A/N: All recognizable Twilight characters are the property of Stephenie Meyer. The events in the story are my own.
Chapter 1
I was 10 years old when I met the love of my life. All through elementary school, middle school, junior high and even high school I knew that some day he would give me the time of day. That he would love me like I always loved him. It's funny; you don't realize how inconsequential events can shape your life. You can't comprehend it, but looking back now, I realize how important they truly are. My story starts February 14th 2003, my senior year in high school.
"I cannot believe you are wearing that." Angela said giving me a once over before shaking her head.
I took a deep breath and repeated the same thing that I had told my mother on the way out this morning. "Today is a commercial holiday. Filled with poor sad saps that think obnoxious teddy bears and chocolate express their undying love, I want no part of that"
"Yeah but do you have to ruin it for everyone else in the process? I mean seriously Bella is that really necessary?" Angela asked exasperated motioning to my shirt.
I just smirked. I worked very hard on my Valentine's Day shirt. (Well I guess hard would be an overstatement.) To commemorate this most blessed of holidays I crafted the t-shirt to end all t-shirts. And all I needed was a red shirt and black sharpie. My VD shirt consisted of a beautifully drawn heart (If I do say so myself) with a big circle surrounding it, and the piece de resistance….a big, fat line crossing it out. That's right, no love on Valentine's Day. And no I'm not bitter.
"Angela, you of all people should get this. Get me. I don't believe in a holiday that makes you feel obligated to be with someone." I said closing my locker and staring expectantly at my best friend. Angela and I had been inseparable since kindergarten, but over the summer she, as my mom would say, blossomed. She was fielding attention from boys at every corner and loving every minute of it. If she was blossoming, I was starting to wither. I had sworn off boys when I realized I couldn't get the one that I really wanted. Well almost swore them all off, don't discount my love of the two Daves (Matthews and Grohl respectively.) But the likelihood of meeting them was up there with the Cubs winning another pennant. It's like they say, one bad apple destroys the whole bunch. Or some b.s. like that. Whatever it is, it's true. Edward was my bad apple.
"Hello,….. Bella…" Angela was waving her hand in front of my face, "Did you go off on a tangent?"
"Sorry Angela, I just have a lot on my mind right now. I have 3 weeks to get my project for anatomy and physiology together before I get an incomplete and 1 week before opening night." I answered, my mind still elsewhere.
"Well we have to be to class in 4 minutes and I really have to pee, can you hold my book and fill my water bottle while I'm in the bathroom?" Angela asked doing the restroom shuffle.
"Ugh, Angela you know how I feel about the P word, just say you have to use the restroom, the rest is implied." I responded while taking her book and water bottle.
Angela disappeared into the restroom and I went to the water fountain. When I made it back to our lockers I was tapped on the shoulder. "Excuse me, have you seen Angela?" Oh wonderful, another groupie, I thought turning around to meet the voice. What awaited me when I turned around was not what I expected. First of all I had to look up to meet this guys eyesight. And when I did his vision was squarely on my chest. Unfreaking believable. "Hello, boy wonder, my face is in this general direction." I said while waving my hand in his face.
He just smirked at me and muttered, " Cool shirt." Right, of all the days to have some creep ogle my chest, this time there is an actual excuse.
"Oh, thanks." I say looking down and blushing about two shades darker than the shirt I am currently wearing.
"Don't get me wrong," he begins," The other parts aren't bad either, but I really was looking at your shirt. My name is James, Angela and I have Spanish class together and she was going to let me borrow her notes."
He looked at me expectantly with his hand outstretched. Yeah like I'm going to shake your hand creepo, who knows where that thing has been. I just look at his hand and clutch Angela's book and water bottle to my chest. Taking the hint, James lowers his hand. Just when it is about to reach 11 on the awkward scale Angela appears.
"James, Hi, I see you met Isabella." She says gesturing to me, not noticing the awkwardness around her. My eyes move quickly from Angela to James, who is now smirking at me. Again with the smirking.
"Hey Angela, Isabella and I were just discussing her attire." James said grinning.
Great. Thanks Angela, now the twerp knows my name. Is it possible to hate someone when you have spent a total of less than 3 minutes with him? If someone would have asked me that question even 5 minutes ago I would have looked at them like they were crazy, but now, after the misfortunate encounter that is James, I would say unequivocally YES.
James continued, while leering at me, "I was hoping to get those Spanish notes from you before lunch. I would really like to study them. If I get another C my parents are going to ream me."
"Sure thing James, they are in my locker, I'll get them right now." Angela said
That's my cue. "Well I'll see you at lunch Angela, I have to head to class, and Mr. Griffin will kill me if I am late again." I said while walking away.
"Bye Bella, I'll catch up with you in class." Angela said waving goodbye.
"Goodbye Isabella, it was a pleasure meeting you. Happy Valentine's Day. Don't break too many hearts," James said smirking at me once again.
