Laws of Attraction

x0xDrumMajorx0x and Twilightgrl61692 collaboration brought to you under the pseudo name of ElleMackProductions.

Background info/reference so you don't get confused:

Parent Occupations:

Renee Swan:Social Worker in Seattle, WA

Charlie Swan:Police Chief of Forks, WA

Carlisle Cullen:Chief of Staff at Forks Memorial Hospital

Esme Cullen:Interior Designer

Angela Hale:Real Estate Agent

Matthew Hale:Real Estate Agent

Kids' grades and ages:

Bella:17 Senior

Edward:17 Senior

Alice:17 Senior

Jasper:18 Senior

Rosalie:18 Senior

Emmett:18 Senior

Summary: Bella and Edward both lost their respective parents at young ages and were forced to live in an orphanage. A few years after meeting each other and becoming the best of friends, they are forced to split up when each is taken into care by different families. What unexpectedly happens? Can they and their friends handle it?

Read & Review to find out!

Disclaimer: Elle and Mack do not own any part of Twilight. We only own our plots and ideas and characters we create.

Chapter One: Memory Lane

I walked into English IV just about drowning in dread. I loved English don't get me wrong, but this class moved so slowly. It was an AP, but I read so often and had been through so many schools that it wasn't the challenge it was supposed to be. Some programs worked slower than others. This was certainly one of them. The only bright thing (or things) about the class were my friends. My best friend and adoptive sister, Alice, was in my class.

Her mother, Renee had adopted me five years ago when I had shown up at the Child Protective Services office she worked at. She loved me, unlike any other family I had bounced around to. Renee's husband, Charlie, was a real father. He cared for me like I was his. And, legally, I was. I was beyond lucky to have such a loving family.

In addition to Alice, her boyfriend of three years, Jasper Hale was in the class as well. Alice and Jazz had always been different. Though they never admitted it until sophomore year, they had always had this insane attraction to each other. The chemistry between them was stronger than the earth's gravitational pull.

When they had begun going out, I began to increasingly rely on Rosalie for company. Rose was Jazz's sister; his twin, to be exact. Rose and I stuck together when Jazz and Ally would run off with each other unexpectedly. Despite her strong opinions and tenacity, she was my best friend, next Alice. (Nothing could compare to the bond of sisterhood.)

I had really hit the jackpot here in the miniature town by the name of Forks, Washington.

I took my seat in the middle of the classroom. Alice followed soon after. Well, actually she danced into the room. Jazz was right behind her, arm around her waste, carrying her books on top of his. I shook my head. He was whipped. Next, Rose stepped through the door in all her drop-dead-gorgeous beauty. Sometimes, she could make me sick. I was so plain and…blah compared to her. She could kick the crap out of any girl's (or boy's) self-esteem. And what was even more unfathomable? She was single.

I smiled inwardly as class began. My friends and family.

As class dragged on, I let my mind wander. I began to day dream. And to be honest, it was never good for me.

**flashback**

I was seven when I was first brought to Seattle Saints Boarding House for foster and orphaned children. My mother and father had died a few weeks before in a horrific car accident. My parents and I weren't a very close bunch, my father frequently taking out his frustrations on myself, and my mother standing by with a Jack Daniels bottle ever-present in her fist. I was at a friend's house when the accident occurred, receiving the news upon arriving back at my home.

I didn't cry. Not once.

But now, staring up at the red brick of the SBH, as it came to be known during my years here, I felt those first tears sting beneath my eyelids. This was real, I was an orphan. I took in a shuddering breath as I reached for the large brass handle.

My social worker, Karen, had been searching for potential foster parents since a couple days after the accident. I had been in the care of the Sheriff and his wife until they could get a hold of someone. Karen was an…interesting personality. She was very giddy for someone who worked in close contact with death and tragedy. Her enthusiasm baffled me, and I continuously found myself speechless while around her.

I was only seven after all; I never really had much to say. My first meeting with Karen had been a session similar to that of a therapist and their patient. I was questioned about my emotions, had my childhood picked apart, and was categorized among the hundreds of kids like myself who had no one.

Karen pinned me as 'average' according to her notes. I was a fairly normal looking child, I smiled on occasion, I didn't talk much, and I didn't have much of a temper. She sat me down shortly after that sessions, telling me that no 'fosters' are going to want to take me in, unless I exhibited a certain sense of calm and content. I had to essentially be unfazed by my past. I wasn't allowed to talk about it, or acknowledge it. So basically, I was screwed.

I walked through that large black door with a set sense of hopelessness etched into my features. I had been previously instructed to give up my past life, told I had a slim to none chance of being taken in for foster care, and that adoption was a word that shouldn't be associated with my vocabulary, and that I essentially had to make a clean break.

Karen bounced around the place happily showing me to my room, which I shared with a slight blonde named Lily. I met the head mistress of the place, Ms. Victoria, essentially the vain of my existence. I was to spend an hour with her everyday catching up on my studies, talking about my experiences here, and about my past.

After receiving the tour of the building, which consisted of two wings of dorms, six classrooms, a cafeteria, and a living area, Karen dismissed herself handing me some paperwork and some of my old possessions. I was given a set schedule to keep while here, starting with dinner which would begin within the next ten minutes.

I walked into the cafeteria, paying careful attention so as not to get lost. The boarding house was big, and had a very intricate floor plan. It was suggested that you walk with a buddy at all times, so Lily had brought it upon herself to accompany me.

She was nine and had been in the home since age three. She didn't talk much, but Karen had told me that her mother had killed her father, and then herself just after her third birthday. She seemed hallowed out, exhausted both mentally and physically. Her cheekbones covered only slightly by thin, rose-kissed skin. Her almost silver hair fell in tight curls to about mid back, fanning out against the thin material of her pale blue sundress.

Her eyes however, were an astonishing blue. They were set deep into her face, narrowed nearly all the time from lack of sleep and the earth shattering depression from which she had suffered since age five. She kept one arm around her stomach at all times, as if holding herself together. Her appearance scared me, and I feared that someday this is what I would be reduced to.

"Lily?" I questioned as we took our seats at small table in the back of the room. She had her gaze fixed on the large glass window across the cafeteria and was staring blankly as the rain fell in random patterns against the glass.

She turned her gaze only momentarily to my face, whispering a quick 'what?' before returning her gaze to the window.

"Umm…are these seats assigned?" She shook her head, perching an elbow on the dark wood of the tabletop.

"Oh." I sat slightly embarrassed, my hands wringing of their own accord. A trait I had picked up from my mother, unfortunately.

The dinner bell rang, signaling the start of service. Lily stood from the table absent-mindedly walking toward the lunch line. The older kids were allowed first pick of the dinner choices for the evening, Lily, along with about fifteen or so others, scattered themselves about the north face of the room, preparing their meals, and talking amongst themselves.

I sighed, leaning my forehead against the cold surface of the table. I could feel the tears once more stinging at the backs of my eyelids. This wasn't fair, life wasn't fair. I brought my arms up around my head, protecting myself from the potential gazes that might fall on me. I have to be strong here; I don't want to be considered more of a freak than I already am.

"First day?" My head shot up at the voice, and the reassuring hand that came with it. The warmth on my shoulder brought a strange sense of calm over me, as I chanced a quick glance at the boy who stood beside me.

He was about my age, maybe a year or so older. He had long black hair that hung about shoulder length, and that was pulled back into a loose ponytail. His skin was a deep olive tone, and he wore a white t-shirt and a pair of dark wash jeans.

"Yes." He smiled at me, patting my back before taking the seat next to mine.

"I'm Jacob Black." The boy spoke, sticking a hand out in front of me. I took it with a smile, feeling that familiar sense of safety that came with his touch.

"I'm Isabella, but you can call me Bella or Bells." He grinned at me, his smile bright and inviting.

"Bells. I like that. It has a nice ring to it." I giggled at his small joke. Lily returned to the table, and upon her arrival Jacob stood, giving her a quick hug.

"How are you Lily pad?" She smiled, a true, genuine smile, wrapping her arms around him in return. I was astonished; she hadn't shown this much emotion in the nearly two hours I had known her.

"I'm good, Jake." He smirked, seeming utterly comfortable with her at the table. Lily's entire demeanor brightening with his presence, and for a moment I got a glance at the beautiful girl that sat across from me. She was bright, and happy.

She set her full dinner tray down on the table, three plates of grilled cheese and three sodas. Jacob reached out nonchalantly and took one of the plates, taking a long sip out of the soda. Lily offered me the other sandwich.

"Oh, that was really nice of you." She smirked, shrugging her shoulders.

"The lines here suck, and all the good food is gone before most of the kids even go up for firsts." She explained, pointing at Jacob.

"It's the only reason he puts up with me." She whispered teasing him. He shook his head, shoving her shoulder lightly."

"Noooot twooo." He said around a mouthful of gooey cheese. She laughed at him, throwing her head back with the effort.

"So you're rooming with Bells, huh Lils? You girls gotten to know each other yet?" My face fell slightly with the realization that we had not, but Lily's smile never faltered as she gave a quick shake of the head.

"I thought we could talk after dinner, by the couches. It's more comfortable, less crowded. Care to join Jakey?" She stuck her tongue out at him, and he grinned madly with a swift nod.

"Beats hanging out with Edward." He shuddered slightly and she gave a look of strong approval.

"Whose Edward?" I asked taking a bite of my sandwich. It was quite good; at least the food here didn't suck.

"The roommate." Jacob stated matter-of-factly. Lily nodded.

"He can't be that bad, why don't you want to hang out with him?" Jacob stared at me incredulously and then pointed a finger to a table across the room. I turned my body to get a good look at the figure that sat alone at across the cafeteria.

That was the first time I got a good look at him. Edward Masen. The boy with the strangest red hair, wild in its own distinct consistency, he had to be around my age, not any older then Lily. He had his face turned down, and his head in his hands. He seemed so sad, and I felt the strong urge to comfort him.

"He seems so sad." I spoke my observation allowed, and Jacob sighed.

"Exactly my point, he's always depressed. In the four months I've known him, I have maybe spoken six words to the guy." I frowned in understanding. Edward didn't seem that horrible, but I could understand where Jake was coming from. Edward was quiet, and Jake needed loud, happy, energetic personalities to surround him. They just didn't mesh.

"So you've been here for four months?" I questioned quietly, pulling my gaze away from the beautiful boy.

"Me? No. Edward." I nodded. "I've been here for about five years; Lily was the first person I talked to." He continued smiling over at Lily. She smirked.

We kept up a quiet conversation for the rest of dinner, and when the final bell rang Lily grabbed my plate and walked the tray over to the counter.

"Want to head toward the couches?" I nodded, happy for more of a distraction.

We walked from the cafeteria up two flights of stairs and through two large wooden doors; the boy's dorm.

Jake wrapped an arm around my shoulders and we headed down past the many doorways.

"The couches are on the other side of the boarding house, we usually just cut through the dorms to get there, no teachers are around till after ten."

We talked for what seemed hours, Lily about her life, childhood, and experiences thus far at SBH. I shared most of my story, sparing them the gruesome details. I learned a lot about Jake during that time as well, his parents had split when he was about five, and his mother couldn't support him on her own so she had to give him up for adoption. His story wasn't nearly as heartbreaking as Lily's, but still it tugged at my heartstrings.

Jake and Lily eventually pulled out a deck of cards, inviting me to play Cheat with them. I didn't feel up to a game, and decided to do some much needed unpacking. They bid me goodnight, Jake giving me a small hug, and Lily promising to see me in about an hour.

I walked back the way I came, not knowing any other route. The boy's dormitory was eerily quiet for this time of night, probably because most students choose to spend their free time in the living area.

I kept rounding corners, seeing the same things over and over again. I was lost and frustrated, but there was no one around. I decided I needed to find someone for directions, so knocked on the nearest door hoping that one of the room's occupants had maybe turned in early.

"It's open." I didn't recognize the voice, and I doubt the person behind the door was expecting anyone beside their roommate, let alone a complete stranger.

I sighed, twisting the doorknob. I pushed the door open, and took a slight step forward keeping my eyes on the pale carpet.

"Hi, I was wondering if you could give me directions to the girls' dorms. I'm really lost." I heard some shuffling, and raised my head to match a face to the voice I heard earlier.

"Sure." He responded, and I froze. Edward Masen was staring me in the face; his strange green eyes seemed dead and cold. He was much taller than I anticipated as well, standing a good few inches over my head.

"Thanks." He gestured for me to step out into the hall, and took the lead asking me to follow him.

I paid careful attention to the steps he took, memorizing the route from Jake's room back to mine, in case I decided to visit him sometime during my stay.

"I'm Bella." I noted, breaking the silence that had fallen between us. He took a sideways glance at me and nodded slightly.

"Edward." He answered, his focus never breaking as he led me deeper into the boarding house.

When we reached the doorway to the girl's dorms, I thanked him once more and he gave me a forced grin before turning back to his room.

"Edward!" I called after a moment or two. He slowed his step and turned toward me expectantly.

I closed the distance between us, deciding that he needed a friend at the moment.

"Are you okay? You seem really sad." I asked, trying to be as gentle as possible.

"I'm fine." He responded, and I flushed with embarrassment at the situation I had put myself into.

"Oh. Um…never mind then." I turned to leave, when I felt him reach out his hand for me.

"Why?" I furrowed my brow at his question.

"It just seemed like you needed someone to talk to." He grimaced in understanding.

"No one ever wants to talk to me." He admitted sadly, dropping his hold on my fingers.

"I do." I stated, hoping to convey to this desperately sad boy that someone in this world cared about him.

Something sparked in his eyes there. Hope? Curiosity? I couldn't tell.

"Night, Bella." He whispered after a moment or two, turning away from me to walk back to his dorm.

***End Flashback***

I smiled to myself pulling out of my reverie. It was the first night that I had spoken to him, and the days and weeks following the conversation, I had spent breaking through Edward's protective shell. We had become really great friends, until I was adopted by the Swans.

Without my consent a tear slipped from the corner of my eye. Crap.

The bell rang and everyone scurried to put together their things and get to their next class.

I could care less.

I took my time as I grabbed my possessions and left for Government. Walking slowly down the hall, I couldn't help but think about Edward. Why had we not tried harder to stay in contact? Our correspondence was about two letters each way and then we just…lost touch. It was heart-breaking at the time. It was still hard to think about.

I took my usual seat by the window. All the Social Studies classes had tables instead of desks. But they only had enough space for two people. There were an odd number of people in the class so I got a table to myself. I wasn't unpopular or hated (how could you be, with Rose and Ally as your best friends?). I just liked sitting alone.

Class began soon and I settled in for a very long fifty minutes of my life which I would never get back.

Why can't anything interesting happen to me?

A's/N: So what do you all think of the first chapter? Clearly something "interesting" will happen to Bella. Edward Ice Cream for those who guess correctly!

Read makes us happy and Reviewing makes us love you! (And give you rewards!) It also gives you all results, b/c the more you review, the more we update!

As mentioned at the beginning of the chapter, this is a collaborative effort. I hope our styles match well. Please give feedback!

I should probably stop droning…Sorry guys.