Disclaimer: We don't own Twilight. You knew that.

Preface.

Bella

"Bella… Iz…?" This was Priss/matchmaker/whatever/Alice, "Do me a favor and pay attention."

Bella sighed. "Yes, Ma…?" It was Alice's turn to roll her eyes. "No… I'm serious, what?"

But Alice didn't get to talk—Bella went on and on and on. "Lemme guess, you're gonna set me up with another prissy girl you go to Catholic School with because she wants to be a 'rebel' by being in lesbians with me. Just to get my mind off how Rose's cheating back looks when it's arched. And then it'll happen like it always happens—we get caught kissing and then she breaks up with me because she doesn't want to be in lesbians with someone who Rxs and lives and Queens and blah blah."

Alice coughed; Bella's rants were always the same and always started a new relationship—so to speak.

We'll call this one different from the "rest." And it's kinda Leah's fault—for being too Catholic.

Leah

The bell rung, and Leah sighed. School's over; time to go home. She wasn't looking forward to seeing her father. He was attached to the hip with that liquor bottle. She took a cab back to Queens from the city, knowing the Subway would be a quicker route. She was dreading seeing her family, dreading the scolding of my father. He didn't like the way her skirt set on her hips, how it was too short, too thin. Not proper. Ungodly.

Sinner should be written on her forehead.

She looked out the window of the cab, taking in the city sounds. Car horns, squealing tires. She instinctively touched the crucifix on her neck, asking God for safety in her own home. She prayed to Him, begged, to be unharmed.

She payed the cabbie when she arrived before her dank apartment. She was a scholarship kid which allowed her to go to Catholic school in the city. It was peaceful to get away from Harry for a few hours a day, a relief. School, as much as she loved learning about her faith, still never sated her. She saw people her age walking down the city sidewalks having the time of their lives while she read the Scripture, wanting more depth. She wanted friends; someone to rely on after her father hit her. She wanted someone to hug her, tell her that it'll be ok. That it would be over once she graduated. She wanted to not shy away from touch; she wanted her touch.

She wanted Isabella Swan.

A/n: Yes, Bella is opinionated. And Dads who booze themselves up everyday are needed.