned to Josh and smiled, "You ready to go?"
"Of course"
I lead him out.
Thankfully it was a dry day so I could have the roof down and let the wind blow through my hair. I just wished it was sunny so I could wear my sunglasses, that would top the look.
I climbed in, closely followed by Josh.
"So, to school..."
"Yeah" I replied with little enthusiasm even though my stomach was still flipping inside out with both nerves and excitement.
Bring it on school. I'm ready for you.