They say that you will never forget your first love. Well, in my case, it's hard to forget when you've got scars that keep reminding you.

My heart is still pulling together when I see the crescent-shaped scar on my arm. It may be faded over the years a lot and you would not see them right away, but for me, it is still clear to see.

It's been three years since the incident at the dance studio. Three since Edward left me alone in the woods.

The depression that I fell into had shielded me from everything and everyone, but the whole overthinking had opened my eyes. All the pain wasn't worth it. HE wasn't worth it.

The rose-colored glasses had hidden so much from me and now that I had clear vision again, I realized how naive and stupid I was. How could I give up everything for a guy who turned into a walking disco ball in the sun?

Now I was in control of my life again.

After I finished school, I stayed initially in Forks and worked as a waitress before I had enough money to afford an apartment in a larger city. It wasn't enough to afford anything in Phoenix, but Renee had found me a cute little apartment in Mystic Falls, which was exactly in my price range.

Although I had to move across the country, the change of scenery was probably exactly what I needed at the moment. I also found a job in a convenience store that was very close to my apartment.

It was a quiet job. It was probably also due to the fact that I mainly do the night shifts, as nobody else wanted them.

I spend the whole night alone in the store, but it's always very relaxed. Usually, only teenagers, insomniacs, and those who either go to work themselves or are on their way home.

Often no one comes into the store for a long time and I would either read a book or watch a series. During this time I have already finished whole seasons and half the library.

Today was another quiet night. Mondays were always quiet and very eventless. On days like this, I could read an entire book without any problems.

That day I had 'Interview with a Vampire' with me. For a long time, I avoided anything vampire-related, but I slowly ventured back into the subject and the fact that these vampires were so much different from the Cullens made it a lot easier.

I was just at the scene in which little Claudia was transformed (I had to admit that it made me a little jealous, but then I remembered that Claudia was still a child. The idea of spending all eternity in the body of a five-year-old was a bit off-putting) when I heard someone walk into the shop.

I looked up to see a man with jet black hair and a black leather jacket. He had very pale skin and if I hadn't known any better I would have thought he was a vampire. The only thing that convinced me otherwise was the fact that I saw him outside on a sunny day. But he had the same mysterious aura that Edward had.

I kept my book open but watched him over the edge. I had to make sure he wasn't causing any trouble.

He crossed the store in quick, safe steps. His movements were so smooth and elegant that I was beginning to doubt. He didn't move like a human but like a predator. At best I would compare it with how Victoria had moved. Beautiful and dangerous.

He took a six-pack of beer and on the way to the checkout, he grabbed a bag of potato chips.

I put my book aside and got up from my chair to scan his products. He didn't pay much attention to me until he saw my evening reading lying there. A slight grin crossed his face. "Vampire fan or classic lover?"

Both, I almost wanted to say, even though it would be half a lie. I wasn't really a vampire fan now, I was more of a vampire ally.

"Classic lover," I said with a polite smile. His aura screamed danger and I didn't mean to accidentally upset him. After all, I was still undecided whether he was really human, but I probably wouldn't have a chance either way if he tried to attack me.

He cocked his head and looked me straight in the eye. His piercing blue eyes seemed to look straight into my mind and soul. My heart started beating faster, adrenaline shot through my veins, and I was ready to either run or defend myself.

His grin widened and I could see his fangs. Is he testing me right now?

I took a deep breath but kept eye contact. "$ 22.45," I said with the same polite smile, trying to calm myself down.

He blinked and looked at me in confusion. His grin vanished.

"Your total sum would be $ 22.45," I kept smiling and pointed to his purchase. I knew what he was and he knew I knew. If the situation doesn't escalate, I would have a chance to survive the night.

The vampire continued to look me in the eye as he took out his wallet. His gaze was a mixture of confusion, amazement, and curiosity. He held out a fifty-dollar bill.

"Keep the rest", his gaze wanders to my name tag and back to my eyes. "Bella."

The way he pronounced my name sounded like a threat, but also like an invitation. Only I did not know to what. I took the bill and my fingers briefly touched his. A normal person would have flinched at the surprising cold, but I'd been so used to holding Edward's hand that it hardly bothered me.

He gave me one last smile before taking his things and walking out of the store.