Bella
It was her father's idea to send her away to boarding school. After her mother died, Charlie couldn't handle raising a teenage daughter alone. Especially not a teenage daughter like her. Bella Swan's flight from Phoenix into Seattle had landed on time, but the car her father was supposed to have arranged for her hadn't shown up. She had waited for over an hour before giving up and flagging a taxi, and she now sat nervously in the back seat of the cab as it pulled up to the gates of what was to be her new home. She paid the driver and climbed out of the cab, pulling her cardigan tighter around her thin body. Her eyes widened apprehensively as she surveyed the large buildings and floods of students around her. They all seemed to scream "old money", designer clothes and perfectly maintained looks. She gave a self-deprecating look down at her own outfit – cardigan and jeans bought at Ross. Handbag from Target. How on earth was she ever going to fit in?
Half an hour later, Bella was settled in her new room. She had a single room, much to her relief. Having to share a room and still be able to hide her secrets would be nearly impossible. She finished unpacking her meager belongings, then turned her attention to the full-length mirror that stood near her window. She frowned at her reflection, pinched at various parts of her stomach that she hated. "Fatty fatty fatty," she taunted herself. A shout outside her window drew her attention away from her mirror. She pulled the curtain aside and gazed down into the courtyard below. Her eyes immediately fell on a group of three students standing in the corner. The girl was clearly flirting with the larger guy, flipping her blonde hair and patting his chest as he made attempts to tickle her. The other guy, slightly smaller than the first, was standing with his hands in his pockets, watching the couple flirt and begin to make out. Bella pressed her forehead against the window, lost in thought as she watched them. Suddenly the smaller guy turned his head and looked up at her. Her breath caught in her throat as their eyes met. He was gorgeous; definitely more attractive than any other guy she'd seen before. They held each other's gaze for about a minute longer, and then he looked away, back at his friends. She saw him say something to them, and motion up at her window. She stepped back quickly, letting the curtain close, hoping to not be seen by the other two.
Edward
Edward Cullen was in love. He followed her across the campus and into the dining hall, watching the way her hips swayed as she walked. He loved her, but could never have her. She belonged to his best friend. He watched enviously as Emmett put his arm around her shoulder and leaned down to kiss her. Rosalie. Even her name drove Edward crazy. He wanted to touch her, kiss her... He took a seat next to Emmett, remaining silent as Emmett and Rosalie continued to be all over each other.
Dinner was almost over when he saw the girl from the window. She walked into the dining hall, passing by the food line and sitting down at an empty table in the corner. He watched her curiously as she pulled a book and an apple out from her purse. She set the apple down on the table, opened her book, and began to read. He turned his attention back to Emmett and Rosalie.
"Guys, have you seen the new girl?"
"New girl?" Emmett immediately looked around the room. "Where? Is she hot?"
Rosalie shot Emmett a harsh look, and then reached for one of Edward's fries.
"Over there." Edward nodded towards the corner table. "Sitting by herself."
They all looked at her. She sat, oblivious, reading her book. The apple still sat untouched on the table in front of her.
"Well, anyway," Rosalie snapped, getting Emmett's attention again. "Things are still good on the party front, right?"
"Of course." Emmett put his arm around her. "Jasper's got the key to get into the old gym."
The old gym, a building on the far side of the campus, was completely surrounded by trees and hidden in shadows. It was creepy, but the ideal place to have parties without risking being caught by school administration. Edward's group of friends had been using it was their "party house" since their sophomore year, when a newer gymnasium was built in a more centralized location.
Edward finished his meal and stood up. "I'll meet you guys over there. I need to...uh…do something first." He didn't, but he couldn't handle being around Rosalie much longer. Not while Emmett was all over her. He hurried out of the dining hall, oblivious to the girl in the corner as she put her book away and followed him out, leaving her apple uneaten on the table.