Gran enrolled me in Mystic Falls High, and I would begin the following Monday.

After we finished, Gran and I went to the public library; I wanted to know if it was worth getting a library card.

They had a decent amount of books, and I decided to get a card; I could always get Gran a book or two. Gran got several books, all romance novels, which reminds me, I have to record all her soaps.

As Gran chatted with a local, I put our books in the trunk; I watched the townspeople.

The scene looked like something right from a Hallmark movie, it felt so warm and fuzzy, and I wondered why Renee and Charlie left Mystic Falls. They said it was too dangerous, but this place feels like Mayberry.

Maybe they told Gran while they left, or maybe Bonnie knows why.

I mean, she's probably lived here her whole life, and who'd know what the town's like better than a townie?

Or maybe some of the friends they had were still around; I'm sure someone could-

'Hey!' A male voice called, pulling me out of my thoughts.

It came from behind me; maybe there's someone up ahead, and they're trying to get their attention.

I didn't search for the voice; why bother?

'Hey!' They called again.

I looked around, unsure who I was looking for, though the breeze made it impossible to see; I was trapped in a tornado made by my hair.

'Watch out!'

Wham!

I ran into something metal, a bike rack, I think, and did full scorpion face-planted on the ground.

I believe the tip of my toes touched the top of my ears.

'Bella!' I heard Gran moan.

Several pairs of feet approach me, still in scorpion mode. I'm glad I decided to wear jeans; Gran wanted me to wear a sundress.

'Are you okay?' Two pairs of hands pulled me up by my arms.

'I'm fine.' I replied as they stood me up. 'Thanks.'

I turned to my saviors and found a guy and a girl.

The guy was a handsome young man standing at 6ft; he had baby blue eyes, short dark blond hair, and an attractive face.

He wore a red t-shirt, faded jeans, and brown boots. The girl was beautiful and about my height; she had long wavy brown hair and green eyes. She wore a black tank, a very short skirt, and black boots.

'No, problem.' said the guy. 'You don't look familiar; who are you?'

'Bella Swan.'

'I think I know you.' said the girl. 'Was your mother a kindergarten teacher or worked with kids?'

'Yes, but she didn't become a teacher until I was 6.' I said, surprised. 'We lived here in Mystic Falls until I was 4.'

'Was she a teacher's aid?'

'Yes, um, what's your name?'

'Vicki Donovan.'

Donovan, it didn't sound familiar.

'I was like 4, I think.'

'What is your mother's name?'

'Renee.'

I turned to the guy, who I assumed was Vicki's brother, because she was trying to get him to say something to me.

'Why did they leave Mystic Falls?' The guy said, finally, but I wasn't sure if he took the hint.

'I think I remember them saying something about it being too dangerous or something.'

'Too dangerous?!' Was their joint reply.

So the idea of Mystic Falls being too dangerous was also absurd to them.

It's not just me; something is sunny and dry in the town of Forks.

'Bella, are you alright?!' Gran rushed to me; her crane was afoot away.

She threw her arms around me, holding me tight; despite being an older woman, she had a firm grip.

'Gran! GRAN! I'm okay.'

'You took a nasty fall.' A voice behind us. 'Are you sure you're alright?'

I broke free of Gran and turned to face the voice.

It was a woman of about 5'1 with cocoa brown skin, almond brown eyes, and curly brown eyes. She wore long sleeve turquoise-colored tunic, blue jeans, and brown boots.

I found myself thinking about Bonnie.

'Yeah, I mean yes, ma'am. I'm accident-prone.' I assured her. 'I can and have fallen on my own feet. I'm Bella.'

'Yes, Marie told me all about you.'

'Marie? Right, Gran.'

'You used to play with my granddaughter and her friends.'

'What's your granddaughter's name?'

'Bonnie.'

'Bonnie Bennett?'

'You remember Bonnie?'

'She and her friends came over to welcome us.'

'Caroline Forbes and Elena Gilbert?'

So her name is Gilbert, maybe I didn't like her then either.

'I hope my granddaughter didn't-'

'No, Bonnie was perfect, but I think I hurt Caroline's feelings. Maybe Elena's too.'

I didn't care about her feelings, though.

'Don't worry about it.' said the guy. 'Elena's a sweetheart; she and Bonnie will talk to Caroline for you.'

Elena's a sweetheart; why do I get the feeling that's this town's motto?

"Bella, if you spend your life letting someone else's fight your battles, you'll never win a fight," I said in the best imitation of Charlie I could muster.

'What?'

'My dad used to say that to me.'

The memories of Charlie and Renee and the accident made me lose my breath, and I felt my knees buckle.

'Careful, careful.' Said the guy, who still hadn't told me his name, as he and Vicki led me to a nearby bench as Gran worried.

I wiped my eyes; no tears, thank goodness.

I apologized and tried to stand, but wobbling said no to that.

'Easy, child.' Mrs. Bennett said as she and Gran sat beside me.

'Accident prone.' I reminded her. 'I'd rather apologize to Caroline myself. My parents fought for me my whole life; I should try it myself at least once.'

'Your father sounds like a wise man.'

'He is.' I murmured, fighting back tears.

It's not fair.

'I just want to go home.'

'Maybe your dad- ow!'

I saw Vicki glaring at the guy as he rubbed his side.

'My parents are dead.'

I could almost hear the obligatory I'm sorry being hurled at me.

It was too much.

'Gran.'

Gran grabbed my hand and stood me up; Vicki turned to her brother.

'Matt, help them!'

'It's okay, dear.' Gran reassured.

'At least let us help you get her home, ma'am.' Matt insisted.