Introductions

Bella's POV

I drove the truck to school the next day, pleased to see that it blended in with the other cars there. I had overslept and arrived shortly before the bell first bell rang. Everyone was looking at me; the new girl, a curiosity.

I pulled the hoodie of my raincoat up to cover my hair and hide more of my face while I kept my eyes down. This immediately felt wrong. I was supposed to show more confidence. I walked quickly to the shelter of the school and threw the hoodie back; walking towards the office. Everyone still stared, I blushed and worked harder to keep my face up and open.

I did not see any of my family before lunch. The other kids at the school introduced themselves and welcomed me. Some tried to befriend me, others were just polite. The boys stared. Their attentiveness made me feel uncomfortable. I knew it was necessary for me to keep my distance from them, but in a school so small I wondered how that would work. Phoenix was much bigger and I mostly went by unnoticed. One girl was particularly loud and mean. I played along and focused my thoughts on what was happening in the moment to avoid thinking about my minders and future family.

.A bubbly girl with big curled hair walked me to the cafeteria talking non-stop about everything Forks. I didn't pay her much attention; she seemed to like the sound of her own voice. I couldn't help to look for my family when we entered the cafeteria, unlikely as it was that they would be there. They were seated at a table in the far corner, looking away from everyone. There were trays of food in front of them; pretence. Without much thought, I excused myself from the girl who had caught sight of where I was staring and walked towards my family's table.

I was unsure who was who by name. I could only guess at Edward since he was seated alone while the others cuddled together. All turned towards my direction when I was halfway through. It was clear I was walking towards them. I also took note that the noise level went down quickly in the large cafeteria; and guessed that the student body was staring at me behind my back. It was a usual reaction; people stared in shocked silence sometimes when I was with Nhalia and Kali in public. I swallowed all nervousness and greeted them, speaking very low.

"Hi all, my name is Bella. May I join you?"

I asked, taking them all in. They were stunned to silence for a moment.

"No,"

The blonde girl refused coldly. I expected some resistance from them but her coldness stung just the same. I watched her for a moment before turning my head slightly towards Edward who sat opposite her.

"May I sit here?"

I asked, pointing to the seat next to his. It was his response that was important to me. He slowly stretched his hand, pulling the seat back for me to sit while staring at the blonde girl. I worked hard not to stare at him and keep my excitement quiet.

He was beautiful, like I expected.

This was my mate and he was accepting me in his company.

I hung my bag over the back rest and took a seat, fully aware that all attention was on me. My back was to the rest of the cafeteria and I was thankful for that. I looked at their trays full of food and turned to Edward;

"May I?" I asked.

He spotted a fleeting smile and passed me his tray. I started eating after thanking him.

"Why didn't you get your own food?"

The other girl asked. I shrugged my shoulders and let them drop, thankful that my mouth was full as I thought of what to say.

"The line is long and most people here are making me uncomfortable with all the attention. I don't like it."

I answered her. They were still quiet, watching me eat slowly.

"May I ask your names?" I chanced.

"I'm Alice. That's Edward, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett." She introduced, pointing to each one.

I made eye contact with all of them around the table and smiled courteously. Edward's eyes had turned black. I studied him for as long as was polite. He was not thirsty. I worked hard not to stare at him too long. Jasper's expression blank. Alice was more open and calm. Rosalie looked angry. I looked at her a little longer than the others, making sure there was no challenge in my stare; but refusing to be bullied. Emmett was smiling.

"Pleased to meet you all."

I figured I would tell them what I knew if they asked directly or just wait for them to tell me. One thing was certain; I was not going to walk away from my rightful place - not when I had finally arrived.

I turned my head to watch Edward who was staring at my profile curiously. I wondered if he could hear my thoughts and looked for some reaction to what I had just thought. There was none. He just kept staring. I gave a slight smile and dropped my eyes to continue eating.

The silence dragged on. It wasn't uncomfortable, save for Rosalie's obvious displeasure.

"Where did you live, before you came here?"

Alice asked. I gathered she was trying to make conversation.

"In Phoenix, with my mom."

I answered politely, stealing another glance at Edward.

"Why did you come to Forks?"

Edward asked quietly from beside me. His voice was smooth and melodic, I sighed quietly before I answered.

"My mother got married, so I decided it was time to live with my dad. I wanted to give the newlyweds some space."

I gave them my practiced answer. His forehead was creased in concentration and then he huffed quietly a moment later.

I didn't understand. Was he disappointed with me?

"Why did you specifically want to sit here?"

Alice asked as gentle as was possible, trying not to offend me.

"I'm more comfortable here."

I answered truthfully. I had been raised by two vampires and was more comfortable around them than any human; my mother included.

My eyes strayed to Edward again. He was still staring at me.

"We are not comfortable with you here."

Rosalie's unwelcoming voice matched her cold stare. I met he eyes again, making sure to be unchallenging for a long moment. I was buying time, deciding how to answer.

"I understand that is how you feel. Do you all feel the same way?"

I asked them all though my question was specifically to Edward. I didn't turn to look at him, afraid of what he might say. From my peripheral I saw his lips vibrate and waited patiently while they debated amongst themselves.

The lunch Bell rang just then, stopping all conversation. I got up and took my bag, glancing at the timetable and map.

"I've got Biology now. It was nice meeting you all." I stated in way of goodbye and walked away.