The Snake pit
1
I awoke to the sound of rain pelting the roof of my Dad's house. The lamp on my desk was off and I had a quilt covering me. Meaning my dad had come to check on me in the middle of the night. I pulled the quilt off and got out of bed. I stretched and peered out my bedroom window, fog and a blanket of grey clouds was hiding any sign that a blue sky existed here. I sighed, and giving up on any hope of the weather clearing, I searched for my toiletries bag. I was dying to wash my hair and face. I still had the scent of travel on me. I hugged my little black and white striped bag and sleepily made my way to the bathroom and the opposite end of the hall. I flipped the light on and barraged with the painful fact that a single man lived here. I tiptoed over the laundry on the floor and sat my bag at the back of the sink. What I saw in the mirror was the usual, frazzled brown hair, smeared make-up, and drowsy eyes. I was glad I woke up early enough to get ready. This was going to take a while.
I wiped the fog from the mirror and smiled. I felt a million times better then I did when I got to Forks. You would be surprised what a hot shower or bath could do. Choosing clothes was not hard, t-shirt, jeans, and converse. I threw them on, shoved what I needed in my backpack, and headed downstairs.
"Dad?" I called out.
No answer.
I plotted into the kitchen and scanned it for any sign of my Dad. Its white walls and yellow cabinets sat silently. My feet squeaked as I walked across the linoleum and picked up a note that was sitting on the table. My Dad's lax cursive covered the piece of scratch paper.
Bella didn't want to wake you so early. There's cereal for breakfast if you like.
Sorry, there isn't more to eat. We'll go shopping later this evening.
Love Dad
I glanced over to see a colorful cereal box and a chipped yellow bowl sitting on the countertop. Cereal did not sound appetizing in the least. I looked in the fridge to find milk and a few Tupperware containers with god only knows what in them, sitting amongst half empty fruit juice bottles. Closing the fridge door, I decided to skip breakfast and just take off for school. Partly because I remembered, I had a car waiting outside for me. I slung my bag over my shoulder and excitedly headed for the front door. Everything outside was covered in cold, wet rain. I shuttered and ran to my car, trying to dodge every drop that fell from the sky. Hastily, I unlocked my car door and jumped inside, hating the rain with every fiber of my being. That all faded away as I looked around and realized that I loved the inside of my car just as much as I loved the outside. The seats were white and almost perfect. I don't think I would have loved this car as much as I did if it were brand new. The car had a past; it made me love it even more. I stuck the key in the ignition, and commanded it to life. I let it idle for a minute, warming it up. Mainly because I had every intention of finding out if, the heater worked. Most people would say that their car would "Purr". Not my car, my car, brayed and grunted like the Mustang it was inspired from. I looked down and saw that it was a manual transmission. As if there would be any other kind of Mustang? I was glad that my Dad had taught me to how to drive stick a few years back. Otherwise I'd been forced to give this beauty up. I pulled the stick into reverse and backed down the driveway and into the street, my ego at its full capacity.
2
I passed the school twice before catching the sign that read:
FORKS HIGH SCHOOL
The bold, capital letters stuck out like a sore thumb that only made me feel like a moron for passing it more than once. The school looked like an Ivy League knock off, split into several smaller buildings. I wondered about the levels of pretentiousness inside. I pulled in along a Black Mercedes Roadster and parked. The rain hadn't let up at all; I was going to run for it. I quickly opened my door and was surprised to find that it would only open five inches of the way. Looking up, I realized I had just opened my door full force into the neighboring cars door. I squeezed my eyes shut and pulled the door back. The noise that my closing door produced made me feel faint. I started my car and backed up into a distant spot in the parking lot. Jumping out, I ran over to investigate the damage. The rain pelted the hood of my coat as I scanned the Mercedes shiny black door. At first it looked as though I had only bumped it and nothing more. Then-much to my horror-there it was. A three inch, deep, vicious dent. Red paint from my car marked the outside of it like blood.
"Shit…" I hissed. I licked my thumb and tired to rub the evidence away. After realizing the paint wasn't going anywhere, I glanced around me and took off running at full speed. My car was parked far enough away that I felt assured they wouldn't suspect me. The black stone path leading to the office was wet so I jogged carefully, as not to fall flat on my face.
It was warm inside, and even though it looked nothing like my school at home, it smelled exactly the same-like Xerox paper and coffee. It was a small office; a huge standard issued school clock ticked away on the white wall, orange carpet lined the floors, and a long counter cut the room in half. Behind a large desk a redheaded woman sat filing paperwork.
"Can I help you…?" She droned, without looking up from her work.
"Uh, yeah. I'm Isabella Swan. I just transferred here from Phoenix, Arizona." I stated plainly.
She stopped what she was doing and looked up.
"Sheriff Swan's daughter?" Her eyes peered over at me through coke bottle glasses.
"That's correct."
Papers were nervously shuffled making me aware that my arrival was anticipated. Seeming to have found what she was looking for, the red haired woman hurriedly made her way to the counter.
"I have your schedule right here, along with a map of the campus." I took the pieces of paper from her and read over them.
"Also, you will need to have each of your teachers sign these." She handed me a few pink slips and I slipped them mindlessly into my backpack.
"Might I add, we do not tolerate Juvenile misconduct here at Forks High school. I've heard of the things that went on at your old school. In addition, I think you should know that we do things a little differently here Miss Swan." Her face was frigid and arrogant when she said this. My eyes jumped from the paper-shocked.
The red headed woman only stood there looking un-apologetic.
"Ma'am", I started "I hate to be rude, but unless you are the Principal, what I did at my old school and what I will do here is none of your god damn business."
Horror wiped over the red headed woman's face.
"Now listen here, young lady-"
"Is it your job here- at this school- to dole out pearly drops of wisdom?" I shot.
She shook her head slowly.
"I didn't think so. I recommend sticking to what you do best and stay out of other people's business. Excuse me, I have to get to class."
I turned on my heel and exited the little office feeling justified. As I walked down the little pathway I peered back to see the red headed woman still standing there mortified.
When I got back down to my car I noticed that the Black roadster was gone. I rushed over to see if there expecting an angry note waiting for me on my windshield, demanding insurance information from me. I exhaled as I saw my car was the way I had left it. I dropped my backpack next to me in the warm, dry shelter of my car. The school map was dotted with warped wet spots from the rain. Not stopping me, I scanned over the paper and found out where to go. On top of that school traffic began to pour in so it wasn't hard to guess where they were all heading.
I drove around, searching for a parking space. The students in the parking lot turned their head's seeing a car they didn't recognize. Just as I was about to give up all hope I found a vacancy in between a large faded red truck that looked as old as my car, and a little white compact with a missing antenna. I grabbed my backpack and peered into the rearview mirror.
"Let's try not to screw this up, okay?" I warned myself. I shoved my papers in my bag and taking care not to pummel the poor truck next to me-It looked like it could do without any more abuse- I got out. As I made my way through the parking lot I got a few curious gazes, but nothing to the extent of what I imagined. The way we were filing into the building reminded me of ants. I chuckled lightly and a blonde girl who had been walking alongside of me shot me a confused look. I cleared my throat embarrassed.
The warmth of building three rushed over me and I was thankful I had made in it avoiding mishap.
A line of hung coats prompted me to pull mine off and almost orphan it there. I was getting sick of the thing. After abandoning my coat I found my teacher, a bald man who sat at his desk going over several pieces of paper.
"Good Morning…" the nameplate sitting on his desk jumped out at me, "Mr.- Mason." I smiled when I finished.
The man only looked up at me and held out his hand. I stared at his open palm blankly.
"Oh!" I exclaimed startling the poor man. Digging around in my bag produced a pink little slip, which I promptly planted in his hand.
"I'm Isabella Swan." Introducing myself seemed like a good idea.
"Mmmm…to the back please."
My smile slowly faded into a grimace and I snatched the paper from the bitter old man. I proceeded to my assigned seat and plopped down in it. Deciding politeness was as rare as unicorns here-I slumped down into my seat. I ignored what stares found their way to my desk and waited for English to be over.
Before I knew it the bell rung and I was up and out of my seat. I was slinging my bag over my shoulder when I heard a voice.
"Hi. Are you Isabella Swan?"
I turned around to find a boy with black hair and a kind smile standing in front of me.
"Uh, yeah. But it's Bella actually."
He blushed.
"Oh, sorry."
"No harm done." I reached my hand out.
He smiled again and shook it happily.
"I'm Eric."
I pulled my hand away gently hoping he wouldn't notice. Thankfully, by the look on his face he didn't.
"I was just wondering if you maybe needed a tour guide and if I could offer my services."
I looked down at my wrinkled school map.
"I mean if you prefer-"
"No, no." I chuckled.
"I was just thinking how nice it would be to get rid of this. Maybe help with blending in and all."
I held up the folded map to emphasize my point.
"Where's your next class?" Eric asked.
Checking my schedule I pointed at it.
"Ah, Government with Jefferson. It's not to far. Shall we?" He said in a charming voice.
"Sure." I smiled and we walked out of the classroom together in a sea of stares.
3
The hall was loud but Eric and I didn't seem to have a problem hearing one another. Stares met us at almost every corner but I was slowly getting used to them. I didn't expect any less from the students. I was a pot-smoking vandal. It was bound to happen.
"So, Phoenix huh?"
I smirked.
"Just ask already."
He looked offended.
"Ask what?"
I shot him a skeptical look and after a few seconds, he caved.
"Okay, Okay. Is it true? The rumor?"
"Depends on the rumor I guess." I replied, feeling as though this was the only reason he had spoken to me at all.
"Well, people are saying you punched the principle of your old school in the face and that you just got out of rehab."
I jerked back in amazement at how far fetched that was.
"So what's true and what isn't."
"Listen, I didn't punch the principle in the face, I spray painted his car neon orange. And I smoked some pot with my friends."
I held up my arm to ensure Eric I wasn't an intravenous drug user.
"Wow, pot…" He trailed off almost sounding amazed. I then realized my new friend Eric was somewhat of a geek.
"So before I could get myself into anymore trouble, my mom and dad figured I should be exiled to Forks."
"Well if there is anything that will get you rehabilitated, it's Forks."
I laughed making Eric blush and people to turn their heads.
"So aside from your violent tendencies and drug addiction, how are you enjoying Forks?"
I shrugged.
"That bad huh?"
"I just hate all this god awful rain. I've been coming here since I was kid. But I guess I never adapted to it."
"How long are you here for?"
"A few months…"
Eric sighed.
"I'll pray for you."
We both laughed at this, again becoming the center of attention.
Building six was located behind the cafeteria, which was good-because I was getting hungry. Eric walked me to the door even though it was clearly marked.
"Well, here you are."
"Thanks for the tour." I said gratefully, getting ready to head in.
"No problem, watch your back out there in the snake pit, Slugger." He said jokingly as I went inside.
The rest of the morning was uneventful. Except in Trigonometry where I had to introduce myself to the class. As I recanted the class with how long I had been coming to Forks, a preppy looking blonde girl hissed something nasty just out of earshot. A small ripple of giggles spread throughout the room. I glared in her direction. Hoping she would conclude that she just made an enemy. Finally, after a few classes it was lunchtime. I was accompanied by a girl named Jessica, whom I had Trig and Spanish with. She was tiny and her curly hair bounced here and there when she spoke with energy. As she ended one sentence and began another, I wondered why -with the rumors going around- she was talking to me. We grabbed our lunches and headed for a table. It was then made apparent to me that Jessica had drawn the short straw, and I had walked into a trap.
They were all kind, except for one of them. The girl from Trig who hissed at me. As the small group of people asked me questions like:
"How hard did you hit him?"
And,
"Where did you score your weed?" To which most of us broke out into laughter.
The hissing girl merely sat quietly, looking bored and rather irritated.
It was while one of the girls was asking me a question about phoenix heat damage hair-care tips, that I noticed him.
There were five of them sitting at an isolated table. Two girls and three boys. The largest of the five had dark curly hair and muscular build. He looked like he might play sports, maybe football. The next boy was taller, and leaner, and had honey blond hair. A look of permanent seriousness dominated his face. The last was stocky, maybe about five eight. Messy black hair covered his head. The two girls couldn't have been more mismatched. The first was petite and sweet looking with raven black cropped hair. The other, had golden wavy hair. She reminded me of a 1930's pin up model. The ones found saluting on the side of a WWII dog fighter plane. They all had food sitting on their trays, but the entire time they sat there, it remained untouched. I would have said that they looked like average, everyday, high school kids if it wasn't for the skin. It was pale, very pale. It seemed like an understatement even to call them that. People in Forks were known for their pale skin, but even these kids made the Forks residents overly tan. Their eyes were dark, almost like inkwells, which then spilled and settled just under their eyes leaving dull dark spots. I had never seen anyone like them. They looked like group of outcast angels from some gothic novel.
"What's the deal with them?" I asked, not really drawing my attention from them.
Jessica jumped on the question like lion on a wounded animal.
"Oh my god. The Cullens. Aren't they weird?" she said, leaning over and whispering.
I furrowed my eyebrows.
"Uh, well I went to school with well over a thousand People. Weird can be relative."
Confusion wiped over her face.
"Whatever, I think they're totally weird."
The younger boy turned his head to our table. I quickly turned away and acted as though I was examining my food. Jessica continued.
"The one staring at us is Edward Cullen, the big hunky one is Emmet Cullen-totally hot."
I turned my head slowly. My eyes caught his and I quickly came back to my food.
"It's like he heard you whisper his name from across the room."
"See? Totally weird."
I pushed a tomato around my plate feeling quite awkward. I could feel Edward Cullen's eyes burning holes in my back.
"The other three are Alice Cullen and Rosalie and Jasper Hale. They all live with Dr. Cullen and his wife."
I looked back to see them conversing with one another. They all looked quite bored with everything.
"They're foster kids."
"Foster kids?" I asked perplexedly.
"Well, Jasper and Rosalie anyway. They're twins. The others are adopted."
"They look a little old to be foster kids."
Jessica smiled widely.
"I know right? Nevertheless, you know what's even stranger. Rosalie is with Emmet and Jasper is with Alice. They all live together. I swear it's like 'Flowers in the attic'."
I giggled and shook my head remembering my mom's 1980's book collection.
"I've been coming here every summer and I don't remember ever seeing them around."
"Oh, no, they moved here from some rinky dink town in Alaska two years ago."
I could see Jessica loosing interest in the subject. I looked back again and my eyes met Edwards once more. This time we locked for a moment, a vague smile formed on his face and I turned away.
"Don't waste your time Bella, the Cullens are stuck up. Especially the guys. Edward Cullen wouldn't give any girl the time of day."
She sounded awfully dejected to me. As I tried hard not to break out into laughter, the sound of moving chairs caught my attention. The four of them walked out of the cafeteria, Jasper and Alice-arms interlocked. And Emmet and Rosalie, fingers interlaced. Edward followed behind and gave me fleeting glimpse before exiting the room with the rest.
4
My next class was Biology. I had struck up a conversation with a sweet girl named Angela during lunch. We both had Bio and decided to walk together. We all poured into the classroom and I immediately walked over to the teacher to get my slip signed. Mr. Banner was considerately more polite than Mr. Mason and signed my slip hastily so we could start class. I folded the pink paper and slipped it into my bag, I looked around for a seat. Angela had already taken her seat and was chatting away with her lab partner. My eyes scanned the room and landed on the blacktop table to my far right. It had one open seat, the other was occupied by Edward Cullen.
I brushed a stray lock of hair behind my ear and made my way over to the table. Edward had been leaning on his elbows, gazing carelessly out the window. He was wearing a grey hoodie under a fitted, black, button up coat. I wondered how he wasn't drenched in sweat with all those layers and the heat on. I set my books on the table and dropped my bag to my feet, kicking it under the table as not to trip on it later.
Jessica had warned me that the Cullens were a stuck up bunch, so I didn't expect much from Edward in the introductions department. I pulled out my notebook and opened it to a blank page. I glanced over to see Edward still staring out the window. I wondered what was monopolizing his attention. Then Mr. Banner began to speak. It was made apparent to me that it wasn't hard to stare out the window when he spoke. His tone was monotonous and flat. Also, he was quite skilled in the art of rambling. I felt guilty for thinking this because at the end of every sentence, he smiled.
As Mr. Banner droned on I slowly and unconsciously began to comb trough my hair. My chocolaty brown hair rested over one side of my shoulder and I ran my free fingers through it gently. I did this whenever I was in class trying to listen. As I jotted down one of Mr. Banner's sentences; I began to feel the weight of eyes on me. I slowly turned my head and saw that Edward Cullen was watching me as I fidgeted with my hair.
His eyes were dark and almost intimidating. My hand froze in mid stroke and I dropped my head down to my notebook. I adjusted myself in my seat and looked out the corner of my eye. He was no longer looking at me, but at the chalkboard ahead. His face looked tense and his body rigid. I was about to ask if he were alright but before I could, his hand shot up into the air.
Mr. Banner stopped pacing the room and turned his attention to Edward.
"Yes, Mr. Cullen?"
Edward swallowed hard.
"May I be excused. I'm not feeling very well."
Mr. Banner scratched his forehead and nodded.
"Well, I suppose so if you aren't feeling well." Mr. Banner walked to his desk and jotted something down on a slip.
Edward was out of his seat, and leaving the class before Mr. Banner had even tore the slip from it's pad.
Mr. Banner cleared his throat and began speaking again, leaving me feeling a little lost.
I began to wonder if Edward Cullen was really stuck up, or had a phobia of girl's who nervously paw at their hair.
I couldn't pay attention in class after Edward left. Not that Mr. Banner made it easy to begin with. I just sat in my seat going over the whole event till the bell rang.
I Gladly picked up my books and backpack and got ready to make my exit when I was cut off.
"Hi." A blond boy with gelled hair stopped me in my tracks.
"It's Bella, right?"
I wondered if he really thought He had to ask that question.
"It was his car, not his face. And no, I'm not addicted to crack." I said tiredly.
He stared at me blankly.
"Uh…Okay."
I suddenly realized he might be trying to say 'hello'. Scratching my head rather embarrassedly, I offered an apology.
"Sorry, I'm being a little defensive today."
"I don't blame you. Once they get a rumor going they can be like piranhas." He said shifting his gaze to two girls whispering to each other. They saw the look he was giving them and they quickly left the room.
"I'm Mike."
"Bella-but you know that." I chuckled.
"So, what did you do to Cullen?"
I had forgotten only for a minute about Edward Cullen and was the reminded of his strange behavior.
"Is he always like that?" I asked.
"He's strange, but I've never seen him act like that. Usually he ignores most of the people -including the teacher- in class. But it looks like you really got to him."
I silently wondered if my hair smelled.
"Well, I just wanted to introduce myself and say 'welcome'."
I smiled politely.
"Thanks."
"And, if you ever want to switch lab partners, there will always be an open seat at my table."
A charming smile and flirtatious touch of my arm made me aware of Mike's intentions. I was usually immune to any of this, but inside a butterfly or two took flight.
"What class do you have next?"
I mulled it over.
"Gym I think." I unsurely said, checking my schedule. At the door, two boys wearing letter jackets signaled for Mike.
"Great. Me too. Maybe I'll catch you there?" He said backing up to the door as to keep eye contact with me.
"Sure, I guess so."
"Cool, see ya Bells." And he walked away with his waiting friends.
Feeling a little flustered-and a bit flattered- I adjusted my bag and headed out the door as well.
5
Gym turned out to be a blast. I was given a uniform and picked to be on a team with two girls I knew from lunch. They asked how my day was going and before we knew it we were playing volleyball. I missed the ball a few times but eventually got the hang of it. In the distance I saw mike playing in another game of volleyball. He flashed me a charming smile and I blushed, embarrassed. Two girls on the opposing team caught this. Making me worry it would be all over the school the next day. I didn't know anyone on the opposing team except for the snobby blond girl from trig. Seeing my chance I spiked the volleyball, and much to my surprise, it landed right on top of her head. Most of the girls broke out into giggles. Others looked at me as if I had just committed a mortal sin. The blond girl looked around angrily, trying to find the person who caused her embarrassment. I looked away innocently and she stomped away to the girl's locker room.
"Nice one Bella." one of the girls giggled, congratulating me. The blond girl didn't return and I was able to continue playing Volleyball happily.
I was glad when the day was over. I was tired, sweaty from gym, and mildly offended. All I wanted to do was go home, try to conjure up something to eat, and pass out. I collected several phone numbers from people I had met as I navigated my way through the halls. Some of them invited me to go out later that night but I declined politely and assured them we would get together eventually. Dropping off my horrid pink slips, The red-headed woman snatched them from my hand and tossed them in a basket on her desk. Not once meeting my eyes. I rolled my eyes and flipped the hood of my coat over my head, and walked out the school doors. The rain outside wasn't so bad. It was only a light drizzle. If one could even call it that. Still, I kept my hood on making me feel like the wicked witch of the west. My skin melting away if moisture touched it.
I dug around in my coat pocket for my keys. They jingled as I pulled them out. In the background I heard my name called.
"Bye Bella!" I couldn't make out who it was but I turned my head and waved. Suddenly I felt as though I hit a brick wall. Stopping in my tracks, I dropped my keys and stumbled back a bit. Wondering what I could have possibly run into, I looked up. There in front of me stood Emmet Cullen, Towering, brawny and pale as fresh fallen snow. He was coatless and carrying two back packs.
"Uh…" I stalled.
He looked down at my keys which were sitting a shallow puddle.
"I am so sorry."
He chuckled and reached down to pick up my keys. Emmet handed them to me and I shook them off and dried them with my coat.
"Thank you. I should have been watching where I was going."
"No, problem. Didn't knock you out did I?"
I felt as though I had a concussion.
"No, I'm fine." I lied.
Suddenly a blonde head of hair popped out from behind Emmett's goliath-like body. It was Rosalie, and she didn't look too pleased with the fact that I was speaking to Emmet.
"Well thanks again, and I'm sorry for bumping into you. Bye!"
I hurried past the pale couple and headed for my car. I knew Rosalie was watching me and I could hear Emmet teasing her.
"You're a jerk!" I heard her yell. Emmet was laughing.
"Aw…c'mon Rosie. It was joke." He assured her.
"Don't call me that!" She yelled back at him. The clicking of her angry heels echoed in the parking lot.
I got to my car and unlocked my door. I tossed my bag aside and stuck my keys into the ignition. I wondered why I kept finding myself in the awkward situations with the Cullen boys. I gazed out my windshield getting ready to start my car. The black roadster I had pummeled sat in the distance. Then much to my horror the owner came into view. It was Edward Cullen. My heart dropped into my stomach and all the blood rushed to my head. Alice and jasper followed soon, arms linked as they had been in the cafeteria. I stared at them in horror. Edward dug around his pockets for his keys. Jasper and Alice waited patiently on the opposite side to be let in. He unlocked his door and opened it up. It looked as though I was going to make it out of this one, when suddenly Alice knelt down. She ran her pale hand over the dent. Shock crossed her face and getting back up, she called Edward over. He rushed over to examine the damage. I watched in terror as all of this unfolded before my eyes. Edward scanned the parking lot for the culprit. Not looking angry but saddened and hurt, meaning this car was his baby. His black hair got darker as the drizzling rain clung to it. I caught the sad look in his eyes. I sunk down in my seat, guilty. I wanted to die. I peered over the dashboard praying to god he didn't look my way.
Finally, giving up hope in finding out who damaged his car, Edward sadly unlocked the passenger side door. He, Alice and Jasper climbed into the black Mercedes and drove off.
I exhaled, relieved that I wasn't spotted. I felt horrible for what I did. Edward looked at his car the way I looked at mine. I would be parking on the opposite side of the parking lot and climbing out of my window from now on as to upset anyone else. I started my car and pulled out of the parking lot, taking great care not to run over a stray Cullen that might have been left behind.