Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Twilight or the vampire concept behind it. I'm just borrowing them for my little dream world. )

It felt like I was in a dream. A nightmare, perhaps. I was happy and I didn't have a reason to be. My life was boring, ordinary, but almost perfect. I longed for some change. But when it came I was never ready. And to be honest, I probably never would have been. I thought life was pretty bare able before they came along. I didn't know I'd become so attached, so intrigued. But the Cullen's weren't exactly a family you could easily ignore. I'd never be able to erase them from my memory. I'd never dream of that. I know I'm not making much sense. Maybe I should start at the beginning.

My name is Amberly Kayne. I'm seventeen years old, almost through with my senior year of high school. I'm pretty short, no bigger than five foot two and I've come to accept that. My skin rather fair, my eyes a warm shade of hazel which I've come do adore. My hair is extremely long, especially for my height. It reaches a few inches past my waist. It's something that I'm known for and that's pretty constant in my life. I haven't cut it in four years; people don't even believe it took so little time for it to grow. I don't think I plan on a radical change anytime soon in that department.

I have pretty normal friends, Marie Rein, Anna Slootsky, Greylin Patterson were just the few that I held dear to me. I have a boyfriend of nearly two years, he's wonderful. His name is Darien Scarborough. He is my best friend and I've convinced myself that he is my true love. He's eighteen, in the same school with me although he's been offered a lot of scholarships and business opportunities with his grandfather, lately. And so he travels. I don't really mind all that much anymore, I learned to get used to it, after all it is for us: "I just want to be sure that we'll be able to have a great future. I want you to pursue your dreams without worrying about money." he always said. A sweet wish indeed. I had to praise him for his insane blind faith and optimism. Something I never really quite grasped. I do admit, it does get on my nerves, he means well at least... But no couple was perfect... we were just pretty close.

I headed out of my brother's car, he always dropped me off. I gave him a quick wave, he shouted good luck as he drove away; I didn't really think anything of it at that moment. I walked in the halls, headed towards my locker in search for my friends. I found Marie and was relieved. I approached my locker, hers next to mine, swiftly gave her a quick half hug in greeting and swung my locker open.

"Hey Amb," she smiled, glancing sideways at me, "how was your weekend?"

"Could have been better," I shrugged. As I opened my mouth to inquire about her weekend, she stopped me with an enthusiastic smile.

"Aren't you excited?" she suddenly asked.

I grinned to myself, a part of me almost forgot. Of course I was excited. Darien was coming back today. Normally he rarely arrived on time for first period, but he would definitely turn up soon enough.

"How could I not?" I beamed, grabbing my government binder.

"You two will get married." she stated.

"That was random." I blinked, trying not to laugh.

Marie giggled softly for me. "I mean it, Amb. I know I don't like talking about relationships too much, but you're really lucky you've found the one you want to be with for the rest of your life."

I silently agreed with Marie. I was lucky. I never thought I would end up one of those girls with the high school sweetheart, get married right out of high school, get a house, go to college, have kids all that wonderful mushy stuff right out of a romantic comedy. I didn't think all of that was for me. At least the college and marriage thing wouldn't be in that order. I had to focus on school first, at least till my junior year. Darien had no problem with early commitment; he fights back the urge to propose every second he's with me. Or so he's told me, so sweet. We had been through a lot in our relationship, even before it started. We weren't the best of friends, it just all happened so quickly. I wouldn't change my decision for anything. I loved being with him.

I closed my locker, his face clearly in my mind. His scruffy auburn hair that he was determined to grow out this summer, although it was poufy enough as it was. I was afraid to see any further results. A small goatee rested on his chin, his blue eyes that I could never seem to pull away from. And that cute seductive grin, plastered on his face. I couldn't wait to see him.

We started heading towards government and my stomach twisted into nervous knots, which felt like newly born butterflies bursting from each imaginary cocoon in my stomach. I would see him for the first time in three weeks. I walked through the door and smiled brightly as he came into my view. I ran to him swiftly dropped my book bag on my desk and pulled him into what I thought was going to be a warm embrace. As I felt his skin, he was oddly cold, freezing in fact. This was very strange because normally I was the one who always got cold quickly out of the two of us. I tried to ignore this as I looked up at him. Something was different.

"Hi Amberly," he greeted, quietly. Enthusiasm was clearly hidden behind his soft voice as he smiled down at me.

I couldn't help but smile back. "Darien, I missed you." I nearly whispered.

"Me too," he said, looking me up and down and his serene smile quickly formed into that charming seductive grin I always loved. He pulled me into him again and strangely he was still cold. He buried his fingers in my hair as he twisted them in my silk wavy locks as he gently turned my head to the side and sniffed the scent my hair carried with serene grace in his movements. This wasn't the first time. Darien was a sniffer.

I pulled away and looked into his eyes and it suddenly dawned on me. His eyes... they were dark. They didn't seem blue, just a strange misty color, definitely darker.

"What happened to your glasses? You get contacts or something?" I piped up as I continued to stare into them.

He raised a curious eyebrow and suddenly agreed as if he just remembered something. "Contacts. Yes." he nodded quickly, "My grandfather decided to get them for me. It's not exactly the laser surgery I had hoped for. But I don't exactly have time to take off from school anymore than I do already," he grinned. "But it's a step."

"Couldn't you have gotten clear? I love your eyes."

"Just wanted a bit of a change, love. No worries." he kissed my cheek and smiled at me.

"Is there anything you want to talk about?" I boldly asked. I didn't know what was going on. But I knew Darien better than anyone else, at least I thought so. There was something I didn't know and I was going to be sure he would tell me as soon as possible.

He sighed. "Nothing gets by you, does it?" he asked partially to himself as he went to sit down.

"Really, baby it's fine. We can talk later if you want. I just want to make sure nothing is gone wrong. You seem... strange." I went to join him in the seat next to him, moving my bag to the floor.

"I hoped you wouldn't notice."

"Baby, I love you. Of course I'd notice."

I stated the obvious. He couldn't get away with any misconstrued detail. I have known him for almost eight years and I wanted to know what was going on. I knew it was somewhat hypocritical for me to push an issue, but he just didn't look--or feel for that matter--like himself at all. I just wanted to be sure he was all right, that's all.

"Later. Not during school. Besides I'm not sure I can tell you without asking someone's permission first."

"Oh?" I asked in mock surprise. "Since when do you ask your father permission before talking to me about something? It's not your mo--"

"No," he said sharply, "nothing like that."

"All right," I took in a breath. So far nothing family related as far as I knew.

"Anyway, I heard my grandfather talking about a new family moving in for a while," he said, dodging the subject, "apparently he knows them, a doctor, his wife and kids, they're both seniors."

"Hmm..." I answered strangely. It wasn't abnormal to get newcomers randomly throughout the year. But seniors... why bother? A half a year, couldn't they stay where they were? Who knows?

"They're really nice. They should be starting today, actually. I hope you'd like to meet them."

"Oh, so you've met them?"

"Yep, a guy and a girl. They're rather close, though."

"Names?"

"Edward and Alice."

"Hmm." I said again. Very plain, kind of boring to be honest…Didn't seem exciting to me. Darien's always meeting new people and always tried to get me to mingle just a little more. I usually liked to stay close to people I've come to know. I don't really consider myself a friendly person.

Darien always loves spending time with as many friends as possible. Doing Lord knows what whenever I'm not around. Poor souls, already stuck to him. Darien didn't mean no harm, he could tend to be a bit pushy without realizing it, though. Perhaps I should meet them to make sure they don't end up imploding with just his company for the first week or so.

"Sounds nice," I said, looking up noticing Dr. Rubin put an in class assignment on the board. I opened my binder as I decided to start on my work. Maybe I'd meet them at lunch. I still couldn't help but wonder what was going on with Darien...

Lunchtime came and I went to go look for any sign of Darien. I was kind of afraid to go downstairs without anyone I trusted. I had more issues with people than I was willing to admit out loud. In short: I hated people. I know it may sound like a tad bit of an exaggeration, but that's what I thought was true. You could ask anyone that knew me. I didn't really get along with anyone, and in a way I think I didn't really want to. People were way too ignorant these days. No one had morals or any real dreams that were worth pursuing. I've taken a long road and got an early reality check in the past two years. I knew first hand that life wasn't fair and changes happen constantly. No matter how prepared I thought I was… I wasn't ready for them.

I took a deep breath and walked into the lunchroom to see that Darien was sitting with two unfamiliar faces, Edward and Alice, I assumed. Alice had short dark hair, very spiky, soft features that fit her face perfectly. I liked it. She had a refined quirk that I just kind of got from her as I stared. Edward was one of the most gorgeous guys I had seen in a while. I suddenly felt a wave of guilt crash into me for staring at him like I did... His dark hair that seemed to be tinted with bronze in the small light provided in the room suited his strong features remarkably. At first glance one might mistake him for some European super model, he definitely didn't belong here. No one so perfect could ever be left alone. They were astonishingly beautiful, pale, and elegant. Strangely as I stared at all three of them Darien looked just the same, like they had all been related. They seemed friendly enough. I tried to take another breathe as I drew near them, the cafeteria was nearly empty and it had an eerie sort of vibe to it. Darien looked up and smiled immediately.

"Amberly, I want you to meet Edward and Alice Cullen."

They both gave a blank stare in my direction and suddenly Alice was the first to burst to life in reaction to the introduction.

"Hi Amberly, it's so nice to finally see you in person. Darien goes on about you. You're so much lovelier in person!"

I couldn't help but smile at her generosity, perhaps I was wrong.

"It's nice to meet you, too. Both of you," I said looking towards Edward.

He suddenly looked up and gave me a crooked grin. "Pleasure's all mine," he replied, politely as he looked over to Darien.

For whatever reason when our eyes met I felt as if he was trying to read me. Trying to see something he couldn't without communicating. It was silly to think, but even if he could I don't think he'd find anything exciting. At the moment I couldn't wrap my head around how beautiful they were and how suddenly I noticed how beautiful Darien was. I couldn't stop staring at them so I politely took a seat and pulled out my bag, I brought my lunch with me today. Cesar salad, yum. Extra dressing, mixed greens, all sorts of peppers, carrots, pasta, and no croutons; perfection.

As I raised my fork to take the first mouth watering bite I wondered why there was nothing on the table for them to eat. "Hungry?" I asked, looking between them, they all exchanged glances.

"Not really. But it won't hurt to check the line, anyway." said Alice, tugging at Edward's sleeve as they both got up from their seats.

"Darien, you?" I asked, finally taking my first bite. I couldn't help it.

He slowly turned to me. "I'll get a drink, I think. I had a huge breakfast and I'm jet lagged."

I nodded. "Can you get me a sprite, please?"

He smiled which I took as a yes and they all walked to the short line together. The lunchroom slowly starting filling up as faint echoes of chatter scattered around the walls. I couldn't help from glancing up at them, as they were whispering somewhat anxiously to one another. I wonder what they were talking about. Marie came to join me.

"Have you seen the new kids?"

"Just met them."

"Strange, huh?"

"They seem really nice," I replied. Although, I wasn't disagreeing with her, they were a little strange. I couldn't help but feel like I was missing something.

"Darien seems different," she remarked as she unwrapped her sandwich.

"Yeah," I replied, shrugging, "Jet lag."

"Oh right that might be it..." she agreed, taking her first bite. Her eyes suddenly grew wide as she saw the Cullen's in her view approaching the table. "You didn't tell me they were sitting here!"

"Darien knows them... they're friends."

"Oh... I never realized how gorgeous--"

"Hi Marie," Darien greeted.

Marie, wide-eyed, waved as she quickly took another hasty bite of her sandwich and kept her head down, probably to stop herself from staring at Edward. I already felt her scheming a way to get close to him, although she probably won't say anything until she gets to know him first. Marie had a certain type of trust issues herself. I suppose we could relate in that area a bit.

"This is Alice and Edward." continued Darien, as he sat down next to me.

"Nice to meet you," Marie said once she had managed to swallow her rather large bite.

They both nodded.

"Likewise," smiled Alice.

Edward made an uncomfortable face as he sat down facing away from Marie.
Marie noticed and looked in my direction instantly.

"Oh my god! What did I do?" she whispered anxiously. I sighed; Marie could be easy to read sometimes. I tried to be honest with her without hurting her too hard.
"Maybe you looked a little too excited," I replied in a murmur as I took another mouthful of my salad. Marie's eyes widened and she shook her head in worry.

"I think I'll leave... I don't want to ruin my chances." She got up and flashed a smile at everyone. "I'm gonna go see what Manda's up to. Nice to meet you both," she hurriedly grabbed her things and almost ran to the other end of the cafeteria.

As soon as she got out of ear range, I grinned and turned towards Edward. "You didn't hear her, did you?" I asked.

"Sort of," he admitted, adjusting himself straightforward in the seat. "Her face kind of gave her thoughts away."

Oh, poor Marie.

"I thought so," I replied, shaking my head as Darien handed me my sprite. Just as I opened the bottle I noticed all three of them returned empty handed with food. Well, Alice had a small tray with an apple and small salad, but she hadn't touched it at all. I tried to ignore this as I continued with my lunch.

"She seems nice," said Edward suddenly, "I'm just not interested in dating," he smiled somewhat earnestly at me.

I shrugged. "I don't think she was heading in that direction." I lied. Of course she was. She just didn't know it yet. Besides it was way too early--well late really--for Edward to be interested in a relationship over here. There was barely any time left in the year, there was no way he'd be able to find a steady relationship that didn't involve a one-night stand.

"So where are you guys from?" I inquired, still digging into my salad.

"We just recently moved from Los Angeles." replied Edward.

"Oh really? Why would you move from there? Seems nice."

"Not fans of the sun," commented Alice, shaking her head. "We've been dying to get out of there for a while, now."

I nodded as I observed them, they were extremely pale. You could definitely tell that they were not exactly keen on tanning. L.A was full of tanned blond stereotypes of the Hollywood industry, definitely not a place where these two would seem to just blend in. It was no wonder they got away from it. Although they definitely had the looks to become successful no matter what they wanted to do.

"So why New York? I understand there are a lot of opportunities here, but surely L.A has more?" I felt a little guilty for the twenty questions routine, but I was honestly intrigued by them. I wanted to understand the way they thought, why they were here.

"Just a change," replied Edward, offhandedly. "My father, Carlisle, always wanted to see what it was like around here. Big city, plenty of things to do, things to see, it should be nice. We also bought a place upstate, a lot cooler there to go camping and stuff," he explained.

"Oh," I said, nodding. "That sounds like a lot of fun, your family goes camping often?"

"Oh yeah, loads of times," replied Alice, "hiking as well. We love it!"

"Wow. I'd never be able to do that." I shook my head, in somewhat pity. I never could understand the joy in hiking.

Darien laughed as Edward kind of had a look that I interpreted as relief on his face.

"Yeah, Amberly would take forever. She'd whine and complain. I'd never be able to take her on a trip like that."

"And that's not a problem with me," I replied. "Nature and I don't really get along when it comes to that."

"To each his own," replied Edward, grinning.

"Indeed." I replied.

The cafeteria started to empty out, the past forty-five minutes rushed by so quickly. I took the last few bites of my salad before closing my container and shoving it back into my bag. I looked back at Alice who had left her seat and threw away her full tray of food... Guess she really wasn't hungry.

"So what class you have next?" Darien asked Edward.

"Art..." he said somewhat disappointed.

"Oh, I have that class!" I said, smiling up at him.

Darien smiled. "Great, you two can keep each other company. I'll walk Alice to Physics," he gave me a quick cold squeeze, pecked me on the lips and headed in the other direction.

"See you later," I called out as I turned to Edward.

"Looks like you're stuck with me." I grinned, attempting to lighten the mood.

He gave what looked like a forced smile as we headed down the hall. I tried not to think of any questions to ask, I think right now we were both comfortable with the silence.

Author's Note: Well, this is all I have. I think I'm going to make this a few years before the Cullen's met Bella. So, definitely AU. I just wanted opinions about it, continue, expand, criticism, I'll hear it all and will definitely appreciate it.

Thanks so much!