"Who is that man? Do you know him?" Alice was dumbstruck, if Bella had not been annoyed, she might have found it comical.

"Yes", she replied drily.

"Well, what is his deal?"

"It's just one of those stories, Alice… He loved me crazy, I loved him back, but we could be together"

It had been two years. Two years since her heart had been broken, her dreams shattered. Still, she felt the same. But nothing had changed. She did not know why he had returned in town, but she vowed to avoid him as much as possible. This could only end in heartache. And theone having to put the pieces back together would be her. Bella let her gaze wander off into the distance and through the window, somewhere far away…

Little did she know how deciding to move to Forks for her senior year in order to give her Mom a break would change her entire life. The only thing she had to do was not get completely bored and graduate in time to go to College in the fall.

"Hey, kid, how have you been?" Bella could not really begrudge her father for not keeping in touch after she had left for Phoenix, but they were not that close either.

"Can't complain, I'll have plenty of time to catch up on my reading in this damp place". Although she meant it lightly, she realized that was probably true.

"Actually, I was hoping you will socialize as well. I actually wanted you to meet someone…"

"Dad, if it's that Mike golden boy you kept mentioning the last few times we spoke, I don't feel like meeting him right now"

"No, don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to meet him. I meant someone else who I hope will make a better impression on you"

"Dad, I really don't think it's such a good idea..."

"Hey, I don't remember you being so antisocial", a booming voice interfered.

"Emmett!" Bella couldn't believe it. He had been a good friend while she was visiting in middle school, but they had not kept in touch regularly. Now he was bear-hugging her.

"I gather you enjoyed the surprise", he had a contagious smile. Bella had forgotten about it.

"Of course I do! I just thought you were..."

"Mike? Don't worry, he's harmless. But I won't leave you in his hands, or any of the wolves!"

Bella only smiled. She did not want to discuss relationships. People just assumed she was shy and it was better that way. She wasn't ready to talk about Phoenix yet.

"Wait, didn't your Dad tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"I am not here only to pick you up at the airport, I'll give you rides to school too this week, or until your Dad gets a car for you"

Her enthusiasm to see Emmett faded.

"Well, I guess it beats coming to school in the cruiser like in middle school"

"That's my girl! Always seeing the positive side! Plus, you'll be able to listen to my cool music"

Emmett was easy. She was not thrilled he would have to take her to school, but she could have done worse. A lot worse.

Being at her Dad's place did not feel like home. It would come, she kept repeating. She busied herself with unpacking and by the time she Skyped her mother, the evening had passed. The night was eerily quiet, which made her more restless.

Emmett's face in the morning made her smile back though. That was until she saw the face of the other person in the car.

"Hey Bella! Sorry, I had to take Edward in my car too, his car privileges were taken…"

"Screw you, Emmett", the boy with the auburn hair replied without taking his eyes from the screen of his phone.

"...and he's not in a good mood. Please ignore him"

That was hard for Bella as the boy decided that very second to raise his heated eyes, stare at her and mutter ""Fuck it". That was how she met Edward Cullen, love of her life, and bane of her existence.

"Nice to meet you too", she smiled and got in the car. This was going to be a long ride.