I'll be totally honest here for a moment. If I was thirteen again and a die hard Twilight fan, I would say waking up as Bella Swan was a dream come true.

The only problem is, I'm not thirteen anymore. And honestly, I've grown up enough to know that there were some major red flags with Bella and Edward's relationship. Flags that a thirteen year old child isn't going to be mentally mature enough to realize isn't "romantic" or "true love".

I'm a twenty-three year old college student, about to finish my Veterinarian Technician Certification.

I don't want some silly YA romance, I want my life, however boring it might seem.

But you see, no one asked for my opinion. Not that I know who put me here, because for some reason, I doubt God had anything to do with this. Not unless he had one hell of a sense of humor.

So here's the sitch. I won't bore you with the minute details. I won't force you to listen to the dramatic moment when I woke up and wasn't in my bed. Or when the names and places started to click in my head and horrifying realization that I was in Twilight truly hit me. All of that is. . . honestly kind of cliche, so I'm just going to get straight to the point.

My name is Krista Matthews and for the foreseeable future, I am stuck in Bella Swan's coordinately-challenged body. Yay.

What am I going to do?

Great question.

For the moment, I'm going to focus on not getting killed by any vampires. I'm going to focus on not killing any teenagers (after all, it's not their fault they're all annoying - it's the hormones). And if I have time, I'm going to figure out what the hell is going on and how I can go back. Because there's no way in hell I'm spending the rest of my life as Bella freakin' Swan.

_._._._

"Are you sure about this?" Renee asked me, for the millionth time.

I tried to be good natured about it. For all of Renee's flaws, she did truly love her daughter. She was just. . . kind of bad at showing it.

"Mom, I told you, I want this."

She eyed me with heavy suspicion, "I know, I'm just waiting for the fever to hit you. I mean, you must be sick, that's the only way my daughter would actually want to move to Forks Washington."

I sighed, pulling my backpack strap back onto my shoulder. I could see the time slots updating on the screen behind Renee's head, so far the plane to Port Angeles was due to arrive on time.

"Honestly, I don't know if I'm going to enjoy it. Maybe I'll hate it. Who knows. But what I do know is that I'm almost eighteen and I hardly know my father. I'm not trying to blame you or him or even myself. But this is my last year of school and I want to spend this time getting to know my dad."

I had decided to change up Bella's story a little bit. Yes, it was a little sappy. But honestly? Charlie deserved a daughter who wants to know him and be a part of his life.

"Besides," I smirked at her, "I'm more than happy to get away from the honeymooners."

Renee rolled her eyes, "Since when did you get a sense of humor? I think you actually are sick, Bella. But if you're certain about this. . . "

"Which I am."

"Then I have no choice but to let you go," She frowned and I could tell the waterworks were about to start again. "What happened to my baby? I'm so proud of you, Bella. You've grown up to be such a bright, capable, and compassionate woman. I want you to know, if at any point you want to come home, I'm right there. Phil or no Phil."

She threw her arms around me and crushed me against her. I hugged her back, albeit not with nearly as much bone crushing enthusiasm.

"I love you, baby girl."

"I love you too, mom."

The clock on the screen behind Renee flashed and I knew I had to go so I gently disengaged Renee.

"I mean it, Bella. You call me if you want to come home."

I grabbed my suitcase and started walking towards the security gate.

"And call me! Every day. I want to hear about everything!" She continued even though I was rapidly disappearing in the crowd.

I raised my hand and gave her one last smile. To which she pressed a kiss on her palm and "blew" it to me. I smiled and turned my full attention to the line.

The anxiety I felt was actually building to full capacity. My hands shook just a little bit as I handed the TSA agents my passport and ticket.

This was it. After two months of living as Bella Swan in Phoenix, time during which I learned how to merge both Bella and I as best as I could, I was on my way to. . . well Bella's destiny. It was scary, even though I know the Cullen's are good vampires, and I know Bella survives everything that comes her way, I'm still unsettled by the fact that vampires exist at all.

In fact, part of me wants to turn around and take Renee up on her offer. But known danger is a whole lot less scary than an unknown danger.

The fact is, I don't know what kind of horrible things might happen in a universe where vampires exist. Especially since Bella's such a delectable scented individual. I didn't want to end up as any no named vamp's late night snack.

And while I'm thinking of it, gotta remember to add Italy to my "never, ever, ever visiting" list.

The flight passed faster than I expected and I only got a tiny bit airsick on the way. Thankfully I had Bella's iPod (weird being in a time when the iPhone didn't exist yet).

Which, sorry to get off topic, sucks. I was alive in the early 2000's but I wasn't a teenager. I was lucky enough (or unlucky, depending on your point of view) to grow up during the time of wifi and social media. What an unsettling realization that it was at least five to ten years away from being an actual common thing.

Anyway, I had my iPod, three hundred songs, and a heavily dog eared copy of Jane Eyre.

Bella was a little more macab in her taste for literature, but this was one book I could honestly say we shared a love for. And she mercifully had no copies of Edgar Allen Poe's works so for the moment we could get along just fine.

When the plane landed I could already see a distinct difference in weather outside. The sun had disappeared and a light drizzle was running down the window of the plane. I zipped up the front of my hoodie and mentally prepared myself for this dreary weather.

Charlie, bless his heart, was waiting for Bella as soon as I headed towards the exit. I could see him before he saw me, and noticed he was looking around, his face almost grim looking with his concentration.

I walked towards him and noticed the immediate shift in his expression. His eyes softened and a small, though genuine, smile peaked through beneath his mustache.

"Bella,"

I smiled back, "Hi, Dad."

He reached forward and for a quick moment we hugged. It was awkward, but blissfully short. He saved himself by grabbing my suitcase and quickly bringing a conversation up.

"How was the flight?"

"Not too bad," I held up the book, "Jane kept me company."

He nodded and we started walking towards the exit.

"How's Renee?" Charlie's question was as nonchalant as he was capable of being. But Bella and I were both well aware of how little Charlie had moved past Renee, despite being divorced for over a decade.

"She's good, she says hi."

"Good. . . That's good. "

We reached the car and our conversation died down a bit as he put my suitcase in the trunk of his police car and I got situated in the front seat.

So there's another thing Bella and I have in common. I am also awkward, but unlike Bella, I had been forced to learn and adapt to these situations. I could small talk the fuck out of someone when I had to.

So twenty minutes into our hour long car ride, I started asking Charlie questions. Mostly about things I knew he had an interest in. Like sports. And work. And fishing.

Which inevitably brought me to Billy and La Push.

"They're good," Charlie said, glancing at me with surprise. I guess he didn't think Bella would remember these details. "I'm glad you asked about them. They're going to swing by tonight."

"Awesome. It'll be nice to see them again," I said and genuinely meant it, but I had an irresistible urge to tease Charlie right now so I had to add on, "I bet Jacob's a real hottie now."

The slightly purple color on Charlie's face was well worth it. I laughed out loud.

"Breathe, dad. I'm just joking. Boy's aren't really my thing right now."

He immediately relaxed, "That's. . . That's probably for the best, Bella. I mean, Jake's a good kid, but. . . He's pretty young and so are you, you should focus on school. . . "

"I couldn't agree more, Dad."

I was by no means a genius when I was in school, but I had always done well. I knew how important getting a good job was and unfortunately that means going to college too. I wasn't sure how well I would do in high school for a second time, but I would definitely do my best effort.

But being the talk of the school as the new girl?

My anxiety was already spiking.

Thankfully we were pulling up in front of Charlie's home so I no longer had time to focus on it.

"Well speak of the devil. . . " Charlie said with a little smile when he noticed the two figures waiting on his front porch. "Looks like they came early."

He pulled in next to the truck and we both got out.

He was eyeing me excitedly and I couldn't deny him this.

"Whose truck is this?" I looked at the black sedan that I knew was Billy's and Jake's and then back to the truck.

"Well about that. . . It's yours!"

"Wait, what? Seriously?" I smiled, "Dad you didn't have to do this!"

I ran over to the driver's side of the truck and opened it up. I was glad to have a vehicle and I wanted to make sure I had the same level of excitement about it as Bella did in the books.

"Well. . . " He blushed a little, "I wanted you to be happy here."

"This is awesome. Thank you!"

"Don't just thank me, thank Billy and Jake. They're the ones who had the extra vehicle."

The two people just mentioned walked up to us. I slid out of the truck and smiled at them. "Thank you!"

Billy smiled back, "We're glad you're happy, Bella. Charlie hasn't shut up about you coming to stay with him since he found out."

"And honestly I should be thanking you, Dad wouldn't let me work on a new car when we still had the truck." Jake said, stepping forward, waving, "Hi, I don't know if you remember me, I'm. . . "

"Jacob," I finished for him, "I remember. It's good to see you again. So you fix cars?"

He was surprised but I could tell he enjoyed the attention. I would probably need to dial back my enthusiasm before I gave him the wrong impression. Knowing how he would feel for Bella in the future, I'd like to avoid any added hope. I was being serious when I told Charlie I wasn't interested in boys. I might be in the body of a seventeen year old, but mentally I was twenty-three. Having interest in teen boys was insanely inappropriate.

"Yeah, I actually fixed this one up. A whole new engine, it should run great."

"And if it doesn't, I know where to find a mechanic to fix it. "

He laughed, "That's me. The mechanic. "

Charlie and Billy were having a conversation of their own and weren't even paying attention to us. We followed behind them into the house.

"If you're interested in cars, I'm fixing one up right now. A Rabbit. It's wicked. "

"That's cool. I honestly don't know anything about cars, but I'm seriously impressed. I can barely fix a flat tire, let alone put together a whole car from scratch. "

"I've always had a knack for it, I guess you can say I'm good with my hands. My first love is bikes though."

Charlie overheard this part, "Ugh, those damn motorbikes. You better never let me catch you on one, Jake, especially at your age. I'm gonna ignore tonight, but it's a one time pass. "

"We got our permits early on the res, Charlie," Jake smiled and I found myself smiling too. His happiness was contagious. Even if he was a bad liar.

"Sorry Jake, I've got to side with my dad. Motorcycles are bad accidents just waiting to happen. "

"Bella," He feigned hurt, "Not you too!"

"Sorry,"

"You're every bit the worrier your old man is," Billy laughed, "If I remember correctly, Charlie, you had a motorbike when you were Bella's age. . . "

Charlie shook his head, "I was a damn idiot when I was Bella's age. Thankfully she didn't inherit that from me."

"Seriously? I had no idea you had a motorcycle, Dad. I thought you always hated them."

"Your dad used to be quite the wild child back in the day."

"Shut up," Wild and Charlie were two words that didn't mix. "My mind is blown right now. Why have I never heard about this?"

Charlie rolled his eyes, "It's not that interesting, Bells. Really."

The conversation shifted and eventually pizza was ordered. We watched the game in the living room and ate pizza. I had a genuinely good time, much to my surprise. Time flew by quickly and before I knew it we were up, saying our goodbyes.

"Really, Bella, you should come to the res some time. You'd love First Beach, lots of kids from Forks go. The res has bonfires pretty often too, they're a little corny but still pretty fun," Jake shrugged.

I smiled, "They sound really fun, Jake. I'd love to come sometime, just tell me when."

"I will," He walked out and Billy rolled up taking his place.

"I mean it, Bella. We're really glad that you're here to stay awhile. Don't be a stranger, okay?"

"I won't. Thanks for coming out, Billy."

After they left Charlie looked at me.

"Well you and Jake seem to get along well."

"Yeah, he's pretty cool. Hey do you mind going and getting my suitcase? I completely forgot about it."

"'Course, Bells."

I sighed in relief that he dropped the questioning without hassle. Knowing how bad of a gossip Charlie and Billy were, the last thing I wanted was Charlie to get it stuck in his head that I was secretly interested in Jake.

Charlie was back quickly, carrying my suitcase.

"Your room is upstairs, same as when you visited," He said and I followed him up, "I changed it some, got you new sheets and a dresser. There's a computer in there too. I know you kids really like them."

"That's awesome, thanks, Dad. You know you don't have to be so nice to me, right? I'm not gonna take off over something as silly as a computer or car."

Nor would I let the Cullen's convince me to hurt Charlie in order to avoid James. How I would deal with this future problem, I don't know, but I was definitely not doing what Bella did.

"Of course I have to be nice to you, Bells," He mumbled, "I want you to be happy here. I'm glad you decided to come, I've missed ya, kid. "

Once Charlie placed my suitcase down on the bed, I found myself throwing my arms around him. He was surprised by my sudden affection, but he returned the hug.

I leaned away, "I'm glad I'm here too, Dad. It's gonna be great. Really. "

It was not great. Really.

Not only did I have an almost impossible time trying to fall asleep. Thank you, Anxiety. But the constant sound of pitter-patter from the rain was slowly driving me insane. I only managed to fall asleep at around 2 AM out of sheer exhaustion. Which meant I got about four hours of fitful sleep and I was running late the next morning.

Thankfully Bella's skin was flawless so makeup was a non-existent concern. And pretty much everything she put on was flattering on her body type so I had no issues finding an outfit.

Did I mention how much I hated her? I mean, her life was basically perfect and yet the books are filled to the brim with her constant complaining. Like girl, being awkward and clumsy is not the worst thing in the world. But then again, she's a teenager and I doubt I had been fun at that age either.

I ran out the door in the morning, skipping breakfast. Charlie was already gone for the day. I jumped in the truck and pulled out.

Getting to the school was. . . a pretty easy drive. I was someone who had to rely entirely on google maps in my old life, so just winging it here now was an interesting experience. But Fork's is a small town and pretty much everything can be found on the same stretch of road. Although, the school didn't look much like a school at all.

For an area that had almost constant rain, they for some stupid reason had an open campus.

What exactly did the students do during a lightning storm? Just chill in the class until it was over? I guess if you were avoiding a shitty class that would be nice. But being stuck in that shitty class for an extended period? Ugh.

Thankfully, Bella was almost done with school.

I found a spot to park quickly, despite the parking lot being full. I headed into the main office to get my schedule.

I was greeted by a kind older woman with long frizzy red hair and thick rimmed glasses. She raised her head to look at me and smiled, "Can I help you, hun?"

"Hi, I'm Bella Swan, I'm here for my schedule."

"Oh!" She jumped up and started grabbing papers, "Charlie's daughter, how wonderful. I almost didn't recognize you, but you look so much like your dad. . . "

I nodded my head.

"Well here's the schedule and here's a map of the school. It looks like your first class is in building 2, so you'll want to. . . "

She gave me directions to the class and let me know the teacher was a good one and not to worry. Honestly, she was very kind, but at this point my anxiety just wanted her to shut up so I could get this day over with.

I managed to escape and got to the class, again with minimal difficulty. The students that I passed didn't seem to notice me, which was nice.

But that changed the minute I walked into the class and every pair of eyes turned to look at me.

"Ah," The teacher looked at me, "You must be Isabella. Please have a seat, I was just getting started. "

Jessica was the first girl to extend a hand of friendship, just like the books. I was hesitant about accepting it. I knew she wasn't a good friend, but at the same time I reasoned neither had Bella been.

So I ignored my misgivings and accepted her kindness.

I only had one class with her, but she helped me find my next class and even introduced me to Angela.

Angela had second period and fourth period with me, so we ended up walking to lunch together after our last class.

We made small talk through most of it. Unfortunately, she and I were both rather shy, so neither exposed much. She was sweet though and had a good sense of humor. I would enjoy befriending her.

Jessica and Mike were already at the table with food by the time Angela and I joined them.

Right. I forgot to mention Mike. So far I had the most amount of classes with him. First, third, fifth and sixth period. Naturally Mike was the one I liked the least.

He wasn't awful. . . just annoying. He had the same puppy-like enthusiasm as Jake, but I didn't have the same instinctual endearment for Mike Newton.

Or any of the guys at Forks High, of the living variety, at least.

At the table, the three of them introduced me to Ben, Eric, Tyler and Lauren.

Lauren, by far, was the least interested in me. She immediately turned to regrasp Tyler's attention.

Eric and Ben joined in on some friendly banter but eventually they too resumed their private conversation. From what I overheard, they were talking about comics. I had to resist the urge to join in their conversation.

Bella didn't own a single comic, nor was it in her character to even be intrigued by the idea of one. She was a bit of a literary snob, to be honest.

So instead, I focused on Mike, Angela and Jessica.

They were talking about classes and Mike had just brought up La Push. He wanted to plan a trip as soon as the weather warmed up some.

The cold chill in the air told me it would probably never be my definition of warm enough.

"What do you think, Bella? Wanna join us for a Beach Day?"

I smiled, "If the weather ever breaches the seventies, I will happily join in."

Now Jessica smirked, "Oh no, don't tell me the girl from Arizona can't handle the cold?"

"I don't know how you guys do it! I feel like an icicle!"

They all chuckled and looked at me with sympathy.

I think Mike had mentioned at one point how his family had moved here from California when he was a child, so I knew he could totally understand where I was coming from.

Mike looked behind me and his smile lessened.

"Guess the Cullens decided to grace us with their presence today. "

"Who?" I pretended to not know and turned to get a look at them.

They were. . .

I'm not even sure. Even though I knew to expect them, I'm still kinda thrown off. They're all just so. . . pretty.

Rosalie was the first one my eyes were drawn to. Her beauty was one that radiated and demanded your attention and she definitely knew it.

Emmett, the closest to her and by far the most physically imposing, was the next I noticed. He was currently crumpling up paper and throwing it at his siblings. Mostly Jasper.

Jasper looked like he was in pain. Sympathy for him filled me, taking me by surprise. Jasper was a character who had a genuinely interesting backstory and I liked him. But for the most part, I didn't pay much attention to him in the books.

Alice was next. She had been sitting next to Jasper but now she rose. With such grace she could almost be mistaken for a ballerina.

And finally. . . Edward.

I felt an immediate reaction to looking at him, much to my annoyance.

Jessica, who was sitting next to me, also turned and answered my question.

"Those are the Cullens and the Hale siblings. They're beautiful - and perfect. But don't bother, they're all together," She leaned closer, "Like together together. "

"Huh,"

Slightly disappointed by my lack of reaction, she leaned back and continued, "Well except for Edward, but apparently no one's good enough for him. "

Her miffed attitude told me leagues about her.

Edward looked over at us and I froze when our eyes met. I felt like a deer in the headlights.

Apt reaction too, considering I knew he would resist the urge to murder me next period.

I forced myself to break eye contact and turn back to the table. Knowing he could see and hear me, I decided to fuck with him a little.

I shrugged, looking at Jess, "Maybe he's gay. "

Mike nearly shot milk out of his nose as he laughed so hard.

Angela was scandalized, "Bella!"

"What? There's nothing wrong with it. Love is love. More power to him. "

Jessica leaned back, with a thoughtful look on her face, "You know? It would make sense. "

The rest of the lunch passed by uneventful, though I could feel Edwards gaze burning a hole through the back of my head.

It was unsettling, but the most unsettling part was that I wanted to turn around and return his gaze.

The books are right. Everything about vampires is made to draw you in. Even their gaze.

"Alright, Swan," Mike stood from the table, "Ready for biology?"

"As I'll ever be. "

Apparently I was not ready. I had forgotten my book in my locker so I had an opportunity to put on perfume I had bought for this day. It smelt terrible. Hopefully enough to cover my natural scent.

I actually felt bad for Cullen (and anyone else in a five foot radius of me).

I barely made it back in time for the bell to ring. Just as I had expected, every seat was filled, except for the one by Edward.

Mike caught my eye and mouthed sorry, to which I just smiled.

I did my best to just ignore Edward, but I could tell he tensed when I sat down. I did too. My heart was pounding in my chest as the adrenaline kicked in.

I wanted to bolt, but instead I just kept my chair as far from him as possible. He did so too. We probably looked ridiculous, nearly falling off our chairs to distance ourselves.

I also made sure to limit how much I moved during the class. I didn't want to end up sending a strong wave of my scent his way if I didn't absolutely have to.

The time passed horrifically slow, but it did pass and I was still alive at the end of it. Edward bolted out of the door before I could even process it.

I immediately relaxed. Now all I could do is pray he didn't decide to follow me home and murder me without witnesses. Maybe I could invite Jessica and Angela over?

. . .

No, I couldn't put them in danger like that.

"Damn, Swan. What'd you do to Cul-" Mike stopped and immediately covered his nose, "What is that smell and why do you smell like my grandmother?"

I grimaced, "Sorry, I forgot I had an old bottle of perfume in my backpack and it spilled over everything. "

"You should burn that backpack," He laughed.

"Whatever, one more class and we're free. "

Edward wasn't at school the next day or the day after. On and on until a full two weeks passed. His siblings, like it said in the book, continued to come, but no word of Edward.

Part of me was relieved, another part was. . . disappointed? The guy wanted to eat me for dinner and I was disappointed he wasn't here to do it?

Now I'm just frustrated with myself.

I spent the two weeks getting to better know the lunch group.

Angela, of course, was the sweetheart.

Jess was always willing to talk about herself so there was never a dull moment with her.

Even Mike had grown on me. His immaturity was annoying, but I think I was becoming desensitized to it.

I tried befriending Lauren, but Tyler's sudden interest in the new girl left Lauren spurned and looking for someone to blame. I guess the new girl is as good a person to blame as anyone else.

I sat down in the first period behind Jess. She swung around before my butt even touched the seat.

"Edward's back. "

The words sent a jolt through me, which I tried to ignore, "Oh, okay. Was he sick?"

"He had the flu or something, I think, I don't know. "

"Well, I'm glad he's back and feeling better. So how was your night? Did Mike call?"

This was enough to distract Jess until the teacher began class.

I tried to focus but the anxiety was back now with Edward's reappearance. Which is stupid. I survived the first day, which means he can control himself enough to speak to me. The most dangerous part was past until the nomads arrived.

But I just wasn't ready for it yet. Couldn't he have stayed in Alaska a little longer?

The next class was easier. It was with Angela. We had recently realized we had the same taste in television.

"Did you watch last night's episode?"

"Of course!"

"Puppet Angel is soooo cute!"

"I know, right?"

We giggled and continued discussing the episode.

Being friends with Angela was fun and easy. She wasn't one to gossip and neither was I. We shared similar interests and enjoyed each other's company. It was nice. But our classes always passed so quickly so before I knew it, it was lunch time.

Just as Jessica said, Edward was back sitting with his family. I was determined not to look at him, but the only seat left at our table faced directly towards the Cullen's, meaning I got a clear view of Edward. My eyes wandered every so often to look at him but each time he was looking at his family, his lips moving.

I wondered briefly what they were talking about, but forced myself to focus on my friends instead.

When the bell rang and Mike stood up, he looked at me with confusion, "You comin', Bella?"

"Ugh," I groaned, "Do I have to?"

"I mean. . . we could skip?"

The hopeful look on his face spurred me to stand. Biology here I come.

"No, we shouldn't. Today's that lab, remember?"

"Oh, right. Maybe tomorrow?"

"Yeah, maybe?"

Somehow we managed to get to class before Edward. I had my notebook set out in front of me and I was looking over the notes.

The seat next to me squeaked as Edward pulled it back. I kept my focus entirely on my notes.

I pulled self consciously on the rope bracelet around my wrist. I had soaked it the perfume during one of my bathroom breaks. It wasn't as strong, but I hoped it was enough to help.

"Hello. "

His voice took me by complete surprise. I looked at him, and his golden colored eyes set me at ease.

"My name is Edward Cullen," His face was friendly, open, a slight smile on his lips. But his golden eyes were careful.

"I know. "

The words slipped out before I could stop them and I wanted to kick myself.

"I'm Bella," I quickly added.

"I know."

He used my own words and from the slight sparkle in his eyes I could tell he was teasing me.

I grinned, "It's nice to finally meet you, lab partner. I heard you had the flu, that sucks. If you need to borrow my notes for the past two weeks, they're all yours."

"Thank you, that's very kind of you."

"Sure, sure."

I had to look away. His gaze was too much. I could almost feel him trying to read my mind. Luckily Mr. Banner started class. Basically the goal of the lab was to separate the slides into the phases of mitosis they represented and label them accordingly. We had twenty minutes and we weren't supposed to use our books.

I was pretty confident in this. I had taken plenty of biology classes for my vet tech certification.

"Ladies first, partner?" Edward asked.

I looked at him and he smiled a crooked smile that tugged at my heart just a little, but then I remembered he wanted to eat me and I ignored his pretty face.

"Sure thing, partner."

I studied the slide briefly, but was confident in my assessment, "Prophase."

"Do you mind if I look?" He asked as I began to remove the slide. His hand caught mine to stop me. His fingers were ice cold.

"Wowza, your hands are cold. I have a pair of mittens in my bag if you want to wear them?"

I was being facetious, but he didn't know that.

"Sorry," He said, pulling his hand back, "Thank you, but that won't be necessary. "

He continued to reach for the microscope. I watched as he examined the slide for an even shorter time than I had.

"Prophase," He agreed.

He wrote down the answer and then swiftly changed out the slide. He took a short look at the slide.

"Anaphase," He murmured, writing it down as he spoke.

"May I?"

He smirked and pushed the microscope to me.

I looked, knowing already that Edward was right, but I felt like it was necessary to give him a dose of his own medicine.

"Anaphase," I agreed, pushing the microscope back towards him.

We went through the lab quickly, writing down the answers as we went. We were finished well before anyone else. Which left us a lot of down time, that I spent nervously playing with my bracelet. I could feel him looking at me with that same inexplicable look of frustration.

I really wish he'd stop trying to poke around in my head, it was really rude.

"Your eyes look different today. Are you wearing contacts?"

The question was merely to get him to stop focusing on my protected thoughts and bring him back to reality.

He seemed puzzled by my question, "No. "

"Oh, sorry, I just thought your eyes were darker last time. My bad."

He shrugged and looked away. I could see his hands were clenched into fists.

Mr. Banner came over to see why we weren't working. He looked over our shoulders at the completed lab and then started to check the answers.

"So, Edward, didn't you think Isabella should get a chance with the microscope?"

"Bella," Edward corrected automatically, "Actually she - "

"I identified three of the five, Mr. Banner," I could speak for myself so I did.

The teacher looked at me now, his expression skeptical.

"Have you done this lab before?"

"No," I had done one similar before, but it was long ago and honestly I didn't like his condescending attitude, "Why? Is it supposed to be hard?"

Mr. Banner had a look of being done with all this, "Well I guess it's good you two are lab partners then. "

He walked away and I went back to pulling at my bracelet.

"So. . . What do you think of Forks?"

"It's. . . fine. "

Was it this question all over again? Hadn't I answered this enough on my actual first day?

"Fine?"

For some reason, I felt the urge to tell him and his simple question was all it took to release my pent up feelings.

I turned, taking him by surprise as I leaned forward.

"Cold. It's always cold. And wet. I mean, does it ever just stop raining? And the snow, ugh. " My mind drifted to the snow that had thankfully melted before the end of the day. I had no interest in avoiding a snowball fight that Mike had been planning.

I think he found my rant amusing. Well I'm glad I could be of service to him.

"If you don't like the cold and wet, why did you move here?"

"Do you want the flippant answer or the serious answer?"

"I prefer the honest one."

"Good choice," Only not, Cullen. Because the truth is you'd think I was insane. So instead, I'll give him the same tale I gave Renee.

"Truth is, it's my senior year, I'm almost 18 and I barely know my father. So I thought, why not. Mom has Phil, she'll be fine without me, so I moved in with my dad. In the cold, wet, and rainy Forks."

"Phil?"

"My step dad. They just got married."

"And you don't like him?"

I cocked my head, "I didn't say that. I don't really have an opinion on him. He's nice enough. He's a good counterbalance for Renee. I mean, my mom. "

"Counterbalance?"

"Well, mom can be a little. . . scatterbrained. She forgets things, like bills and dry cleaning. Phil on the other hand, keeps track of that stuff really well. So I'm not worried about leaving her on her own. And this way she can travel with him, so everyone's happy."

"Everyone? Even though you're unhappy?"

"I am not," At least, I don't let people see it. And I'm more upset about being stuck in a universe that isn't mine and a body that definitely isn't mine. He didn't seem convinced so I continued, "Sure, I don't like the weather, but I've met some really cool people and I already feel closer to Charlie. "

"You're not like other people, are you?" He murmured, watching me closely. His golden eyes were soft.

"I'm just like everyone else, Eddie. Nothin' special here. Sorry. "

Our conversation was brought to an end by Mr. Banner. He began explaining to the class about the phases and how to identify them. I was irritated that he expected students to do something without the aid of their book and also without having taught them himself. What kind of shit teacher is this?

Class ended and just like the first time, Edward was up and out the door before I could even process it.

Mike was all too happy to take his place.

"That was awful," He groaned, "They all looked exactly the same. You're lucky you had Cullen for a partner. "

"Pft," I laughed, "Cullen was lucky to have me. I'm a kick ass biology partner. "

"Cullen seemed friendly enough today," He commented as we put on our coats. He seemed sour about it.

"Was he?" I feigned ignorance.

What was with people asking all these personal questions? My life wasn't any of Cullen's business and my interactions with Cullen were no one else's business.

If Mike noticed my evasion, he didn't comment on it. In fact, he started chattering about something else. I only paid partial attention. Like I said, Mike was nice, but he was exhausting sometimes to be around. Like Jess.

P.E. wasn't helpful either. I enjoyed it about as much as the real Bella Swan did. Mike was a dear though, and offered to be my partner in the game. All in all, the day wasn't that bad.