Prologue

It is amazing how much my life would change, simply because I literally took the path less trodden, on a chance for a more beautiful spot to read in.

It was a decision which, for better or worse, would change my view on the world completely. I would never be me again.

I was reborn.

*Chapter 1

Moving from England had been tough, but I was English, born and bred, and she would not let a simple relocation upset her. The plane journey had been boring, the soppy rom-com's not really my preferred film choice, and the passengers surrounding me never SHUT UP! I hadn't slept since the day before, but plastered a smile when I reached to arrival's lounge to see my Aunt Keira waving shyly to me.

We were not close, little more than acquaintances. I had moved to the big US as a change of scenery. My pale complexion clashed a little with the limp strands of jet around my rounded face, blinking sleepy brown eyes behind glasses. I was by all standards a nerd, and proud of it! But being proud had led to being lonesome.

My aunt's soft features comforted me somewhat, her brown eyes lightening with mention of her husband, Stan, who was apparently waiting in the car, with their daughter Sarah, also sixteen. The drive to Forks was quiet, none of the family particularly inclined to conversation, but comfortable nonetheless.

"I put you down to start at Forks High on Monday, give you a couple of days to get settled in. Is that okay I?" asked my aunt.

Today was Friday; she would have a whole weekend to explore. "That's perfect, thanks."

*

I had reached a definite conclusion; Forks really was as green as Aunt Keira had described it on the phone. Even the air seemed green tinged in colour. But it was beautiful. And with so much history the inner geek of mine was in heaven. Completely different history to Tudors and Kings and huge poufy dresses, this was filled with a history of the earth, a real Native American tribe nearby and the most tempting forest I had ever seen.

But now to finish unpacking.

Who knew that there were so many books able to fit in only two bags? Another hour and I was done. Grabbing my rucksack with what I deemed essentials, I raced down the stairs, shouted I was going out and headed to the forest.

The air seemed magical, smelled fresh and dampened my cheeks slightly as I walked along a well trodden path. Knowing that I had trouble with directions, I thought it wise to stick to one path and head left on any fork. Hopefully I wouldn't get too lost.

Walking for quite a while I saw a beautiful clearing to my right, just in sight of the path, but far enough to know I risked getting lost. I took the chance.

Step by tentative step, I made my way through shrubs, seeming to claw at me, to stop me going further on. A warning perhaps? But I laughed in the face of superstition, so continued to the clearing, keeping the path directly behind me.

When I reached the clearing, it was the most beautiful place in the world I thought. The sun reached softly to touch my cheeks and the soft dewy grass underfoot, and it was quiet from all animals, birds and people. Perfect for a good quiet read.

Sitting in the centre, with my back still to the path, I took out my book, City of Ashes, and began to read. The supernatural, mythical and fantastical had always fascinated me, so I was soon lost in the world of words, and took no notice of my surroundings. I knew I would come here often.

*

Monday come too quick for my liking, as I had grown quite attached to my clearing. Sarah and I had grown closer, and I hoped we would be in the same class at school. Waking up early was only the start to a day I was dreading.

Typically, as new girl to the school, I attracted some attention driving into the car park. My English accent was likely to get noticed pretty soon as well. Waving goodbye to aunt Keira, I turned expecting to find Sarah but saw she had left me in order to go greet her own friends. Never mind, I thought, I can find my own way.

Making my way into school, I ignored the odd looks and gossiping whispers, as I went where I hoped the reception was. I found my instinct was correct, and found a middle aged woman, her glasses perched precariously on the end of her asymmetrical nose.

"Excuse me," I said, "I'm new here, do you have my timetable?"

"Name?"

"Ana Clays."

"Ah, right, the girl from England. News travels fast in a small town like this." She said as she shuffled through a pile of papers to her right, "Here is your schedule and map of the school, your homeroom is room 21-B, I hope you enjoy learning here."

I doubt it. "Thank you very much." I said, taking the papers she was holding. Scanning the map I saw that my classroom- I mean, homeroom, wasn't too far from the reception. That was good, as it meant there was less chance of my getting lost here, however small the school may claim to be.

Left, right, left again, and then there's supposed to be a door with 21-B on it. Yet all I saw was a blank wall.

Shit.

"Are you okay? I haven't seen you here before." Came a tinkling voice behind me.

Swivelling around quickly, I found a girl even shorter then me, although only by an inch or two, with black spiky hair and molten gold eyes and a smile. She was surprisingly paler then I was, but very pretty. Behind her stood another pale girl, with long blonde curled hair and the same gold eyes. They were sisters, perhaps. I felt no envy though, appreciating their beauty, as I had grown too used to my image to believe I could improve upon my own.

"Is it that obvious?" I asked, looking down at my hands which were nervously fiddling. I may have felt no envy, but I knew that girls like her don't usually speak to girls like me, although I hated to judge, "You wouldn't happen to know the way to room 21-B would you?" I asked, seeing no threat as of yet, but staying alert to anything.

"As a matter of fact I do!" she said, with real excitement in her eyes and her smile widening, "I would take you there but my class is in the other direction. But Rosalie has her homeroom in your direction. She can take you." She said, indicating the girl behind her, who was now scowling slightly at me.

"It's fine, I don't want to trouble you or Rosalie, you can just tell me, erm..."

"Alice Cullen. Rosalie doesn't mind, do you Rose?" Alice said, turning to Rosalie. I thought I heard them have a hurried conversation, but only heard snippets, something about Alice pushing it and I'm sure blackmail was mentioned also. I thought it best to interrupt for once.

"My name's Ana Clays, I'm sure Rosalie has her own things to do. Honestly Alice, if you could just point the way?"

Huffing a little, Alice did more than that. Grabbing my hand she raced through the corridors, past bewildered and amused faces, at a speed I thought inhuman, to a door with 21-B on it. Slightly dizzy, I thanked Alice kindly, before opening the door and seeing a sea of suddenly curious faces.

I always did love the first day as the new kid in school.

Not!