Author's Note: I decided to write a Bella/Edward reversal story because I'd read others and, while I like the concept, felt that the other stories lacked realism. So, here is my version which is (I hope!) a more realistic AU. One thing I tried to do is make Edward sound more modern. I also tried to think about how thing's would've been different for the Cullens if Carlisle hadn't found Edward first. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or any of the characters from the books. If I did I'd buy a Corvette ZR1.

------------------------------------------------------------

I stared gloomily out the car window as my mother and I drove down US-101. We had left Chicago almost two days ago for our move to Forks. Some little town somewhere in Washington.

"Edward, I just need a change. I want to be somewhere safe, where I don't have to worry about gangs or drugs. Please understand." My mom had pleaded and I gave in.

I do understand. I know my mom has been shaken up since my dad died. He was mugged on his way home from work. He'd lived in Chicago his whole life and this was the first time anything like that had ever happened to him. He tried to do what you're supposed to, he gave over his wallet and watch, no problem. They shot him anyway. I don't know why.

So, I understand my mom is scared. I was a little scared too. I just don't like running away. Being chased out of the only home I know. Away from my school, my hangouts, my friends. I hate it, but I also know my mom needs me right now. So, I'll do what she wants, even if it sucks.

We eventually made it to Forks and wound our way through the narrow, tree-lined streets. I had to admit, there was something pleasant and peaceful about the town. Night was falling and there was a kind of glow. We pulled into the driveway of our new home and I ran my hand through my bronze colored hair, frowning.

"It's kinda small, Ma."

"It's cozy," she grinned happily. "Anyway, it's bigger than our old apartment and the mortgage is less than the rent we were paying."

I shook my head. Whatever, she was happy, that was all that mattered. We headed up to the porch and my mom fished the house key out of her purse.

"Ta-dahh! Our new home!" She gestured grandly and motioned me to head inside. I walked in tentatively, it was dark and I had to fumble around for the light switch. I found it and flipped it on, flooding the narrow hallway with light. My mom stepped over the threshold, still grinning like a maniac. "I'm so glad the movers got here first," she chirped, "now we can at least get the beds set up and have a good night's rest."

"You mean I can get the beds set up, don't you?"

"You got it, kiddo. You do the heavy stuff and I'll order us some take-out."

I gave her a mock salute and headed upstairs. I didn't mind setting up the furniture. I liked working with my hands and it would give me some time alone. I wouldn't admit it to anyone but I was pretty nervous about school tomorrow. It was the middle of the school year and I was going to be at a school with kids who'd probably known each other since they were babies. Making friends would be tough and I guessed I was gonna be pretty lonely for awhile.

---------------------------------------

My mom pulled up to the local high school. I looked around in surprise. It didn't look like any kinda school I'd been to. Instead of the standard concrete type of building, it was a buncha little brick buildings on a grassy lawn.

"You have a great day, sweetie. I'll be back at three to pick you up." My mom gave me a cheery wave good-bye and I waved back half-heartedly, dragging myself from the car. It was pretty embarrassing to be dropped off at school by my mommy. Back in Chicago I could take public transportation to school, here it looked like I'd have to try and get a job so I could buy a car.

My mom had dropped me off by a small brick building with a sign reading FRONT OFFICE. I headed in so I could get my schedule and maybe a map. This campus looked a little confusing. There was a fat lady with red hair and glasses behind the front desk. She looked like my Aunt Janice. I walked up to the desk and cleared my throat.

"Uh, hey, my name's Edward Masen. I'm here for my first day."

The receptionist glanced up from her work and looked me up and down speculatively before giving a bright smile. "So nice to meet you! I hope you'll be very happy at our school."

I looked at her a little apprehensively. I've always had a good idea what people were thinking and it seemed like she was thinking some things that could get her in trouble. I grabbed the schedule and map she held out and backed towards the door.

"Do you need help finding your way around?"

"Uh, nah. I'm cool. Thanks though."

"Well make sure the teachers sign your schedule and bring it back here at the end of the day."

"Okay, thanks." I ducked out the door and headed around the corner. I studied the map and schedule before heading off to building number three for English, my first class. I found the building okay and walked inside just as the bell was ringing. I brought my schedule up to the teacher for his signature and received my reading list for the class. It looked like the stuff we'd been doing in Chicago, so that was good, I wouldn't be behind or anything.

The rest of the morning went pretty well. I was glad to see that it wouldn't be hard making friends. The guys were all pretty cool and the girls were very friendly. There was one chick, Jessica, in my Spanish and Trig classes who walked me to my classes and invited me to sit at her table for lunch. She was cute. Curly black hair and a nice body.

It was at lunch that all the kids in my class started asking the questions they'd been saving up. They wanted to know it all. Why'd we move? Did I like Forks? What were my hobbies? What music did I like? What sports? What was Chicago like?

"Aren't there, like, gangsters and stuff? Like the Sopranos?" This came from some blonde named Laura, or something.

"Uh, well, the Sopranos are in Jersey, actually. Anyway, there really aren't gangsters, just gangs, y'know? Like crack dealers and stuff. I avoided all that kinda thing though. My friends and I tried to steer clear of the rougher neighborhoods."

"Did you ever see anything?" Laura pressed.

"Well, it's hard to avoid sometimes. But ya just gotta keep your head down and move on."

The girls were staring at me with wide-eyes and the guys were looking impressed. I was feeling pretty awkward so I looked around the cafeteria to avoid their gazes. That's when I saw them.

There were five of them, all sitting at the table in the farthest corner of the room. They didn't look alike, different body types and hair colors, but you got the feeling they were related. They were all pale with shadows under their eyes and they were all really good-looking. There were two guys, some big dude who looked like a football player and a smaller blonder guy, about my build. Then there were the three girls. A blonde, who was, there's no other words, just smoking hot. She looked like a swimsuit model, or something. There was also a shorter girl who was petit and perky. And then there was the most beautiful girl I think I've ever seen. She had long brown hair and a slender, graceful body. I knew I was staring but I couldn't help it.

One of the guys, Mike, saw me staring and poked me in the side with a laugh. "Enjoying the view?"

"Who are they?"

"The two blondes are Rosalie and Jasper Hale. The big guy is Emmett Cullen, the smallest girl is Alice Cullen and the other girl is Bella Cullen. They're foster kids. They all live with Dr. Cullen and his wife."

"It's weird!" Jessica cut into our conversation abruptly, looking annoyed, "They're all together, like together. Emmett and Rosalie and Jasper and Alice. And they live together!" It looked like she didn't want me noticing the other girls. I hoped it wouldn't turn into a problem. Jessica was cute but I didn't really wanna date her.

"Well, they aren't related though." Mike pointed out.

"Still. Don't you think it's weird, Edward?" Jessica smiled at me sweetly.

"I dunno. I guess if they're not related it's ok. I can see how it might be weird though." I said, trying to placate Jessica. She nodded looking appeased and then launched right back into questioning me.

After lunch was over I found out Mike was in my Bio class and he offered to walk me over. On our way, I asked Mike if Bella had a boyfriend too.

"Nah." Mike shook his head a little morosely. They're all really stuck up, y'know? Guys don't have a shot with those girls."

I nodded knowingly. Looked like Mike'd been shot down a couple times. When we reached the classroom, Mike headed over to a lab table and I went over to the teacher. He signed my slip and told me to sit at the only lab table with an empty spot. I looked over and saw I was next to Bella Cullen. I grinned. Even if she was stuck up, I'd have a nice view from now to the end of the year. But, as I walked over, she suddenly went rigid and fixed me with the meanest look I'd ever seen. I paused, unsure how to proceed. She closed her eyes and when she opened them again her face was a blank slate. I approached her cautiously and sat down next to her. She shifted her seat to the side and leaned as far away from me as possible. I frowned. What was her problem? This was way beyond stuck up, this was just antagonistic. Well, two can play that game. I slouched in my chair and leaned far away from her too.

The hour dragged by and she never moved an inch. I had no idea why she was being such a bitch. I didn't do anything. Maybe she doesn't like to share. When the bell rang she bolted from her chair and practically flew out the room. I stared after her in shock as Mike approached my table shaking his head.

"Tough luck, bro. She shot you down too, huh? What'd you say anyway? She looked pissed."

"I didn't say anything! I don't know what her problem is," I shrugged, "Chicks, man."

Mike nodded. "Yeah, tell me about it. What's your next class?"

"Uh," I glanced at my schedule again. "Looks like gym."

"Me too. I'll walk you over."

I nodded and grabbed my books. We walked over to the gym and the coach found me a uniform. He didn't let me play though and I had to sit on the sidelines the whole time. It was just volleyball though, so I didn't mind as much.

After class, I headed back to the front office to drop off the signatures I'd collected. When I walked in I saw Bella Cullen again. She was leaning over the desk talking intently to the receptionist. I couldn't hear exactly what she was saying but it sounded like she was trying to get out of our biology class.

The door opened then and a gust of wind blew in as a girl ran in and dropped a piece of paper on the desk. Bella Cullen's back stiffened and she slowly turned, fixing me with another nasty look.

"Never mind then," she said in a melodic voice. "I can see that it's impossible. Thank you so much for your help." Then she turned and ran out the door again.

I headed over to the desk and dropped off my signatures. I was starting to get pissed off. What was this girl's deal anyway? I didn't do anything and she had no right to act like that. She wasn't that hot. Well, okay she was, but still…

I walked outside wondering if I should confront her but she'd already disappeared. As I was debating going to find her, my mom pulled up and honked her horn. I jogged over and climbed into the passenger seat.

"How'd your first day go, sweetie?"

"Fine," I lied. She didn't look convinced but, to my relief, didn't push it. I sighed and looked out the window as the rain started to pour. Maybe she'd be in a better mood tomorrow.