Author's Note: This is my first Fanfic! Also, I do NOT own Twilight.

Chapter One: Reuniting with an Old Friend

(6th grade)

"MELANIE!" My mother called from down the hall. "I hope your ass is ready for school." Impatience etched in her hoarse voice.

I winced at hearing her yell as I quickly finished braiding my hair. Giving myself a quick once-over my straight midnight black hair was braided at the top halves of my head, my lightly tanned skinned was the same as ever, and my dark brown eyes complimented it well. Plain though. As my mother always said. Letting out a quick sigh I slowly walked out of my room with my backpack in hand down the hallway of my long gone father's home to my awaiting mother in the living room. "Yes, mom, I'm ready!" I responded.

She stood there pointedly once I got to her, looking at me up and down checking for any way to insult me. She found them almost instantly. "Your braids look stupid," She started, eyes narrowing. "and fix your sweater. It's crooked."

As small as her targets were, she still managed to make me squirm. I hated it. But I wouldn't dare say that aloud, I was scared. My mother, although she was my birth-giver, she made my life a living hell. For as long as I could remember she seemed to hate me. It wasn't until recently when I realized it was because I was her reminder of my father. I made my father leave the day he found out she was pregnant, and that left her angry. Not only at him, but at me as well and she never let me forget it.

Rather than keeping her waiting and even more fuming, I looked down at my outfit - a simple pair of jeans, black Converse, a white blouse, and my grey cardigan which was slightly crooked from my rushed, uneven buttoning. Holding in the sigh I had within me, I adjusted it. I looked at my mother, all she did was nod so I slung my backpack on before leaving.

It was my first day going to the La Push Middle School and I felt nervous. I was new after all. I had moved from the Makah Reservation in the middle of the year since my mom felt that because my father left when she pregnant, he owed her. So by taking possession of his former home, his debt was paid for the time being. According to her that is. The whole matter seemed rather childish, and that's coming from a sixth grader! But if it kept her from being angry even at the slightest then I was perfectly fine with it.

As I made my way to the school, I took the scenery in - moss and trees everywhere. Even sand since First Beach was literally just a walk away from my home and the school. The sky was cloudy, peaceful. They were downcast too, but not enough to rain. I was grateful for that since I only had a cardigan on. Sighing again, the school came into view.

Here goes nothing. I thought. And I made my way to La Push Middle School for my first day in the sixth grade.

I checked my watch, 7:55 A.M., and my eyes widened. Crap! I have five minutes to get to the office and get my schedule, otherwise I'm late. I thought, panicking. But where on earth was it? This was really bad. My mom was going to be pissed if I'm late! And even more panic rushed through me.

Before I knew it, I bumped into someone in my haste. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" I said instantly. Even more panic overcame me. I definitely did NOT want trouble on my first day of school.

The mystery person I bumped into turned around. Russet skin tone, dark hair, and dark eyes of the Quileute Reservation males came into view. He looked a couple of years older than me and definitely taller than my 4'10" frame. His hair was cropped short and his expression seemed carefree and calm. Although, he did seem thrown off by my immediate apology. "It's fine!" He said surprised, most likely due to my panicked state. I could've sworn I saw a flash of recognition but maybe I was imagining things.

I bit the inside of my cheek and looked down. "Are you sure? I don't want to cause any trouble..." I said nervously.

The boy spoke, causing me to look up, "Seriously, it's fine." He sounded reassuring and that was definitely something that I needed right now. "You seem lost though... you must be new. You need any help with anything?"

This time I bit my lip and nodded. If help was being offered, then I was gonna take it. No way was I about to let my shyness get the best of me. "Can you tell me how to get to the front office?" I asked bashfully. You win some, you lose some. At least I asked when I had the chance.

"Keep going straight into the school then make a right. Should be on left." He said amused. Why was he amused?

"Thanks!" I beamed.

"Anytime Melanie."

That threw me off for a second until I put the voice and expression together, then it hit me - this was Sam! A family friend of mine who always came around. He was practically like an older brother to me. Most of my memories of him were pretty hazy though. Honestly, I don't think I would've been able to recognize him until this very moment. And that was a pretty scary revelation. "Sam?" I asked, wide-eyed.

He laughed at my expression. "SOMEONE forgot about me" He teased.

"Hey, not my fault! You look so different!" I said defending myself before hugging him. That wasn't a complete lie. His appearance was a slight factor in my lack of memory of him.

He rolled his eyes. "Just cause I grew doesn't make me different." He said, hugging me back.

We released and I shook my head. "Your hair too!" I said, staring. "You cut it." I recalled the last time I saw him at least. I was in the fourth grade while he was in the eighth, long-haired and all. But nothing else came up after that. Only fuzzy images.

"Long hair's a hassle. Plus, it's better short." He said, running his hand through his hair.

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. "I like it better long." I pouted.

"Get to the office already, Mel. You're gonna be late." He warned.

"So are you, Sammy!" I retorted, before taking off to get my schedule.

Review please! I love feedback. (: Thanks for reading though.