Chapter 1
I've always hated moving. I don't see how people can like it: going to a strange town, living in a strange house, going to an unfamiliar school, with dozens of people you have never met before looking you up and down…judging you. I should know; I've gone through this routine dozens of times before.
My mom and dad had gotten a divorce when I was much younger. They split everything in half, including me and my brother, Eric. My dad, an outdoorsy type, obviously chose my brother, who seemed to share his obsession with camping and messing around outside, even at a young age.
I, on the other hand, got to pack my things up time and time again, to "start fresh" whenever one of my mom's boyfriends turned out to be a complete head-case. Not that I mind traveling. Really, I love seeing new places, trying different foods, shopping in amazing gallerias and strip malls around the world. It's the whole new school thing I seem to have a problem with.
My mom's latest romance is a man from Rome, Italy. I actually think this one will last. He seems nice enough, and my mom is head over heels for him. And why shouldn't she be? Rodrigo is handsome, successful, and, of course, rich. They had been dating for about three months when he proposed. The wedding was beautiful. It was an outdoor wedding, and everything was "perfect". The jade green and white of the wedding party was even complimented by the oranges and reds of falling leaves.
Eric was obviously in attendance. I blame him. I really do. If it wasn't for my obnoxious older brother, I would be living (and shopping) in Rome right now, instead of packing for my long, boring plane ride to Forks, Washington.
That's right. Forks, Washington. To live with my dad. How did I get from Rome to Forks? Let me back up. My mother's wedding was in Pennsylvania, our (Most recent) hometown. After the wedding, my mom and I were going to join Rodrigo at his estate in Italy. The instant my brother found this out, he reported it to my dad, who, as it turns out, was not happy about me finishing my education on another continent.
There was this massive fight, and somehow, it was decided, without my input, that I would join my dad and brother in Forks, where they have lived since the divorce. So thanks mom. And dad. And Eric. Really. I'm so excited to be the new girl in another dinky American high school. In a town with less than 10,000 people. Ugh.
My mom told me to find the bright side. Well. At least I'll know the language.