This story is dedicated to my fellow Twilight fan, Saburah, and is my first attempt at fan fiction. Please go easy on me. :)
***I do not own anything Twilight. I'm just a kid in a candy store wanting to play with the toys.***
One week later, Forks High was abuzz with excitement. A new school year meant a new senior class, reunions of old friends, and anticipated parties and hijinks. Bella pulled into the crowded parking lot in the cab of her old beat up '56 Chevy truck. Jasper was squirming in the passenger seat, feeling the effects of the excitement from impending freedom. As the truck engine shut off, he jumped out of truck ready to find Maria and catch up where things had left off.
Bella was less than enthusiastic about leaving the solitude of her room. She had kept a low profile over the past week, shutting herself off from the world. The nightmares had taken a toll on her mind, and the lack of proper sleep was responsible for the purple circles under her eyes.
Bella climbed out of her truck, locked the door, and turned around to see Jessica gallop toward her at light speed, gushing, "Bella! Have you seen them yet?! We're all waiting here to see the new arrivals, only nobody knows what they look like. Oh I guess Emmett probably does but he's not here either. I'm SO excited!" Lauren poked her head around from behind Jessica and gave Bella a cold stare in silent greeting. Bella could have cared less about any of this. She rubbed her temples with her fingers in an attempt to sway the headache that was rapidly threatening to overtake her. Jessica did not even notice as the brand new, silver Volvo rolled around the corner and into the parking lot. Like a little girl she squealed in pleasure, anticipating being the first to see the newcomers.
Although miserable, Bella was admittedly curious about the new students. It wasn't everyday that people moved into the small town, and it was especially rare to have new students at the small high school. She raised her head and watched the shiny and out of place car find a spot close to the school's entrance, and soon lost sight of it as curious bystanders milled around the car in awe. As she watched Jessica and Lauren finagle themselves into the crowd, Bella turned away and headed for the building where her first class was located.
All morning Bella went through the motions of being a good student. She took notes in each class, filed away each syllabus, and made sure to arrive on time. By the time it was lunch, Bella was already exhausted. She went into the cafeteria, paid for her tuna sandwich and apple, and sat down at the loud table with her friends. As usual Jessica was in full gossip mode, detailing every little thing different with each student. When her inane chatter turned to the new students, Bella tuned out. She took small bites of her sandwich trying to will herself out of her funk, when all of a sudden she was keenly aware of feeling like she was being watched. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up with the goosebumps racking her body. Bella raised her head and looked around, finally settling on one figure across the cafeteria. Her breath escaped in an inaudible gasp as her heart started racing.
Staring back at her was the most ethereal, beautiful man she had ever seen. He was tall with coppery bronze hair, chiseled features, and stunning green eyes. His strong jawline, thin lips, and slightly crooked nose comprised a beautiful visage while his obvious muscles, hidden beneath a tight fitted white t-shirt, betrayed a body that would make Adonis envious. He was surrounded by the school's popular crowd, many of whom were vying for his attention. But his focus was on her, and only her. For a fleeting moment it seemed as though they were alone in this giant room with no sounds or distractions.
"…and they say he was on the football team. Can you believe it? He's incredible!" Jessica gushed.
Bella was thrust back into reality as Jessica nudged her arm, indicating that her attention was no longer optional. Hesitantly, Bella peeled her eyes away from the mysterious stranger and finally settled on her group of friends. All of them were staring at her as if she'd grown a second head. Blushing, Bella mumbled an incoherent reply as she stuffed the remains of her sandwich in her mouth.
Jessica was not satisfied with her reply as she snorted, "Bella, you could at least pretend to enjoy our company."
Bella quietly replied, "Sorry Jess. I was paying attention. I'm just distracted today. I haven't heard anything from Jake yet."
Jessica's eyes softened, as did everyone else at the table.
"How long have the proceedings been going on?" Mike Newton asked, lightly rubbing his hand over Bella's right arm.
"It's been eight days so far," Bella answered as she subtly removed her arm from Mike's touch. "I wish I could see him."
Mike was unabashed by her attempt to recoil from his never-ending advances. "I'm sure he misses you too Bella. Who wouldn't want to be with you night and day?" Jessica rolled her eyes as Lauren, Tyler, Angela, Ben, and Eric all stifled their chuckles. Mike didn't seem to notice but Bella turned a deep shade of crimson in embarrassment.
Mike Newton was the son of Art and Polly Newton who owned Newton's Outdoor Supply store in Forks. He was tall with sandy blonde hair, brown eyes, and usually had a goofy grin on his face. He had always had a crush on Bella, and had not been perturbed by their one unsuccessful date more than a year ago. Bella always thought of him as a lost puppy – loyal, but ultimately not worth the effort. No matter what she said or did, Mike did not take no for an answer. Today was no exception to that rule.
After lunch, Bella headed to her afternoon classes. First there was Creative Writing, then Biology, and finally Gym. Bella's stomach sank as she realized that Mike had the exact same schedule as her, no doubt done purposefully. She was relieved, however, when the English teacher had already made up a seating plan which did not include Mike Newton anywhere near her. With a sigh of relief, Bella sat down at her desk, nominally excited for what she hoped would be her favourite class of the semester. After going through the reading list and assignments, it was soon time for dreaded Biology class.
Again a pre-arranged seating chart ensured Bella's safety from Mike's tentacles. Thankful for her good luck, Bella was surprised when her partner's seat was empty. About ten minutes into class, the door burst open and in walked none other than the man with the striking green eyes. His hair was disheveled and his lips were drawn into a tight line as he walked into the room. With an obvious frown on his face, the teacher pointed him toward Bella's partner's seat. The Adonis walked toward her, put his bag down, and slumped loudly into his chair.
"Alright, you have all been placed with partners whose skills and background are most closely matched to your own. You will remain lab partners for the remainder of the semester, no excuses." Bella's heart rate picked up slightly at this announcement, while her mind could not fathom her body's response. 'He's just another student,' she thought to herself, 'And this is strictly a professional situation. No need to get all worked up.'
As the class progressed, Bella became more noticeably agitated. She shifted in her chair frequently, doodled in her notebook, and stole glances at her gorgeous lab partner. Everytime her eyes rested on him, he was staring openly at her. His face held a look of confusion and concentration, as though he were trying to answer an unspoken riddle. His gawking made Bella uncomfortable.
The bell rang indicating class change, but before Bella could gather up her belongings the man spoke to her, "Hello, my name is Edward Masen. I just moved here from Chicago. You're Isabella Swan, right?"
"Yes, but call me Bella." She quietly replied, avoiding his gaze. When Edward didn't reply right away, Bella looked into his eyes and said "Do you like it here? Forks, I mean…"
He studied her face for a few seconds, which to Bella felt more like hours. "Yes I think I do." Edward broke out into a lopsided smirk as he cocked his head slightly to the side, inspecting her. Bella's face flushed with embarrassment.
"Good, I mean I'm glad. Forks is pretty small compared to Chicago."
"You're right, but I find that people are nicer here. I've had quite the reception since we've arrived," Edward replied with a touch of sarcasm.
Bella openly grinned at him. "That's what you get in a place where nothing ever happens."
Edward returned her smile and chuckled. "I suppose that's true."
Bella and Edward walked silently side by side through the crowded halls of Forks High, both noting the sideways curious glances from the other students. Bella's locker was close to their Biology class, so when she stopped to put her books away Edward stood next to her, studying her face.
Bella was uncomfortable with Edward's attention, though she couldn't understand why. She was always shy and never enjoyed the spotlight, but had always been fine in a one-on-one situation. There was something about him that stirred unfamiliar feelings in her. His piercing eyes seemed to see something in her that she couldn't identify. It felt oddly familiar, like seeing an old friend after many years apart. Yet it was a new feeling, one that defied explanation for the time being. All Bella could pinpoint was that this man had her undivided attention.
Bella reached to the bottom of her locker to grab her gym clothes, which gave Edward an opportunity to scan the photos taped to her locker door. There was one of Bella and Jasper at their tenth birthday party, one of Charlie and her late mother Renee, and one of Bella and Jacob soaked and freezing after a snowball fight. Edward's eyes strayed on this last photo and Bella could swear she detected a small frown.
"Is this your boyfriend?" He asked.
"Yes, that's Jake." She replied.
"He's not at school today?" He asked with curiosity.
Bella felt uncomfortable talking about Jacob with Edward, but she didn't want to risk being rude. "No, he goes to school on the reserve. We've been best friends since we were young."
She noted a twinge of disappointment in his voice. "Oh. He seems nice."
Bella felt herself smile as her eyes averted to the photograph. "He is."
Edward's gaze bored into Bella's. "You don't talk much, do you?"
Once again feeling the spotlight on her, Bella curtly replied, "I talk plenty to people I know. We just met."
Edward chuckled and shook his head. "You're right, again. I'm sorry for being so pushy. I'll see you around, okay?" And with that, Edward turned and walked away.
Shocked, Bella could only watch him retreat down the hall. After a few seconds, Edward turned around and flashed her the most brilliant crooked grin she had ever seen.
Gym class was a nightmare, and as usual Bella spent more time concentrating on keeping her balance than she did actually throwing or receiving the basketball. She was grateful when the teacher blew her whistle, signaling the end of her first day of school.
Jasper was already waiting by the truck in the parking lot by the time Bella managed to escape from class. His excitement was obvious by the way he shifted from one foot to the other with a big grin on his face.
"Hey slowpoke. I thought I'd have to come find you." He joked.
Bella's mood was sour and her patience was limited. "I know my way around here. It just took some time to change after gym class. And besides, you could always get a ride home with Emmett."
Jasper's enthusiasm could not be quelled. "Yeah, but then I wouldn't lose my hearing prematurely by not riding in this deafening gas guzzler."
"Leave the truck alone." Bella snapped at him. Jasper's face clouded with concern.
"I'm sorry Bells. I didn't mean it." He said sheepishly.
Bella sighed. It wasn't Jasper's fault her mood was so low. "I'm sorry Jas. It's been a long day, an even longer week, and will be an excruciating two months."
Jasper gave Bella a big, warm hug. "I know, big sis. Don't worry, I'll help you through it."
When they arrived home, the house was empty as usual. Charlie had left a note saying he wouldn't be home until after midnight. Completely exhausted, Bella slumped up the stairs to her bedroom and locked the door behind her. She really needed to unwind after a trying day.
She put on her favourite CD by Debussy and lay down on her small twin size bed. Images flashed across her eyes. Jake's long flowing hair made her smile, Mike's irritating advances made her cringe, Jessica's gossiping had her sighing, and then there was Edward. Bella didn't know what to make of him. He seemed friendly enough, but there was more to it. Something about his eyes, his radiant smile, and the way he moved… it was mesmerizing. There was no doubt in her mind that Bella found this man fascinating.
As the CD replayed from the beginning, Bella drifted off to sleep. For the first time in months, she did not awake screaming.