"Bella!" Alice Cullen exclaimed as she skipped into the cafeteria. "I have a surprise for you!"

Edward snickered and Bella elbowed him in the ribs. It didn't take a psychic to see what was in store for her. Alice had been shopping and had found the perfect outfit for her "Bella Barbie." At least it was only one bag this time. The last time Alice went shopping she came back with a whole new wardrobe for her fashion-challenged friend. It had taken Bella the entire afternoon to try everything on.

Alice dumped the bag into Bella's lap with an ear to ear grin on her face. "Happy birthday!"

"So this is why you missed history?" Bella asked. "You said it was an emergency!"

"It was an emergency!" Alice said as she held up a fuschia peasant blouse. "The new spring line came in today!"

Bella raised an eyebrow. It was a thirty-degree November day. She couldn't imagine wearing anything other than jeans and a thick sweater.

"Dad isn't going to be happy with you." Edward scolded. "You couldn't have gone after school?"

"Relax," Alice said. "I got him some new ties. That should smooth things over."

Although Edward and Alice were twins, they couldn't be more different. Edward had a perfect attendance record and loved anything to do with music, books, or science. In sharp contrast, Alice was the head of the cheerleading squad and preferred the mall over the library. In spite of her hobbies, Alice had a 4.0 GPA which bothered her brother to no end. The only thing the pair seemed to agree on was Bella. Bella was Edward's girlfriend and Alice's best friend.

"Bella," Alice said, ignoring the scowl on her brother's face. "I found the cutest new boutique. I got you a new bracelet." She handed Bella a small paper bag. Inside was a silver charm bracelet. Bella's favorite charm was a small heart that said "Sisters." There was no step or foster, just sisters.

"I saw it and knew that you had to have it." Alice pointed to her left wrist. "I have a matching one!" She pointed to a bead that resembled a broken arrow. "This one means peace, I think it's Native American or something."

Bella feared she would burst into tears on the spot. It was the best gift she'd ever received. Finally, after years of uncertainty in foster care, she felt wanted. Shopping trips aside, Alice was an excellent friend. She was kind, empathetic, and never afraid to go "mama bear" for those she cared about. There was no need for an army when you had Alice Cullen on your side.

A few weeks after they met, Alice introduced Bella to her twin brother at a school. While Bella had seen Edward in the hallway between classes, she'd never said a single word to him. All she knew was that he was Alice's twin and a "bit of a nerd." It didn't take long for Bella to fall head over heels for his laid back disposition and hazel eyes. She was terrified about what would happen when Alice found out. Much to her surprise, she was thrilled. If all went according to plan, they would be sisters for real someday.

"Here, let me put it on," Alice said and grabbed Bella's wrist. She frowned at the large purple bruise on Bella's wrist. "What happened? she asked.

"Nothing," Bella replied. "You know me, I've been known to trip over flat surfaces."

"That definitely doesn't look like nothing," Edward said. "You should have my dad take a look at it. It could be broken."

"No," Bella said. "I wouldn't want to bother your dad. It doesn't even hurt."

Bella's injury was her own fault. She knew better than to stay out after curfew.

She didn't want Dr. Cullen to come anywhere near her wrist. If he did then he'd call CPS. Bella would be taken away and sent to a foster home in another town. She'd lose her friends and have to start again at a new school...again.

As if her prayers had been answered, Mr. Cook entered the cafeteria. There was only one force at Forks High more formidable than Alice Cullen. His name was Michael Cook and he had no patience for lazy athletes. As far as he was concerned, the school would be better off without sports. Students belonged in the classroom, not outside running around like wild animals.

"Here comes Mr. Cook!" Edward hissed. "Better hide the goods!"

Alice threw the bag under the table and wedged herself between Edward and Bella.

"Good afternoon Alice," Said Mr. Cook, the Forks High history teacher. "We missed you in class this morning."

"There was a family emergency," Alice said. "I was heartbroken to miss your class, but my family needed me."

It was then that Jasper Hale, Alice's boyfriend, and reluctant shopping partner, approached their table. He was loaded down with what appeared to be enough clothing for a small army.

"I got the rest of the stuff from the car." He said to Alice, red-faced and out of breath. "Where do you want it?"

narrowed his eyes at the plastic bags. "I see your family emergency has resolved itself." He crossed his arms. "We'll discuss what you missed during detention after school."
"But I have practice!" Alice protested. "The team needs me!"

"You know the rules, academics come before sports."

"I trust you didn't grace the mall with your presence." Mr. Cook said to Jasper. "Unlike some people, you value your education."

"I was exactly where I was supposed to be," Jasper said. Bella noted that he didn't deny going to the mall.

"Good," Mr. Cook said with a nod. "I'll see you in class later. We're starting a new unit on the Civil War."

"I'm looking forward to it." Jasper laughed. "I might even be able to teach you a thing or two."

Jasper wasn't lying. He was the president of the school history club. He lead meetings, arranged field trips, and managed fundraisers. While Alice was doomed to detention, Jasper would more than likely get off scot-free. There was no way Mr. Cook would punish his favorite student.

Mr. Cook left and the table erupted into laughter.

"Busted!" Bella exclaimed.

Edward starting humming the tune of Elvis Presley's Jail House Rock.

"I'll wait for you, my lady!" Jasper cried. "Even if you're old and gray when you get out!"

"Shut up," Alice grumbled. "One detention doesn't make me a felon."

"But it will make you grounded," Edward said. "Dad will take away all of your credit cards."

"He wouldn't do that to me!" Alice said, her eyes wide with panic.

Edward snickered. "You'll be flipping burgers for Parada."

The bell rang and they all left for their classes; gym for Alice, band for Edward, and English for Bella and Jasper. Bella claimed her usual seat at the back of the room next to Jasper. Today's lesson was on the first chapter of Wuthering Heights. It was Bella's favorite book and she couldn't wait to share it with her friend.

Jasper leaned over and handed Bella a shoebox.

"Another gift from Alice?" Bella asked. "Haven't my feet suffered enough already?"

Jasper laughed. "Your feet deserve a purple heart."

Bella had been subjected to dozens of designer shoes over the last few months, each one was more uncomfortable than the last.

"This one is from me," Jasper continued. "I hope that you'll like them a bit more than those stilettos Alice gave you last month."

While stylish, the stilettos in question were not designed for life off the runway. One miss-step on the stairs had landed Bella in the emergency room. Her only injury was a sprained ankle, but she vowed to never wear anything with a six-inch heel ever again.

Bella opened the box. Inside was a pair of black combat boots made out of real leather. She loved the boots, but couldn't accept them. Alice was the child of a doctor and an architect. Her allowance was a whopping 2,000 dollars a month. A few new outfits were a drop in the bucket. In sharp contrast, Jasper was the child of a single mom. He earned his spending money working nights at a local bookstore. Taking his money was wrong.

"You didn't have to get me anything," Bella said as she attempted to give the box back to Jasper. "Having you as a friend is the best gift you could ever give me."

Jasper refused to accept the boots. "We both know that's a bunch of nonsense." he paused before adding, "You didn't let me get you anything for Christmas, so you have to accept them."

Bella sighed. Why was everyone so insistent on celebrating her birthday? That awful day didn't deserve to be marked with gifts and cake.

"Please, take the boots." Jasper begged. "You can wear them to the reenactment. "

Jasper was referring to a civil war reenactment that the history club would be attending on Friday. Bella had been skeptical at first. Why would the men of Forks want to run around in costumes while shooting each other with fake guns? Washington wasn't even a state during the Civil War. By the end of the day, Bella discovered the fun she had with her friends was well worth the price of an afternoon in an uncomfortable polyester uniform. The boots would be much more suitable than the battered tennis shoes she wore last time. She'd get him something equally nice come his birthday in May.

Bella headed for the music room after her last class of the day. Although she couldn't carry a tune to save her life, the cinderblock room was one of her favorite places on earth. She loved coming to hear Edward play the piano. If his plan of following his father into medicine didn't work out, the music teacher was certain he could play in Carnegie Hall.

Edward looked up when Bella entered the room.

"Hey Bella," He said with that adorable crooked smile. "I've got a present for you."

"Not you too," Bella said. "I don't need any more presents. Your love is all I need."

Knowing Edward, he'd probably spend his entire allowance on a gift for her. Anything was possible after the car he tried to give her for their six month anniversary.

Edward motioned for Bella to sit beside him. "I know how you feel about presents and promise that I didn't spend any." He opened the lid of the piano. "I wrote you a song."

Edward started to play. It was sweet, relaxing, and one of the most beautiful things Bella had ever heard. What had she done to deserve such an amazing boyfriend?

Edward hit a wrong note and cringed. He rubbed his temples and cringed.

"Another headache?" Bella asked. "Do you need to see the nurse?"

Edward had plagued with migraines for the entire semester. On some days the pain was so bad that he couldn't bear to venture into the sunlight. He said it was nothing to worry about, but Bella wasn't convinced.

"I'm fine," He said with a weak smile. "Let's get out of here. Alice has something to show you at the house."

Bella groaned. Of course, she wouldn't be allowed to go home and wallow in self-pity. She'd forgotten about the party Alice had planned for her. It was supposed to be a surprise, but Bella had figured it out when Alice asked if she preferred chocolate or vanilla. There was sure to be dancing, gourmet food, and a mountain of presents. While it was sure to be an introvert's nightmare, Bella would leave with memories that would last a lifetime. It was nice to have friends who cared enough to throw her a party.

Edward and Bella stood up with their fingers intertwined. They had only taken a few steps when Edward collapsed taking Bella down with him. His eyes rolled into the back of his head and he started to convulse.

Knowing it was essential to keep his airway clear, Bella rolled him onto his side. "Edward!" she cried. "Are you okay? Come on, wake up!"

This couldn't be happening again. Bella should have seen the signs. Ignoring the pain in her wrist, she scrambled to her feet. She had to get help before it was too late. She ran out of the room and hoped that the curse of Bella Dwyer wasn't about to claim another innocent victim.