Forks High School, 5th October 2002, 8.00am
New students were always a diversion from the predictability of another year at High School. Most of the kids had known each other since pre-school. In a town this small it was hard NOT to know someone. So the arrival that autumn, of the black BMW with the tinted windows caused heads to turn. The majority tried to sneak surreptitious glances, some like Tyler openly gawked. A rare minority, too wrapped in their own concerns, failed to notice at all as five new students walked confidently towards the reception.
"Jasper, you'd better have made sure I'm with Emmett for most of my schedule this time," pouted Rosalie.
Jasper sighed and was heartened to feel Alice squeezing his hand supportively.
"You were watching over my shoulder last night when I accessed the school files, Rosalie. You KNOW that you're with Emmett."
Emmett brushed his hand appreciatively across Rosalie's tightly fitting jeans.
"Relax, babe, I told you Jasper had it sorted. The next three years might actually be fun for once."
Edward glanced at the older siblings. At least they only had three years of High School to endure. He and Alice were condemned to the full four. He smiled inwardly at the thought of referring to them as 'older'. When put in order by human years it went Emmett (by a couple of months), Jasper, Edward. If you went by membership of their family it went Edward, Emmett, Jasper. If you went by the date of becoming a vampire it went Jasper, Edward, Emmett. Unfortunately though as far as Carlisle was concerned, Edward and Alice were going to be freshmen whilst the other three could progress directly to sophomore year. Being undead sucked.
And it would likely suck for all eternity.
Having collected their schedules from the office and been given the official welcome by Ms Cope the secretary they headed off to their various classrooms. Alice pulled Jasper to one side and ran her fingers lightly down the side of his face.
"It will be alright," she said confidently, and stretched up to give her mate a reassuring kiss. Jasper always found new environments stressful and constantly doubted his ability to control his baser instincts.
"Ewww, gross!" exclaimed a voice as two girls breezed past. "Aren't they like related or something?"
Jasper's eyes darkened a shade and a soft growl rumbled in his chest. Alice shrugged and traced I love you on the palm of his hand. Jasper relaxed and with one last look at Alice, followed Emmett and Rosalie to their American History class. Alice always made everything better. She took away his doubts and fears and replaced them with confidence and hope. She was his entire reason for being. Without Alice he couldn't even begin to imagine enduring another moment of existence. To say that he loved her was like saying that the ocean was wet. An utterly inadequate word, which didn't even begin to scrape the surface of the depths of his feelings. He would do ANYTHING for Alice, and would do it without a moment's hesitation or question.
The day passed, slowly. As soon as the final bell sounded, the siblings met back at the car and slid thankfully into its plush interior.
"One down, 1094 to go," huffed Rosalie, causing a wave of laughter to sweep through the vehicle.