AN: Welcome old and new readers, this chapter has been beta'ed by Adam's Gurl, enjoy ~Hannah
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, just play in the sandbox. I take claim for my original characters and fictional fey world only.
Warning: In this story Renee is not a nice Mother to my OC. There are no 'singers' but I have adopted the concept of 'mates' similar to imprinting but slightly different. This is an Edward/OC story; I haven't decided who Bella will be paired with yet. Due to my MC's upbringing she is outgoing and seems strong but she suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, has low self-esteem and self worth. If any of the book characters seem OOC to you - that's because I struggle with Twilight as so much of the books annoy me. This will be a slow progressing story, not an instant 'oh my gosh you're made for me, let's get married and have babies' thing and Charlie will be a lot more involved in the supernatural world.
Chapter Two – First Impressions
"Yo, Bella. Get a load of this disgrace of a building they pass off as our school!"
"What are you talking about, Ella?"
"Just look at it! Who designed this building? They had zero inspiration. At least our old school looked appealing. This looks like a concrete prison."
Bella chuckled. "Only you would become distressed by how our school looks."
I giggled. Bella always rolled her eyes at my behaviour but I knew she loved it. This was how we were supposed to be: me - bubbly and excited, and Bella - shy and relaxed.
"Sorry, Bella. I'm just really excited; like you said, this is a new start."
Bella linked arms with me.
"Well, I'm terrified. I hate new places, you know talking isn't my strong point. Urgh, it's early and people are already arriving. Come on, let's head to reception."
I knew Bella was very nervous; I could feel her arm shaking against mine. I wish I could give her a big boost of confidence. She deserved it, I cannot think of someone kinder than she. Wishing on the stars above that were hidden by grey clouds, I wished for my sister to find some peace in Forks, a place to belong with friends to look after her. I wouldn't leave her, even if we had other friend's we'd always be twins.
The receptionist was an old podgy woman with wispy white hair. I knew we weren't going to get along from the first time I laid eyes on her.
She squealed. I kid you not. It sounded like a stranded whale being attacked by a cat.
"Oh you must be the Swan twins - aren't you adorable. You are different though. I thought twins were identical."
There is more than one type of twins, idiot woman.
"This is just a glamour so people can tell us apart. Without it, we're completely identical…"
The woman looked at me blankly while Bella nudged me in the side.
"Oh you're so funny, hehe, that was a good joke."
I facepalmed – seriously, they hired this woman to be a receptionist…my heart weeps for humanity.
"You must be Isabella Swan and Ella Swan." She said pointing first at me then to Bella.
Wrong.
"It's actually the other way round. She's Ella and I'm Bella, never Isabella."
"Bella and Ella, that rhymes!"
I felt Bella's grip on my arm tighten. Dammit, she knew I was going to hit the woman.
"Well here are your schedules, enjoy your first day."
Practically running from the room, I tried to control my anger. I hate stupid people; there is no need to be that airheaded. None at all.
"Do we have any classes together?" I asked Bella.
She had our schedules and was already cross-referencing them.
"Just Algebra, Biology and Chemistry. Did you know they've put you in AP English Literature and Music?"
I shook my head.
"They didn't ask if that's what you're implying. I just took the test like you did, they use that to place us in classes."
"I'm glad they've put you in those AP classes, maybe you'll actually learn something this year. It's annoying that we don't share as many classes though."
"I'm sorry Bella. We'll still have lunch together though."
"I know; I'm just so used to having you stand by my side in everything."
"Bella, I'm not going anywhere, ever. You're my twin, I couldn't survive without you."
"Back at ya, twin." Said Bella chuckling to herself.
It was amazing how we could bring out the best in each other; that we could bring out parts of us that were hidden from others.
I suddenly yanked Bella towards the main building, walking quickly and making her stumble several times.
"What's with the running and the painful grip, Ella."
"You didn't see that boy over there. He had 'welcome committee' practically stamped on his forehead. I just saved you from an awkward conversation."
She rolled her eyes but thanked me nonetheless.
The last thing either of us needed was to be subjected to all the typical high school clichés. That included the welcome committee, people asking us why we are so pale, people asking us why we aren't identical and people asking if we could speak telepathically to one another.
For a small school, there seemed to be a bigger social divide than our old school, which had been much better.
Supposedly every school was different, one school could be a bullying torment while another could be a popular retreat. Personally, I think all schools are the same - same people, same clichés - the only difference is the building itself. And occasionally the food.
Perhaps rambling in my head about school systems and how bogus they are wasn't exactly a good idea. Bella was looking at me weirdly.
"Don't zone out on me like that, you look like a spastic starfish."
I giggled. 'Starfish', funny.
"Sorry Bells. We should head inside, I have a feeling we are going to be bombarded with questions all day and I'd like to avoid that as much as possible."
Bella nodded in agreement, both of us got annoyed by people who asked continual questions like they were suffering from word vomit.
I had been right; I mean it was such a cliché that I couldn't have been wrong about it. From the moment the first class started to the moment the teacher appeared, it was like Bella and I were on a game show from hell. I knew I should have written an article on the two of us and stuck it up around the school - it definitely would have been a better alternative to this.
I don't have much patience with stupid people - just people in general - and by the end of the class, I wanted to punch at least three of said stupid persons. Of course, I would never follow through with the threat; I'd end up injuring myself.
"Bella, why didn't you take Fine Art with me?" I moaned.
Rolling her eyes, she responded, "For the same reason I don't take music classes, I suck at it and you know it."
I pouted. "I'll miss you."
Smiling she gazed at me in a way only twins can muster. You can tell a lot from the way a person looks at you. I knew Bella was telling me that she'd miss me also. It was good for us to have some classes apart, even if I didn't agree. Bella knew I needed to find myself and I wouldn't do that if she was constantly glued to me. Though I wouldn't much mind us being glued together for eternity.
"It's not like we won't see each other again. Lunch is after next period. You can ramble on about how amazing your Fine Arts class was and I'll even listen to what you say."
For Bella, that was a good bargain. Usually, she tuned out when I talked about art, so it was a big thing for her to willingly listen to me prattle on.
"OK." I sighed in resignation.
She smiled at me as she walked away down the corridor and once she was out of sight, I turned and walked in the opposite direction from her.
The annoying thing about Fine Art classes, the layout wasn't the generic two desks side by side. Instead, there were a collection of round tables that could hold up to five people and could be easily pushed to the sides if other equipment was required. It made everything look more intimidating.
Most of the tables were full and even though I might be making a new start, my new start did not land on a crowded table full of people whispering about the new girl. Instead, I chose a table with only three other people on it. I could already see the separation of high school life at work here.
Sitting and looking at me in wonderment were two girls and a boy. The first girl was short with spiky hair and gave the impression of being like a china doll but from the glint in her eye, I knew there was much more to her than what met the eye. The boy sat next to her, the devotion in his eyes speaking of a high school love that was rare in this day in age. He looked slightly pained to be in the room and I immediately felt sympathy for him. He probably suffered from anxiety or something - I could relate to that. The other teenagers at the school probably took his quietness as social rudeness, I suspect that's why they were shunning him at least.
The third person and last girl at the table was again short and had hidden beauty. She wore large glasses and I could tell that she used them as something to hide behind, almost like a mask. She was sitting with the other two but also apart from them, I couldn't tell whether they were friends or not.
"Hi, I'm Ella. You've probably already worked out I'm one of the new girls, you've probably already met my twin, Bella." I said awkwardly.
My heart thumped in my chest – I never liked introductions, they made me feel bare, exposed.
"I'm Angela. I just had English lit with your sister. She's a very nice person."
It was the girl with glasses who had spoken. Glasses = Angela, right.
"Yeah, she's quiet and I'm loud but I wouldn't trade her for anything."
I turned to the other two hoping they weren't going to ignore me. The girl was already beaming at me.
"I'm Alice and this is Jasper. Don't mind Jasper, he doesn't talk much."
"You have anxiety right? Lots of people make you nervous?" I said, unsure of what prompted me to be so bold in what I said. "It's OK, I get it."
"See Jasper, I told you she'd be fine." Said Alice.
Just then the teacher walked in. "Alright juniors and seniors, today I want you to begin constructing a picture of a vast landscape. It can be a landscape you've seen or a landscape of your own creation. You are only to pick one type of drawing style. We'll take this project through the next two weeks with us and see what the end results are."
I'd been listening to what the teacher had said, though honestly, she could have been a little clearer. However, I was confused by her reference to juniors and seniors.
"Fine Arts combines both Juniors and Seniors because the class is so small and if you're taking Music Appreciation, it's done on skill and talent. AP Music Appreciation is for people with extreme talent and it's also a combo of juniors and seniors." Said Alice, like she'd sensed what I was thinking without me saying it.
I got a vibe from her, it wasn't a bad vibe or even a weird vibe. It reminded me of the connection I have with Bella but it was slightly different somehow.
I nodded "Thanks, I was confused."
In my opinion, the class went too quickly. I'd only just begun sketching out my landscape in pencil, then I was going to use acrylic paint as my medium. I'd chosen to create my interpretation of a fairy glade and already knew the piece would be impressive when done.
"Do you want to sit with us and my siblings for lunch?" asked Alice.
She looked so hopeful that I actually felt guilty about turning her down.
"Can I sit with you tomorrow instead? I don't mean to be rude but I don't want to leave my sister alone on our first day at school. Also, it would give you a chance to warn your family, I wouldn't want to tag along and have it be too awkward."
I smiled, hoping she wouldn't take offence.
"OK." She said cheerfully, not phased at all.
She waved and hugged me as she skipped off, dragging Jasper along with her. She kind of reminded me of a little pixie or fairy. Maybe even an adorable little elf.
I moved towards the canteen with Angela by my side, she was a good person. I hoped I'd be able to count her as a friend. It seemed she was heading to the same table I could see Bella sitting at. Immediately I knew that Bella was uncomfortable with the seating arrangement. I hurried to take the chair next to her before a rather annoying – and weaselly – looking boy could snag it. It seemed that whatever school you went to there was always that one person that wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.