Rewrite! I've decided to rewrite it, obviously, and it turned out better than I expected. More info after the chapter, at the bottom.

Step in Up into Twilight

Chapter 1

I spent my entire life street dancing. My mom used to take me to shows on the street, and she would always encourage me to follow my dreams. When I was 15, she died of cancer. My dad was already deceased, so I was given to social services. I currently live with Charlie Swan, my foster parent. Street dancing is often associated with drugs, so he doesn't approve. I compete on the weekends if I'm available, but my crew understands if I can't make it.

I was an only child since birth and I have no extended family. Charlie's cool, but with him being a cop, my friends are always worried they're going to get busted if he smells anything on me. Luckily, he keeps to himself most of the time, so I get to do whatever I want.

My alarm clock blares and I slam down the snooze button. I get dressed in the first things my hands touch and rush to the bathroom to brush my teeth and do my hair. There's no time to eat; it's almost eight o'clock and school starts in fifteen minutes. I grab an apple on my way out and stuff in my backpack. I hurry to make it to school and at the rate my truck's moving, I doubt I'm going to make it. Sure enough, just as I enter the parking lot, the bell rings. As I enter the classroom, everyone looks my way and the teacher glares at me. I roll my eyes and take my seat. Mr. Shoeke begins a lecture on how modern America aids us in figuring out crimes and such. I text my captain under the table.

Hey, Cap. Can we practice tonight, usual place?

Sure, Firecracker. 6. Don't be late or I'll team you up with Jake.

Don't worry; you just made sure I'd be on time. See you later.

Jake is the most annoying person when he wants to know something. He is also very, very gay. That's why you can't get mad at him. He's hilarious, and I love him. He's the closest thing I have to family. You can't help but laugh at everything he says because his voice is so…him. I smile, just thinking about it. I absolutely love the way he talks, too. He was born and raised in New York, but his parents died, too, and he was shipped to his Uncle Billy's. But Billy doesn't know he's gay because it's against his whole family's beliefs. If he tells them, they'll throw him out and he'll be homeless. I've offered to let him stay with me, but he refuses to impose. As soon as he turns eighteen, he's leaving, and I might go with him.

The bell rings, startling me. I hurry to my next class, willing the day to be over already. By the time lunch rolls around, I'm starving. I buy two slices of pizza, yogurt, and some juice. Then, I head over to the table where my friends are sitting. I dump my backpack next to the bench and slide into the seat next to Jessica.

"Hi guys." I greet.

"Hey, Bells. Did you understand anything on the pop quiz Mr. Jodes gave us? And don't forget about the essay due today about the Holocaust and how it impacted the women of America."

"Jess, calm down. What are you on? I swear you're like the Energizer Bunny on steroids." I say, chewing a chunk of my pizza.

She points to my food. "How can you eat all that and still have your shape? I have to go on a diet every time I eat a piece of candy. It's not fair!"

"I work out. How else am I supposed be as skinny as a stick? It's not my fault God blessed me with a fast metabolism."

"Lucky. Whoa! Who are they?" She points to a table where five teenagers were sitting.

They're sitting in the corner of the cafeteria, as if to blend in with the wall. They aren't talking or eating although each of them had a plate full of food. They all are chalky pale, and have dark eyes. They also have dark shadows under those eyes, as if they hadn't slept in days. Their entire features are straight, perfect, and angular. Their faces are all devastatingly, inhumanly beautiful. They are faces you never expected to see except perhaps on the airbrushed pages of a fashion magazine.

"Wow," I mumble in awe.

Angela responds. "Those are the Cullen's. They're all adopted by Dr. and Mrs. Cullen. They just moved here because their dad got a job at the hospital. They're all together, though. Except for the one with the reddish hair. He's single. His name's Edward."

Edward's head shot up as if we called his name and we immediately looked away.

"I can't wait to meet him." Jessica whispers. I laugh. "What about you, Bella? You two would seem like a good pair."

"Jess, I don't date. How many times have I said that? I don't need a guy wasting my time only to have him break my heart or something. Besides, I could be doing better things than spending time drooling over him," I lecture.

"But boys are fun! How can you not see that? I bet he has a really big-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence or I will personally see to it that Charlie arrests you." I threaten. She presses her lips together in attempt to prevent laughter. Angela is blushing and looking away. I burst into laughter, and then they join in.

When we get our giggles under control, I sigh.

"You know, I was going to say heart. I bet he has a really big heart."

"Sure. Whatever you say."

"Bella-"

The bell rings.

"Oh, would you look at that! Time for class. See you guys later." I shoot Jessica a smile, letting her know I am joking. I dump my tray, grab my backpack and walk to Biology.

As soon as I walk to the door, the stench of microwaved lunch hits my nose and I gag. I take my seat and get out my things. In the midst of everything, Edward Cullen walks in. I momentarily freeze and stare. His eyes meet mine and for a second, I'm lost. But then I regain control of my actions again and look away. He is introduced to the class, and I can feel his stare as I look down.

"Now, why don't you take seat next to Bella?" My eyes shoot up. "Bella, please raise your hand."

I lift my hand, silently protesting. He walks over and sits, dumping his backpack on the ground. I nod at him, half-smiling. I shift my hair and I see his muscles tense. His hands clench and he stops breathing. As soon as the bell rings, he's out of his seat and out the door. I pack up slowly, and head to P.E. I can't get his reactions to me out of my mind.

I change and quickly run out on to the track. I position myself, ready to run. When the whistle sounds, I speed off like a bullet. My hair whips around my face and I push myself harder; so much that it almost hurts.

I finish the mile off and sit off to the side, clutching my stomach. I gave myself cramps by running like that. Someone hands me some water and I gulp it down as fast as possible. The teacher excuses me to the nurse, ignoring my protests. I snatch the pass from her and walk down to the office, silently swearing at the people staring out of the classroom window at me.

As soon as I push the doors to the main office open, I bump into Edward Cullen and begin to fall back. He grips my waist quickly and releases me as soon as I'm steady enough to stand. His eyes burn into mine, and suddenly I feel underdressed. I blush and notice he isn't breathing again.

"Excuse me." I mumble, brushing past him and into the nurse's office.

I hurriedly tell her what happened and she hands me some Advil for the pain. I quickly swallow them with some water she hands me. I hurry back to class, eager to change. When I return, the coach tells me to go take a shower and relax. We still have half an hour left of class, so I accept. I rummage through my P.E. locker to find a clean pair of clothes. I take a ten minute shower and change, feeling renewed for the first time in a days. I put my hair up into a ponytail just as the whole girl part of this class enters. Their smell spreads like wildfire and I hurry out of the room. I wait until the bell rings and then walk slowly to my truck. It's as if I've spent all of my energy.

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

Once I'm home, I do my homework and go around the house picking up a little. As soon as I'm satisfied, I grab my I.D. and stuff it in my pocket. I make sure dinner is ready for Charlie and leave a note telling him I'm out with my friends. An hour later, I'm approaching my crew's abandoned gym, outside of Port Angeles. We have our symbol spray painted on the front door and I can hear the music. I jump out of my truck and slam the door shut.

"Hey! Lucy, I'm home!" I call, grinning. I open the door and music deafens me for a second. People are scattered around the floor, stretching out.

"Firecracker! Right on time, babe. We're dancing to In Da Club by 50 Cent." My captain calls. I grin and brush a stray hair out of my face. I can't wait.

Practice begins. "Okay, Bella, take lead. Now, one stomp left, one stomp right, dip to the floor, come back up slowly, throw your heads around, stand up stick straight, legs together, arms out straight, move your left arm up and your right hand down, puff your chests…"

Practice continues uninterrupted and when we take a break, my clothes stick to me like a second skin because of how much I'm sweating. I wipe my forehead with a towel and chug half of my water.

"So…" Jake begins.

"What?"

"Who is he?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." I ignore him, flushing.

"Yeah, you do. You're brighter, like, I'm talking glowing. And you're blushing. You never blush. I didn't know you could blush at all, actually. I didn't even know it was possible for you to let your guard down. You're always tense. So, what's his name?" Jake's persistence strikes a nerve of femininity in me and I giggle.

"Edward Cullen," I sigh.

"Is he hot?"

I bite my lip and let out a deep breath. "Yeah. He's perfect. But he's distant and not very social. So, I don't know. I like him, though. He's…mysterious. I like that."

Jake sighs dramatically. "If only girls didn't like the mysterious ones, their hearts would not be broken and we guys could have a go. How old is he?"

"I think he's my age, but he seems so old. And he's more than just hot. He's a flame." I grin.

"Careful, don't go making expectations before you meet him. Then you'll be disappointed. Let it play out, but be on guard. If he likes you then, then he'll like you the way you really are." Jake advises.

"Thanks, bro." I punch him in the arm, breaking the tension that was there moments ago.

The Captain calls our attention and we redo our routine until there's only very few mistakes. While doing a back hand spring and then a split, I pull a muscle in my high and whimper. The pain travels all throughout the muscle before throbbing.

I let out a string of curses while trying to get situated on a bench. I watch for the rest of rehearsal and head home around two o'clock in the morning. I arrive at three o'clock, and sneak in through my window.

My bedroom has been searched. Papers are scattered. Pillows are torn. Drawers have been rummaged through. They were looking for it. The one thing they didn't want me to know. I grin, because I know where it is. I never leave without it. I stick a hand down my shirt and take the small, undetectable flash drive out and smile at it. They'll do anything to get it back.

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

I spend an hour cleaning my room, trying to pick up the small pieces of paper and throwing away pillows. When I'm satisfied, I grab a clean pair of clothes and take another shower, washing my body with soap a few extra times so I didn't smell like sweat. I change into sweats and a tank top and leave my hair down to dry; I throw the dirty things in the hamper and begin breakfast.

By the time Charlie comes down, it's around six thirty. I serve him eggs and toast, leaving some for myself, as well. I scarf my food with him at the small wooden table, and make small talk.

"I got home soon after you did, Charlie. I know you always go to bed at nine o'clock. I didn't want to wake you," I lie.

Charlie blushes. "Thanks, Bells, for breakfast and not waking me up last night. This last case was hard. Robbery in Port Angeles causes about one mill in damages. Set a building on fire and crashed a couple of cars. We lent them a hand because we're bored here."

I check the time. Seven forty-five. I've got to go if I want to make it to school on time. "Hey, I got to go. I'll see you later. Bye." I grab my school bag and hurry to put on my shoes. I arrive at school and talk to my friends a bit before heading to class. I'm running on half power, because I didn't sleep last night.

We have a new student, again, and it's Jasper Cullen. He claims he had a schedule change, but I can sense that there's more to it. He sits at one the back tables, and I catch his eye, before diverting my gaze to the front.

In my next class, Rosalie Cullen had a schedule change as well. In the class after that, Alice Cullen. And in my P.E. class, Emmett Cullen. Edward Cullen is not here today, and I stare at his table during lunch, wondering. What would keep him away from school? It's not like there is anything exciting in Forks.

School moves, slowly but surely, and I head to Port Angeles to see Jake. We go see a movie that has us ready to pee by the end and our seats are surrounded with thrown popcorn. I laugh as we exit the theatre, picking stray crumbs out of my hair and clothes. As we head outside, Jake takes off his shirt and airs it out, emptying it of popcorn. I laugh at the girls ogling him; so what if he has a six pack? Jake winks at the guys. I swear he has no shame.

Jake and I hang around a bit more, even stopping to sit in the park, before heading back to his place. I have to head back; it's nearing seven o'clock. I hug him goodbye, whispering that I'll see him tomorrow and walk to my truck. I'm almost halfway home when something runs across the road, and I slam on the brakes.

I get out to see what it is and come face-to-face with a carcass of a lion. I crinkle my forehead; lions don't live near this region. I don't want to just leave it there, so I drag it off to the side of the road. It's still warm, so it couldn't have died more than half an hour ago. The road is empty, so I doubt anyone could have hit it. My mind immediately jumps to one conclusion.

Vampires.

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

I hurry to my truck and press the gas pedal down firmly. My mind fogs with distant memories and I shake my head. Now is not the time for that. I need to focus.

I am tense the whole ride home, my eyes scanning the forest around me. I panic at the thought of them coming here. They couldn't have found me. I cover my tracks well. I pulled up to the driveway and turned off my car. Running into the house, I flip on all the lights and lock all the doors. Locking the doors is pointless, but it's better than nothing.

Charlie calls, telling me that he'll be spending the night at the station. I tell him not to worry and hang up. I change quickly, not wanting to be vulnerable for any length of time. I needed to be on guard at all times. The only other person who knows my secrets is Jake. His parents died the same way my father did; they were killed by vampires.

My hands shake and my breath deepens. I want to cry, but I push that down. Now is not the time. It never is. I sit on the couch, waiting. My eyes shoot to a spot when I hear a noise there, even if it's just a tree.

Sometime during the night, I fall asleep.

I wake when I hear a car door slam and the front door open. I jump off the couch and peek over the wall; It's only Charlie. I relax and realize that I have to get ready for school. I change into a pair of sweats and brush my hair, going extra slow because I'm tired. When I splash water on my face, I know I have to wake up and bury my head in a towel. I finish up in the restroom and get my things ready for school.

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

Edward Cullen doesn't return to school the whole week.

I stare, once again, at the cafeteria doors, expecting him to walk through any moment. When he doesn't, I relax. For all I know, he'd dropped out of school. I wasn't going to sit around and wait. But I did know his family's secret. They were vampires. I didn't notice immediately, probably because it has been a while since my encounter with them, but I was sure. They are cruel, blood-sucking, creatures that kill to live. And I am not going to be messed with by them. By anyone.

I know that they must have had something to do with the mess in my room. Now I am going to have to be on guard twenty-four seven. I wouldn't fall for him or get interested in them for any reason. I would not befriend them either. They aren't to be messed around with. Their father is a doctor for heaven's sake! He probably knew how to kill and make it look like an accident.

On the other hand, my weekend went smoothly. I performed in Seattle, telling my father I was going to a concert with a friend. I totally rocked it. I was hit on by many guys and acted like I was all that they wanted. It was really fun, and I showed off my skills. There was a lot of moving around and throwing our heads around included in our routine.

I dealt with the worst hangover on Sunday morning. My head pounded in my skull and I threw up multiple times. I had to get moving, though, around noon. It took a while before I finally made it home. I did some laundry and cleaned.

Monday morning seems long overdue. Because the first thing I see when I enter the parking lot is Edward Cullen leaning against his car. My heart flutters, but I ignore it and park. I greet my friends a little more warily than usual, and head to class. Lunch seems unreal, after a week of staring at a table of four people, not five. And, he stared back at me. I tried to ignore him, but that was going to be difficult in my next class.

I enter Biology, ready to run back out. My muscles are screaming in protest as I walk to my seat. My soul is against vampires in every way possible, so saying this is difficult is an understatement. I sit down, and pull my things out. Mr. Banner hands out worksheets, telling us we have the whole class to finish, and no using notes or books. I turn to my partner, and give him a fake smile.

"Let's get started, shall we?" My voice comes out slightly bitter and sarcastic.

His eyebrows rise in response. "Okay."

I don't say anything to him, unless it has to do with the worksheet. We finish before everyone else and we still have thirty minutes left. I mentally groan in frustration. Why, oh why, did God choose today to punish me for bad things I've done in life?

"Hi, I'm Edward Cullen. And you are?" His sudden strike in conversation surprises me, and I answer without thinking. I look at him.

"Bella Swan. Nice to meet you." I dismiss his attempt to talk to me. No befriending them, remember?

"So, uh, why do you live here of all places?" He asks, uncertainly.

"My parents are dead and I was put into foster care." My short answer frustrates him, I can tell. But I am not giving him anything to work with. At least, I don't think I am.

"Really? Me, too. Carlisle got a job here, so we all moved with him." I hate how he tries to find similarities between us.

"I am nothing like you," I say, sharply.

"Have I done something to upset you?"

"No." I use my stubborn, arrogant voice.

"Then why are you being so unkind?"

"You know why. Don't mess with me or anyone I know, or else. I don't need you involved, as well. Stay out of it," I warn. I check the time. Only a few more minutes.

He plays innocent. "What are you talking about?"

I snap. "I'm talking about the real reason why you moved here. You're working for them. Stay out of my life. I want your kind out of here or else."

"What do you mean, 'my kind'?" He tenses.

"Oh, you know exactly what I mean. Keep your mouths away from here. People don't need to die to satisfy your hunger." I threaten. Alarms go off in my head telling me not to provoke him, but I ignore them.

"You don't know what you're talking about." His jaw clenches.

I find it hard to keep my voice down. "No, you don't know what you're talking about!"

The bell rings and I hurry to get out of there. I consider ditching class and going home, but Charlie might find out and I don't want him getting suspicious. I change quickly, and head out onto the basketball court. I can see Emmett Cullen staring at me cautiously from across the room.

I roll my eyes and join Jessica; at least she's pleasant to be around. Team captains are chosen: Emmett Cullen, and another kid from my Calculus class, Jesse Smith. I am immediately chosen by Emmett Cullen and no one sees anything behind it because they all assume I was chosen for my speed; I am the fastest in the class, after all. While the other team chooses, I whisper under my breath, knowing he can hear.

"You better watch it."

He gives a nod and picks the next team player, Madison Spletcher. She is a sophomore in my History class that has a slight speaking problem. She comes over to me and accidentally stutters over her words about our essay due soon. I have half a mind to tell her to shut up. But I'm not in that bad of a mood today, and I just want to school to be over.

Rewrite! I wasn't satisfied with how I wrote it before, and I thought to change it up a little. I also changed the plot and how she feels about him at first. It has a slightly darker theme. He has to win her over fair and square, and shouldn't it be harder for a vampire that gets everything he wants? I love all of you that are staying with me and supporting me through a rough patch in my life that I need to get over. I plan to rewrite Annoyance and Music is her life and, well, Edward. I am considering putting the latter of the two up for adoption so let me know if you're interested. Well, I have to go do the dishes, so good day to you all! I hope your lives aren't as crazy as mine.

With all my love,

Sam.

P.S. I do not own any of Twilight. This disclaimer stands throughout the story because I forget to post it for every chapter.