Claire: That's easy for you to say. You're not wading into the shark-infested water of 11th grade.

-Season 2, Episode "Four Months Later".

Part Two:

I stood in the door way staring at what lay outside.

Well, I thought, I'm sure not in Texas anymore.

I felt like yellow brick road had abandoned me at the Emerald City. I had never seen any place look so…green. Green grass, green leaves… everything else seemed to be covered in moss. And the sky…was there ever a cloudless day? Not so far since I had come here. There was always a constant drizzle, if it wasn't down pouring that is.

I already missed the Texan sun. I zipped up my coat a bit more.

Sandra Bennett (or I should now say Butler) was clearing dishes from the breakfast table. She noted I was still standing there and took it for hesitance. "Are you sure you don't want me to drive you?"

I shook my head. I knew the way and could drive myself. In a town this small missing the school would be nearly impossible. And the last thing I needed was my mom to take me. She would talk the whole time and fret, making me only more nervous. I love her but knowing her she'd probably cry or do something embarrassing like pointing out passing male students and asking me if I thought they were cute. I did not need that.

"Nah, I'm good. See you later." My hand searched my pocket for my keys as I stepped out the door. I wouldn't admit it but I was actually pretty nervous. Going to high school as a freshman was hard. Starting over as a junior in a town across the country with out knowing anyone, completely starting over, was even going to be harder.

I climbed in to my new truck, new being the optional word. It was new to me, my first car and all but it wasn't well, new. It was rusty and kind of old. I think it was made in the fifties. I don't know. I don't know anything about cars.

But I loved it any ways. My father was hesitant to let me drive it fearing it would break down or I'd get into an accident. I consoled him with the fact that (1) it was cheap, (2) I was indestructible after all so there really wasn't much to fear on my account.

And that native guy who sold it to us, Jacob I thought his name was. He was nice. Too bad he went to the school on the reservation. La Push was it? Anyways he would make a good potential friend. He reminded me of Zach.

See, I told myself trying to calm down my nerves. It wasn't going to be that hard. No one was going to bite me.

I pulled out of the driveway and headed out, the other car already gone. Noah had already dropped off Lyle at the middle school; he was in 8th grade now. Then he had gone off to his management job at the mill.

I smirked at the irony; first the paper factory and now a mill. At least this time he wouldn't be using the factory as a cover.

I spotted the school and turned on my blinker to pull in. A shiny silver Volvo cut me off. I grumbled as I then turned in. It was like they didn't even know I was there. And they went way too fast. Stupid driver!

I found a good parking space and pulled in. Breathe, I ordered myself, just breathe. I can do this. My father's words echoed in my mind. Act natural, blend in, and above all don't draw attention to yourself.

I got out and swung my school bag over my shoulder observing this new place. All the cars were old like mine I noted with approval. It was probably another reason why my father let me get my truck.

Expect for one wasn't, the silver Volvo. I shot it a look of disdain, the owner already gone. Probably some hot shot. God, some people just think they're above it all. Well screw them. I took a deep breathe. I couldn't let myself get worked up. A clear, calm thinking head was what I needed. No mistakes.

I wasn't sure which way to go so I followed the tide of students. They entered a building and I followed. I noticed a place with a sign over it reading Office and made my way over to it.

"Excuse me?" I asked the large red haired woman behind the desk. She stopped drumming her fake nail manicure on the counter and set her cheap romance novel down.

The woman looked up from her work, peering over her glasses at me, her eyes moving up then down taking in every detail. I shifted uncomfortably.

"You must be the new student Claire Butler." She said, still not taking her eyes off me as she automatically reached over to her side to grab some papers.

I nodded once slightly surprised she knew who I was. She had obviously been expecting me. How many new students did Forks normally get? I think I could guess.

"I'm Ms. Cope." The woman gave me a smile then handed me the paper. "I'll need to have you fill out this form out by all your teachers and it will have to be given back to me by the end of the day." She recited then also handed me my class schedule.

I thanked her and left to wander the halls glad to out of her line of view. I looked at my schedule than around me at the hall way and all the doors. Now where was my first-

I was never able to finish the thought. A tall pasty boy with light brown hair and eyes stepped in front of me. "Hi, I'm Mike Newton. You're the new girl, Claire Butler right?" He stuck his hand out to shake.

I let him then nodded cringing at his clammy hands. Did everybody know who I was? I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"What classes do you have?" He asked me eagerly. I pulled my hand away. It was a bit much. A memory flashed before my eyes as another high school boy eagerly took my hand. His intentions had been, well let's just say less than honorable. This boy wasn't him however, but he did give off a similar vibe.

"Biology 2." I answered hoping he would go away and stop giving me that look.

"That's great! We have the same class. I'll walk you." I sighed and followed him. At least this way I wouldn't end up wandering the halls searching for my room; not that the school was that big so the chances of me getting lost were slim.

The bell had rung before we entered our biology classroom. All the students were seated and were breaking off their conversation when the teacher would give them warning looks. Others did when they spotted the obviously much discussed new girl standing awkwardly at the front of the classroom.

Mike looked upset that there weren't anymore two seats together for us. I sighed with relief. He looked at one empty seat across the room then quickly chose the other seat.

The teacher turned his attention to me. "I'm Mr. Banner. You must be the new student Claire Butler."

I mentally sighed. How did my father expect me to blend in? I stuck out like a sore thumb, the new student, the kid from out of town. Every one here already seemed to know each other. They blended together perfectly. They even all looked similar, with pale skin from lack of sun and hair more on the darker side.

I, on the other hand, was petite, had long, golden, wavy blonde hair, bright green eyes and tanned skin, courtesy from my native Texan sun.

Nope, I didn't stand out at all.

"Could you sign this please?" I asked as I handed my form to Mr. Banner. He took it without even glancing at what it was for and signed it. Then he had me turn to face the class room.

Oh no! I mentally shouted. Please, no.

My wish was not granted as he introduced me to the class and began a little speech. I could feel my cheeks grow warm. It wasn't like everyone here didn't know who I was already. Apparently the news had already spread like wild fire. I should have expected as much in a town this small.

Eventually after a few uncomfortable minutes he began the class allowing me to take my seat. Mr. Banner indicated to the last available seat. "You may take the seat by Mr. Cullen."

I looked to where he pointed. My eyes met a pair of topaz ones. Anyways, I think that is what you'd call the color. They looked like warm butterscotch with flakes of gold in it or something along those lines. I've never seen anyone with eyes like that. They caught mine like a tractor beam. I couldn't look away. It was pretty unnerving.

I was quickly brought back when I heard a not so carefully muffled snicker. I looked to find the source, another class mate. She had pale blonde hair, barely there eye brows and fishy green eyes. I narrowed my eyes in her direction.

Nevertheless I realized I was still standing there like some freak (which I was but of a different sort). I quickly made my way to my seat ducking my head to avoid eye contact with this guy I had been gawking at. Okay, gawking is not good but seriously that guy had a very unique pair of eyes. I mean topaz?

I let my hair fall over, shielding my face to hide my bright red cheeks. I made a mental note to never cut my hair short.

I tried to focus my attention on what Mr. Banner was saying. I had become quite interested in biology and anything having to do with genetics recently after my discovery of my ability to regenerate. This should be a class that I was going to enjoy.

But right now I was finding it hard to concentrate. I was keenly aware of the presence next to me. I was dying with curiosity to get a better look at what else went with the eyes.

I was just getting up the nerve to sneak a peek behind my veil of hair when he made the first move.

He pushed his open text book over. A velvety voice spoke. "Here we are, on this paragraph." A pale finger came into my line of sight, lightly tapping a section of the page.

I turned my head to see the owner of the finger. It was of course the owner of the voice and eyes. My breath caught in my throat.

He was beautiful. He looked like an angel with bronze hair, alabaster skin and smoldering eyes. He looked perfect, like he was chiseled out of marble.

Just kidding, that is just how I would describe him if I was into using purple prose. I almost snorted at the thought (thank God I didn't). I should get into a creative writing class.

But he was pretty good looking but not in the generic good looking type guy way. His pale skin stood in stark contrast to his eyes and his rich bronze hair. It was a unique combination but worked for him. He pulled it off with flying colors.

I didn't really know what to say. The blush returned. Damn, I needed to stop that. I had an urge to smack myself, or preferably him with my notebook. How was I supposed to concentrate with him sitting there acting like a bored super model? I could just picture Jackie swooning over this guy like she used to over Brody. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.

He gave me a customary cursory glance, noting my silent flustered state. The velvet voice sounded again. "It is Edward Cullen by the way."

How did a voice manage to sound like velvet anyways? I needed a thesaurus.

I found myself nodding. I hesitated for a moment before adding. "I'm Claire Butler." I still found it weird to call myself that. I had to practice many times so I wouldn't slip. I wandered if he could tell that I was lying. I was a terrible liar.

Then I mentally kicked myself. Of course he knew who I was; I just got introduced in front of the class. He wasn't likely to forget since I just made an idiot of myself staring at him just now. And again I didn't know what to say. I felt like I was playing scramble with a jumbled dictionary.

"Here." I managed to say. Ah, one word, that's a start. I scooted my chair closer; very much aware of the close proximity this caused. I made another mental note to myself that I had to get my own set of textbooks. I pulled the book between us so we could share for today. It was common courtesy.

"No, you go ahead and use it. I'm familiar with the content." Edward said in a bored off hand tone, not even giving the book a second glance or me. Instead of seeming to listen to the teacher he stared out the window and the view it had to offer, which wasn't much, just the parking lot and the bleak weather.

I took the book back feeling slightly slighted. "Okay, if you're sure." I said quietly, not even certain he could have heard me. But he apparently did because he gave me a quick nod as he continued to gaze outside, seemingly lost in his thoughts.

I sighed and pulled out a notebook and pencil forcing my attention back to the lesson and not on the rather odd guy beside me.

The teacher asks the class a question. "Who said "In the struggle for survival, it is the fittest who win out at the expense of their rivals."?"

I scribble Charles Darwin down on my notebook page then lightly tap my pencil against it as I wait to see if any body will answer. I want to raise my hand but no one else is and I have to remain as seemingly as normal as possible, blending in.

I saw Mike and the dark haired boy by him both subtly try to turn and steal a glance at me. Another girl with curly dark hair scowled and turned to flick an impatient glance my way.

Yep, that's me, the freakish chameleon.

Mr. Banner gazes around the room waiting for someone to raise their hand. He drops a couple hints about evolution. The class just stares at him blankly. One smarter kid in the front row, the guy by Mike, starts flicking through his text book to see if it has the answer. I sigh, contemplating the long year ahead of me.

Mr. Banner turned to Edward. "Mr. Cullen, you wouldn't happen to known the answer would you?" He said in an exasperating tone.

Edward turned his attention from the window, focusing on the teacher after he said his name. "Charles Darwin." He answers in an emotionless monotone.

"Thank you Mr. Cullen, correct as always." He muttered the last part. "You'll have to tell me what teaching style they used with you up there in Denali." Mr. Banner gave a weary sigh as he turned his gaze back on the rest of the class. "Yes, it was Charles Darwin. He was…"

I steal a glance at him. I'm slightly surprised. I didn't think he had been paying attention. Edward's gaze flickered from the answer I had scrawled down in my notebook then back up at me. He barely arches one eyebrow at me then turns, looking back out the window. Now I feel foolish that I didn't answer but I'm not really sure why. I push it from my mind and try to concentrate on the lesson.

Did the girl ever breathe? I found it hard to tell. Talk about long winded.

"…and then I was all like oh my God, that is so last year. I mean can you believe it? And she was all like…"

I found I didn't have to participate in the conversation much, just a word here and a small inclination of my head there. I nodded at something else she said. "You don't say?" I asked secretly hoping she really wouldn't say.

I zoned out from what the girl was talking about. Her name was Jessica Stanley. She kind of reminded me of Jackie in a way, only she talked more. When she wasn't filling me in on the gossip of my new school she was batting her eye lashes at an oblivious Mike Newton.

Mike kept trying to capture my attention when Jessica would give it for a moment. Then there was Eric, the smart guy from biology class who Mike sat by. He kept trying to debate student government politics with Tyler, another guy in my grade who was excitedly sharing about the van his folks let him drive. Tyler was sitting by the girl who snickered at me, Lauren. She didn't really talk to me. I didn't like her much either, she was kind of a snob.

This tall girl with dark hair gave me an apologetic look from behind her glasses. Her name was Angela Weber. She was as quiet as Jessica was loud. I could see myself becoming good friends with her. She didn't seem to be sucked into all the high school drama and superficiality. I liked that. It was refreshing.

Sadly, I used to not be like that. I was a cheerleader, bright, bubbly and popular. During those times that seem so long ago, I remember how I used to try so hard to emulate Jackie, to fit in. But the experiences of that past year showed me that the world was not black and white, but more complex. There always were shades of gray that subtly bled into the supposed two distinctions.

Instead of worrying about what I would wear if a certain cute quarter back asked me to the prom I had to worry about my secrets being uncovered. Instead of worrying over perfecting my cheer routines I was more concerned about not having my head sliced open by a serial killer. I even had to come to wonder of my own father's trust worthiness during that time which was thankfully over now after he promised no more secrets.

I felt distanced from my peers. If what happened to me didn't; I'd probably be joking around with them now. But it did and I wasn't. Though I pretended, I felt I was never really going to fit inside. I was different, physically and emotionally.

It was almost surprising that people didn't pick up on it. It felt so obvious to me. That would require people to actually know me though and for that I'd have to open up and be myself. So, yeah that isn't going to be happening.

Jessica leaned in close and said in a conspirator voice. "Find any cute guys you like?" Mike had turned away but I could tell he was listening, wanting to know what I would say. Jessica shot him an annoyed look at his interest then looked back at me. "So?"

"No, none here are really my type."

My answer won approval from Jessica because she didn't want me having an interest in a Mike. Said Mike shoulders slumped slightly.

"Well I'm going to go get a lemonade." I stood up taking my tray with me to make my escape from an awkward situation. Awkwardness seemed to be following me around like my shadow.

"I'll come too!" Jessica leaps up to follow me. Looks like another shadow I can't seem to lose.

I dropped off my tray and headed toward the drink machine. I looked around the noisy cafeteria. My eye settled on Edward's table. He was sitting there with four others.

They all looked different from each other but the same as well. They were all strangely beautiful, they could all be models. They were even dressed like it. Their presence had this magnetic yet very distanced, almost alien likeness to it. I really couldn't put words to it but something struck me as off about this group.

The cafeteria was small, seating was limited. Why was no one else sitting with them? Were they supposed to be either super popular or freaks? Figuring out this new social system was hard. I hated succumbing to it but I knew I had to so I could blend in.

"Who are they?" I nodded my head in the group's direction. If anybody could tell me I'm sure it was Jessica. Most of the gossip obviously passed through this girl. I would want to keep her on my good side.

Jessica eyes lighted up at my interest, excited to share. "They're the Cullens. They moved here two years ago from somewhere in Alaska. They were all adopted by Dr. Carlisle and his wife Esmee. Emmett, the big guy, Edward and Alice the dark pixie haired one are all biologically related. Then Rosalie and Jasper, the two blonds are related."

I nodded encouraging her to go on. This was interesting.

"Rosalie is together with Emmett. Jasper is with Alice. Isn't it weird? It's like incest or something."

"Right, yeah…" I force a smile then nod as if to agree with her. My gaze drifted to Edward. Was he unattached then? That did seem odd.

He turned his head and stared back, his gaze unwavering from across the cafeteria as if I had called his name. I ducked my head embarrassed that he had caught me staring again again.

Smooth Claire, real smooth. But whatever, I didn't really care what the guy thought of me. I didn't really like his arrogant, indifferent look he always seemed to wear.

Jessica had caught where my gaze had been directed. "Don't bother. He doesn't date." She used this scoffing tone that I definitely caught, as if to say: "Girl, in your dreams." I wondered when he rejected her advances. Not that I could really blame him. Still I played along.

"Gay?" I asked, the words jumping out of my mouth before I could even consider where they were coming from. Edward really didn't remind of Zach at all though even if he was perfect looking and his pants were kind of tight. He seemed indifferent to not only girls but guys and pretty much everybody except his family.

Jessica gave me a condensing look. "Uh, yeah, must be." She gave an eye roll as she began to walk out of the cafeteria. I gave a weary sigh and followed her as the bell rang. I turned one last time to their direction but their table was already deserted. I frowned and moved on.

Sadly I had to take gym again. New student so I had to follow their district rules. I used to do cheerleading and that was okay. But gym, it was never much fun no matter where you take it. I couldn't do cheerleading as the squad was already filled. Besides I wasn't sure if I was ready for that. At least today, the first day, we actually didn't do anything expect going over rules in class.

The rest of the day was uneventful. I had seriously considered faking all the signatures on my form. Luckily I didn't have to. The other teachers didn't share Mr. Banner's introduction enthusiasm. I was able to return the form to Ms. Cope.

By the time I made it to the school parking lot it was filled with students. Mike ran up to me. "Hey, a bunch of us are going to the La Push beach if it is nice next weekend. Want to come?"

I wondered exactly what 'nice' weather qualified around here as. Still, it could be fun, and it wasn't a date but a group outing. "Sure," I agreed.

Mike smiled. "Great. Well, I got to go." He waved and raced off to join some buddies. I smiled a little and shook my head as I headed off to my truck. I got in, turned on the radio. I fiddled with it from the super poppy stations to something calmer, a little more to my tastes. I smiled as a song by Enya filled my speakers as I pulled out of my space. I was about ready to pull in to the entry way and turn out onto the street when once again the silver Volvo got there first.

Oh come on! I thought. Give me a break.

I slapped my steering wheel. Then my eyes caught a flash of the driver as they sped past. They, or should I say he, had bright bronze hair and pale skin.

A/N: Hmmm… Not really sure how I feel about this chapter; hopefully will get better further in. What do you think? Even if you hate it at least let me know why, in a nice way of course.

It made me laugh writing the part where Jessica comments how it is like incest that the Cullens are all dating each other and Claire is just right, yeah… If you're a Paire shipper you might get it though you may not think it is funny. I'm weird I guess.

Also one more thing. I really don't know how often I'll be updating. I'll have to see. Thanks for taking the time to read this! :)