September 13, 2009
Dear Diary,
School starts tomorrow. I don't really know why I keep up this charade. We don't take pictures and we avoid everyone at all costs. So why do we put ourselves through this torture of "going to school" all the time? I think it's pointless, I have lived through everything in these stupid text books, so why do I have to learn it over and over and over again? Ugh, Rosalie's being more of a bitch than usual today, wow.. well I have to go. School starts in a little while, but I drive fast, fast is good.
_Edward_
September 13, 2009
Dear Journal,
I hate my life. I have to start school today. New town, new school, new student all over again. Why me? My mom just had to go on the road with Phil, so I'm forced to live with my father Charlie. It's not like I hate him or anything, but it's awkward because.. well, we don't talk much and he still hasn't gotten over my mother yet. Which makes it really weird to even talk about her. Well I guess I should go. Police cruiser dropping me off at school – how embarrassing. As if me being extremely pale (because I moved from Phoenix, Arizona to here) and not having the good looks, wasn't bad enough for me. Wish me luck.
Much Love, Bella
The weather was extremely cold today, I had to wear a heavy, over fluffed winter jacket. Say goodbye to shorts and t-shirts. It doesn't look like there's much sun here, but there sure is a lot of rain. My name is Isabella Swan, but I prefer Bella. Today, I start school at this new private academy. I'm not really looking forward to it. They have uniforms, which aren't that bad, but I have to wear skirts with knee high socks and sweater vests. They are cute at least, like I have any fashion taste. But we live on campus for the week, and go home on the weekends. It works for me, since being around Charlie is really awkward at times, beings, he hasn't really gotten over my mom and everything.
My alarm sounds too early for me to bear, I roll over on my bed and smack my hand down on the off button, turning the lamp on at the same time. Charlie thought it would be cool to install those stupid clap on lights, which isn't cool. And to be honest, they probably never will be unless you're like eighty years old and can hardly walk to a light switch.
Getting up, the hardwood floor of my small room shock my feet and send chills up my spine. Rushing into the bathroom before Charlie can get there, I grab my toiletry bag and lock the door. You see, we have one bathroom, which is really difficult with a teenage daughter and a police chief who has to be at work before the sun rises. But today is different, he took the day off for me. Well for him I'm guessing because he can't wait to get rid of me. Orientation for the new school starts at 8 a.m. and right now, it's about 5 a.m.
The hot water in the shower blasts against my skin, causing a severe case of the shivers to rock through me. As they ease away, I'm relaxed again with the familiar scent of my strawberry shampoo. It reminds me of my mother's warm smile and the familiar landscapes of what used to be home. Then another picture plays across the 3-D Imax of my mind, a boy. I know who he is, he's my best friend, Lucas. We've known each other for what seems like forever and practically know everything about each other. I feel tears spring to my eyes as I think about how much I miss him. I've only been here for about a week, and now, as I remember him, it seems like years. I turn the water off, causing the pipes to creak, and briskly dry myself off.
As I leave the bathroom I bump into Charlie who's half asleep standing against the wall. "Morning Bells, how are you?" he asks, his voice still full of sleep. I smile a small one for him, "I'm alright, it's kind of chilly…" letting my words drift into the darkness of the hall, I half run back to my room and close the door tightly. Leaning against the back of the door, I let the first of many tears trickle down my cool cheeks. Their heated wetness burning like acid.
I dressed in one the many uniforms they gave us, luckily, we were allowed to wear dress pants. I quickly tossed them on with a white collared shirt. Walking down the stairs, my shoes clunked on each step as I made my way to the kitchen. It was yellow and weathered. Just like my mom had left it, sixteen almost seventeen years ago. "Hey Dad, what are you cooking?" I asked, trying to be polite. I already knew what he was cooking. The whole house was smothering with it. "Bacon, eggs, and waffles kid. How do you take them?" he asked, turning around with a huge smile on his face. I had a smart ass comment to give him, but his smile melted my heart. It reminded me of what my mom used to see in him so many years ago. "Sunny side up?" I ask, taking a seat at the small table that sat in the corner near one of the two windows that occupied the small kitchen.
"You excited about starting school? Or are you a little nervous to be staying with people you don't really know? Here you go.." he was saying, as he placed a plate in front of me. Chocolate waffles, my favorite, cut into the shape of Mickey Mouse's ears. I laughed, "You remember. Um, to be honest, I'm a little nervous, but if you say the academics are good.. Then I can endure staying there. Besides, I get to come home on the weekends." I says, smiling and taking a big bite of the waffle. It was like an orgasm in my mouth, the chocolate was delicious. Too sweet and creamy. "Mm, dad, these are.. Better than I could have ever remembered. Thanks." I didn't realize how hungry I was until my plate was empty and Charlie reached for it to refill me on chocolate waffles. "Here you go, kiddo.." he said smiling at me. I smiled back, "Could I have a cup of orange juice?" I asked, getting up to grab a glass from the cupboard. "Uh, yeah. Sit and eat, I can get it for you.." he pushed me towards the table again and seconds later, placed a huge cup of vitamin c in front of me. I gulped at it for a few as he joined me at the table.
"Well the academics are really good, and I heard that the kids there were decent as well. Everyone in Forks sends their kids there, so I figured I might as well help you blend in with them. Eat up, you look starved." he said laughing at me. I joined in and finished off my second helping. We ate in silence until I got up to go upstairs and finish packing my stuff. "Here, let me help you.." Charlie said, following behind me, as I walked into my bedroom. "Uh, well there isn't really much that needs to be done. I didn't really unpack.." I said sheepishly, staring at the floor. Startling me, Charlie puts his arm around my shoulders and kisses the top of my head. "I'm not really good at this whole dad thing, but I do want us to get along Bells. I will try my hardest to be what you need.. You just have to be patient with me." he said, his voice quiet now. I hug him, it felt out of place with us, but then again it felt right. "I know dad, and I will try as well. We will make this work. But I think we should get moving if we want to make orientation and not be dubbed the "uncaring" family." I said, laughing and pulling away from him.
I hated the police cruiser, but today, it seem comforting for some odd reason. I stared out the window as we made our way from Forks all the way to Seattle. It was raining outside, of course. I mean, as if I could hope for some stray sunshine. My cell phone rang and it was from Lucas:
Lucas801: Bella, oh my goodness. It's only bee a week and
I already miss you like crazy. I had a thought about
You this morning. It was good, of course. But I just
Want to wish you a great first day. Where are you? Are you
At school already? If so how is it? I want the details hon.
I smiled at his familiar wording of his text. I saw Charlie staring at me, but I tried to ignore his fatherly stare. "I assume that's your boyfriend who just sent you a text?" he finished, cocking his eyebrow. I shook my head, "No, he's my best friend, Lucas. You remember him, right? He came up with me when I was like 10.." I said.
BellaMuses:Hey buddy! No, I'm sitting in the cruiser with Charlie
We are on our way to Seattle to the orientation with
The New school, I am kind of scared but Charlie says
that it wont be That bad and that the schools academics
are really good. Really? Like I care, but it was sweet of him
to try and make this whole thing a little more enjoyable.
I hit send as we turned off the highway. Seattle is a big city, but, Phoenix has it beat still. But it wasn't as green as Forks was, and it definitely was more populated. It felt a little more like home than Forks did, but it was still out of place. We pulled onto this quiet drive and drove up through some winding roads, surrounded on both sides, by big, green trees that were starting to turn colors with the season. It made it look like a scene from one of those sappy, Hollywood romance movies. "How far out IS the school?" I ask, sighing while I leaned further back into my seat. "I'm not really sure. It didn't seem that far before, did it?" he asked, but we both fell silent and that's how I know we both saw the same thing.
It was a huge, castle like campus. The main building was stone, the color of hot coals, with matching buildings spread out across the landscape. Beautiful trees clustered together in various places along the perimeter of the place in front of this huge, barrier like, wall of stones that were 3 shades darker than the buildings. It had an eerie feeling to it all, almost chilling to the bone. It was like it had secrets that the outside world didn't know about. I shook the thought out of my mind as we pulled up the drive and were buzzed into the building's private parking area.
"Wow, how can… how can you afford to send me here?" I asked, my mouth hanging open like a fish out of water. "Now, Bells, don't you worry about that. Phil, your mother, and myself have this under control. You just enjoy yourself here, okay?" he said, as he got out of the car and walked to my side to open the door, but I already had it open. "Sorry, and I will try to. At least--" I stopped mid sentence, when I saw a silver Volvo, speeding way over the speed limit, slide into the space next to Charlie's cruiser. A tall, handsome guy with bronze colored hair, stepped out. He was like a perfect stature of Adonis, and of course, I stood there and gawked at him like I was mentally challenged or something. I would have kept it up if Charlie wouldn't have grabbed me under my elbow and pulled me toward the main entrance. I broke my attention from the boy and helped Charlie carry my bags inside.
"Hello, Welcome to Seattle Private. If you are from Forks, we ask that you take that line over there. If you are from Seattle, the line to the right of me. Any returning students should return to their previous assigned rooms until the official orientation begins. And if you are from other surrounding cities, you should take a turn at the first door on your left and wait there for more assistance with registration." said a woman, with an easy flowing voice. She had bright auburn hair and emerald green eyes. She was considerably taller than my 5"4 and almost taller than Charlie's 6"3. She had on a gorgeous, very vibrant yellow blouse with a matching form fitted skirt the color of the deepest brown of a tree trunk. We nodded to her and followed her directions over to a receptionist's desk where they were giving out our room assignments and schedules with maps.
"Isabella Swan" I told the woman, and blushed a little because I had to clear my voice so that it was audible. "Oh yes, Hello Chief Swan. Always good to see you, lovely daughter. She will enjoy her stay here and we hope that she will succeed in everything that she may do." the woman said, her nametag said Mrs. Cope. What a weird name I thought to myself as I tool my envelope and stepped out of the way. I was walking and reading at the same time, my father stayed behind a little to try and catch up with the woman at the desk. That's when it happened. I ran smack dab into the hottest guy I had seen since I stepped off the plane in Washington. But of course, the first time that I actually talk to him, I'm apologizing profusely because I knock my papers and his onto the floor. "Oh my gosh, I am SO sorry. Here, let me help…" I say, scurrying around on the floor separating my papers from his. He is doing the same and hands me a stack (mine of course) and I hand him the other. "No, I should have been watching where I was going. Don't worry about it.." he said, as he helped me up onto my feet again. I smiled, "Thanks…. Oh, I'm Isabella, well I prefer Bella.." I say, tucking my papers back into my folder. He smiled back, a seductive, crooked smile, "Nice to meet you, Bella. I'm Edward." he touched my arm, "Well, I should let you get on your way. See you around.." and he walked away. I stood staring after him for a moment, or at least until Charlie caught up. "Wow, nice looking guy. I know his parents.." he said, walking with me down a long, dimly lit hallway. "Um, my room is right… here." I say, pointing at the numbers 69. Wow, what a number. You'd think they would ban that from school, but I guess stupid little things like that is what makes it bearable. Charlie let out a huge sigh, "Well, I guess this is it. I will see you next weekend. I'll be here to pick you up." he says while he engulfs me in a huge bear hug. I hug him back just as tight, "Okay, dad. I'll be waiting. Well you better go to your meeting. I need to get settled in anyways." I say, and open the door, allowing Charlie in first so that he could set my stuff down.
The room was huge. It had two queen size beds, two desks, and a mini kitchenette. I walked over to the closet, it was a walk in closet, with two sides almost identical with a vanity at the very back that was big enough for two people. "Holy Shit!" I saw fiercely under my breath. "Whoa, this is quite a room Bella. Looks very comfortable." Charlie says, his voice full of fascination. "Yeah, tell me about it. I know I definitely call the bed with the bay window on it." I say, walking over and leaning over, cracking the window to let the cool, crisp September breeze flow through my stuffy room. It ruffled the curtains and filled the room. "Wow, dad. You guys are amazing. I know I am going to have a good time here. Don't worry. I will see you in 5 days," I say, laughing, "It wont be that bad, besides, you have the guys down at the station to keep you company." I nudge him playfully and see his eyes tear up a little. "Oh, come on, no, please-not the tears. It's not that big of a deal, look.. I'll call you in a few days." I say and squeeze his hand. "I know, and I'm not. I have allergies." he says and walks out of the room, closing the door behind himself.
I laugh to myself and fall back on my bed. This is… too much. Laying on my bed, I stare up at the ceiling. The room was quiet except for the sounds of leaves rustling above by my head and the soft whistling of the crisp September breeze. Closing my eyes, I fall into another universe that could only exist inside my own head. There, I feel the warm, Arizona sun on my pale skin and hear the crunch of gravel beneath my feet. As I keep walking, an out of place sound makes itself audible. I hear voices, although I know for a fact that I am the only person that ever travels down this road. Then there is a soft click of a door and more soft, muted footsteps. I fell myself shoot up on the bed, I don't remember falling asleep, but when I wake up, there's a pixie like girl dancing around my room. Groggy, I reach for my cell and notice that the sun is beginning to set.
"Oh, hello." she says, in a soft soprano voice. I smile and wave, not wanting to embarrass myself with a voice full of sleep. "
"I'm Alice Cullen. I'm so excited that we are rooming together. It will be so much fun. Oh, I'm sorry, you were asleep; I will give you a few to wake up." she said as she danced her way back into the closet.
The door opened, and in walks the tall, human version of Adonis, Edward Cullen. He made no notion of noticing that I was that I was sitting on the bed.
"Alice, I didn't see it in my car. I think you left it at home. Maybe it's in Rosalie or Emmett's stuff." he said, setting three more bags onto the floor.
"Hello." he said, finally acknowledging my existence. He waved and sat in the chair at the table in the kitchenette.
"Hello." I said getting up and walking into the bathroom. I closed the door softly behind me.
I splashed cold water on my face, hoping that my cheeks would cool off. I looked like crap. I walked back into the room and ruffled through my bags looking for my toiletries. Edward sat in the small kitchenette area, sprawled across two chairs with his eyes closed and hands behind his head.
"Alice, could you hurry up? We're going to be late for the meeting tonight." he said, trying to hide the smile in his voice with anger.
"Oh, Bella, aren't you excited about this year!?" Alice asked, adjusting her shoe as she hopped out of the closet.
"Um, I guess. I'm not really sure of what to expect. I'm kind of nervous." I replied as I yanked through my hair and pulled it up into a sloppy bun.
"Don't be afraid," Edward interjected, walking out of the room, "It will be okay." he finished before closing the door behind him.
I shrugged and turned toward Alice, "Wow, you look great in that outfit." I said. It was true, compared to my fitted dress pants and blouse I was wearing. The dress pants just weren't for me.
"Thanks, you look quite amazing yourself," she said, "Are you going to come to the meeting? I mean it's not mandatory, but it's cool. You can sit with me and my family."
"Ha-ha, I don't want to intrude, besides, I can be like the loner type and sit by myself." I said laughing.
"Nonsense, you are sitting with us and you wont be intruding. We're roomies, you're always welcome to hang with me!" Alice said, smiling into the mirror at me.
"If you say so, then I'll sit with you." I reply, laughing softly and readjusting my blouse again -- a nervous habit I have.
"Don't be nervous. Everything will go smoothly." she said as we walked out into the hallway. It's easier than I thought originally, to talk to her. It's definitely easy to be around her, she doesn't - or at least hasn't yet- push to fill silence and she's nice than I expected, beings she's been in schools like this before.
"So, are you from around here? Or are you from out of state?" she asked as we made our way down the hall where the seminar rooms were located.
"Um yeah and no, not really. My father lives in Forks, but I've been living with my mother and stepfather in Phoenix, Arizona. What about you?" I ask.
"Yeah, I'm from Forks, as well. Your father is the Chief. But this is like my third year here, so it's always nice to meet new people. What about you? Have you ever been to a school like this before?" she finished, opening the door for us as we walked into a huge room full of chattering teenagers from every age and size.
"Um, no, this is the first time I've ever been to a school like this. Back home, my school was public and it was.. Hectic." I finished as we sat down next to who I assumed was her family.
"Bella, this is my brother, Edward. But you too have already met. The blonde girl down at the end sitting next to the big, buff brunette is Rosalie and Emmett, they're together. But before you think we are weird and stuff, we're all adopted. Rosalie and my boyfriend Jasper are brothers. Edward, Emmett, and I are all related." she said, smiling. I just nodded and fell silent as a speaker approached the podium.
Alice nudged me with excitement through most of the meeting and by the time it was over, we were clutching our stomachs with silent laughter pains. The speaker, who seemed to be about 55 years old, had a toupee that was three shades lighter than his actual hair. He was a big fellow, with a hairy face and big, thick fingers.
"Wow, oh.. Wow…" Alice said, as se was embraced by a hot blonde. He was way taller than me with curly blonde hair and a face that made me cringe. It wasn't that he had a mean expression, he was just one that intimidating.
"Bella, This is my boyfriend, Jasper. Jasper, this is my roommate, Bella." she motioned between us with her hand, rushing her words and pulling him away at the same time.
"Hello." I replied, waving like the dork I was. But something else caught my eye. There was something off about his expression, more so than he was just intimidating.
"Pleasure to meet you," he replied before Alice pulled him into a huge crowd of people and disappeared.
I stared after them for a moment and turned around too fast. I bumped into Edward, but all I saw was bright red liquid flying in the air. Then it hit him, dripping down his shirt and pants. I stared, mouth hanging open like I was witnessing the end of the world.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to -- Oh my gosh, this is going to stain…" I muttered, grabbing a handful of napkins and handing them to him.
"Don't worry about it. It's really no big deal.." he raised a hand and took them from me. But all I could focus on was the huge red, wet spot on his light gray v-neck shirt. I grabbed some more napkins.
"Thanks, but really, it's no problem.." he said, and handed me some, I didn't realize until just then that I was covered in punch as well. I nodded and reached out to take the napkins, when our hands touched. It felt as if my skin had been set on fire and this bright, happy electrical current flowed through my body. I stare at him, eyes wide and his face mimicked how mine felt. We stood there for what seemed like an eternity.
"Um.. I have to.. I think I should.. Good bye." he stammered, blinked hard and turned around and walked briskly away. Not once did he turn back to look at me. Everyone in the room was staring back and forth between us. My cheeks flared bright red and I felt the heat spread to my neck. Making sure not to make eye contact with anyone, I stared at the floor and walked out of the room, trying my best not to break out into a full run for my room.
I couldn't believe that I did that. I mean, yeah, I'm really clumsy and everything, but I pissed him off. Classes would start tomorrow and I would have to face everyone that saw the ordeal… including him. Which was the worst of everything because I had only met him today, and now he hated me forever. Hopefully we wouldn't have any classes together.
I walked down my hallway, sticking close to the wall and found door. Unlocking it and walking in, I tried to find the light switch. At last, I flicked it on and kicked my shoes off near the door. I jumped onto my bed and plugged my cell phone in. "This year is going to be hell.." I said aloud to myself as I walked into the bathroom. I turned the hot water on and peeled everything off except for my underwear, forgetting that I wasn't at home anymore.
I didn't hear the bedroom door open or close until it was too late. I stood in the brightly lit bathroom, my breasts hanging out and wearing nothing but panties. Edward stood outside the door, watching me. He glanced down and slowly made his way back up. Meeting my eyes, he had a lazy, crooked smile on his face.
"Sorry, I was looking… for my sister, Alice." he said, finally. He was still looking at me, eyes locked on my face.
"Um… she went with… Jasper?" I said, looking away and reaching for a towel and stepped back a little further than before, only to notice a little bag in his hands.
"Did she say when she would be back?" his voice was quiet and rough, but he had adverted his eyes to staring at something behind me.
"No, but you could wait for her if you want to.." I replied, dumbfounded, but after I said it, I could feel my face burning a bright red again. I stepped forward and closed the door. I fell to the floor and sat on the cold tiles, trying to get my heartbeat to get back to normal.
The hot water felt amazing beating on my against my skin. The familiar scents of my body soap and shampoo reminding me of home. The sweet, comforting scent of vanilla and the wild, exotic scent of strawberries swirled around me. Turning the water off, I stepped out and dressed quickly in boxer shorts and a cute, fitted tank shirt. I slid on my favorite red socks and opened the door. I let the steam out of the bathroom so the mirror would clear up, as it did, I yanked a brush through my hair and pulled it up into a bun. I walked out into the room, shutting the light off behind me when I noticed Edward sitting in his same spot as earlier today.
"OH!…" I said, letting out a huge gasp of breath. I hadn't really expected him to actually stay and wait for his sister. Feeling self conscious, I walked over to my bed and grabbed my favorite Gone with the Wind hoodie.
"Hey.." he whispered, with a lazy smile again. I sat down on my bed and pretended to be preoccupied with taking my books and setting the under my night table.
"Hi…" I replied after a long moment. I gave him a small wave an felt my cheeks blush again, so I turned toward the window and let the chilly night air cool them off.
"Sorry about barging in here earlier. I'm not used to her having to share a room, she usually has her own." He admitted, as he relaxed back in the chair. I curled myself up on my bed.
"It's okay, just… can we not mention the whole incident again?" I asked, becoming embarrassed again. To my surprise, he laughed and shook his head.
"Don't worry, I wont mention it." he held his hand up as if he were swearing on a bible. I laughed out loud and snorted like huge dork.
"Sorry…" I said laughing again and felt the blushes come one after another.
"Don't be, I think it's cute." he replied, and smile up at me from underneath his long, dark eye lashes.
"Thanks. So you're a senior?" I asked after a few moments.
He shook his head, "No, I'm a junior. Yourself?" he asked, scooting the chair closer towards my bed.
"Junior. Hard to believe, but this school seems weird. But maybe it's just the new kid syndrome kicking in or something." I admitted, more to myself than anything.
"No, it's not hard to believe. It is weird, especially if this is like your first time in a "private" school. I was afraid my first year here too."
"wow, well I guess I don't feel so out of place anymore. Well, not as much.." I said, laughing again, a little nervously.
"Why are you blushing?" e asked after he tore his gaze from my face, only to catch my gaze and make me lose my train of thought.
""Um, well because you saw me naked -almost naked- and its kind of hard to talk to you…" I admitted, the truth unfortunately.
"Why is it hard to talk to me?" he asked again, cocking his head to the side and looking at me, his eyes revealing the confusion that I was causing.
"Well, for one, you're really good looking, and second, I don't have much experience with talking to guys. I'm sort of shy and like to keep to myself most of the time." I admitted, sheepishly.
He laughed, "Well, if my being good looking is the problem, I guess I shouldn't talk to you then. Maybe wear a paper bag over my face? And how come you don't have much experience?" he finished, stretching out onto my bed. It was a little unsuspected, but it wasn't weird. It felt right, like it was meant to be, like we were meant to be together like this.
"Um, no reason really. I mean back home, in Phoenix, I ha guy friends, but we've been friends since like forever. And guys back home usually went -- well they go for the sporty blondes, the girlie girls." I finished, watching him fold and then unfold his hands.
"I see. Well I think they should have I mean look at you." he waved his hand in front of me, "You're beautiful and interesting. Unlike most of the girls at this school, you have character. You're not some robot clone, he said laughing.
Blushing again, "Thanks," I said, staring at the edge of my pajama shorts, picking at a stray string.
"No problem.." he replied, watching me closely, his golden, no his topaz eyes placing me in a trance. He seems to be feeling the same way because we both looked away at the same moment.
"What about you? Who's got your eye at this school? I bet she's gorgeous, with long, shimmering hair and curves to die for." I finished, glancing out the window and then back at him.
"Actually I'm single. There's one girl who has caught my eye, " he glanced up at me, "But she doesn't know herself too well, from what I know so far." he finished, with his crooked, lazy smile.
"I see, well I think she should realize or come to terms with who she is. I don't think she should keep you waiting." I whispered quietly, watching him. He nodded and caught my eye. I felt my heart begin to race although I wanted to look away, I couldn't.
"Um.. So yeah," he said quietly after a few minutes," I think I should get going. Can you give this to Alice for me, please?" he asked, rising from his make shift recliner gracefully.
"Uh -- sure, n problem." I replied, taking the bag from him and setting it on the night table that sat next to my bed.
"Okay, thanks. Uh -- yeah, so I'll see you around." he said as he touched my arm and turned to walk out in of my room. The door clicked softly behind him and I fell back upon my pillows again. My phone began to vibrate on the table:
Lucas801:Hey Bella, what happened? haven't heard from
You in a while. Is everything okay? Did you make
It to the school in one piece? How IS the school?
Text/IM me back, hurry!!
BellaMuses:Hey Lucas, babes. I'm sorry I didn't text you back
Earlier, we got here earlier than expected and it was
Just a big shock to see the school. It's like a huge castle
I can't wait for you to come visit, you'll love the art of
It all and the architecture is to die for. You'll paint for
Hours. Text?IM back fast, lots to tell you.
Lucas801:Finally, I've been worried sick about you. Where the heck
ARE you? I mean there are very few buildings in the USA
That still have architecture like that, I am definitely coming
To visit you the next chance I get. How are you adjusting?
Are the kids there nice? Or are they like the kids from The Hills?
Oh I hope not, or I'll have to bring the football team to come
Kick their asses.
BellaMuses:No, no, this place is in Seattle, off some huge 1 hour long
Dirt road. And yes it's real. The kids here are nice enough. My
Roommate is amazing and very pretty, but she's taken and her bf
Looks like he could kill a guy (no joking around with that one either)
Her brother is really hot, well her whole family is. And guess what? Me,
Being the clumsy person that I am, spilled punch all over him today at the
"orientation" meeting tonight. But the worst is yet to come, I forgot I wasn't at
Home anymore so I just stripped naked except for the panties and he walked into
The room, saw everything, I could have DIED! From embarrassment, Lucas. Oh
Wow, this year is going to be interesting.
Lucas801:OMG STOP THE PRESS! He saw you naked? Wow Bells, I'm your best guy
Friend and I've never seen you bare that much! I mean bra and panties is one thing
But damn, so what did he say? Did you do the nasty? Are you being safe? He didn't
Like try to take advantage of you or anything did he? Anyways, wow, I've given you
Almost everything and taken almost everything… whoa..
BellaMuses:Hahahaha, you're so not funny Lucas. It was horrible!!!!! He saw
Me and I barely know this guy, and yes I do know you've given me a lot
And I've given you a lot, so don't complain (: but I cant believe this and he's like
My roommates brother, and oh god, I told him not to mention it ever again, but I
don't know if he will live up to. What if my reputation becomes the easy girl? Oh I'm not
Equipped for stuff like this! Advice?
Lucas801:Don't worry about it, most guys wont say anything and if his sister is nice enough, then
You don't have to worry about him. Sweetie, don't worry.. The whole nudity thing will
Blow over, who knows.. Something good might come of it. But I've got school earlier
Than usual tomorrow. Call me tomorrow and tell me how your day went. Talk to you
Later, Love you, Lucas
I shut my phone and climbed under the covers, maybe I was making a bigger deal out of all of this than was necessary. I tried to stay awake and think, but it was impossible because my eyes grew heavy and my eyelids drooped. I fell into a deep sleep, no dreams, so it was very restful. My alarm sounded too early and too loud for anyone's sanity.
"Ugh… Hmmm.. Err…" I mumbled, looking for the off button. I opened my eyes, it was still dark outside, but a little warmer than it was yesterday. I jumped up out of bed and closed the window, walking into the kitchenette to get a bottle of juice. I set it on the counter and walked into the bathroom. Relieving myself, I brushed my teeth and washed my face, applying a little make up and walking back into the room. There was a knock at the door.
"One sec--" the door opened as I reached for the doorknob. "Oh, I wasn't expecting you… I mean, is Alice alright? Nothing happened to her last night did it? I don't think she ever came back…" I stuttered over the thoughts rushing around in my head.
"No, no everything is okay. I just wanted to see how you were holding up? And, if you wanted to eat breakfast with us… because I know Alice never came back so we didn't know if you would come… down for breakfast or not." Edward said, stepping around me into the room.
"Oh, I was just going to drink some juice and snag a piece of fruit.. Nothing spectacular, but thank you." I said, walking into the closet. I grabbed the uniform skirt and shirt, then the sweater that went over it. I tossed the outfit on and came out pulling my knee highs up and slipping on my dress shoes.
"That looks good on you…" he said, turning back to the sink and filling a glass of water. "I don't mean to seem rude, please don't take me as that way." he assured between chugs of water.
"Don't worry about it, I don't think you're rude… just really friendly," I said laughing, "Besides, you were like the first person to ever talk to me when I came here… although every time we seem to talk, something embarrassing ends up happening to me." I shrugged as I sat up and straightened my clothes out.
Laughing, he replied, "Well that's true…" he shrugged and helped me up off the bed. His skin was pale and ice cold. Which didn't seem normal, but then again, the weather was changing rather fast and everyone reacts differently.
"Yeah, yeah. So… what's the breakfast like here?" I asked as we walked out into the hallway, locking the door behind me.
"Um, I'm not much of a breakfast person. Besides, I have to keep in shape if I want to stay on the Varsity Football team." he admitted, winking at me.
I shook my head and kept pace with him, or maybe he was keeping pace with me. Either way, it was nice having someone to talk to, and Edward sure was easy to talk to. But why was he talking to me? I mean he is a varsity football player and I'm just the new kid from Arizona who could pass as the albino.
"Well, I guess that's a good enough reason." I said, smiling up at him as we made our way into the dining room, also known as the cafeteria to most normal people.
"Um, yeah I guess it is. I can walk through with you… or just meet you at the table?" he offered, looking torn between something.
"Uh, if you want to walk through with me, you can. Otherwise I don't have a problem with walking through by myself." I replied, holding my bag strap close to my chest.
He walked ahead of me and grabbed two trays and passed one to me. Then we made our way through the line. I stuck mostly to the fruits and grabbed a bagel, along with a cold bottle of water. Edward on the other hand, got the fresh scrambled eggs with bacon and toast. I laughed a little as I paid for my food and waited for him.
"Well, where do you usually sit?" I asked, walking away from the line so that I didn't cause any chaos.
"Eh, right over there…" he pointed to a table full of people, there just happened to be two seats open. I recognized Alice and Jasper's faces as we got closer, but everyone else's were unfamiliar.
"Oh, okay. Works for me.." I said as I sat down next to a girl with long, corn silk blonde hair. She turned to look at me and smiled, waving slightly. I returned the smile and sat back, picking at my grapes.
"Oh, Bella, you made it!" Alice exclaimed, giving me a huge smile, "I hope Edward wasn't rude to you, we all know how he can be…" she said, while everyone else burst out into fits of laughter.
"Um, no he was okay I guess. I don't really know his usual ways. But um, thanks for letting me sit at breakfast with you guys, it was a pleasure, but I'd like to look at the grounds a little… catch you later?" I admitted, as I got up with my bottle of water and plate of half eaten food.
"Uh, okay Bella, if you insist. See you at lunch. We eat at the same place.." Alice said, looking rather glum and sort of pouting in her chair. With her small frame, she sort of looked like a young child, being scorned by her mother for not wanting to eat her green vegetables.
"Okay, have a good morning.." I said as I walked away and out the door. The air this morning was warmer than yesterday, but it was still cool. I let the wind rustle through my hair and blow it around my face as I walked past all the buildings into a clearing with a few scattered trees and a fire pit. I went and sat down and stared out into the nothingness of the earth.
"Do you like being alone all the time?" a voice that I would recognize anywhere, whispered from behind me.
"OH!," I yelped, jumping up from the seat and turning around abruptly, "No, not all the time, but the landscape here is so beautiful, and I do believe I need to calm my nerves before school starts. Did you follow me?" I asked, staring up into Edward's light golden eyes. He stared back and shook his head.
"No, I don't stalk people. But when I was new here, this is where I came everyday before school started. It is relaxing, and I just thought that I would give you some company… if you want it that it." he said, sitting down. I don't think it would matter if I had told him to go away, I think he would have stayed either way.
"Um, sure. So what does your schedule look like?" I asked, pulling my bag over to give him more room to sit. I turned, pulling my legs up next to me, waiting.
"Let's see," he pulled out a piece of paper and unfolded it, "English 11 with Coperhagen, Trigonometry with Greenwood, Drama with Goldberg, P.E with Cooper, and Biology with Gonzalez. What about you?" he said, looking down and over at me.
"Um, English 11 with Coperhagen, Trigonometry with Greenwood, P.E with McGuire, Drama with Stewart, and Biology with Gonzalez. Ha, we have a few classes together…" I said, smiling up at him. He was smiling back, but his eyes were distant, as if he was seeing something that wasn't really there.
The bell for first period sounded off in the distance and I got up from the bench stretching and grabbed my bag.
"Are you okay? … Edward?" I said, touching his arm lightly. His face had fallen, as if he had seen something he didn't want to.
"Uh, yeah. I'm fine. Sorry, I tend to zone out sometimes… let's get to class…" he said, looking over his shoulder and guiding me towards the building.
The English class was easy and I had read everything on the list Mrs. Copenhagen had give us. Edward didn't talk to me much, but he seemed distracted, maybe he had finally caught on to me being weird and didn't want anything to do with me anymore. Either way, the day ended up going well and flew by with the blink of an eye.
I met up with Alice on the way back to the room. We talked mostly about my first day and then she went on and on about hers. I was glad she liked to talk because I tended to be shy and wasn't very good at making conversation with people.
"So, what's you're favorite class so far?" she asked as she tossed her bag on her bed and went into the bathroom.
"Um, I would have to say… drama. I didn't really like it much back home because of the whole speaking in front of other people thing, but starting fresh.. It was easier than normal. I actually liked doing it." I replied as I checked my phone for anything new. Nothing, but then again, Lucas had football practice today.. And he wouldn't be home until later because he most likely was going to hang out with Nikki Reblados. Which worked for me, I mean she was really nice, and I like the fact that he wasn't all materialistic and didn't always look for the prettiest girl -- like everyone else was about who they dated.
"What about you?" I asked around a big bite of an apple, looking through the book list again and through my personal collection of books that I had.
"Uh, my design class. I love to design clothes. I do most of my clothes, but it just interests me.. Most of the kids complained about it the whole period, but I was intrigued.
I nodded and continued eating my apple as I plugged in my laptop and began to surf the web for a good book store.
"I'm going to stay here tonight, not Jasper's," she said, pretending to pout as we both laughed, "I'm kidding, but we haven't really had time to like hang out or anything." she said, taking her bright, red cherry nail polish out and plopping on my bed.
"It's okay, we've only known each other for like 2 days at the most. We have all year. Um… what are you doing?" I asked, looking worried as she peeled my socks off and shook the nail polish up.
"Painting your nails of course, silly girl you are, " she said, putting on mock horror, "Besides, I'm WAY too pale to even think of wearing this shade of red. But it would look gorgeous on you."
"Uh, but I don't really paint my nails…" I say, with a mouth full of apple. We both crack up at the mumbled words, I swallow and continue to laugh.
"Well, now you do, I wont steer you wrong, and this will look gorgeous.. See!?" she asked, holding up a perfectly painted foot. And to my surprise, it did look beautiful.
"Okay, okay. You can do this, but I get final say on any outrageous colors you may have stashed away…" I finished, tossing the core across the room and making it into the basket.
It was a long night, I tossed and turned in bed after I got off the phone with Lucas. He was tired and he thought he was coming down with something already, so I let him go to be earlier than usual and Alice passed out a few hours ago. I rolled over and looked at the clock on the table, 2:11 a.m.. I couldn't believe it. I think I might have fallen asleep for a few minutes, or at least it seemed like a few minutes because the last time I looked at the clock it was about 11:20 p.m.. Oh well. I rolled over and looked out the window and that's the last thing I remember. The next thing I know, I'm screaming and pushing myself back away from Alice, who is reaching frantically for the lamp switch and I'm clawing at the bed trying to get away from him. Why doesn't she see him? He's got a gun and is coming up slowly behind her, he's whispering something to me but I cant make out what he's saying.
"NO! DON'T TOUCH ME! PLEASE, PLEASE… NO DON'T!!" I screamed and Alice grabbed me, hugging me close to her chest and rocking me gently. I hold onto her tight and squeeze my eyes shut. I don't want to look at his face. That night was horrible, I finally stopped dreaming about him, about the whole incident that happened. So, why did he decide to make his way back into my conscience now?
"Shhhh, Bella… it's going to be alright. There's no one here but me, I promise, he won't hurt you anymore. He cant, he's not here…" she said, running her hand through my hair gently.
"Oh, Alice, he did it, I didn't mean to make him kill himself. I just wanted to go home, I didn't know him… he wanted to kill me! He -- he put the gun to my head and said that he would be with me always, then… and then he shot himself, there was blood everywhere…" I whispered into her shoulder, the tears were pouring out of me now, I couldn't stop.
"Bella, what happened? Who shot himself? I think you were just dreaming, there was no one here but us, sweetie, it was just us here. You were having a bad dream… that's all." Alice said, holding me at arms length and looking me in the eye. I shook my head and looked down and my hands, they were shaking really bad and my breathing was coming in short little gasps.
"No, he was there, in my dream. He said he would always be with me. A couple years ago, there was this guy, Jackson, or at least that's what they told me. I was… I was taken away from school, abducted on my way home one day. He wasn't mean, but he was. If that makes sense. I can still smell the alcohol on his breath and the mustiness of the basement he had me chained inside. He was obsessed with me, he wanted me to be with him.. But I had never seen him in my life. Well, one day, I refused to do any of the disgusting things he wanted me to do, so he got mad. He pulled a gun out of his pants' waist and pointed it at me. Said he would kill me … I didn't care, I'd never do any of those things he was telling me to do. So he held it to my chest, then moved it to his temple. He stood in front of me and said," I let out a sob again and wrapped my arms around me, "He said, "I'll always be with you, my princess" and he pulled the trigger. There was blood and brains everywhere…" I gave up and just sat there, crying my eyes out in front of her.
"I'm so sorry, but he's gone now and you were just having a bad dream. No one can harm you here, there's so much security and it was just a bad dream. No more apples before bed, okay?" she said, with a nervous laugh trying to lighten the mood. I laughed with her and hugged her.
"I'm so sorry for waking you up, I owe you and I promise, no more apples before bed." I said, attempting to smile at her.
"Okay, and don't worry about it. I'm glad I could help. Let's try and get some sleep. I will leave the light on, but it will just be our little secret, okay?" she said, climbing back over into her bed, not even bothering to turn the light off.
I nodded and walked into the bathroom. The cold water felt good on my hot skin. It washed the salty tears off my face. I could breath again, taking deep, lung filling breaths and staring at my reflection as it went back to normal. I shut the light off and went back to bed.
My alarm sounded a few hours later and Alice was still asleep. I crept into the bathroom and jumped in the shower really quick. I put on a cute lace bra with matching panties and walked out into the room toweling my hair. I walked past Alice into the closet and grabbed a pair of dress pants and a white blouse with a matching blazer. I slipped the pants and shirt on, leaving it unbuttoned.
"Alice, are you going to school this morning?" I asked, shaking her gently, she rolled over and stared at me groggily, and then nodded.
"Yep, thanks.. OH GOD!" she said, jumping out of bed and rushing to the bathroom. I didn't realize how long it actually took her to get ready, until this morning.
"I'm sorry, I just thought I'd let you sleep a little more, being I kept you up a while last night." I said, feeling lousy that I did this to her.
"No, no its okay. Don't worry about it. I'm alright now, I just have to spend extra time in the shower.. Morning ritual, nothing weird." she said, her red stained lips standing in stark contrast with her pale, alabaster-like skin.
"Um… okay, well next time, I'll just wake you up. But I really am sorry and I do owe you… big time." I said, reaching for my cell and school bag. I pulled a scarf around my neck and made my way to the door. Sliding into my shoes I stepped out behind Alice and locked our door.
"Yeah, well if you insist, I wanted to go shopping this weekend… but Rosalie and Emmett are having their "alone time" and Jasper nor Edward want to go with me.. Will you?" she asked, turning around and whipping out the cutest puppy dog face I have ever seen in my life.
"Oh, god. How could I say no to THAT face? But sure, I don't mind going… " I said after a moment and then burst out into laughter when she actually barked. I snorted as Edward walked by, I half expected him to laugh at me or point out how much of a dork I was, but he glared at me and kept walking. My heart sank a little and I stopped laughing altogether.
"What's wrong?" she asked, as I began to walk towards the back way to the dining hall.
"Nothing, I'm just… really hungry this morning is all. Are you?" I ask, after a moment. I was having trouble breathing and so I stopped and took long, deep breaths. Alice stared at me for a moment and touched my arm.
"Are you okay? Do you need to go back to the room? The nurses office?" she asked worriedly, holding my hand and pulling me to the side of the hall. I shook my head.
"No, I'm alright. I just started to have a little trouble breathing, but I'm okay." I smiled at her and continued walking.
We walked silently the rest of the way, but as soon as I walked in there and saw him sitting with a bunch of jockeys, I immediately remembered the incident a few minutes ago and had to get away.
"Um, you know what? Go ahead without me this morning. I just remembered I have to get help from a teacher on some homework. I will catch up with you later." I said and hurried away and out the building. I walked far away and stood near the edged of a small river, flowing faster downstream.
I stood there for a few minutes and decided I was going to just go to class earlier than usual and look over some of Wuthering Heights before class began. Although, I knew the book inside and out, I just needed something to keep my mind off of him. Why was he bothering me so much? It's not like we had anything special, he was just being nice to me… that was all. Snap out of it Bella, you're being ridiculous. Get over it, life goes on. You'll make more friends.
The bell rang and students began piling in, Edward was one of the last and he sat in the back near a couple of other Varsities and they all cracked jokes. I ignored them and brushed him like it was nothing.
"Hey, why do you look so glum today?" a guy asked me as he sat down next to me. He was cute, with beautiful blue eyes and black hair. His face was strong and masculine, very handsome.
"Uh, no reason. Just tired, didn't get much sleep last night is all." I said, smiling at him.
"Oh, man, that's got to suck. So I hear we are going to need partners in the class, you want to be mine?" he asked, looking really shy all of a sudden.
"Sure, I'd love to." I said, laughing a little and turning towards the teacher as she began to talk.
I saw him smile at me from the side, he did it most of the block and sometimes I blushed and smiled back, others I tried to pretend that I didn't see him, but that only made him laugh and do it more. He was funny and nice, and was definitely good looking.
"Interesting class, want to hang out in the library after class to start working on the project?" he asked, slinging his bag over his shoulder.