The First Day
Forks was just like I remembered it; dreary, demoralizing, bleak. Nothing's changed besides a plus one to it's population of 3,532. And of course, driving in the back of my father, Charlie's police car was just the cherry on top. I suppose I couldn't really complain. I could have gone on the road with my mother, Renée and her boyfriend, Phil, but a year long road trip, and being home-schooled wasn't really the customary.
"What's on your mind Bell's?" Charlie asked, eyeing me from the rear-view-mirror. The awkwardness that filled the car was nearly unbearable. I wasn't used to seeing my dad very often. A five minute phone call once a month was the norm. His partner, Waylon sat in the passenger seat and didn't make things any more pleasant.
"Nothing," I replied, dryly. My brother, Emmett was lucky. He didn't have to deal with the dreary of dealing with parents anymore. He was off living the college life in Pittsburgh. I sighed in envy.
Charlie and Waylon conversed the rest of the way to the house, and decided on having a beer together. We finally arrived at the Swan residence and the rain started to gush. My favourite.
"Grade eleven starts tomorrow," Charlie reminded me, and I didn't think things could get worse. I reminded myself that I would only have to be here a year, Arizona better be waiting for my return.
The next morning, I arrived at Forks high-school extra early. The school counsellor awaited my entrance to give me my time-table for the semester. I was to start my day with biology, taught by Mr. Molina. That was followed by English, math, and gym – the worst class of the bunch. Since biology was at the other end of the school, I embarked on the journey over. Along the way, a squeaky voice interrupted me.
"Hi, I'm Eric," an unfamiliar face said. I introduced myself, but he already knew who I was. "It's a small town," he explained, and then he began to walk with me to my class. He informed me of the teachers, calling most of them dull and lifeless, and then invited me to get together with him and a couple of friends after school.
"Sounds like a plan," I replied with a smile. So far so good, I thought. Eventually, we arrived at Biology class and I thanked Eric for walking me.
"I have this class too," He chuckled. "But I have to go save a seat for my friend, Mike," he said as he went off to the front of the class. I resolved that I would sit in the back. It was near the door, and then maybe nobody would notice me. The desks were aligned in twos and I assumed nobody would want to sit beside the new girl anyway.
I was right. The second bell rang, and I was the only person in the class to be sitting alone.
"All right class," the teacher said, as he sauntered into the room. Everyone began whispering.
"Who are you?" Said a student, who appeared to be Mike.
"I'm Mr. Cullen," he said serenely. "Mr. Molina has had an accident and will not be able to make it for the rest of the semester," he went on to explain. "I will be filling in." The whispering in the classroom grew louder, but was interrupted by the pallid, statue-like teacher once again. "Thank you for joining us," he declared as the whole class turned around to look.
A cluttered figure prowled through the door. He had light-brown messy hair and wore a plaid shirt that was unevenly buttoned. Yet something about him seemed very enthralling.
"And you are?" Mr. Cullen asked, irritated.
"Edward Masen," he said shyly, and then he sat down next to me. I curiously looked at him and he grinned in return. Mr. Cullen gave an outline of the course and handed out papers to all the students. I looked down and read: Name your interests and hobbies. I quickly jotted down some drivel for each question and waited for the class to end.
"Are you new?" Edward abruptly asked. I looked at his face but I was instinctively engrossed by his hazel eyes. I quickly looked away, embarrassed.
"Uh- y-yes," I dimly stuttered. "Im Bella," I added. "Bella Swan."
"Nice to meet you Bella," he said with an enticing smile. "I'm Edward Masen, If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. I don't bite," he chuckled. The bell rang before I could respond.
"Everyone hand in the papers by the door before leaving please," Mr. Cullen announced before dismissing the class. When I looked back, Edward was already gone.