**I am completely flaking on my other stories, but this one has just captured my attention. I will try to update Wrong Turn and The Crazy Games sometime this week if any of you are reading those, but I want to run with this story while I am inspired to do so. I want to send a great big THANK YOU to all of my wonderful readers and reviewers. You guys are amazing. Enjoy**

BPOV

I have had more fun this weekend than I've had in the last few months combined. Cliff diving was so exhilarating! I can't believe I actually did it! The weekend continued to get better too. For once, I was acting like a teenager and I liked it. When we left First Beach Saturday afternoon, we decided to go to the movies. We asked Leah to come with us, but she had to pick up her twin brother Seth from band practice. Jake and Emmett teased me for a few minutes after she mentioned Edward's band which caused me to blush. Alice and Jasper looked at me questioningly, but didn't say anything, which I was grateful for.

Sunday, Alice came over to my house and showed me some of her clothing designs. We had talked about her sketches at the beach and she reluctantly agreed to let me see them. I was once again blown away by her talent. She even had some designs that I would wear. I still remember our conversation.

"These are amazing, Alice! If people saw what you could do, maybe they would lay off."

She shook her head, "They wouldn't lay off. They would find reasons to hate my designs just because I'm the one that drew them."

"Well...why not put a few of them together and wear them to school?" She gave me an incredulous look, "What? If they could see first hand how good you are..."

"Bella, I really appreciate what you're trying to do, but I don't have the money for fabric. I also don't know how to sew," the last sentence came out mumbled and I barely heard it.

"I can help you." Her forehead scrunched up and I continued, "I don't know the first thing about fashion, but I know how to sew. My mom was clueless when it came to household chores so I would end up mending clothes, or fixing curtains."

She smiled before sighing, "That doesn't help with fabric." I tried to think of someway to buy some fabric, but the little bit of money I had went towards helping Charlie with bills and my college fund. Our quiet concentration was broken by her squeal, "I've got it! We can take old clothes apart and use the fabric from those to make new clothes!"

I thought about it for a second. I wasn't sure how well it would work, but it was worth a try, right? "Okay, I have a few things we can tear apart. When do you wanna start?" The gleam in her eye started to worry me.

We ended up starting that afternoon. She went home to grab the clothes that she wanted to use, while I stayed home and went through my closet. Charlie found out what we were doing and gave me the few things of mom's that he still had. By the end of the night, we finished two full outfits and had several other pieces that I was going to sew after school today. It was fun having Alice there with me. I've never had any girl friends before, and she was really easy to get along with.

This morning was going to be the big début of her outfits. The original plan was for her to wear the outfits and show everyone her talent, but she started to freak out and begged me to wear the second outfit instead so that she wouldn't be alone. I wanted to tell her no, but I couldn't. She was so scared to be putting herself out there, and if I could help her out, I would.


EPOV

The party at Mike's was a huge success. We covered a variety of bands, keeping the party going until the wee hours of the morning. My throat was still a little sore, but it was worth it. We had Eric Yorkie taping us the whole night so that we could send it in to a few indie labels in Seattle. We didn't have the resources to record a demo now, so we were gonna give this a shot.

When I got to school this morning I was greeted by different people praising our performance. It felt good knowing people liked us. I knew what the chances were of getting a record deal, but music was a huge part of who I was. I don't think I could ever give up on it. Paul and Tyler didn't take it as seriously as Seth and I did. They were always running late, or blowing off practice all together. It pissed me off when they did it, but there wasn't a whole hell of a lot I could do about it.

My first couple of classes passed by relatively quickly and I found myself in the cafeteria, once again searching for chocolate eyes and mahogany hair. She had yet to arrive, so I filled up my tray with food and sat at my usual table. Mike and Tyler sat across from me talking about some hot girls they saw and I automatically tuned them out and went back to scanning the cafeteria. I was surprised to see Jasper sitting with Emmett and Jacob. He hadn't really joined any groups since his move here, though Tanya was trying to drag him over to the dark side. I respected him for not giving in.

The doors opened again and that's when I saw her. I forgot to breathe for a second, and when I finally remembered to, it was labored. The shirt she had on was a deep, midnight blue that accentuated her petite frame and complimented her pale complextion. The neckline was cut low enough to offer a slight view of her cleavage, with studs lining the edge. She wore a dark, jean skirt that opened just above her knees, showing off her beautiful legs, and got longer near the back.

I heard Mike whisper, "See, told you man!" to Tyler and growled. It was Bella they were talking about earlier. I felt the sudden urge to throw her over my shoulder and hide her from view.

"Squirt! Bells! Over here," Emmett's booming voice called and that was when I noticed she was with that Alice girl which surprised me. She never really talked to anyone except Jake and sometimes Emmett. My surprise turned into shock when she went over to them and started hugging them, even Jasper! I was pissed, and I knew it was because I was jealous.

I watched them for several minutes, talking and laughing. Her smile was so carefree that I found myself hypnotized by it. My name rang out across the cafeteria and I tore my gaze away from Bella to find the person who called me. My eyes didn't move far as they caught Jake waving me over. I stood up, not planning on being over there long I left my tray of food on the table. I only got two steps when Rosalie grabbed my arm, "Where do you think you're going?"

I shrugged her off, "I'm going to see what he wants. What's it to you?"

I tried to take a step, but she moved in front of me, "If you go over there it will damage your rep."

I wanted to laugh at her, but settled for rolling my eyes and running my fingers through my hair, "You know what, Rosalie? I just don't give a damn anymore."

I turned enough to grab my tray and maneuvered my way around her. I was able to get a few paces away when she called out to me again, "What about your band?"

That stopped me for a second. I didn't want my decisions to affect the band, but I wasn't going to let that control my life. I turned with a smile on my face and I saw her relax, thinking she had won, "Well, if anyone wants a band to play their parties, then they will have to deal." There was a collective gasp from everyone in the cafeteria and I walked over to Jake surrounded by silence. "You rang?"

He was only quiet for a second before he broke out into laughter. Emmett was the next to break followed by Jasper. Alice and Bella wore similar expressions of shock and when I caught Bella's eye the shock melted and that beautiful blush of hers made an appearance. She quickly turned her head toward Alice and Jake caught my attention again, "Dude! That was awesome! Take a seat."

I would have prefered to sit next to Bella, but she was sandwiched in between Jake and Alice. I set my tray down in the available seat beside Emmett and slid into the seat, "So, what did you need?"

The laughter had died down and I could hear conversations start up around the cafeteria, "Your band has played at First Beach before right?" I simply nodded, "Well, Em and I wanted to throw a party next weekend. Think you guys could play? We can't pay you, but maybe we can make a trade."

I sat back in my chair and once again ran my fingers through my hair, "I would have to talk to the guys first, but I think we can work something out. How big is this party gonna be?" I really wanted to ask if Bella would be there, but I doubted it. She never went to any of the parties around here.

Emmett answered this one, "We're planning on inviting a bunch of the kids from here and La Push. We're thinkin' it'll be pretty big."

Alice spoke up for the first time, "Can we invite some of my friends from the band? They never get invited to parties."

Then my favorite voice chimed in, "Why don't we invite everyone? If they want to come, then let them. If they don't then they can stay home."

"That's actually a really good idea. Most of these kids don't get invited to parties so you'll have a bigger turn out."

She smiled at me and her cheeks once again flushed pink. I felt myself smile involuntarily, but the spell was broke by Jake, "Alright, looks like we've got a party to plan. I can get Sam to buy some alcohol."

Alice bounced up and down in her seat, "Bella and I can make flyers and decorate!"

Bella didn't seem too thrilled with being volunteered, but nodded her head anyway. Emmett clapped his hands together, "Let's throw ourselves a party!"


RPOV

What...The...Hell!? Did I seriously step into the Twilight Zone? First, I've had to listen to everyone talk about these girls Alice and Bella, who apparently went from being frumpy tomboys to sexy fashionistas. I have to admit their outfits are pretty cute. Then, Lauren shows up in the cafeteria looking like her dog just died, but she won't tell us what's wrong. Now, Edward is sitting over with Jake and Emmett.

Ever since that damn assembly things have been changing. This weekend at Newton's party everyone was talking about the dead girl, and the letter. Now, it seems everyone has lost their minds. I mean, I would much rather be over there with Jake and Emmett talking about cars and asking Alice and Bella where they got their outfits than sitting here listening to Lauren sniffle and Tanya fume over Jasper, but I know how things work. I have a reputation to uphold, and my mother would probably throw me out on the street if she heard I threw that away. Watching Emmett and the others laughing and joking though had me longing to just get up and join them.


LPOV

I couldn't believe that I actually went through with it! I broke up with her! I know it was the right thing to do, but I hated it. She was the one thing in my life besides my friends and family that made me happy and I threw it away. I just couldn't hide who I was anymore. I didn't want to sneak around and hope that we don't get caught. I actually told my parents and brother last night. They supported me, just like I knew they would. It was the first time that I felt I could really breathe.

When I finally walked into the cafeteria, lunch was half over. I looked around for my brother, but Alice caught my attention, "Leah! Come sit with us!"

I smiled and made my way over to them. I have only spent one day with Bella and Alice, but they were so easy to get along with. I didn't feel pressured to be something I'm not. It was simple and fun. Jasper wasn't much of a talker, but he was definitely a fun guy to hang out with. I could see what drew Emmett and Jake to him.

I froze when I saw Edward Cullen sitting with them. He was one of them! I knew he was always friendly with Emmett and Jake, but they weren't exactly friends. He was always nice to me when I would pick up Seth from band practice, but he still never ventured too far from the popular table. They were all laughing and I shook myself from my thoughts and took the seat between Jasper and Edward.

Edward turned to me, "Hey, Leah."

I nodded once, "Edward." I looked towards Alice and Bella and caught sight of their outfits. It was Alice's outfit that really caught my attention though. Her crimson shirt wrapped around her tiny frame, tying in the back and exposing small slivers of skin on her sides. Her black jeans were tight on her legs with safety pins running up the sides. She had on a red belt that was slightly darker than her top and minimal makeup on her face. She actually looked like she was going to a club. "Cute outfit, Alice. Where did you get it?"

She smiled wide and bounced a little in her seat, "I made it! Well, technically, I designed it and Bella made it. I don't know how to sew, but Bella is going to teach me. I couldn't afford to buy fabric, so we used old clothes that we tore apart and brought my designs to life!"

I was impressed to say the least, "Wow. Do you think you could make me something if I got the stuff?"

Everyone at the table had to cover their ears to prevent Alice's squeal from making them go deaf, "I could totally do that!" She turned to Bella as if remembering she would need her help, "What do you say, Bella? Please..."

Bella laughed at the excitable girl, "Yeah, we can do that."

Alice threw her arms around Bella's neck and squeezed before jumping out of her seat and running at me. I was barely able to stay in my seat when she plowed into me. For someone so tiny, she sure could pack a punch! "This is going to be so much fun!" The way her voice squeaked on the last word made me reconsider my request.


JPOV

For the first time since coming to this school, I enjoyed lunch. Emmett was the one to catch me walking towards History and drag me into the cafeteria. Old habits die hard I guess. I was glad he did though. It started out with Emmett, Jake and I, but by the end of lunch we had Bella, Alice, Edward, and Leah sitting with us. I thought I would be uncomfortable, but I wasn't. We all seemed to mesh well with each other and spent the entire time laughing and joking with one another.

When we split up for class, Emmett pulled me over to the seat in front of him and next to Bella. I hesitated for a second, but eventually caved. It's not like we have assigned seats or anything. When I felt something on my arm I flinched and rubbed at the spot. It happened two more times before I realized it was Emmett passing me a note. I waited for the teacher to turn towards the board before grabbing it.

Jake and I gotta work tonight, do you think you could drive Alice home for me? She doesn't have a car and I don't really want her to take the bus.

Admittedly, I was nervous to be alone with Alice. She was very pretty, and sweet, and I had a hard time talking to her. Maybe this would give me the courage to hold a conversation with her. I scribbled out a quick 'sure' before sliding the paper back onto his desk.


EMPOV

Jake and I were geniuses. I was surprised at first when he called Edward over to our table, but it clicked when I saw the look between him and Bella. That was when Jake caught my eye and I caught on to the plan. There had never been a party, but it was a good excuse to get him over to our table, and if we got a party out of hookin' these two up, I'm all for it. Watching Bella blush most of lunch was another bonus. She was so easy to tease.

The looks Jasper and Alice were sharing didn't escape me either. They were trying to be so slick, but nothin' got past me. That was when I decided to try my matchmaking skills out on them. I let Jake know what I was doing on our way to class while Jazz and Bella talked ahead of us and he agreed to help. When Jasper went to sit in his regular seat I grabbed him by the arm and pulled him over to sit in front of me. It looked like he was about to argue, but eventually caved. I wanted to put my plan into motion, and we wouldn't be able to talk at all in Spanish.

Scribbling out a quick note, I folded up the paper and gently touched his arm with it. Rather than take the paper, he pulled his arm away and rubbed it. I wanted to laugh at him, but decided to screw with him instead. I waited for him to set his arm back down before scraping the side of his elbow with the paper. He jerked his arm away again and even felt around for whatever was bugging him. Finally, when I scraped him for the third time he looked and caught sight of the note in my hand. Jake slid his own note onto my desk while I waited for Jasper to respond.

What did you write?

I asked him to drive Alice home because we had to work and I really didn't want her to take the bus.

She takes the bus all the time though.

I know.

I smiled as I sent him back the paper. He read my words and smiled back. That was when Jasper finally sent my original note back. I knew he would agree, now I just had to make sure Alice didn't get on the bus first.


APOV

I received so many compliments on my outfit today that my confidence was at an all time high, I was able to avoid the harpies which is always a good thing, and I had a bunch of new friends that I got to share lunch with. I don't think I could stop smiling if I tried. Ever since the assembly on Friday, things have been looking up for me. I feel so bad that it took someone dying for good things to start happening to me, but I'm grateful. If it weren't for Bree's words, I would have never jumped off that cliff, I wouldn't have been brave enough to show someone my designs, let alone wear them, and I probably wouldn't have become friends with Bella, Leah, and Jasper.

During my final period I as told to go see the guidance counselor. I was a little nervous about what he could want, but I was pretty sure I wasn't in trouble. When I got there he was seated behind his large oak desk with a folder open in front of him, "You wanted to see me sir?"

He looked up and waved me in, "Of course, Ms. Brandon. How are you today?"

I gave him a smile, "I'm good. How are you?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Just been busy with everything that's happened the last couple of days."

I nodded knowing he was talking about Bree's death, "How are her parents? Have you spoken to them?"

It was his turn to nod, "I spoke with them on Friday, and again this morning. It seems they've been contacted by one of our students mothers about setting up a cancer research fund in Breanna's name."

"Really? That's so nice of her. Maybe we could have some kind of fundraiser for it."

He shook his head, "While the school sympathizes, we don't really have the means to do anything like that right now."

"Oh," I muttered. Well if they weren't going to help, maybe she could find another way to help.

"What I wanted to talk to you about today was a local scholarship being offered."

I snapped my head back up to meet his eyes. He knew about my situation, and offered to help me find different ways to pay for college so that I wouldn't have to rely completely on student loans, "What kind of scholarship is it?"

He grabbed another paper off his printer and handed it to me, "It involves spending a week with a research group that is collecting samples of possible biomass materials. You would be expected to help with research and collecting the materials. At the end of your time you will be expected to submit a 2000 word paper on what you learned and the affects of this study on future energy production."

I was good at science, maybe not the best, but I knew my way around a lab. It would be pretty cool to be a part of a real research study, and if it would help pay for school then I was all for it, "How much is the scholarship for?"

"There are two scholarships that they are offering. The two students who are chosen will each be awarded $10,000 scholarships to the school of their choice. They have twenty slots open for the research study, and of those twenty, the two with the best essay will be chosen."

I read over the information he handed me while he talked and I could feel my excitement increase. I was going to do this, and I would win, "Where do I sign up?"

I was stuck in the counselor's office filling out the paperwork I would need when the bell rang. I knew I would end up walking because Emmett had to work today and the bus would be gone by the time I got out there, but I didn't care. I could walk the four miles to my house.

When I finally finished, most of the parking lot was cleared out. I skipped down the steps to start my walk when I noticed Jasper standing next to a newer truck. He was fidgeting and looked a little lost, "Hey, Jasper. Are you okay?"

He looked up at the sound of my voice and smiled. I couldn't help but love his smile. It was so warm and made me want to smile in return, "I'm fine. Emmett asked me to give you a ride home today since he had to work, if that's alright with you."

If I thought my smile couldn't get any bigger than I was wrong, "That would be great!" He opened the door of his truck and offered his hand to me so that he could help me in. Gotta love southern hospitality!