Disclaimer: I obviously don't own any of these characters.

Author's Note: Not all of the military information is correct. I've taken a few liberties with it to fit the story. No disrespect intended.

Chapter 1- Breathing

The cool breeze flowed through her hair as her head rose to meet the warmth of the sun. Taking a deep breath she moved up the stairs to the school building, watching as her peers chatted with each other and glanced her way. The uneasiness in her stomach deepened as she felt their eyes on her. This place seemed so much smaller than her previous school in Phoenix. Having been in Forks, Washington for just over three weeks, Isabella Swan was having a difficult time understanding the allure of this small town. She was still shocked that her parents had decided they wanted to return to the place in which they had been raised. Instead of throwing a tantrum like other teenagers, Isabella put a smile on her face, helped pack up the house and moved to the unfamiliar Olympic Peninsula.

Today, was September 4, 1939 and Isabella was preparing for her first day of freshman year at her new school. Taking one last look at her surroundings, she opened the door and walked inside.

It can be said that all high schools all have the same familiar surroundings, no matter where you go. There are the lockers, the drinking fountains, the shiny floors and the excitement on the first day. Isabella smiled softly to herself before attempting to find the office. As she rounded the corner a small dark head flew at her at top speed. Isabella caught her breath as the small creature reached out its arms to steady both of them.

"Oh my goodness, I am so sorry." The creature, who Isabella now realized was a tiny girl, looked up at her. She had green eyes that seemed to illuminate from within, her facial features were petite and her black hair was cut in a stylish bob. This tiny girl seemed to radiate happiness, causing Isabella to smile her first real smile since she was told of the move.

"It's okay," Isabella replied, stepping back from the girl. "No harm done."

"You must be Isabella," the girl said, sticking her hand out. "I'm Alice Cullen."

"Call me Bella," she replied taking Alice's hand in her own.

"It's great to meet you, the school has been buzzing since rumors started that we were getting a new police chief and that he had a daughter," Alice rattled off. "Nothing exciting happens around here so getting a new student is cause for celebration."

Bella had to laugh at the enthusiasm that Alice displayed. After talking for only a few moments she had a feeling that Alice would become one of her best friends.

"Alice, do you think you could help me a bit?" Bella said, suddenly nervous. "I'm not sure were everything is, and I could really use a friend."

The smile on Alice's face grew incredibly large as she grabbed Bella's arm and pulled her down the hallway.

"Of course," Alice said, as she steered them in the direction of the office. "Bella, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Laughing, Bella nodded her head and followed her new friend. As they left the office, the girls compared their schedules. Sadly, the three classes they had together were the last three of the day. With promises to meet up for lunch, Alice headed off to art class as Bella walked into the math classroom.

Four classes later, Bella made her way towards the cafeteria, keeping an eye out for Alice. Walking through the doors, she had the same uneasy feeling as she did that morning walking into the school. The feeling of hundreds of eyes zeroed in on her. She glanced around the room once more before a tinkling voice shouted her name. Turning in the direction of the voice, she spotted Alice waving both arms from a table near the back. Bella looked down before heading over. She was puzzled by her sudden shyness. In Phoenix, she had been one of the most popular girls in school, always joining one committee or another. She chalked it up to being in a new place. Bella vowed to herself that she would get involved and get over the shyness. As she approached the table she took note of some familiar faces from her earlier classes sitting with Alice. Bella took a seat by her friend before Alice began the introductions.

"Bella this is Angela," Alice said, pointing to a cute brunette with glasses. "And Eric." She pointed to the dark haired boy also wearing glasses, who had his arm around Angela's shoulders.

"Mike." She said turning to a blonde boy with a friendly smile sitting beside Eric.

"Jessica." The curly headed brunette smiled at Bella as Alice said her name.

"Emmett, my twin brother." Bella could feel her eyes widen as she took in the muscular boy. His arm looked larger than Alice's head. Emmett laughed as though he knew what she had been thinking.

"And my boyfriend Jasper," Alice said, smiling lovingly at the handsome blonde sitting to her left. "Everyone, this is Bella Swan."

A chorus of "hellos" followed.

"Hi, it's great to meet you all," Bella said smiling.

"Bella, Alice tells us that you moved to our dreary little town from Arizona, why in heavens name would you do that?" Jessica said chuckling.

"I'm still trying to figure that out," She answered laughing as well. "My parent's decided that they wanted to return to their roots. Daddy learned about the Police Chief position opening up and the next thing I knew, we had the house up for sale and were making plans to move."

After a few more questions the conversation turned to the upcoming football season. Bella listened politely, before a table near the opposite wall caught her attention. Suddenly, Bella's breath caught in her throat as the most handsome boy she had ever seen entered her line of vision. She grabbed Alice's arm, leaning in to whisper into her ear.

"Alice, who is that boy?" she whispered urgently. Alice looked in the direction of the table before smiling at Bella.

"That's my big brother, Edward."

Dear Diary,

I've been scared thinking about what today would bring. I was nervous that I would not meet any friends, that I would be an outcast. But the truth was, I had nothing to worry about. Today was wonderful for so many reasons. I met an amazing friend. Her name is Alice Cullen, even back home none of my friends made me feel as comfortable as she does. She's a tiny little thing. She reminds me of a pixie, like from the Peter Pan book. Momma used to read to me when I was little. Alice has this aura around her that just makes you feel important, as though while in her presence, you are the most important thing to her. She introduced me to her group of friends at lunch. Her twin brother Emmett looks nothing like her! Alice is so tiny and Emmett is large and muscular. When I say large, I mean that he reminds me of a huge bear, albeit a teddy bear, but a bear nonetheless. Emmett is like the brother I always wanted. Alice's boyfriend Jasper is great as well. Alice told me that Jasper was born in Texas and his family moved here a few years ago. He is a southern gentleman. There were times today when I could hear the hint of an accent. Like Alice, there is something calming about him, just being near him makes you feel as though there is nothing in the world to worry about.

Meeting these people was wonderful, but there was one more thing that made today stand out for me.

I saw a boy. Not just any boy. He was beautiful, can a boy be beautiful? I don't feel as though handsome is enough to describe him. He is tall, over 6 feet I think. He is muscular but not overly so. His hair is an odd color, a mixture between a brown and red, a little darker than the color of a new penny. He has cheekbones that look cut from porcelain. All of his facial features look as if they've been designed by some heavenly being. But the most striking thing about him are his eyes. I saw him from across the cafeteria but they just seemed to bore into you. His name is Edward and he's Alice's older brother. He is a year older than us and plays on the football team with Emmett. Alice said that he is a captain, which means that he is important. Daddy only ever listens to the baseball games so I'm not certain about football. What I do know is I cannot get this beautiful boy out of my head.

~Bella

9/4/1939