AN: I know that there are way too many Twilight themed university fanfics, but this is purely for my own enjoyment. You don't have to like it, but I would appreciate feedback and advice as to whether or not I carry on with the series. Thanks for reading! 3
BELLA'S POINT OF VIEW
I held my folder above my head as if it would provide some form of protection against the downpour. I hurried along the sidewalk, standing as far away from the road as I could; desperately trying to avoid getting splashed by another car. My right side was already soaked with muddy water thanks to a careless lorry driver, and I wasn't prepared to go through that again. I would've run, but I knew that I was sure to fall down if I did, so I stuck with a brisk walk. I was an hour early, anyway, so my speed didn't really matter. Nevertheless, I preferred to walk speedily - I couldn't stand the rain. Soon enough, I rounded a corner and bumped into a set of wrought iron gates with delicately crafted flowers welded into the dark metal. My cheeks flushed bright red; I just hoped that nobody had seen me.
As soon as I managed to push the gates aside, I realized that this must be the vehicle entrance; the long, winding drive was far too long to possibly be considered for walking down. I sighed, and began the long walk up the tarmac slope; resigned to the fact that there wasn't a chance in hell of me being able to find the right entrance. A loud horn sounded behind me, and I jumped - spinning round to see a monstrous looking jeep facing me. There must've been something comical about my face, as the driver started laughing inside the cab. I scowled at him as he rolled down the window. "Hey, I'm Mike. Need a lift?" He ran a hand through his blond, spiky hair as he spoke and looked me up and down. I thought about this for a second - considering my options. Sighing, I walked to the passenger seat and opened the door. I stepped up into the jeep and sunk back into the leather seat. "Thanks, I'm Bella." I grinned at him, trying to look convincing. "I wasn't really up for walking up that hill." I admitted. He laughed and pressed down on the accelerator. "I don't think anyone in their right mind would be up for it." Mike chuckled, navigating around the parking lot and pulling into a space outside a building labelled "Reception". I laughed with him, and it sounded false, but he luckily didn't seem to notice. "I guessed you were new - I've never seen you around before - so it's best to check in here first, see where your dorm is." He continued to chatter as we walked toward the double-doors into the reception. We reached the doors, and he finally broke off. I looked up at him and found that he was staring at me. Quickly, I flicked my attention back to the floor - feeling my cheeks burn up. "I guess I'll see you around then, Bella," He turned around almost reluctantly, and walked back to his car. I quickly pushed through the doors and into the warmth of the office, shuddering with pleasure. A plump looking woman with red hair sat behind the desk, smiling pleasantly at me. "Hello, dear. Are you Isabella Swan?" I nodded shyly, and she handed me a pile of leaflets. "These should help you. There's a map, an information booklet, and the location of your dormitory." I looked at the map quickly, and found that my dorm was next to the cafeteria and the English block. That wasn't too bad. "You're a bit early, though, so your roommates won't be here for a while. That'll give you a chance to unpack." She beamed at me again, and I gave her my thanks before hurrying out of the door. A violent gale whipped the leaflets out of my grasp, and I swore under my breath. I should be at home in Phoenix right now, enjoying the sun that shined on the new semester of college in my hometown. But no - I was here, in the rainy little town of Forks at the start of the semester, chasing paper around in the rain. How did I end up here?
BELLA'S FLASHBACK
I threw myself down onto my bed; letting the tears flow freely down my cheeks. At least I didn't have to pretend to be happy here. My room was my sanctuary. I didn't have to pretend to be happy here - when I was here, nobody had to see me cry. It was private, peaceful. I could hear Phil moving around downstairs, and I tried to block out the noise. It made me feel guilty; the accident had shattered his life as thoroughly as it had mine, but he was coping. He still went to work everyday and earned enough to pay the bills. I, on the other hand, was not coping. Sure, I went to school and put on the whole "happy-go-lucky" charade, but people knew there was something wrong, that I wasn't the same as I used to be. Some of my old friends had even taken to avoiding me, but I had only vaguely noticed; my time at school went past in a blur now. That was a bonus. But when I returned home, reality kicked in again; an icy blade stabbed into my heart each time I walked through the door, each time I saw Phil's tormented face, each time we sat down to eat with an empty seat at the table. I tried to put on a happy face when I was around Phil, and although I knew he wasn't buying it, he didn't say anything. So now he lets me mope around up here in my bedroom; not talking, not eating, and not even moving unless it was absolutely necessary. I listen to music a lot, but only my Mom's old CDs. Debussy was her favourite. I'm not entirely sure why I still listen to them - it only makes me cry more, but it's as if I can't get through a day without hearing or seeing something that reminds me of her.
I remember her death very clearly.
I was in the car. She was sat next to me, singing along to some cheesy song on the radio and flicking her head around like some melodramatic pop star. I was laughing; something I never did these days. Renee turned to smile at me; it's almost ironic that such a seemingly insignificant moment could lead to so much pain. Mom didn't see the lorry coming round the corner - well, not until it was too late, anyway. It smashed into the driver's side of the car - my Mom's side of the car. I try not to think about what happened after that.
BELLA'S POINT OF VIEW
Although my map was drenched with filthy water, I somehow managed to find my way to my dorm. I jammed the key into the lock and twisted; hoping that I'd got the right one. Thankfully, the door swung to and I walked into the room. The walls were white, as was the carpet, and the furnishings were minimalistic and all an inky shade of black. A table with a vase of white roses, two black sofas, a standing lamp and a plasma screen on one of the walls. The southern wall was made entirely of glass (remind you of any other house?) which looked out to the campus garden. There were three doors at the opposite side of the room and four on the adjacent wall - probably bedrooms and bathrooms. I wasn't particularly keen on going to investigate, so I sunk down onto one of the black sofas and gave in to my tears.
AN: The Cullen's will DEFINETELY be in the next chapter - but that chapter will only be written if I get a good review! Thanks guys (:
