There's Only One Forks High

I could already tell within two seconds of being in Forks High School's grounds, it would be another boring and predictable year.

That's what happens when you live in a small town though. Same people in your class ever since kindergarten. No secrets but gossip and rumors still spread like venom through the tiny town.

I looked around the semi crowded parking lot and spotted the Jeep I was looking for; my sanity. Emmett.

Emmett Cullen was a beautiful man, in a grizzly bear sort of way. He was freakishly tall and had crazy big muscles, everywhere. He was definitely a good looking guy, not that I ever noticed. He was my best friend.

His family all but adopted my father, Charlie, and I. Charlie was chief of police, so he wasn't around all that much, although he loved me and wished he was around more. He always hated leaving me alone so much. He was happy the Cullen's were around for me as much as they were. So needless to say, I spent a lot of time there; I even had my own room there. Their house was huge, they were loaded. Em's grandparents left huge trust funds, not that it was necessary. Carlisle, Em's dad (a total DILF, btw) was a famous surgeon. His mom, Esme was a fantastic interior designer. They were the picture perfect family…

With one exception.

The broody, self-centered, God-like Edward Cullen, Emmett's twin brother. He had just sped into the lot in his stupid, shiny Volvo, through a puddle, no doubt on purpose, soaking me thoroughly (In Forks, it was always raining, so there were always puddles).

Me and Edward were like polar opposites. He was tall, muscular, though leaner than his twin. He has coppery colored hair, like his mother, always in this sexy disheveled mess atop his head. One thing he did share with Emmett, were these mesmerizing, piercing pools of emerald colored eyes that could dazzle me, or anyone else for that matter, quite easily (and unfortunately often). Oh and that damn pantie soaking crooked smile that he flashed to everyone...

But that was as far as my nice words about Edward Cullen went. He was an egotistical, asshole. Always had a smart comment to throw out there. Partying all the time and has endless flings with the same string of sluts, over and over. He was always moody and mad about something though, despite having just about everything a guy could want. Apparently, being handsome, rich, and a star basketball with everything at his fingertips couldn't make him happy.

How could Emmett or his parents stand him? I sure couldn't.

Emmett started to walk towards me, of course seeing what his twin did.

"Shit, B. I'm sorry. You know he can be a dick" he said as he helped me wiped my face. My clothes were soaked and nothing was helping that.

"Happy first day of school" I said sarcastically.

Just as I thought the day couldn't get any worse, he decides to come over to rub in his actions, I'm sure.

"Hey bro. What happened to you little Isabella" he said with a snicker. He always called me Isabella, simply because I hated it.

"You know what happened, ass" I snapped at him

"All right, bro. You made your point; you're an ass. Now let Bella try to enjoy the rest of her day" Em declared, coming to my rescue as usual.

He patted Edward on the back and he smirked again before laughing as he turned around and started walking away towards his loser group of equally annoying friends.,

"Thanks, Em" I replied. He just smiled and squeezed my shoulders, signaling that it was time to go in.

My morning passed, thankfully without anymore incident. I had English, and then Spanish with Emmett (It was hysterical hearing him try to imitate a Spanish accent). History I shared with Angela, who was my only other close friend in the world.

All the classes seemed pretty straight forward. I was a straight A student, with high hopes of being the school's valedictorian. I was an honor student and worked in the tutor center. I liked school and learning. School consistently took up much of my time, but I liked it that way. I wasn't into partying. I liked filling my time with school and watching movies or sports with Emmett. I also spent a lot of time cooking with Esme. She said she loved it; she had always wanted a daughter.

Lunch was finally here and I went to sit with Angela, Emmett and his longtime girlfriend, Rose. She was a cheerleader, gorgeous of course. Blonde hair, ice blue eyes and a slim but curvy body. She was nice but her and I weren't that close. She had quite an attitude that kept Emmett on his toes but she was fiercely loyal and when push came to shove, I knew that I could count on her. Plus she made Emmett happy and that's really all that mattered.

"Hi, Rose" I said since she was the first to our table.

"Hey Bella. I heard what Dickward did this morning. You dried up quite nice" that was Rose's way of complimenting me for a nice recovery.

"Thanks. Classes good so far?" I asked curiously

"Eh, Seems like Math is going to be a bitch" she replied.

"If you need, I could always help you" I offered her

"I might take you up on that. I need to pass; I do not want to be stuck here another year"

We both laughed and then Emmett and Angela joined us. We sat and ate while we enjoyed some light conversation. I left early because I wanted to head over to the tutor center. I was sure that it would be empty nobody really signed up to be tutored on the first day of school. But it was my safe haven.

I went to sit at my table, stopping briefly to say hello and catch up with Mrs. Cope she ran the tutor center. She informed me that a few students had signed up so far but sessions wouldn't start for a few weeks still. I was grateful for the silent alone time. I just sat there alone with my thoughts.

I was happy with my life, I suppose. I enjoyed the simplicity of it. But if I was being completely honest with myself, I wanted more. It was my senior year- I had never been to a party. I had been to a few basketball games, only because Emmett begged me to come watch him play. Oh and a homecoming football game, once again because Emmett begged me to go with him. I never tasted alcohol and I never had a boyfriend. Worst, I was 17 and had never been kissed. Pretty pathetic.

I had no idea what to do about it really. I wasn't popular. I was plain, blended in with the background. Boys didn't exactly notice me in that way. I had long brown hair that went halfway down my back. My eyes boringly brown, I had pale skin and a pretty slim figure. I didn't have the boys knocking down my door. I had nothing special to offer.

I was snapped out of my thoughts by the bell ringing, meaning it was time for me to leave my thoughts behind and get to my next class, which happened to be Biology. I was actually excited; I had Mr. Banner and I knew he was a good teacher. Biology was my favorite subject; it made sense, it was logical and everything had a reason. Life, for instance was a lot more complex.

I walked in to see everyone standing against the wall.

"Welcome to Biology. I'm Mr. Banner and I'll be teaching you for the rest of the year. Before we get started with our first lesson, I am going to be assigning everyone a lab partner. When your names are called, grab a textbook from the front and settle into a lab desk. These partner assignments were based on previous science grades and are non=negotiable. They are final for the entire year. You will be working a lot in pairs, so get comfortable" he declared.

He started calling out names and I was praying for a good partner.

"… Isabella Swan" I looked up and all I saw was Edward Cullen smiling. Weird.

"Wait, who is my partner, I didn't hear" I asked.

"Edward Cullen" Mr. Banner said and I automatically grunted.

"Now, Miss Swan. Mr. Cullen here seems to be… lacking the science expertise that you have. I paired you two together in hopes you could pass your knowledge along and perhaps bump his grades up"

"Aw, Isabella. I promise not to get you too wet" he paused, obviously he was referring to this morning "With a puddle at least" he finished, smirking of course and gaining high friends from a few of the basketball players around him.

"Gross" I said, and grudgingly grabbed a textbook and took a seat towards the front. Edward followed behind, plastering a stupid grin on his face the entire time.

Once he was seated, I turned to him, intending to lay down my expectations. "Listen, I take my studies seriously and I won't have your smug, "I-don't-give-a-shit" attitude messing up my GPA. So you do your work and I'll do mine and we'll get through the year with as little contact as possible, got it?" I declared to him

"Yes Ma'am" he said mockingly. "Did I ever tell you, I love it when a woman is so demanding… in bed?" he replied, giving me that damn crooked smile.

I just sighed and rolled my eyes, knowing any response would probably be twisted around and just illicit another crude remark. Mr. Banner finally started the lesson, letting me just focus and listen intently on the lesson while taking my detailed notes.

The bell finally rang and I practically ran out of the door. I just wanted to get out of there. Edward Cullen annoyed me to core; he irritated me and got under my skin more than anyone else. He always seemed to push the right buttons. I had no idea why. Okay, maybe some idea.

After school, I stood by Emmett's Jeep and waited for him. I normally walked to school and Emmett drove me home with him, since I most times went to his house after school anyways.

"Hey Bells- Enjoy your favorite day of year" Emmett joked with me

"Ha-ha. I guess. I'm lab partners with you brother. So there goes biology as my favorite subject" I replied. Em always made fun of my "nerdyness" but he didn't care; he always told me he was proud of all my accomplishments. Just like I didn't really care about basketball, but I was proud of all his silly, supposedly great stats (like I know how many blocks are amazing?).

"I know he can be difficult but just try to get along with him. He can be actually decent to be around" he stated simply

"You have to say that. He's your twin"

"I'm just saying try. For me?" I looked at him and he seemed very serious, so I just nodded. The rest of the car ride was quiet.

We pulled into the driveway about 15 minutes after we left the parking lot. I skipped up the walkway and straight into the house. First day of school always meant Esme made her special homemade mint ice cream. I couldn't wait; it was favorite and she only made it special times during the year.

"Kids?" Esme called from the kitchen

Emmett was hot on my trail as we made our way into the kitchen. He always was excited for any meal. Thank God he worked out a lot; otherwise he would be as big as a house.

"Oh, Bella! It's so good to see you, dear" Esme cooed as she pulled me into a hug

"Of course I'd be here today, Momma Cullen" I said. I had been calling her that since I was five. Me and Emmett have been best friends since we met the first day of kindergarten. She started taking me home with her, Emmett and Edward once she found out Charlie was my dad. She told me not to bother with the Mrs. And skip straight to Momma. It stuck. "Like I'd miss your ice cream" I said to her

"I should have known as much. Take a seat you two and I'll get you each a bowl" She said, always being so motherly. "Is your brother on his way" she asked while she gathered our snack

"I don't think so. I saw him with some, uh, friends while I was leaving. I think he'll be preoccupied for a little while:" Emmett said, while smiling to me. That meant he was with one of the easy girls he hung around at school and he was getting some. Esme didn't need to know that though.

"Okay =well here you two go. Edward will…" Esme started to say as the door slammed shut.

"Speaking of the devil" I commented, earning a giggle from both Em and Esme.

"I will what Ma?" he asked as he walked into the kitchen, fly open for the world to see his grey boxers He walked over to kiss his mother on the cheek. He was actually quite a momma's boy.

"Uh Eddie boy, forget to cage the monster?" Em asked with a giggle.

He looked down and screamed out "Shit!" basically giving away what he has been up to, though Esme was oblivious.

"Language, Edward!" Esme scolded.

"Sorry Ma. Also, sorry I was late for our first day snack. I got, uh, hung up at school" Edward responded, gladly taking his bowl from his mother.

I scoffed at his response, a little louder than I thought, gaining three pairs of eyes on me. "Sorry. Major brain freeze. But this is delicious, Momma, as always:" I said to Esme. She smiled sweetly and then went off to tend to her garden, leaving us three in the kitchen

"Have fun, Eddie?" Em asked Edward. Em was a one woman man, though he probably would have gotten as much action if he was single. So he lived vicariously through Edwards conquests. He was always high fiving and congratulating him, thinking it was amusing. I thought it was repulsing.

"Eh, the girls are getting boring, predictable and not to mention clingy. I need fresh meat. Too easy now" he replied, rolling his eyes before turning towards me. "I need a new girl, Interested Isabella?" he said wiggling his eyebrows and cracking another damn crooked smile.

Yes. As my panties are now soaked from the sight of you. "I'd rather die a virgin then get touched by you" I told him instead though.

"You wouldn't have to get touched, I'd be letting you touch me…Wait? Did you just say you're still a virgin?" he questioned

"Yes" I stated, matter of factly

Edward was about to open his mouth, no doubt to say something stupid or rude but Emmett stopped him. "Leave it, Ed. I will hurt you, so just leave it alone"

"Whatever" Edward said, surprisingly stopping. Emmett was pretty daunting I guess.

We finished our ice cream in silence and I decided I would just go home and make dinner for Charlie, for when he got home.

Truth be told, I just didn't want to be around Edward, especially after dropping that I was still a virgin. I would get enough of his "playful" banter throughout the year in biology. That was quite enough; I didn't need it on my down time too.

I was frustrated though, mostly with myself. It was unusual because I was usually quite sure of myself for the most part. I was confident in who I was and comfortable in my own skin. But I guess as I grew older but keep the same daily rituals and didn't broaden my horizons, I started becoming less and less sure of myself. I wondered more about my future. What it would be like? Would I be happy? I wasn't concerned about getting a job or finishing college. I was more worried about if I'd still have Emmett. Or any other good friends at all. Would I find someone to kiss me, date me? Would I ever find "the one"?

I knew one thing though. I wouldn't find him cooking dinner for my dad every night.