A/N: Well, here's another chapter. I have a few ideas of where this story will go. It might seem rushed, and I'm sorry about that.

Disclaimer:Don't own Twilight, all OC's in this story are mine, however. Also, no beta, so any and all mistakes are mine.

After lunch, I had gym.

I wasn't super excited about it, but I wasn't really bummed either. Gym wasn't so bad. The most awkward part for me was always changing in the locker room.

After everyone changed we met up in the gymnasium. The room was set up to have four different volley ball games.

See, volley ball wasn't so bad. It could have been worse. Like track or something.

We stood in a straight line as 8 different captains chose who to be on their team. That made me sigh. I was always picked last.

Much to my surprise, however, I was actually picked first this time.

"New girl," the girl had said with a grin. It was almost predatorily. What was her name again? Jess, I think, "You're with me."

I just nodded, dumbstruck, and walked up behind her, waiting for everyone else to be picked. It was obvious there were cliques, because friends and friends of friends were picked first. I felt bad for the last guy to be picked. He was a scrawny little guy, and short too. He wore glasses and had his shoulders slumped permanently in defeat. He ended up on my team, though; and I smiled politely at him. He managed a small smile in return.

Everyone walked up to their different courts, "Let's see what you're made of, new girl," Jess said with another wicked grin. She kind of made me uncomfortable.

"Not much," I deadpanned. She laughed, a little too loud, like it was forced. But I noticed the scrawny kid smirk. I smiled to myself.

The game had begun, and thankfully the ball hadn't come my way so far. The poor scrawny kid, though, was apparently standing in a hotspot. Nearly every time the ball came to our side it went straight for him. He only tried to hit it once, missing, and every other time just flinched away from it.

"Jason," one of the other boys said, annoyed as he flinched away again, "You know you're supposed to actually hit the ball, right?"

The scrawny kid, Jason, just nodded meekly, turning his head down in an apology.

"To be fair," I spoke up, "I think they're actually targeting the kid."

"Because they know he sucks." The boy said again. What was his name again? Alex? Sure, let's go with Alex.

"Well, then, they should probably be aiming for me, too." I said with a small laugh, "They'll win in no time." Jason looked up at me appreciatively with a small smile.

I probably should have knocked on wood or something, though, because not two minutes later did the ball come in my direction. Reflexively I hit it, not even daring to aim, but by sheer luck it ended up on the other side of the net. I was impressed with myself.

"See? Better than him." Alex said nastily.

I shrugged, "Lucky shot."

The game didn't last that much longer, though.

We lost. By a lot.

Everyone walked over to the bleachers, most of them sitting down while I stayed standing. Jess walked up behind me, "So, new girl," she began.

"Jade." I corrected, turning around to see her.

"Jade," she amended, "I noticed you were sitting with the Cullens at lunch."

There wasn't a question in there, so I just nodded with a small, "Yep."

"Well," she said, "What was that about?"

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused, "Alice asked me to sit with them so I did."

"Really?" Jess asked, apparently surprised, "Huh. Weird."

"Why is that weird?" I asked, almost defensive.

Jess shrugged, "They're weird. I'd stay away from them if I were you."

"Why?" I asked again, this time definitely defensive.

"They're weird," she repeated, as if that explained everything. When I just looked at her waiting for more she finally continued, "They're kind of stuck-up. Always keeping to themselves, and shooting everyone else down."

"They've been nice to me so far," I said with a shrug.

"Just…be careful." Jess warned, hands on her hips. I got the feeling she didn't really care about my well-being.

Class ended shortly after that, for which I was thankful. To my surprise, Alice met me outside the locker room door.

"Milady," she said with a grin and a slight bow, "I'm here to take you to your next class."

I just laughed as she looped our arms together, leading the way. It turned out my class was on the other side of the building, which I didn't really mind, because that meant I got to spend more time with Alice. She kept talking excitedly as we walked, and I was hanging on every word.

Suddenly she came to a stop, and I looked down at her, confused. Her brows were furrowed together, as if deep in thought.

"I'm sorry," she began, and I was severely confused by the sudden change in attitude, "I'm talking a lot. I know that sometimes I can be…a lot. I keep forgetting that—" she suddenly cut herself off with a slight sigh before repeating, "I'm sorry."

For a moment I was too confused to even come up with a reply. Finally I managed to speak up, "You're good!" I insisted, "I like your enthusiasm. It's contagious." I smiled.

She smiled in return, though it didn't quite reach her eyes, "If I ever start to be too much, just let me know."

"Will do," I assured, "but I don't think that will happen."

She smiled again, this time seeming much happier, and continued leading me to class.

Soon enough we ended up at the class, "Well, I'll meet you after class and take you to art with me. We have that class together."

I nodded and smiled, thanking her before walking into the class. Most of the students were already there. I hated walking into crowded rooms.

I walked up to the teacher, "Hey, I'm Jade." I introduced myself. The teacher looked up from her papers, smiling.

"Hi!" She said enthusiastically, "I'm Mrs. Brown. Why don't you have a seat? Anywhere is fine." I nodded, turning to look at the available seats. This class had tables again, and I noticed the only empty chair was next to Jason. I smiled, walking to the back of the class, and sitting down beside him.

"Hi," I offered politely, and he nodded back slightly in greeting, offering a small, polite smile. Class hadn't started yet, so I tried to spark up a conversation, "I'm jade," I said, introducing myself.

"Jason." Was all he said back, shortly. His voice was deceptively deep.

I nodded. Well. That was a bust.

Class started up, and Mrs. Brown began talking about something or other. I really probably should have paid more attention. It was a problem of mine.

"Jade?" Mrs. Brown asked. I looked up, realizing it wasn't the first time she said my name, "Ah, first day of school and already zoning out. Nice." She said jokingly. I blushed, muttering an apology, and she continued, "Did you read To Kill a Mocking Bird at your last school?"

"Uh, no." I said, "We didn't really read books at my old school." She looked surprised at that.

"What did you do, then?" She asked.

"Essays." I answered in distaste, "Lots and lots of essays." She smiled at that.

"Well, we're just about finished with this book, so I'm going to give you some leeway. You don't have to read it, and just do as well as you can on the quiz, but I won't count it if you too horribly bad."

Some of the students rolled their eyes and scoffed. Probably jealous. I just smiled at Mrs. Brown, "Okay. Thanks."

So far all my teachers were pretty cool.

The rest of the class went pretty well. Mrs. Brown handed out worksheets for homework that had to do with the book they were reading. I looked down at the paper, having no idea what any of the questions were about. Maybe I could just google it or something when I got home.

"I don't know why everyone is so harsh about the Cullens," Jason suddenly spoke up, surprising me, "They're pretty nice people." I nodded in agreement as he continued, "People just get defensive when they don't know what people are thinking, because they're quiet. And yeah, they mostly keep to themselves, but what's so bad about that? A lot of people here are mean, anyway."

I raised a brow at him, surprised by how passionate he sounded.

"Sorry," he said suddenly, looking down. It made me kind of sad for him, because people must have told him to stop talking a lot, if he was unsure about speaking like that.

"No, no. You're fine." I assured, "And I agree."

"I—" he began, making an awkward face, "Sorry. I'm awkward, and I don't know how to make friends." He said, scrunching his face up in embarrassment.

I simply laughed softly, "Same." He smiled at that.

"Do you think—do you think we could be friends? Maybe?" He asked, hopeful.

I beamed a smile at him, "I'd like that."

He looked relieved.

"What's your next class?" He asked.

"Art," I replied happily.

"Oh," he said, almost sounding disappointed, "I have Math next. Do you like to draw?"

"God, no," I laughed, "I suck at it. I'm more of a photographer."

"Oh, cool." He said, "Sometimes I like to draw. It's not that good though."

"I bet you're great at it." I insisted. He looked down in embarrassment.

"Maybe I'll show you sometime." Jason said.

"That would be neat."

The bell rang, indicating the end of class, "Well," he said, "I'll see you later?"

"Yep," I replied, "have fun in math."

He smiled, "Always. Have fun in art."

"Always."

He walked out the door, nearly bumping into Alice. How did she get here so fast? "Sorry," he muttered.

"No harm, no foul." She insisted before turning to me, "Ready?" I merely nodded as she once again looped her arm in mine.

"Bye, Jason!" I called behind me. I heard a small reply, making me smile. As we continued to walk I said, "He's a nice kid."

Alice nodded in agreement, "He is."

A few moments of comfortable silence passed, "Are you excited for art?" Alice suddenly asked, "I love art."

"I'm kind of looking forward to it," I admitted, "Not the drawing part. I like to take pictures. Hopefully that's good enough."

Alice nodded, "Mr. Watson is cool. He likes all forms of art."

"Cool."

We walked into the classroom and I once again introduced myself to the teacher, "Hi, I'm Jade?"

"Ah, Miss Woods," the teacher began, "It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Mr. Watson. I hear you like photography?" He must have noticed my confused look because he continued with a laugh, "That might have sounded kind of creepy, sorry. I know your grandmother, and she's told me a little about you. She mentioned you like photography."

"Oh," I said, "Yeah. It's somewhat of a hobby."

"What kind of pictures do you like to take?"

"Anything, really," I started, "Mostly landscapes, buildings. Forks is much prettier than Chandler, believe me. I'm so tired of the desert."

He laughed again, "I can imagine. Forks is much greener, I'm sure." I nodded before he continued, "Well it looks like you've made a friend in Alice. Why don't you sit next to her?" I smiled. Mr. Watson and I were going to get along fine.

It was more tables. I was kind of glad to be able to sit close to her.

Instead of sitting at the back like I had in every other class, we sat in the front. I felt people staring at me from behind, making me self-conscience. Alice ignored them, though, happily pulling out her art portfolio and opening it.

I gasped at the picture she'd drawn. It was so beautiful.

She'd drawn both Edward and Bella, holding hands and standing intimately close to each other. They were both laughing in the picture. They looked as beautiful as real life.

"That's so beautiful." I said, shock evident in my voice.

Alice perked up, "Thanks. I like to draw the people I love."

"Well, you're really good." I said.

"Thanks," She said again with a smile, "do you have any of your photographs with you?"

"Ah, no." I said, and she seemed kind of bummed out, "I forgot them at home. I probably should have brought them, though, huh?"

Mr. Watson overheard the conversation, because he piped in, "Why don't you bring your camera to school from now on, too? Never know what kind of opportunities for pictures you might get."

I nodded, liking the idea. Alice seemed happy as well.

The bell rang, indicating the beginning of class. Mr. Watson looked directly at me, "Well, looks like you're a lucky lady. We're about to start a major project today." He said with a smile. I laughed to myself, not really considering myself lucky.

He addressed the rest of the class, "Today we're going to start a project," he began, "by the end of the year, I want each of you to create a piece of art. I don't care what it is, whether it's a painting, drawing, photograph," he looked directly at me before continuing, "pottery or whatever else your creative heart's desire. Just as long as you put effort into it, and are willing to show it to the class at the end of the year. I'm looking forward to seeing what you all come up with." He said with a smile, "Today we're going to start coming up with ideas on what we want to do, so you can talk amongst yourselves, if you'd like. Just do try and not to be too loud."

I smiled. Sounded easy enough.

"Do you know what you're going to do?" Alice asked, curious.

"Well, presumably I'll take a picture of something. Maybe I'll go on a walk and look around for a spot I like."

"The woods can be kind of dangerous," Alice warned seriously, "there are animals and other things."

"I'll bring pepper spray." I deadpanned. She smiled at me.

"Beware, bears! She has pepper spray." Alice joked.

"Hey, I'm sure they don't want to deal with that," I joked back, "Do you know what you're going to do for the project?"

She sighed, "Presumably draw something," she answered, "but I don't know what, or who, yet."

"I'm jealous of your skills." I commented, looking at the drawing again.

Alice merely shrugged, "It's not that big of a deal."

"Are you kidding me? I'd kill for talent like that."

"You have your own talent," Alice reminded, "With photography."

I scoffed, "I literally aim a camera and press a button. Yes. Talent."

She smiled, "It takes talent." She insisted.

Throughout the rest of the class, Alice and I just talked about this and that, getting to know each other a little better. She explained that Dr. Cullen and his wife adopted her when she was a child, and that she didn't remember much before that.

I explained that I never knew my father, and that my mom passed away recently.

"I'm sorry," Alice said sincerely.

"It happens," I said, trying to shrug it off.

"Is that why you live with your grandma now?" I nodded yes.

"Mom didn't have any siblings, and since I never knew my dad, I couldn't go down that route. My grandma got stuck with me."

"I doubt she looks at it like that."

I shrugged again, "I just feel kind of bad for her. She lost Grandpa a few years ago, and then her daughter this year. I can't even imagine what she's going through. And now she has to take care of a teenager all over again."

Alice nodded in understanding, "Was it hard to leave Arizona behind?" She asked.

"Kind of. I grew up there, and it's all I ever really knew. I only had a few friends, and they weren't close, so that part wasn't that difficult. I was mostly nervous about doing something new." I said, looking at her, "And I wanted to thank you again. You've made my first day much easier than I thought it would be."

Alice perked up again, "I'm glad I could help."

The bell suddenly rang, and I realized that meant it was the end of the school day. I sighed in relief.

"See you all tomorrow," Mr. Watson called out to the students as they filed out of the room, "and Jade, don't forget your camera, hmm?"

I nodded, making a mental note not to forget it as I walked out of the room, Alice in tow. As soon as we made it out of the room, she made her way next to me, though she didn't loop our arms together. I was slightly disappointed.

We walked outside of the school building, already seeing students driving away in their cars. I saw the rest of the Cullens huddled by a fancy car, which was presumably theirs.

Like, no. It was really fancy. And shiny.

I didn't know much about cars, but I knew that that one was expensive.

Of course they would have something like that, I thought to myself, slightly amused.

"Well," Alice began, "I'll see you tomorrow?"

I nodded, "Tomorrow. Have a good rest of your day."

"You too!" She said as she walked off, waving. I turned around, looking for my Grandma's car.

Suddenly I heard Alice behind me again, "I almost forgot!" She said, and I turned back around, surprised, "Can I have your phone number?"

"Oh," I said, remembering that that was a thing, and friends gave each other their numbers, "Of course." I said, relaying my number to her. She quickly typed it into her phone with a smile.

"Great!" Alice said excitedly, "I'll text you in a minute so you have my number. Don't be afraid to text or call!"

I smiled at her enthusiasm, "You too."

She quickly walked off again, waving goodbye from behind. I laughed softly at her antics.

She was so adorable.

Suddenly I heard a car honk behind me, causing me to jump in shock. I instantly got angry; turning around quickly before I realized it was just Grandma. I sighed. Way to shave a few years off my life, Grandma.

I got in the car, shutting the door lightly, remembering how I'd slammed it that morning. Grandma merely grinned at me.

"How was your first day?" She finally asked.

"It was nice," I replied shortly.

"That's all?" She asked as she began pulling out of the parking lot. I noticed Jason walking out of the parking lot as well, though he didn't seem to have a ride. I frowned. There weren't any houses that were close to the school. That's a lot of walking.

"Yeah," I said distractedly as I rolled down my window. Grandma looked at me curiously. "Jason!" I shouted out the window, and he jumped, startled. He realized it was me and smiled, waving, "Do you need a ride?" I asked.

He walked up to the car, "No, it's okay. I don't want to be a bother."

"It's no bother," I insisted, before remembering that I wasn't the one driving and I probably should have asked Grandma first. I looked at her, and she just shrugged. I assumed that was permission, "I'd hate to see you walk all the way home."

He looked thoughtful for a moment, considering my offer. After a moment a car honked behind us, and I realized we were blocking traffic. That seemed to put him in gear, "I guess, thanks." He said, getting into the backseat behind me.

"No problem." I said happily.

"Which way do I turn?" Grandma asked.

"Oh, uh, left." He said. She nodded, turning left when she could.

The car ride was silent after that, and it almost seemed awkward. I went to turn on the radio, before realizing he might not like the music I chose.

"What kind of music do you like?" I asked.

He seemed shocked by the question, "Um, I guess punk rock. Or pop-punk. You know, All Time Low, Mayday Parade."

"Nice!" I said, "Me too."

He perked up at that, "Yeah? I like screamo, too."

"And you've lost me," I joked, "though I used to have friends who were into it."

I turned on the radio, tuning into the alternative rock station. 21 Pilots was playing.

"Nice," I said.

"I like this song," Jason said, "But I think I like their older stuff better."

"I can understand that. I really liked Vessel."

"Me, too."

We continued to talk about music during the whole ride, as he gave my Grandma instructions on how to get to his house.

When we pulled into his neighborhood, Grandma said, "We're only a few blocks away," She sounded surprised, "Let us know if you'd ever like a ride, it's a long walk, and you're on the way."

Jason seemed surprised at the offer, "Thanks. I might take you up on that." He said, getting out of the car. He began walking away when I rolled down my window.

"Wait!" I called, and he turned around, "Can I have your number?"

Again, he seemed surprised, but smiled, "Sure." He said, relaying his number to me. I dialed it in my phone.

"Great," I said, "I'll text you soon. Don't be a stranger." He smiled again, waving goodbye.

I rolled up my window as we drove off. I noticed Grandma glance at me from the side with a smirk on her face.

"What?" I finally asked, exasperated.

"My little Jade, being social." She gushed.

"Grandma." I warned.

"I told you you'd make friends! Is there anyone else worth mentioning?"

I nodded, "Alice is being nice to me," I said.

"Alice? One of the Cullen kids?" Grandma asked, surprised.

"Yes," I sighed, getting tired at everyone's attitude towards the Cullens.

She merely nodded competitively, "They're a nice enough bunch." She finally said, "Dr. Cullen is a great doctor. And his wife is one of the nicest people I've ever met. I suppose their kids wouldn't be any different. Which one is Alice?" She asked.

"The short one," I answered.

"Ah, she's a cutie." Grandma said. I nodded in agreement, smiling, "They're unnaturally beautiful, actually," She went on to say, and I nodded in agreement again, "They look like they belong in Hollywood. Dr. Cullen and his wife, too. I'm actually kind of surprised none of the kids are related, they seem so similar."

"Yeah," I agreed, "I mean, they're all pale and beautiful and stuff, but other than that you can tell they're not related."

Grandma nodded in understanding, "So other than that, did you have a good day? I was worried about you."

I smiled at her, appreciative of her concern, "It was actually pretty nice. I got lost at first, but then Alice and the others ran into me, and Alice showed me to the rest of my classes. I think art is going to be fun. Mr. Watson suggested I bring my camera to school." I explained.

"Dennis? What a nice young man, he is. I'm glad he's being supportive."

I nodded before saying, "Alice and I share that class. She's really talented at drawing. I'm pretty jealous, actually."

"Yeah? She seems the creative type, to me. From what I've heard of her." Grandma said as we pulled into the driveway of the house. I gladly walked into the house, immediately taking off my shoes and kicking them to the side. I walked into my room at the end of the house and dropped my backpack onto the foot of my bed. I sighed.

A moment later I felt a buzzing in my pocket, and took out my phone. I'd gotten a text. I smiled as I realized it was from Alice.

Hey! It's Alice. :)

Got your number! Thanks. I texted back.

A moment later I got another text.

Let me know if you need help with the math homework!

I paused.

We had math homework?

We have math homework? I asked.

Yeah, haha. Weren't you paying attention?

Apparently not.

It's only 3 questions, on page 243. Numbers 1-3

Oh. That didn't sound so bad. I found my math textbook in my bag, lifting it onto my computer desk. I opened the book, flipping to the right page. I let out a groan of annoyance when I saw the questions.

1.A, 1.B, 1.C

2.A, 2.B, 2.C

3.A, 3.B, 3.C

And some of them were word problems.

Thanks for letting me know . I quickly text back.

I didn't want to bother her, though, so I just tried to do it myself. It took about two hours, but I finally finished all the questions.

Have I mentioned how much I hated math?

I was tired, but still had a little more homework. Thankfully it probably wouldn't be as hard.

Then I remembered that I still had to text Jason. I quickly picked up my phone and sent a text.

Hey, it's Jade. Sorry I didn't text sooner, got sucked up in hw.

A few minutes later my phone buzzed.

No problem. I understand the pain.

I smiled at that.

Why is math a thing, again? I mean I know it helps with stuff but why does that mean I have to do it?

Haha, because school. He replied. I smiled again.

Speaking of, do you need a ride tomorrow?

If it's not too much of a problem, he replied.

No problem at all! Like grandma said, it's on the way.

Thanks. I really appreciate it.

No problemo, pick you up at 7:15? I asked.

Sounds good.

I heard a knock on my door, and Grandma walked in, "How's your homework going?" She asked.

"I hate it with every fiber of my being."

"Ah, that good?"

"Math is dumb." I replied, frowning.

"I never liked math either. That's what your Grandpa was for." I smiled at that.

"Yeah, he was kind of genius, wasn't he?"

"Oh, god, you could never let him hear that, though. It would go straight to his head." Grandma joked, making me laugh. After a minute of comfortable silence she continued, "Well, dinner's soon. You should come on out."

"Alright." I said. I'd forgotten that she ate earlier than I was used to.

'You'll get old one day too,' she'd said. She ate early because she went to bed around 7:30 anyway.

I followed her out of my room, realizing how good it smelled in the house.

"I made pasta," Grandma informed. My stomach growled, telling me how hungry I was.

"It smells really good." I said.

"It'll taste even better." She promised with a grin.

I sat at the table as she dished up the food before sitting down herself. It was quiet for a while as we ate.

Before long, Grandma spoke up, "I'm glad you had a good first day."

"Me, too," I smiled, "By the way, I told Jason we'd pick him up at 7:15, is that okay?" I probably should have asked her before I offered.

She merely nodded, though. "Sounds like a plan."

I grinned, thanking her before asking, "Do you want me to do the dishes?"

She almost looked offended at the question, "Heavens, no. You've got homework to do."

"I can do both." I reasoned.

"It's alright, honey. I'll take care of the dishes. You focus on school."

"You spoil me."

"You're a teenager; you're supposed to be spoiled." Grandma said, and I laughed.

"A lot of people would disagree."

"You're not supposed to worry about things until you're in your twenties. Take advantage of your youth."

I smiled, "Alright, Grandma, if you insist."

I walked back into my room, realizing my phone was flashing, indicating I'd gotten another text.

Did you finish your math homework? Alice asked.

I somehow managed, I replied.

What answers did you get?

Why, Alice, are you trying to cheat? I joked.

Ha-ha, I smiled at the sarcasm, I just wanted to see if you needed help.

I think I did okay, I said.

What answers did you get? Alice asked again. I grinned, sending her my answers.

A few minutes passed.

Oh. She simply text back.

Oh? I asked, concerned.

Well…you got two of them right!

I groaned and muttered,"Shit."

A/N: Well, thanks for reading! Let me know what you think?