Chapter 1

I didn't have a problem with moving. It was an opportunity for me and my family to start fresh and perhaps change for the better. Thinking back, it only seems like it was yesterday when my Father came rushing home. He burst through the door practically singing about his BIG surprise. His boss had offered him a promotion in the company, however it would require him transferring to their branch in Forks, America. Apparently, he had agreed without hesitation, and the events that followed led us all to be travelling down this road towards our new home.

Initially I had been upset, a completely natural reaction when you have just been told you are going to be moving half way across the world. That you have to leave all your friends and family behind as well as your childhood home. What made it worse was the fact that we would be moving right after my 17th birthday. However, upon reflection whilst I was packing up all my belongings, I realised that remaining upset would not change anything, and instead I should support my Dad as best I can.

"Hannah? Hannah?"
I lift my head from where it is rested against the window. "Hmm?"
"Your mother and I were just saying how great this is going to be, wouldn't you agree?" my Dad asks. "Yeah, it's cool." I reply, returning my head to its previous position.

The woods visible outside are vast, we have been driving past them for several miles now. It's rather incredible, I have never seen so many trees in one place before. The middle of London, where I previously lived, didn't exactly contain a plethora of wild life. It was only ever on school trips that I got to experience places like woods and I loved them so much that my teachers couldn't keep me away!

The next time I was stirred from my thoughts was when the car pulled into a driveway. Our new driveway. I exited the car and only then could I see the entirety of the house. It was fairly large and directly opposite the woods, but it wasn't much to shout about. The garden was covered in overgrowing weeds, the outside paint was peeling and the path leading up to the house was cracked.

"Here we are then, home sweet home."
I groan at my Father's comment. "Dad..."
"What?"
"We aren't one of those happy families that you see in films."
My Dad chuckles "I'm sorry, but temptation overtook me." I simply roll my eyes in response.
Mum takes this opportunity to speak. "Now now dear, don't get stroppy."

I ignore her.

"Well, it might look a bit run down now, but I'll have it looking lavish by September!" Dad cries out. You cannot help but admire his determination.

Once we had looked around inside, they allowed me to choose which room I wanted. I can only assume that it was their way of trying to make it up to me. Selfishly, I chose the biggest. Some of its features are a small walk in wardrobe, large window and window seat as well as a perfect view of the woods.
Not only that but Dad kept to his word to. He spent the remainder of the summer working on the house, leaving me to decorate my room. In the end all I did was put up some posters and fairly lights, but Dad went all out. He successfully tamed the garden by planting flowers and removing the mass of weeds. Admittedly, the weather in Forks isn't exactly in the flower's favour, but Dad was adamant to keep them. He also re-painted the front of the house, cleaned the windows and cleared the gutter. As for the inside, well, he went a bit mad. We had all new carpets fitted, new wallpaper, curtains, furniture, soft furnishings, the lot! He really went to town on the whole thing, and Mum and I were very impressed.

The night before my first day at Forks High School, Dad came up to see me in my room.

"Hey, Hannah?" He says, poking his head around the door.
"Hey Dad." I reply with a smile. "Is everything okay?"
"Just checking to see if you have everything you need tomorrow."
"You do realise Mum wouldn't let me go unless I had absolutely everything I could possibly need." "Yes but..."
"Don't worry, Dad, I'll be fine."
"I know, I know. I can't help but worry though, I know it isn't easy starting new at a school." He says sympathetically. "Um, also, I won't be here in the morning and neither will Mum."
"Oh, okay." I say, shrugging it off.
"I obviously have work and your Mother has some job interviews to go to."
"That's fine Dad, I don't mind."
"Okay, night then." "Night Dad."

After he closed the door I listened, waiting until I had heard him go downstairs. Then I changed into my nightwear: a plain black t-shirt and turquoise shorts. I pull out a book from my travel bag and begin to read it, but eventually I become a victim of sleep.


*The next morning*

I awake to find sunlight pouring into my room through my curtains. My alarm went off on time, meaning it was time to brave the first day at my new school. Great. Stretching out my arms I sit up. My book had fallen to the floor in the night, so I lean over to pick it up and flatten the pages. After that I drag myself out of bed and wander over to my wardrobe, wondering what to wear. I want to avoid drawing attention to myself as well as the possibility of being judged based on the clothes I wear. I go for something I consider to be casual: a grey vest with a matching over the shoulder woollen jumper, blue skinny jeans and brown Ugg boots. I brush and curl my hair, apply minimal make up and then grab my school bag. As I rush to the front door I quickly seize some toast on my way through the kitchen and then finally make it outside to my new car.

*Flashback*

My parents had made me wait for my 17th birthday present. This waiting period had been extended by the move, so in the end it was weeks late. I'd known something was up from the moment I had awoken. Both my parents had stirred me from my slumber, and once I had made it downstairs I realised they had cooked my favourite breakfast: pancakes. How could I not be suspicious?

It got even weirder when they led me outside, in my nightwear, whilst covering my eyes.

"Come on, come on! Hurry up!" My Mother insisted.
"My eyes are covered; I can't exactly run!" I reply, trying not to lose my balance.
"Now Hun, it is her present so be nice." Dad says.
"Can't you just tell me what it is?" I ask.
"No, of course not!" They both say.
"I thought so." I mumble.
"Here it is!"

I open my eyes and see a new car parked on our drive. Of course, I was still half asleep so I didn't quite process the situation correctly.

"Okay, why did you bring me out here in the cold, to show me your new car?"
"Silly girl, it isn't ours-" Mother starts to answer.
"So why is it parked on our drive?"
Mum sighs in response, a sort of irritated sigh. "It's yours Hannah!"
"Oh. Ohhh!" My eyes grow wide in excitement. "Oh wow, thank you!" I cry, hugging them both.

*End of flashback*

I start up the engine and pull off the drive. I already know the way to school because Mother essentially forced me to learn the route beforehand. It isn't too far away either, so the drive is short and peaceful.

*Time skip*

"Hi there! I'm Eric!"
I snap out of my daydream. "Oh, hello." I say, looking up to the boy in front of me.
"You're Hannah, yeah?" he asks.
"Yes, that's correct."
"Great! So if you need anything: tour guide, study partner, lunch date? Then I'm happy to uh-"
I interrupt him. "Thanks, but I prefer to be on my own."
"Oh, sure. Well, see you later."
"Yeah, bye um..."

Shit, what was his name?

"Eric." He prompts.
"Eric! Sorry." Not the best start, forgetting someone's name within five seconds.

He smiles and then leaves me. Already it is lunchtime, and today has been alright. My lessons currently seem slightly easier than those I had in London, but that might easily change. So far, most people have been one of two extremes. They either run to me like I'm their best friend, or avoid me completely.
One girl, Bella Swan, has so far been nice. I sit next to her in a few of my classes and since we both like to be alone, it seems to work for us. In fact, I am currently sitting with her for lunch.

"Don't worry, he won't be offended." Bella reassures me. "How are you finding your first day anyway?" She asks.
"It's okay I suppose."
"It gets better, honestly."
"Does it?" I ask in disbelief.
"Yeah, I mean I was the new girl once too, so I should know." She says with a laugh.

'Ring Ring'

"That's the bell for end of lunch." Bella explains, collecting her things.
"What's your next lesson?"
Quickly I check my timetable. "Art."
"Great, I'll show you where it is."
"Thanks Bella."


"So..How was the dreaded first day?" Dad asks, perching on the end of my bed. I am sitting cross legged in front of him, highlighting some work from today.

"Fine."
"Fine? That's it? That's all you are willing to disclose?"
"What more do you want Dad?"
"Well how are the lessons? Students? Uh, food?"
"Easy, strange, and don't know. I avoided the food."

He rolls his eyes at me before saying goodnight and departing. Just as he leaves my laptop pings with a new message from Bella. I decide to leave it and instead clear my bed of stuff and dive under the duvet. Since I was not set any homework, I may as well make the best of what little sleep I can get.