Chapter 1: Meeting

6/14/1922

I walked with my stockings trying to slip off my legs on the sidewalks of Cotswold's, England by myself. I was supposed to meet my best friend Jasper Whitlock and his friend whom I despised named Edward Masen. I had my braids right on my chest since the air was thick of humidity. I worn my red skirt and white blouse that I received on my birthday about 9 months. I'm 17 so I had the privilege to walk wherever and whenever I pleased.

I waited at the lamppost where we were supposed to meet. I tried to seek him but no trace. I finally found him with Edward right next to him. I smiled, running since I never see Jasper. I go to an all girl private school while he goes to an all boy private school. I loved him as a brother. I remembered when I had fancied him. I was seven when I told him I loved him and he ran away like every typical boy would do at 9. He's two years older than I was.

I gave him the biggest hug imaginable while he did the same. I noticed Edward's annoyance overflowing the air. I took in a sigh that I was annoyed that he even had to come.

Jasper looked into my eyes with a smile, "How are you?"

"I'm swell, how's working at the general store?" I asked. I always said, "swell" since my parents say it all the time. They are very civilized people with their humble greeting and exciting smiles. Jasper worked at his father's store since his father in retirement so Jasper took over. Edward works there as cash register, which was excruciating when I wanted to buy something. I knew he despised me, ever since when I little. It was when I was five and they were seven, Edward was immature throwing dirt at me for no reason when Jasper, Edward and I were at the fields. He threw it at my face, laughing hysterically, and kept teasing. Then I couldn't help myself but I tackled him while Jasper was laughing. I was stronger than he was so I was on the top for the majority of the time. Then our parents, Edward and mine came to the rescue, pulling us away from each other. We officially hated each other since.

I glared at him as he was doing the same. I did break his arm, which I apologize a million times but he just ignoring me. I felt horrible for a long time until he kept doing pranks on me. It finally ended when I was 14. We just glared at each other now.

"Did you know that there was going to be a masquerade ball right here in town tomorrow night?" Jasper asked me since his eyes were onto mine.

I shook my head, "I had no idea, I think masquerades are fun there's no point of being embarrass since no one knows who you are."

He smiled, "There you have it, come in your most elegant dress and a mask obviously. I wanted to ask your friend, Mary Brandon if she wanted to go. I'm too bashful to do it myself."

"I'll ask her." I nodded, "But I need an escort."

He turned to Edward, "Will you Edward?" He remained silent, shaking his head. He never really spoke in front of me. "Sorry Bella."

I shook my head, "No reason for apology, I can walk by myself anyway, my house is like two blocks away. Well, I better get a dress since I have none in my chiffonier. Bye Jasper!" I ran away to my house like a little kid. I didn't really care since I was more determined to find a dress. I know it's tomorrow but procrastination is not my middle name. I was a little jealous when jasper wanted me to ask my acquaintance Alice to the masquerade ball since I sort of fancy him still. All I'm going to say that it was going to be an interesting night.

This wonderful chapter was written by my wonderful co-author! I've been sick, so she's been doing a wonderful job. Review!!!