'I'm an English man in New York. I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien' -Sting

Chapter II

The Stranger

It felt so good to be driving my Bentley. I hadn't driven it fo soo long, it felt as though it was my first time driving it. I had driven at an extreme speed all the way from the airport to Forks. We were now around 10 minutes away from Penelopé's humble home. Actually, more like modern, sleek home. Not cosy, at all, unless she changed it from the time that I haven't been in America.

''So, how's Claude?'' Oh God, anything but that question. You see, Penelopé doesn't know why I am really here. She just thinks I came to visit her. And Claude? Well, he doesn't know I'm here either, because whilst I was making plans in London, he was in Italy, being held captive by my friend Nicola Van Dyke, to distract him whilst I was here, on this mission. I had to practicaly beg Nicola to do it for me. She said the only reason she would do it for me, is because I was one of her closest friends, and because she owed me one, after a...er...incident, that I shall not be mentioning any time soon. So basically, at this very moment, my boyfriend is probably hunting or something with Nicola and her boyfriend Oliver.

''Umm, Claude? Uh...he's fine.'' I managed to say, trying to take my mind off him.

''Well, why didn't he come along? I mean, didn't he miss me too?'' She asked, putting on a funny two year old kid look.

''No, no. It's nothing like that. He just...er...wanted to go to Italy for abit, to visit Nicola and Oliver, for abit you know? He got homesick. Haha,'' I laughed nervously.

''Oh good. That's good to hear, it's just that you two are so attached to eachother, it's like your joint at the hip or something. I'm surprised to see you two apart. But it's a good thing, atleast you two can now have a bit of space, so you don't get bored of eachother.''

''Yeh, you have a point there...'' I driffted off, as my memory started to play back, remembering the way to Penelopé's mansion. We started to enter a long, outstretching road, which lead to a row of massive houses, surrounded by tall pine trees, willow trees and oaks of the sort. I drove up the slightly hilled road, towards Penelopes driveway which lead inside her front yeard. I drove up the cobble stoned path, took out the keys from the engine, and stepped out into the fresh, cold air. I heard chuckling behind me. I turned around to see Penelopé smiling at me.

''Well, what do you think?'' She asked.

''What I've always thought. Marvelous.'' I replied, gawking at the beautiful mansion which lay before me. I started to make my way towards the door, when it suddenly opened, to reveal Penelopé's husband, Luciano di Benedetto. Luciano always struck me as being higly Posh. In other words, the golf course type of dude. But it suited him perfectly, with his olive complexion, and golden curls.

''Ahh, Giselle. How are you my dear?'' He asked, his 100 watt smile stealing the sun's job.

''Bonjourno Luciano. I'm good. How are you?'' I asked, with a stupid smirk.

''Good, as always. Come in, come in.'' He ushered me in, as Penelopé grabbed my suitcase and followed behind me into the massive entrance. My massive Versace bag just clung there against my shoulder, as I gawked at ceiling which held a grand chandelier. It was new, because they never had a chandelier before.

''You like?'' Penelopé asked.

''I absolutly love it. It's gorgeous.''

''I still can't get used to your British accent Giselle,'' Luciano laughed.

''Well, you'll have to, because I'm here for 2 months darling.'' I replied, winking at him.

''Haha. You still have the Giselliness though,'' Penelopé added ''now follow me up to your room. Up, up, up.''

She started to push me up the stairs, as Luciano said goodbye, as he was leaving for a business meeting. He was a lawyer, so he was always busy. I felt sorry for Penelopé at times, but Luciano and Penelopé are my idol couple. They're my inspiration. The perfect life. They love eachother more than life itself, and they are always there for eachother.

Penelopé lead me down the second floor corridor, past different rooms. Finally, we reached at a white door, which looked older than all the other ones. The paint was slightly chipped, and the silver brass handle had lost it's shine. I remember this room. I remember very well. This was the room in which I had stayed at, on my first visit to Forks, which was about 20 years ago. I opened the door, and entered the grand room, which held and exquisite balcony, with French windows, and sheer white curtains which draped from the top, to the floor. I walked up to the four poster bed, and dropped my bag onto it, then headed for the French windows, where I opened them to let in the fresh air.

''Well, we haven't changed much, but we thought it-'' Penelopé began, but I shushed her by placing a finger to my lip.

''I like it just the way it is,'' I whispered, taking in the fresh flower scent which came in from the lavish garden outside.

''Well, I'm glad you do!'' She said, letting out a sigh of relief.

''Well, it brings back alot of memories you know,'' I smiled, trying to hold back tears which stung.

''Aww, baby. Come here,'' She said, as she wrapped her arms around me in a motherly embrace. Ever since my mother died, Penelopé has been like a motherly figure to me, as well as my best friend. Allthough she's only four years older than me. Me, being the overly emotional vampire slash slayerette, I started to cry. That's one of the slayer traits I hate the most. Unlike vampires, where they can't cry. But I take pride in being half a slayer, because it's like my mother is always part of me. With me.

''Do you want some coffee to make you feel better?'' Penelopé offered. Slayers can drink and eat, because they're like humans, only they live for an eternity like Vampires and have extra powers. And are stronger. I think. But, because I am half Vampiress, I can't eat, or drink, but the thing with me, is that, whenever I smell coffee, I fall in love with it all over again. I just love it. So I drink it. It don't do me any bad, apart from making me higly addictive, that is.

''Yeh, sure, '' I sniffled, as I rubbed my eyes onto my black hoodie. She placed her hand on my back, and led me back downstairs.

I sat on a stool, on the black marble, kitchen island. Penelopé started to make some cappucino for the both of us.

''So, do you have any plans for here?'' She asked.

''No, not really,'' I replied innocently. She doesn't have a clue though. Haha. She served the steaming coffee into two white coffee mugs, and sat opposite me.

''Well, what do you think of the idea of enrolling into a new school? There's this really good school here in Forks. I thought maybe you could use a bit of friendship. You know?'' She suggested.

''Well, that sounds pretty cool,'' I said, warming up to the idea. I took a sip of my coffee, but as quick as I did, I spat it out. Because that's when I realised what she actually meant.

''What is it hunny? Too much sugar?'' She asked baffled.

''No. The coffee is fine. The enrolling to a foreign school bit? Yeah. That's not fine one bit,'' I said, getting up to grab a towel to clean up the babyish mess I created.

''Well, it was just a thought, cos you know. This town is pretty isolated and that. And you would need friendship here. Alot. I too won't be here all the time hunny. I'm gonna be at work. You forgot about that?'' She reminded me, as I swiped clean the marble top.

''No, ofcourse not. But, it's just that...what if like...let's say...there are werewolves at that school. Cos you know, you told me once about how this area is home to those ancient creatures..blah blah blah,'' I said, sitting back down.

''Well, that's not true. Actually, there aren't no werewolves there, just a vampire family. The Cullen family. I'm sure you'll get along with them. Make friends with them, arrange outings. Their father who 'adopted' them, is the town doctor. His exepertese to the maximum,'' she winked. I thought about it for a moment. And since I didn't want her to fins out that I'm on a mission here, I'm sure I could do with a bit of cover up, and make new friends so that I won't always look like I'm up to something. Right?

''Ok, fine. Just on one condition though,'' I replied.

''Shoot,'' she smiled.

''If I don't like it there, I don't have to go. And, you let me take my car to school. Ok?'' I asked, rasing an eyebrow.

''Fine. It's a deal,'' she said, shaking my hand.

10:00am.

I had all my stuff ready for the first day at the new school. God, just watch when people start asking me about London, or probably thinking I'm related to James Bond or something. Maybe even William Shakespeare.

I put on a pair of black drainpipes, my white converse, a purple t-shirt and my black Roxy hoodie. I straightend my black hair and fringe, then tied my hair back into a high, sleek ponytail. I applied on some eyeliner, grabbed my bag and shades and left the house. No one was in, as both Penelopé and Luciano were at work. I was going to be quite late for school though, I mean, I got ready two hourse after school started.

As I drove off, I tried to remember the route Penelopé told me to take earlier on. I remember her saying something about making a U-turn at the end of the road, and taking a right on the first exit. Then continue straight. I eventually found the school, allthough, I could not see it at first, as it was tiny compared to my school back in London, which was like Hogwarts compared to this. Secondly, it took me about 10 minutes to find a parking space. I eventually found one empty space inbetween an old red truck, and a silver Volvo, by the looks of it.

When I stepped out of my Bentley, I came to face a couple of students which were standing outside-bunking by the looks of it- what looked like the Office, and gawking at me. Jesus, I'm going to have to get used to this? I put on my shades, so I could pretend I never saw them starring, and walked right into the office. The woman at the desk seemed pretty pleasant, but the minute I opend my mouth to speak, a very arrogant, know it all look spread across her face.

''Hello, I'm new here-''I began, but was rudely interrupted.

''Yes, may I take your name please?'' She asked coldly. Jeez, evil to the foreigner much?

''Yes, um, my name's Giselle Valerio. My...er...sister, Penelopé di Benedetto signed me in, I think.''

''Yes, that's right. Here's your timetable for the day, and a map. Have a good day.'' With that, she quickly handed me a map of the school, and a timetable. She must be having a bad day. Gosh. I feel so bad. Not.

According to my timetable, I had Biology first in 274. I walked down a corridor of classrooms, following the number patterns on the door. I finally managed to find my classroom. Hallelujah. I opened the door, and stepped into a full class, with the teacher in the middle of saying something. I removed my shades, and tried to put on a smile.

''Hello. May I help you?'' The man teacher asked.

''Um, yes. I'm new here, and on my timetable, it read that I should be here.''

''Oh yes. Your Giselle, am I right?'' The teacher asked.

''Yes. I am supposed to be in this class, aren't I?'' I was starting to get worried.

''Yes, yes. Ofcourse. Come in, and let me introduce you,''he smiled. I think I'm going to like this teacher.

''Class, this is Giselle Valerio. She's a new student all the way from London. Please make her feel welcome,'' he then looked at me and whispered, ''go take a seat anywhere you want.''

I looked around, to find the only seat available was next to this greasy haired boy. But as I made my way past, to sit next to him, a boy in the class caught my eye. And not only because of his extravagant, auburn hair. But because he was a vampire. I know a vampire when is a vampire. And he sure didn't look human. I caught his eye for a second. His topaz eyes burned into me for a second, but I cut it short by looking away and taking a seat next to Greasy Hair boy. I think that vampire guy could tell I was a vampire.

''Hi, my name's Eric. Welcome to Forks,'' Greasy Hair boy smiled. Oh, so his name is Eric.

''Hi, I'm-'' I started.

''-Giselle. Yeh, we all know. It's a small town Giselle,'' he said, as though he had some pity for me.

''Oh...yeh. I know that. Haha. How silly of me,'' I laughed, very fakely might I add.

''No, not at all. Your new after all,'' he replied.

''Oh, I've been here before, about 20-I mean, 2 years ago,'' I added quickly, before he thought I was some weirdo.

''Oh. That's...cool..yeh-'' but he never got to finish, because the teacher cut in.

''Eric, I know you want to get to know the new girl and all, but please listen.''

''Oh sorry sir,'' Eric replied, and he sounded like he meant it.

''Sorry Eric,'' I apologised. I mean, the poor guy shouldn't take all the blame. He seems like a nice guy.

''Oh. don't worry,'' he smiled.

At that moment, the bell rang. Finally. I looked at my timetable, to find that I had...break? Oh, yeh. I nearly forgot. I missed two lessons today...because of my lateness.

''Do you need help to find the canteen?'' Offered a very cute, blue eyed, baby faced boy.

''Um, yeh sure,'' I smiled at him.

''I'm Mike by the way...so, your from London huh? That's pretty cool,'' he smirked, leading me towards the canteen. I think.

''Yeh, I am. But my dad's Italian.''

''What about your mom?'' He asked.

''I don't have a mum. She died when I was one. But she was Italian too, if your wandering,'' I replied in a flat tone.

''Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it in that way. I'm sorry to hear about that,'' he said, with sympathy. Whatever.

''Yeh, it happened time ago,'' actually, more like 170 years ago or something.

''Anyways, we're here,'' he said, opening the doors to the canteen. The minute I entered, a waft of different aromas hit my nose. I absolutly hated the smell of food ever since I was changed to half vampire. Even food itself, actually.

''Come eat with us,'' He offered, pointing to a table which was packed.

''Um, actually, I think I'd prefer to eat by myself. I mean, there's alot of people on your table,'' I said, trying to get out of sitting on a crammed table. I'm quite clausterphobic.

''Ahh, don't worry. They won't mind. We'll make some space for you,'' he winked, and immediatly led me to his table. The minute I arrived at the table, about 4 pairs of eyes looked up at me.

''People, this is the new girl, Giselle Valerio,'' Mike introduced me. A girl with big, beautiful eyes and a very pale complexion smiled at me and introduced herself.

''Hey, I'm Bella, nice to meet you.''

''Nice to meet you too, Bella,'' I replied with a warm smile. Then a girl with wild brown hair just gave me the dirtiest look ever, and a girl with blonde hair just said 'Hi, I'm Lauren,' and Eric ofcourse just said 'hi'.

I took a seat inbetween Mike and Bella.

''How comes you don't have any food?'' Lauren asked.

''Well, I'm not hungry. Had a huge breakefast this morning,'' lie, so what? Sue me. And that's when I started getting bombarded by compliments, questions and dirty looks, from what people called her, Jessica.

At the end of the day, I made my way towards my Bentley, but I stopped. Because right infront of me, about a few feet away, that vampire boy was standing there starring at me. And he had company, by the looks of it, family. A vampire family. I'm guessing this was the Cullen family, by what Penelopé told me. Next to the gorgeous, auburn haired boy, was a curly black haired, more muscley guy, and next to him was a total blonde bombshell. Next to her was a short, but very slim pixie like girl, and towering over her was a handsome blonde guy. I also noticed that next to that auburn haired boy, was Bella, and they, by the looks of it, were a couple. Like the rest of the family. They just all looked so loved up, but not at this moment, where I was being shot daggers at.

And that's when I got angry, and when I get angry, negative energy forms up into balls of energy, which levitate above my hands. I've learnt to control myself though, but not this time, and I think they caught the slight spark of red fire at the tips of my fingers, and the hunger in my eyes. Because I had not fed for a whole week. And when I don't feed, and combine that with my anger, I get very dark red looking eyes.

I simply stormed of towards my car, revved up the engine, and sped away.

I had competition baby.