Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Twilight – that lucky lady Stephenie Meyer does. However, I do own this plot. I just hope it isn't too bad. XD

Author's Note: Well this is my first fanfic, so I'd really appreciate constructive criticism. It's going to be All Human, & Alternate Universe. Unfortuately this chapter is just about developing the characters partially, so not an awful lot happens. And sorry that it's a bit short. XD I'd sincerely like to thank Benjaro for giving me a title. Yay friends 3 So anyway. Onto the first chapter!

1. Final Glances

As Alice stepped out of the door, she looked up at the large, grey building that, tomorrow, she would be leaving for the last time. She'd loved Seattle's Art Institute – the people she'd met, and the friends she'd been able to keep; even the teachers who'd helped her through her course. Not that she'd needed any help, not really. Alice, like the rest of her family, had always been considered as somewhat 'brilliant'; all of her adoptive family had something which they particularly excelled at. Alice's was design, and art; more specifically, fashion.

Ever since she was a small girl, Alice had been fascinated by colours and shapes. As she'd grown, this had turned into a love for clothing and fashion of all different eras, and so she'd chosen to double major in Fashion Design and Marketing at the Art Institute of Seattle. Not only was this the perfect major for Alice to choose, but the college wasn't too far from Forks, her home town – and the place where her adoptive parents, Esme and Carlisle Cullen, lived.

Alice's eyes flickered away from the tall grey building to two people standing a little distance away, looking like they were deep in conversation. The boy – around 6'2" with messy brown hair stood with an arm around a smaller girl's waist. His bright green eyes never left her chocolate brown ones as he laughed at something she'd said; a look of complete adoration taking over his face. The girl's cheeks were rosy from the fresh air, her straight brown hair shining in the sunlight. Alice's eyes were immediately drawn to the clothes they wore- the boy sported a simple green Ralph Lauren shirt with a silver crest and faded jeans. The girl, on the other hand, wore dark brown cotton trousers with flour spilt down them from the morning's activities. Yet to compliment the scruffy trousers, the girl boasted a fashionable cream Abercrombie top: something which had been handpicked by Alice that morning.

The boy with the messy hair was, in fact, Edward Cullen – one of Alice's adopted brothers – and the young woman was Isabella Swan, Edward's fiancée. They both shared a flat with Alice. Edward and Bella had been high-school sweethearts, having met in junior year when Bella had moved to Forks to live with her father, Charlie Swan. She was somewhat considered the saviour of the Cullen family by Alice; they'd been pretty much social outcasts until Edward had opened his mind to Bella, allowed the family to accept someone else into their hearts. Ever since, Bella and Alice's friendship had blossomed, and they now shared a flat. It wasn't massive, but it had personality – probably due to Alice having decorated it – and it was a mere 5 minutes walking distance from the college which they attended.

Bella was majoring in the Culinary Arts and The Art of Cooking at the Art Institute, having shown a flair for cooking – even if it was purely due to survival instincts when faced by Charlie and his freezer-full of fish. Alice, on the other hand, was keen to sit down with a Hawaiian-style pizza night after night, whilst Bella would happily leave the house in bright orange shorts and a purple top: and for this reason, they were perfect flat mates – they balanced each other out.

Along with Edward, Alice had grown up with another brother whilst living in Forks. Emmett Cullen was a year Alice and Edward's senior – he'd studied mechanics at college. It was there that Alice's burly 6'5" brother with his dimples and curly black hair had met his perfect girl; Rosalie Lillian Hale. She'd been majoring in car engineering too, and was top of her class – but she wasn't exactly the kind of girl that you'd expect to have oil under her nails. Rosalie was the proud owner of wavy golden hair, strikingly long legs and the kind of face every girl wished for; and she knew that she was good looking, too, and used it to her advantage. But underneath the rather vain exterior, Rosalie had a sweet yet serious personality, and she was exactly the kind of person Emmett needed – so for that, Alice was extremely grateful.

Having seen all of her family finding people they loved, Alice couldn't help but feel a little sour. She was immensely happy for all of them and would never wish for it not to happen, but she definitely had an empty feeling lurking in her chest. She loved her college and family, and she'd be graduating as the best in her class tomorrow; but what lay for her afterwards? She'd pursue a career in fashion, of course. But was she fated to be alone, or would she find someone eventually – in 1 year, or 20? Either way, Alice knew not to force anything; as long as she was happy in herself, love would come to her.

Realising that she really didn't have anything to be sad about, Alice popped a grin on her face and skipped over to the soon-to-be-newlyweds. Bella glanced up, smiling at her flat mate.

"One day left! Excited?" By this time, Edward was also beaming at Alice. Everybody was on a high due to the end of term and Alice wasn't about to ruin the spirit.

"I know! Except we have to wear those icky graduation gowns... I so wish I'd been let accessorize it. Even some nicer buttons could've made such a difference..." She paused for a moment, her eyes glazing over slightly as she imaged her perfect graduation gown. It would definitely not be as boring, or as long -but she was abruptly bought to the real world as Edward started laughing at her.

"One step at a time, sis. Maybe they'll let you start decorating them if you became the world's top designer, say." He grinned knowingly at her; Edward had always had the ability to tell what was playing on people's minds. Alice simply rolled her eyes at him.

"Anyway – shouldn't we be getting home soon? I mean, I need to paint Bella's nails and then we need to use some face packs to get all ready and exfoliated for tomorrow." She grinned, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet. However, Alice didn't receive quiet the reaction she was hoping for – infact, Bella groaned.

"Well excuse me!" Alice exclaimed, "But do you want to look nice for Charlie and Renee tomorrow or not?" That got Bella where Alice wanted her – she couldn't help but nod her head. "Thank you." She grinned at her, winking at Edward. Some would call Alice spoilt – but really she was just persuasive. "Let's go!" And with that, she bounced off down the street, the couple following behind.

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So yeah... tell me what you think! Like I said earlier, this chapter was really just about character developement; showing what they're like, etc. That'll help the events in the story become clearer. :)