I'm a first timer, please be nice! Hope you enjoy- reviews would be really nice
I woke with a start, a quick stab of panic piercing my chest before the rhythmic song of rain against my window could calm me, remind me where I was. I sighed deeply, letting the sense of safety the sound of rain brought wash over me, reminding me that I was still here, in the quiet comfort of Forks, Washington.
We had found sanctuary here in Forks five years ago, when my uncle Cam had snatched me from hell in California, removing me from a life of turmoil as each parent fought violently through court appearance after court appearance, each anxious not to have to be burdened with me, the faces of pity and sympathy staring patronizingly down at me as they passed me from carer to carer.
Finally feeling calm enough to function normally, I pushed back the quilt and swung myself out of bed. I sprinted softly down the stairs, eager to catch Cam before he left for Seattle, to hand in his latest article.
"Good morning," I called as leapt nimbly off the last step and into the kitchen, where Cam was finishing of a mug of coffee, his smart shirt alien against his stubble and shaggy hair. He smiled absently as I greeted him, clearly still half asleep.
"You need to leave now if you want to catch the train," I reminded him, nodding to the clock. He blinked once, his expression changing from vacant to panic as the time registered. He grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair, kissing me quickly on the forehead as he slipped it on, stuffing his article in his pocket.
"I'll be back early to greet the British kid," he promised as I ushered him out the door, muttering that he better be as I waved him a quick goodbye. I was surprised he'd remembered that the British exchange student was actually arriving today and briefly wondered if he'd surprise me again by be homing in town.
I sighed, deciding that there was no point contemplating- Cam was Cam- he managed to be both utterly reliable and completely forgetful all at the same time. I made my way back to the kitchen and grabbed the toast he had forgotten to eat and claimed it for my own before running back up the stairs to get ready for school.
I showered quickly, still brushing my teeth as I pulled on a pair of jeans I'd left lying on the floor and slipped on a fresh white shirt. Flicking the stereo on full blast, I absently selected the light blue jumper Jess had forced me to buy, apparently because it matched my eyes. I checked the mirror quickly- same old grey blue eyes stared out from a pale face framed by messy dark curls. Realising there was no time to fix said messy hair, I grabbed a white woollen hat from the draw, positioning so it kept my hair under control. Chucking various items in a battered old leather shoulder bag, I pulled on my tan boots and made a run for the door, pulling on my rain coat as I went.
Pulling me hood up against the rain, I skidded a little on the wet drive as I made my way to the little old Mini Cooper that stood waiting in the drive, my trusty steed. A sodden piece of paper was stuck to the windscreen-
Cassandra,
Please call me so I don't forget about the exchange student.
I shook my head, laughing a little as I opened the car door and ducked into the Mini, which at 5" 3 fitted me perfectly. Fishing in my bag, I located my Ipod and plugging it into the stereo, smiling as music erupted from the speakers I had laboured to buy before accelerating off towards Angela's house, nearly hitting my head as my tiny car bumped onto the curb outside. Angela greeted me warmly as she slipped into the car, slamming the door shut before settling back into her seat as I sped away.
The thing is about driving a Mini, you always feel like your going ridiculously fast because the car is so small- all the exhilaration of speeding with none of the risk.
We pulled into school just in time, scrambling quickly out of the car and making a dash for the door in a vain attempt to avoid the rain, waving quick goodbyes as we sped off to our respective classes.
Most of my English class were already in seated as I skidded in, just shy of being later, only to find that Mr Mason wasn't here yet either. Dumping my coat, I walked over to my usual seat, in the middle row against the left wall, and sat down. Mike was already in his seat, leaning round on his chair to face me, a cheerful grin plastered on his face.
"Hey Cass!" he greeted jovially. As much as I found Mike overly perky, particularly in the morning, I couldn't help returning his smile. I was so grateful for his friendliness, for the friendliness of everyone in Forks for that matter, that I couldn't help but crawl a little out of my shell.
"Good Morning," I replied, with my trademark shyness. Mike made small talk about the assignment due in today, to which I happily complied. I'm not a people person by nature, but after the nightmare of California, I found my self willingly engaging in conversation with people I would have once avoided. In the five years we'd been hear, I'd evolved from a practical mute that no one noticed to the shy girl that everybody liked. It was a nice person to be, I had to admit. I mulled this over as Mike spoke, zoning out of the conversation, not noticing the door open.
Zoning back in, I realised that Eric had somehow managed to wheedle his way into the conversation, detailing the extra section he added to his own assignment. He didn't seem to notice that Mike's face had gone blank, his eyes glazed over with boredom. I laughed lightly, snapping Mike out of his reverie as he turned back to me, rolling his eyes at Eric.
"Oh hey Cass, do you want to go bowling Friday night?" he asked, smiling encouragingly.
"Are Jessica and the others going?" I asked, careful to ensure I didn't accidently find myself on date with Mike.
"Sure," he answered, grinning wider then I ever thought possible. "Everybody will be there, it'll be great!"
"Ok, sure," I decided, laughing a little. I saw Eric open his mouth, probably to try and fish for an invite, but found himself cut short as Mr Mason clapped his hands to attract our attention.
Looking away from Eric and Mike, I glanced up, blinking as I noticed that someone was stood with our teacher. Vibrant green eyes flitted across the room as one hand ran through an untidy shock of bronze coloured hair. I realised suddenly that I had never seen him before.
"New student," Mike muttered, twisting round to glance back at me. I frowned and nodded in reply.
"Well done, nice observation there Mr Newton," Mr Mason said drily, raising his eyebrow at Mike. Eric snickered loudly and I giggled again, despite myself. Mr Mason shook his head and carried on. "Anyway, ladies and gentlemen, this is Edward Cullen. Be nice,"
The bronze haired boy raised a hand, his mouth bent into odd crooked half smile. Disinterested, I glanced around the class. Most of the girls seemed entranced; their eye's wide as they leaned into their desks. I glanced back up at him again- sure, he was good looking, with chiselled cheek bones and attractive smile. I frowned again, not really understanding the rest of the girl's reactions.
Ok, so he was handsome enough, but it's like he was dazzling.
So! There's the first chapter. I have more on the way, but please let me know what you think!