This is my A/N!

I do not own these characters, the illustrious Ms. Meyer does. The story is my own, but the characters belong to her.

I am not a professional writer. Just putting that out there for everyone. I would love constructive criticism, but if you are just being a douche, don't bother.

Also, this story will be a Jasper/Bella pairing. It will just take a little while to get there. Be patient, it is a virtue you know. Also, this story is a retelling of a true one, so I already know how it ends. So the updates should be reasonably fast, that is if anyone actually reads it.

I would love reviews, what can I say, I am a review whore.

**This is IMPORTANT! This story starts out pretty mild, but it will get lemony and potentially kinky as it develops. I am just warning you now. If you do not enjoy these elements, you may wanna skip this story. **

I can't believe that today has finally arrived. I am embarking on my new life today, leaving for college. I was up with the sun this morning, rushing my dad around so that we could get on the road. It would be a four hour drive from our house to the University of Washington. Making it just about perfect, close enough to come back for a weekend if I wanted to, but far enough that I would not have unexpected visits from my family. In reality I did not see myself coming back here on the weekends, as it wasn't really my home. It was merely the place my dad lived. Outside of this summer, I had not lived here since I was a small child. I truly had no home, as my mother never saw fit to settle in one place.

My parents, Charlie and Renee divorced when I was five. My mom took me with her when she left Forks for new horizons. She was of the belief that stability was highly overrated and thus, we never stayed anywhere for more than 18 months. Phil, the man she married when I was six, moved often for his job, so it worked out perfectly for her. They were like two gypsy peas in the pod and I was the forgotten child that was dragged along with them. I often wondered why my mother chose to take me when she and Charlie divorced. She never really paid much attention to me and I have to imagine the mandated education requirements of each state cramped her gypsy style. Yet, she would never have let me go to Charlie. She hated him too much to make him happy by letting him see me outside of the court ordered two weeks per year.

Renee and Charlie had been divorced for 12 years now, but that did not lessen her anger towards him at all. She had been pissed since the day he left, I actually question if she was ever not pissed at the man. In all my years, I have no memory of them ever getting along with one another, even before the divorce. Renee kept me from Charlie for all these years, due to resentment that had nothing to do with me. Although maybe it did, I have begun to see that Charlie and I are quite a bit alike, so maybe she was spiting me too. I was hoping that living nearer to Charlie would allow me to forge some sort of relationship with him, beyond our few weeks every summer. I remember as a child I would ask my mother why I didn't see him very often. She would always tell me that he was too busy with his new family and couldn't be bothered with remembering he even had another child. She would tell me I should be grateful that she took me so far away, that way I wouldn't have to be ignored by him and tossed aside when he decided I wasn't worth it anymore. I never understood why she would tell me this, did she think that it was better for me to think he had abandoned me?

It was true that Charlie had left my mother for another woman. Her name was Sue and they had met at work. They got married when I was seven. Renee didn't let me got to the wedding, she said that they didn't really want me there anyway. When I was nine, they had a daughter together, Leah. I really didn't know my little sister at all. I remember that first summer after she was born, I was horrid to both her and Sue. My mother had convinced me that Leah was my replacement. Charlie had a new daughter now, so he would no longer want me around. She had told me that Sue would only tolerate my being there in a capacity as free help with the baby. None of this was true, however I would not realize this fact for many years. Until I was about 15 I treated them both like crap. I would completely ignore my sister and treat Sue as if she were the devil herself. To Sue's credit, she never gave up on me, even when I was at my worst, she was still patient and kind with me. I think she always knew that my mother was filling my head with negativity. Once I became older, I was able to appreciate that Sue was not evil, she wasn't trying to get rid of me or replace me in my fathers life. She was always content to be my friend and adviser, not my surrogate mother. I didn't appreciate the distinction then, but I do now.

This past summer I have spent time with both Sue and my sister, Leah. Sue has the patience of a saint with everyone, especially me. She has forgiven me all of my horrid behavior towards them, even if I have yet to do so. Leah is actually quite delightful and a testament to the love and abilities of my father and Sue. Although she is only 10, she is kind, considerate, and generally fun to be around. She also thinks I am very cool and spent the majority of the summer following me around and asking me a million questions about my life. It was at times annoying, but I have tried to remind myself that she is a kid who is essentially just getting to know her sister, in the same way that I am just getting to know her. There are times I think it would be nice if we were closer in age, we seem to be very alike, and I feel like we could be the best of friends if our lives were more parallel. Perhaps when we are older.

I was snapped out of my musings on life when the aforementioned sister came careening down the stairs towards me. Leah was so excited to be coming to college with me, I hope that she realized that she wasn't going to be staying there with me for the year.

"Is it time to go yet?" she asked with the exasperated impatience only a child can achieve.

"I am ready whenever my dad and your mom are, little bit."

"DAD, MOM, Bella is ready and so am I, lets go already. I wanna go to college today." she yelled.

"Leah, every time you rush us, we will take five minutes longer," Sue told her as she came out of the kitchen with travel mugs for everyone.

"I am not rushing you, I just don't want Bella to be late is all."

"Right, go tell your dad that the coffee is ready and so are his girls, he is out in the garage checking the cars."

I heard Leah yell something as she scrambled towards the garage. I hope my dad has had at least one cup of coffee, otherwise she will not get the enthusiastic response she is hoping for.

"Are you all set Bella?" Sue asked me as she gathered up Leah's books and put them in her bag.

"I am as ready as I will ever be, I double checked that I had all of my stuff and made sure my room was clean. So I think that I am ready whenever you guys are."

"Good deal, we can head out to the garage, I am sure Leah has already strapped herself into the car and is annoying the shit out of your dad by now." Sue said laughing with me as we walked to the garage.

Once outside I walked over to my little Civic and prepared to get in. This car was a gift from my dad and Sue for graduation. It was Sue's old car and they thought I could use it while away at school. I was so blown away by the gift. I had never had a car and figured I wouldn't until I could buy one on my own. Even though it wasn't new, it was in really good shape and I loved having it. I made sure to thank them both about a hundred times. Just as I was opening the door, Sue came over and asked if she could ride with me. I had thought I would be alone for the drive, so I was excited to have the company. Once we were all buckled, we headed out. I was so freaking excited I couldn't believe it. Sue was quiet for about the first hour of the ride, just sipping her coffee and looking out the window. It was nice, my own mother and I were never capable of enjoyable silence, we were always screaming at each other or ignoring one another, so this was a nice change of pace.

I love my mother, truly I do. Its just that we have nothing in common. We have no shared interest with which to bond. My goals in life are so different than those which she had imagined for me, and she never tried to restrain herself from telling me what was wrong with my aspirations. I had hopes to marry and have a family. I wanted to go to college, but I never had lofty career expectations. I was majoring in History and Education. I would be a teacher when I graduated, but I really had no ambition to work. I wanted to be a mother and wife and find my fulfillment that way. Renee felt that this would be a waste of my life. She was so jaded towards men, unless it was the infallible Phil, who in reality was a dick. He was a jackass and talked to my mother like she was incapable of basic reasoning, but she thought he was the man all other woman should aspire to marry. I think in reality, she only liked him because he didn't give a shit about what she was doing or anything else. As long as he had food on the table every night for dinner and she agreed with all his jackass opinions, life was good. He and I never really got along. He would berate me for talking to my father, telling me that I was hurting my mother. After all, she was the one who raised me, why did I even keep in contact with my sperm donor? This always hurt me and only led to my talking to Charlie in secret. When I told Renee and Phil that I was going to school in Washington, my mother cried and guilt tripped me for days. She wanted to know why I hated her so much that I had to move across the country. Phil asked me how I could be so heartless and hateful to a woman whom had sacrificed her whole life for me. Needless to say, things were a bit strained when I left for Washington this summer. My mom and I had spoken briefly a few times, but she was still clearly pissed at me. I think she thought I would bow to her wishes and come back to her. While I may have done so in the past, I was not doing it anymore. I was old enough now to see the pettiness of my mothers motives and I was done playing the game.

I heard a chuckle and turned to look at Sue, wondering what was so funny.

"You are so much like Charlie, he does the tongue thing when he is deep in thought too." She laughed.

It was true, when concentrating Charlie and I both stuck the tip of our tongue out over and over again, almost like we were snakes testing the air for danger. It looked ridiculous, but I kind of loved having something in common with my dad.

"Wanna talk about whatever has you thinking so hard?" she asked.

"Just thinking about my mom and how strained things are between us right now. I just wish sometimes that she could be happy for me, even of she didn't like what I was doing. I know she wants me in school near her, but doesn't she realize that she never stays in place for long. I would end up alone, unless she thought that I would transfer schools every time they moved."

Sue looked thoughtful for a moment before she responded to me, "I know things are difficult right now, Bells, but it will get better. I made a promise that I would never speak ill of your mother, and I will keep that vow. So just be thankful that she cares enough to be angry and be secure enough to know what is the right decision for you. True, you are only seventeen, but essentially you are an adult. It is time to take control of your life and stop living for other people. If going to school here is what you think is the best decision for you, than stick to your decision. Your mother will come around, but at the end of the day, you are the one who has to live with the choices you make. Also, bear in mind that your dad and I love you very much and are excited to have you close, but if this ends up not being the right place for you, we will understand and support whatever decision you make."

"Thank-You Sue, I love you guys too. I do think this is the best choice for me, but I appreciate having your support if I find out it isn't. I just wish my mom would see it the same way."

"I know you do sweetie, but understand, it is hard to watch your child grow up and move away from you. Give her some time to adjust, and if that never happens accept it and move on. It is time to pull on those big girl panties and deal with all the things life throws at you. Your dad and I have faith in you, you can do this. All we want is to see you happy in the end, whatever road you take to that happiness is yours to travel. We will do our best to help you if we can, but you have to be brave enough to start the journey. And you are most certainly a brave girl. Sure it may be rough in a few spots, but just remember, when it gets bumpy, slow down and take it as an opportunity to see the sights."

"How very metaphorical of you Sue." I giggled. "I do appreciate what you are saying, and I am going to try to do just that. Just understand, I may call for a reminder sometimes."

"That's what we're here for Bella, always remember that."

We chatted about everything and nothing the rest of the way. I told her about my real aspiration in life, being a wife and mother. She thought it was a wonderful goal, she just reminded me to make sure that whatever man I found was worthy of me. She told me stories of her college days and all of the friends she made. It was the nicest trip I had been on in quite a while. I was almost sad when we pulled up in front of the dorms. Almost, I was still really freaking excited.

Once we figured out where I was supposed to be and got my key from the front desk, we began the arduous task of unpacking all of my stuff. It took us most of the afternoon, but we managed to get everything in to my tiny dorm room. My roommate wasn't here yet, and I couldn't help but be a little nervous about meeting her. Dad and Sue took me for a late lunch and then after hugs and an explanation to Leah about why she couldn't stay, they headed back home. I spent a little why getting my things organized, and then I decided to head down to the dining hall for dinner.

I was walking through the front doors when I first saw him. He was off to the side of the entrance sitting on a picnic table smoking and joking around with a group of guys. He was so cute. Tall, reddish hair, and a perfect smile. My whole face flushed when he looked at me and said hello. I mumbled a quick hi, and kept walking towards dinner. My social skills were limited at best, so I didn't know what proper protocol was when a stranger yelled a greeting to you. As I walked away to the dining hall, I was kicking myself for not actually stopping and talking with the beautiful boy, even if he was surrounded by other guys. As I sat eating, alone, I couldn't help but think that it was a good thing that I walked away, I probably would have just embarrassed myself if I had stopped. My social skills were sub-par, and I certainly didn't want the hot guy thinking I was deficient and in need of a helmet. Which is undoubtedly what would have happened if I had stopped. I most likely would have said something stupid or tripped over nothing in my effort to be social. Yep, definitely better that I didn't stop.

After eating, I began my trek back. I was lost in thought about my classes starting in two days, what my roommate would be like, and if I would make any friends at all. When I got back to the dorms I was so absorbed in myself, I didn't even notice that hot guy and his friends were still outside. That is until I heard someone yelling in my direction. I stopped and looked over towards the picnic table full of boys, sure they were not yelling for me, only to discover that they were in fact yelling at me.

"Hey, do you want to come over and sit with us?" Mr. Hot Guy asked.

I took a moment to realize that he was in fact speaking to me. I felt my face start to flush and I had an overwhelming sense of panic. True, I did want to make friends, but could I really go and talk with a bunch of guys, hot guys, that I didn't know? What if it was just a joke, I don't think my self esteem could take a hit like that. I was already feeling anxious and overwhelmed by the whole college experience and it was still my first day. I was preparing to bolt for the doors when I heard his friend chime in.

"Edward, don't startle the poor girl." He laughed out. Then he got up from the table and started coming towards me. I was panicking now, I mean this guy was way bigger than me. He was easily 6'3" with biceps the size of my thighs. No good would come from him getting a hold of me. I am sure I was turning a shade of red not even invented yet, and I was stuck in my panic, I couldn't walk away. So I just stood there like a lamb going to the slaughter while this giant of a man approached me. As he got up next to me I could feel my heart begin to race as the adrenaline finally kicked in. I was just getting ready to run when the strangest thing happened. The big, foreboding man smiled at me while extending his arm.

"I'm Emmett, I am sorry if we frightened you at all. We just wondered if you wanted to talk for a while. It is still early yet and a lot of people haven't moved in still. You are welcome to sit with us, if you would like. My girlfriend Rose will be here in about five minutes, so you could meet her too."

I still wasn't sure what to make of the situation, but Emmett seemed nice enough and we were right in front of the building. I could always run if I needed to and it appeared we were close enough that someone inside would be able to hear my screams if there was an emergency.

"Alright, I would like that. My name is Bella, it's nice to meet you, Emmett."

We walked over to the picnic table and Emmett began introducing me to everyone.

"Guys, this is Bella. Bella this is Edward, Jake, Mike, and Tyler."

I smiled a hello to them and tried to commit their names to memory. Hot guy's name was Edward. Tall, most likely gay guy was Jake. Mike and Tyler both had the generic boy look, nothing immediately standing out. I suspected I would call them by the wrong name a few times at least.

"Do you smoke, Bella?" asked Edward.

"Very rarely" was my reply. "Although I could use one right about now" It was true, I was nervous as shit, maybe a smoke would help me relax, at the very least it would give me something to do with my hands.

"Here you go" Edward offered me a cigarette, I took it from him and just as I was about to ask for a lighter, he held one out and lit it for me. That first hit was making me a little light headed, and I must have wavered on my feet, because the next thing I knew Edward had his hand at my back and was helping me sit down.

If I though I had flushed before, it was nothing like now. I could feel the heat radiating off of my cheeks. "Sorry, I don't do this very often." In reality, I had done it twice before, peer pressure was a bitch.

"No worries, Bella, are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes, I am fine Edward, thanks for catching me. I think I will remain seated for now though." Oh my God, I sounded like an idiot, even to myself. I am sure it will only be a matter of time before they realize how lame I am and walk away.

But remarkably, they didn't. We sat on that picnic table for several hours, just talking. I got to know a little bit about each of them. They had all met this morning when they moved in. Edward and Emmett were roommates and Mike and Jake lived across the hall from them. Tyler actually lived in another building, but he and Mike had gone to high school together. Emmett's girlfriend, Rose came by as well. She was stunning. I was initially very intimidated by her, but the longer we all hung out, the more I realized how nice she actually was. Her and Emmett had been dating since the ninth grade and looked to be deeply in love. I found out that she lived in the next building over and was majoring in engineering. Emmett was majoring in sports medicine, Jake in merchandising, Tyler and Mike were undecided, and Edward was a double major in music and business. I told them that I was majoring in history and education. As the night wore I on, I started to get chilly. I was in the process of rubbing my hands up and down my arms in an effort to create heat, when I felt something slip around my shoulders. It was Edward's hoodie. I thanked him for letting me use it and he just winked at me. I didn't know what that meant, did he like me too?

At around midnight, I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. I told everyone I was going to bed and that it was very nice to meet them all. I went to give Edward back his shirt, when the strangest thing happened. He asked me if I wanted to have breakfast in the morning. I flushed and told him sure, he asked me to meet him at the picnic table at nine. After agreeing, I made my way inside. I got ready for bed, noticing that I still had no roommate. As I laid in bed that night I couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism about the future. I was on my own, I had made friends, and there was a boy who might possibly like me. Seemed like a perfect start to my college experience.