First Impressions

EPOV

I saw her open her mouth to talk to me, but I didn't want any new 'friends', so I turned the full force of my glare on her. She quickly shut her mouth and her chin began to quiver. I really hoped she wasn't gonna cry. I hated crying, but she squared her shoulders and looked me right in the eye. She had the most amazing brown eyes. Even with the fire in them.

"If we're going to be lab partners then you'd better keep up with your end of the work" she snapped then turned her attention to the front.

My eyes opened a little wider in surprise, but I quickly put the scowl back in place. Hmm she had a little attitude. Most people who gave me attitude ended up with a fist in the face, but I had never hit a girl and wasn't about to start now. As soon as the bell rang she was out of her seat head down, shoulders hunched, moving for the door. I wondered where her confidence had gone then I wondered why I gave a damn.

BPOV

I can't believe I had talked to him like that. I didn't talk to anyone like that, especially people I didn't know. I made my way to my least favorite class, gym, still shaking a little bit knowing I would have to sit next to him again tomorrow.

After class Emmett met me in front of the gym doors. "Hey Bells, coach has called an emergency practice." He said looking very apologetic. "I'm gonna ask Rose to give you a ride home."

"No," I responded a little too quickly. "That's okay I don't mind walking, might do me a little good."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, we'll just say you owe me one."
"Heck I owe ya' a million for being the best little sister." He said tousling my hair.

I smiled and walked away knowing neither of us liked getting too mushy. I hadn't gotten very far when it started lightly raining. Ug, I so loved my life. I heard a car pulling up behind me. I moved farther to the side to let it pass but it pulled up right next to me. Evil boys pretty Volvo. Wonder if he'd be mad if I kicked a little dirt on it? The passenger window rolled down and there was the new girl smiling the sweetest smile at me. "Need a ride?"

I stood there for a second forgetting how to talk. Pixie girl's smile faded a little. "I'm Alice Brandon. I'm new here. I can't stand seeing such pretty hair get ruined by the rain. Let us give you a ride. Please."

For some reason I just couldn't resist telling her yes. So I hesitantly got in the back seat. "I'm Bella Swan. Sorry I'm all wet" I spoke softly.

"That's okay Edward doesn't mind"

Edward was scowling into the rearview mirror and I could tell he did mind. Alice elbowed him in the side and he returned his eyes to the road "This is my brother Edward Cullen. We just moved here from Chicago."

"You have different last names?" I blurted out. Geez wasn't I the talkative one today.

Alice chuckled "yeah we're actually step-siblings. My mom married his dad about five years ago. Dad got a new job at the hospital here. That's why we moved" she said glancing sideways at her brother. It felt like there was something she was leaving out.

"Where do you live?" Edward barked at me.

"Um uh take a left at the next street" I mumbled. "My house is the one with the willow in the side yard".

He pulled up in front of my house and I got out. Alice leaned out of the window.

"It was nice meeting you Bella. I hope to see you at school tomorrow. I have a feeling we are gonna be friends"

Edward snorted at her. I just gave a half smile and hurried into the house.

When I got inside I noticed Charlie was gone, meaning he was pulling a double shift at the police station again. I went upstairs. Renee was still in bed, naked, lying on her side with her mouth hanging open. I went over to the bed and pried the vodka bottle out of her hand. She didn't even try to hide the drinking anymore.

"Renee wake up," I shook her a little. She moaned and rolled onto her back. "Renee come on let's get you in the shower." I tried again to get her up, but she wouldn't move so I shook her hard and yelled "MOM get up now!" Finally she opened her eyes halfway and tried to sit up. I put my arms under her arms and helped lift her. Once I was sure her feet were firm on the floor I let her lean on me and staggered to the bathroom.

I turned the shower on and pushed her in before the water even warmed up. She began spluttering. I reached for the soap but she grabbed it first "I can wash myself you stupid girl," she snapped. I just bit my tongue and went to get her some clothes. I heard the water turn off and went in to hand her the clothes. "I can take care of myself you know," she said not quite as harshly "I'm hungry go make me something to eat." Yeah sure she could take care of herself.

I went into the kitchen and made her a sandwich. She stumbled down the stairs. Once I was sure she was seated and going to eat I went to throw some laundry in. I came back to the kitchen to find her head in her plate. I just sighed and moved the plate from under her head then went to do my homework before I had to start dinner.