"Ah Bells, I'm sorry if I freaked you out more. No matter how bad it gets ill always be here, you know that". "I know. Thanks Jake".


Chapter Two - Part One

A week later I drive to school in my new truck. Well new to me, it's actually over 50 years old. Charlie bought it for me just before school started, seeing that I would need something to get me to and from school. He seemed embarrassed that the truck was so old but to tell the truth I like it better that way. The last thing I want is for him to feel like he has not been the father he should have been, and that includes something as simple as buying your daughter a car that is less than a decade old. Charlie is actually surprisingly easy to live with, we generally stay out of each others ways except for when I cook for us and when he wants his laundry done, as he's hopeless with that as well. I have no idea why my mom thought he was impossible to live with but then again I have never lived with a guy that wasn't my father. I pull into the school parking lot and find a place to park looking around at the students milling around in the process. I have been going to this school for about a week now, and it has been surprisingly easy to make friends; well one in particular, Angela. She singled me out almost as soon as I was registered and even though we haven't known each other for long she is been the closest I have ever had to a close girl friend. I guess you could say she is not full of crap, she doesn't care about false motives or only becoming your friend for one reason or another, like everyone else I have known. If she wants to say something she'll say it, but you know she has only the best interests of the people close to her in mind, not herself. She is waiting for me just inside the doors.

"Bella! Guess what?".

"What?", I smile ruefully and ask but I already know what she is going to say.

"Mike is going to ask you out!".

I laugh cynically, "Then you'll have to help me hide".

"Come on Bella! Are you crazy? How could you not want that?". I think back to my first day at Forks High...

-

"Hi, I'm Bella Swan", I say to the secretary at the front desk, Mrs. Greene.

"Charlie Swan's daughter! My you've grown up!", she says in awe and I roll my eyes a little, it's not like I would magically come back as a 6 year old.

"What do I need to get started?", I say a little impatiently. She doesn't seem to notice the tone in my voice and slips a few sheets onto the counter with a pen.

"Fill these out and when you are done with that", she points out the door and across the hall, "Go over there to pick out your courses. You may not get all the classes you want right away because of the late registration, but after a few days a spot may come up", I nod like I actually care and start filling out the papers. She goes over to help another student. I am almost finished when I am interrupted by a deep voice that definitely does not belong to Mrs. Greene.

"Bella Swan?", I look up.

"Yes?".

"My name is Mike Newton", he puts his hand out for me to shake. I take it a little hesitantly.

"Hi, Mike".

"Mike here has generously offered to show you around. Isn't that nice?", Mrs. Greene practically coos.

"Yes it is", I say distantly, handing the completed papers back to her and starting to walk out the door. Mike follows.

"Thanks for offering to show me around but I think ill be fine", he seems like a nice guy but definitely not my type, too preppy.

"I really don't mind. Once you get your classes ill give you a tour around before school starts".

I try to disguise the frustration in my voice, "Ok, ill just be a minute". I try to pick out the easiest classes but like Mrs. Greene mentioned all the good ones are taken.

"Ill tell you what Bella", the counsellor says, "Ill put you on the waiting list for the painting class, but you'll still have to take three of the mandatory courses. Ill give you a spare until an art class comes up, and that shouldn't be more than a week".

I nod and take the slip of printed paper she hands me, secretly elated that she gave me a spare. It's not like I am any good at painting anyway, I hope that no spaces come up in that class so I can keep it. I wince at Mikes excited voice when I step out into the hallway.

"Great! What classes do you have?".

"Physical Education, Social Studies, Math and a spare for this semester".

"Cool, ill be with you in P.E".

I groan inwardly then think that maybe he'll get scared away at my clumsiness, that wouldn't be so bad for once.

"Mike! Who is this?", a petite light brunette girl comes around the corner and says to Mike.

"Ange! This is Bella, she just started today".

"Hey Bella. Nice to meet you. I'm Angela Weber".

"Hi", I see an opportunity and take it, "Show me where the girls room is?".

"Sure, see you later Mike".

"Bye Mikey", I say, glad to get away from him.

-

"Bella?".

"Huh what?".

"I asked how you could not want to be asked out by Mike".

"I don't know. He reminds me of a clingy puppy dog, does he follow everyone around like that?".

She laughs, "No, but everyone wants him to. He's the class president and captain of the boys basketball team".

"Still has no effect on me. I am sure he's a a nice guy but he's just not my type. Help me hide?".

"Sure Bella, anything", she says while laughing.


Chapter Two - Part Two

After school that day I meet up with Jake as usual. I tell him about my day and he laughs along with me.

"Well I am glad your enjoying it somewhat. Here I thought you would be completely miserable".

"I just wish Mike would leave me alone. I have spent so much time hiding from him I haven't really met anyone besides Angela".

"Hey the offer with my buddies still stands. If three six foot Quillite guys with their fists out won't scare him off then I don't know what will".

I laugh at the image, "Thanks but I think I'm good for now". Jacob introduced me to his friends a few days ago. They already felt like long lost big brothers.

"I think it's quite funny actually. He's apparently quite the item over there, and the only girl he has shown any serious interest in doesen't want anything to do with him".

I glare at him and laughs even harder.

"The subject is officially dropped", he holds his hands up in surrender, but he is still laughing.

I start to stomp out of the garage in a fake huff, "Maybe ill just go over and see Quil and Embry. They wouldn't make fun of me", I cross my arms and pout.

He laughs again, "You suck at acting Bella".

My facade breaks and I grin, "So what. You suck at...at...I don't know yet but you suck at something".

He laughs even harder than before, "I missed you Bells, it's good to have you back".

I go back over to were we were sitting on two over turned plastic crates, "I feel like going biking", I say suddenly looking over at the two motorbikes leaning against the far wall.

"Motorbiking? I dunno Bells...", a hint of worry comes through his joking demeanor.

"Please?", I pout and look at him with my best innocent wide eyed look. He gives in after a few seconds and I grin. That was way to easy.