I stood in my bedroom and stared at the mirror. My long red-ginger waves flowed down to my waist, and my chocolate brown eyes stared back at me with so much anxiety and weight inside of them.

I was trying to decide on an outfit for my first day of school, and I had no idea how to dress. I had never been around people before. Not other than my family. Starting school later in the year would make me less conspicuous as a transfer student, so my parents chose to send me around March.

I had thrown on some blue combat boots with pink flowers all over them, paired with a blue off-shoulder jumper and some black jeans. I felt comfortable and certainly prepared like this, but was it normal for a teenager to wear. I scrutinized my appearance for a long time before I was interrupted.

"Ness?" I spun around to see Jacob standing in my doorway.

I wondered if he wore different things when he was at school. I had never seen him in anything other than a vest and shorts my whole life.

"You okay?" He asked me with care in his face.

I felt myself break a little bit.

"Yeah. Just nervous." I told him, turning back to the mirror and pulling at my clothes.

I could hear his footsteps come up behind me, and felt strong hands on my shoulders.

"You sure you want this?" He seemed more anxious than I was.

I smiled at his reflection, seeing he was worried for me. His dark eyes were full of fear.

"Yes. I was just wondering what other people wore to school."

He laughed at my inquisitive mind. No one understood what it was like. They all got to have normal childhoods. I didn't.

"I wore jeans and a hoodie." He told me bluntly.

I gasped in a dramatic way, my hand on my chest.

"No shorts?" I asked in horror.

He nudged me playfully, rolling his eyes. "Yeah yeah. Very funny."

I was laughing at his annoyance. I turned to see him playing with his nails. It was always something he did when he had a lot on his mind. I picked up my backpack and squeezed his hand.

"I'm ready for this. Please trust me." I pleaded.

He was staring directly into my eyes and I felt this tight pull in my stomach drawing me in.

"I do."

Letting go of his hand, I walked out of my bedroom, Jacob at my heels.

As I descended the stairs I saw the remains of my family gathering around the table.

Carlisle and Esme, my grandparents, had moved to Alaska with Alice and Jasper, my aunt and uncle. Their lack of ageing had drawn too much attention and they worried they would get discovered.

All that remained were my parents, and my other aunt and Uncle, Rosalie and Emmett. They heard me coming and quickly stopped whispering, knowing I could hear them extremely clearly.

"Good morning sweetie." Aunt Rose greeted, collecting me in her arms and kissing my cheek.

Her blonde curls tickled my nose as she held me. I always saw her as a second mother. She was just as involved as my own parents, and I knew she valued our bond.

"We were just talking about your first day." My father's tone was full of torment.

I simply rolled my eyes. "I'm ready for this. Okay?" I tried to convince them. "I know my background story, my name and I don't plan on standing out more than I already will."

All five of them looked unsure, their golden eyes staring at me with concern as Jacob's dark eyes looked terrified. I groaned and grabbed a croissant from the table before walking towards the door. I picked up my car keys and pulled on a fluffy, black jacket.

As I pulled the sleeves over, I revealed my bracelet from Jacob for a moment, before quickly covering it again. Turning to say goodbye, I smiled confidently.

"I know you all love me, but I'll be okay."

"You're only 6 years old, Ness." My mother tried to reason, which only angered me.

"Most 6 year olds don't have fully formed bodies and the mental capacity of a 20 year old."

They would never understand how much I needed this. And they would never see me as what I am. An adult.

"I promise I will call at lunch, okay?"

Jacob's eyes were still fixed on my wrist, making my face redden. I couldn't go without that bracelet. It was my lifeline.

They all agreed, before watching me walk out of the door. Jacob caught up with me and walked with me to the car.

"Promise me you'll call me too." He pleaded.

I could see how much it meant to him, so I agreed. He pulled me into a tight hug. He smelled so comforting, and their were hints of pine in his t-shirt. Both of us simply stood in the forest for a moment, holding each other.

Finally, it was me who pulled out of his embrace.

"See you after school at Grandpa Charlie's?" I tried to lighten the somber mood.

He gave me a very small smile and nodded, letting me get in the car. I started my engine and quickly left down the roads through the woods to the main traffic. I knew if I looked back I would lose my nerve.

As I barrelled down the highway, I tried to focus on the day ahead of me.

I could do this.

I was normal too, right?