A/N: Hello everyone! I'm back from the dead. My first college class presentation went fabulous, I actually feel ok about my AP Calc exam, and my second college class presentation, while short, went well. AP Physics was… well… ok that was a bitch. Senior project presentation went well, even though I was really nervous, and I got my paper done on time. Now that my college classes are done, I get out of high school at either 10:45 AM or 12:45 PM every day.

Calculus will be much easier since I don't have the AP exam to worry about anymore, and my teacher already said that we won't be doing much in class. Physics will be way easier. I still have the Regents exam for that, but after the AP exam, it'll be a breeze. Seriously, though, the AP was a bitch. Ugh. 4 hours of torture. I couldn't even finish a whole Part Two question. Oh well.

Anyway. Once June 28th hits, I'll be able to update WAY faster than I have been. I'm moving to Kansas for 7 weeks and… really, I have no idea what I'm going to do to keep me busy. The mall in the town is shit, and it's in the middle of nowhere. So I'll probably be on my laptop that I'm getting graduation a bunch. :)

Thank you for all the reviews, story alerts, and favorite story adds. I appreciate them like no other. So seriously? I heart you when you do this. :)

Sorry for the majorly long A/N. Last thing – I'm looking for a beta. Anyone know how to get me some help with that? :) Again, I'll love you forever.

Now that the epically long A/N is over, here we go!

Disclaimer: All belongs to the great S. Meyer. I own nothing except for the plot. We all wish we owned it. Unfortunately, we can't. Oh well.

The car ride to Port Angeles was filled with laughter and singing along to the radio loudly and obnoxiously. Emmett's booming voice didn't help. I quickly got over my fear of the massive hunk of muscle and fell in love with his humor. It seemed as though he was constantly joking around and couldn't be taken seriously. During the drive, though, when he wasn't joking around, I caught glimpses of Rose and Emmett looking lovingly at each other. While she still scolded him like a mother in the car, she looked up at him with such a strong love and adoration; it was like I could feel it from my seat in the front. He had his arm wrapped around her shoulders, and she leaned into him as if their bodies were made to fit each other. Alice and I chatted in the front while we let the two love birds in the back become acquainted with one another. Well… more like Alice played 20 questions with me, and I answered whatever she asked me.

"Favorite movie?"

"Hmm… The Day After Tomorrow, I guess. I have a soft spot for Jake Gyllenhaal. The effects are awesome, too."

"Favorite band?"

"Linkin Park. They can go from screamo-ish to soft and really meaningful lyrics. I love them so much."

"Favorite thing to do when you're alone?"

"Oh, no. I'm not telling you that."

"Do we have a little dirty girl on our hands?" Alice asked slyly. I saw Emmett's head pop up slightly as he took interest in our conversation.

"Oh, God no, Alice. It's just embarrassing."

"Bella, come on, you can tell us!" she persisted.

"Fine. I usually just read, write, or curl up on the couch and watch Lost. I have all the seasons available on DVD, and no matter how much I watch it, I can't figure a damn thing out."

"How is that embarrassing?"

"I don't know. It's just really nerdy, I guess."

"Bella. I clean the bathroom when I'm home alone. It calms me. Reading, writing, and watching Lost automatically make you infinitely cooler than me," Rose piped up from the back seat.

"Yeah, but you're infinitely more gorgeous than me, so you win." The silence in the car unnerved me. "What?"

"Bella, don't you ever say that again. You're amazingly gorgeous. Believe me," Rose said strongly.

"Maybe if by gorgeous you mean plain. Look at me and look at you. Compared to you, I'm like boxed mac and cheese compared to a steak."

"Bella. Yes, my fiancée is gorgeous, but so are you. You don't have the obvious beauty, but you have… something. It's like your soul is beautiful and people can see it. I did the second I met you," Emmett piped up.

"Are you saying I don't have a beautiful soul, babe?" Rose mock pouted.

"Of course you do, hon," he replied, nuzzling his nose into her hair before reverently kissing her head.

"This serious talk is making my party mood go way down. Bella, we are not finished with this discussion, but for now we have to crank up the tunes! We gotta get ready for our night out! It's supposed to be a fun night, remember? And you're going to eat a greasy burger, listen to music, dance, and have some fun with us. I demand that it happens," Alice said. It was impossible to be down when she said things like that. I knew it was true. Tonight was not about having a deep heart-to-heart discussion. We were going to have fun. Alice grabbed my iPod, plugged it into the car, and blasted some Lady Gaga as we drove down the highway.

We arrived in Port Angeles by 8:45 due to Alice's persistance that I speed the whole way there. It went against my raising as a police chief's daughter, but I relented and let go for the first time in a long while. We pulled into the packed parking lot of the bar and dance club Alice insisted on going to. I had to drive around for a couple minutes to find a decent parking spot that wasn't in the grass or far away from the door. With the possibility of the girls being wasted in the next few hours, and possibly Emmett, since I knew I wouldn't be able to support him if he got too drunk, I didn't want to deal with having to drag them to the car in their inebriated states.

The four of us entered the packed bar and waited until a table opened, then grabbed one quickly before anyone else could. A waitress came up to us a few minutes later asking what we would like to start with. I chose a simple ginger ale, Emmett chose a beer, and the girls chose cosmos, along with an appetizer choice of loaded potato skins. Everyone assured me I couldn't leave here without trying at least one, and when I did, I would fall in love with them. When the waitress came back to give us our drinks and take our orders, I ordered a bacon burger at the insistence of everyone at the table. They said that it was a "rite of passage" to have my first burger from here be a bacon burger. Then, as Emmett put it, I could "move on to bigger and better burgers."

They told the truth about everything. The potato skins were a heavenly blend of cheese, bacon, and tomatoes. The bacon burger, loaded with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, and, as much as I was scared to have them on the burger, fried onion rings, was an amazing blend of flavors and I couldn't help letting out a moan when I tasted it. The waitress brought over a beer for me near the end of meal, saying a man at the bar had paid for it. I looked to who she was pointing at and gasped.

"Bella? Is something wrong?" Alice asked.

"I think I know him," I explained quietly while sneaking another glance at him. He caught me looking this time, and his face broke into a wide smile, revealing bright white teeth. The russet color of his skin set them off even more. His brown eyes twinkled knowingly, and he turned his head back around to the bar. "I do know him! I'll be right back." I jumped up from my seat and made my way over to him.

"Did you not appreciate the drink?" he asked when I reached him.

"Jacob Black? Is that you?" I asked incredulously. I couldn't believe my childhood friend was sitting here, right next to me.

"Sure is, Bells." I laughed and threw my arms around him, surprising not only him, but also myself. "How've you been? I haven't seen you since… God, your junior year of high school? Right? What are you doing back this way? I thought you went to Florida or something to live with your mom."

"I'm good, how about you? I just finished college and I moved back here to be closer to Charlie and so I could teach at Forks High School." And to escape reality. "How about you? You were only a little freshman in La Push when I left. You cut your hair and got all buff when I left? I bet you were fending off all the ladies, weren't you?"

"Ah, not quite. That didn't happen until college. I'm still in La Push. Own my own car shop, doing what I do best, you know? Teaching, huh? I never thought you'd be a teacher. Figured you'd be more of an author or something. What are you teaching?"

"Physics. I almost went the whole writing route, but then decided not to. Congratulations on your car business! You know I'll be there if I ever need your services. How's Billy doing?"

"As good as he can. Still in the wheelchair from the accident. But he hangs in there, doesn't let anything stop him, just as always."

"Be sure to tell him I said 'hi,' okay? I can't believe I ran into you here."

"What are you doing here? It's not like this was an old hangout in high school."

"I came with Alice, Rosalie, and Emmett. Do you know them?" I asked as I pointed to our table. They were all watching me interact with Jacob. When they saw me pointing at them, the smiled and waved nicely, then turned away, embarrassed at the fact I caught them watching.

"I know of them, but don't know them personally. I guess Emmett's all better from his attack, then?"

"Yeah, he just came back yesterday. Rose is really happy he's back. Or so Alice tells me. But honestly, who wouldn't be? He's nice and safe here, and she doesn't have to worry about him anymore."

"That's true." He was silent for a moment. "I better let you get back to your friends, but do you want to get together sometime and catch up some more? I hate that we lost contact when you left. We can just go get a coffee or something, if you want?"

"Sure," I smiled. "That'd be great." I repeated the numbers I had given Alice just a few days ago, and then proceeded to program his numbers into my phone. I gave him a hug as I left, and then returned to my chair with my three gaping friends.

"What was that about, Bella? Who is that?" Alice asked in an curious tone.

"That's Jacob. He was my very best friend before I moved away from Forks years ago. I knew it was him the second I saw his smile. We're going to get together for coffee or something so we can catch up."

"So you're going on a date with him?" She sounded somewhat dejected.

"No, nothing like that. It's never been like that with him. He was like my little brother when I was growing up."

"If it wasn't for Emmett, I'd go after him. He is one hunk of yummy man meat," Rose said.

"Thanks, babe," Emmett pouted.

"Oh, you know I'm happiest with you. Don't pretend like you don't know," she said as she nuzzled her nose into his neck. He grinned in response and kissed the top of her head lightly. The waitress came by with our check, and I started pulling out my money when Emmett gave his credit card to her. I held my money out to him, but he ignored me, pretending to scan the crowd and the room. I could hold out longer than he could, and he knew it.

"Bella, I'm not taking your money, so you might as well put it back in your purse right now. This is my treat."

"Then let me at least pay for the tip. Please?"

"I already put the tip on the card."

"Then let me give you money to cover it," I insisted.

"Bella, I'm not letting you pay. If you want to pay for anything, pay for the last drink that will cause my Rosie to become wasted tonight. It's bound to happen, so that's what will happen. Deal?"

"Fine," I huffed as I put my money away in my wallet. When the waitress came back with Emmett's card, he signed the slip, and we rose to go to the dance club part of the building. The darkness caused me to stumble as my eyes hadn't yet adjusted to the change in lighting. Once they did, I took in the room. The floor was large with bright squares and a huge DJ setup was located in the corner. The bar in here was different from the bar in the restaurant. In the restaurant, it was homier, being wooden and worn looking. The bar in this room was sleek and black, and the seats were clear with neon pink and green tubes running through them. The shelves of alcohol alternated the same colors. It was actually a very interesting sight.

Alice and Rose laughed and dragged me to the dance floor, with Emmett following behind us. The girls sandwiched me in between the two of them, Alice being in front of me, Rosalie behind, and Emmett came up behind her. I danced awkwardly between the two of them for a moment before getting used to the beat of the music and letting go. I put my hands on Alice's waist as we danced together. The crowd of people made me feel self-conscious, but I threw the feeling away and danced my heart out. After a while, I began to grow hot and I extracted myself from the two girls and signaled that I was going to get a drink. They nodded in understanding and I walked on wobbly legs to the bar, ordering four bottles of water, one for each of us.

The night stayed the same throughout. The four of us stuck together, not allowing anyone to even come near our dancing line. Rose and I stayed in the center, and since Emmett was dancing with us, all of the men in the club eyed us warily. They were obviously scared of his massive size. While I stuck with water as my choice of drink, the other three switched between water and alcohol. Once we left the club at one in the morning, Emmett was barely intoxicated, thanks to the fact he was huge, and he didn't drink as much as the other two. Rose was buzzed, but Alice, on the other hand, was completely sloshed.

"Bellaaaa. You so pwettyy. I luh you. Kish me," she said me as she grabbed my cheeks and made my face form into a fish face.

"Yes, Alice. I got it. Let's get you to the car, okay?" I supported her weight as she stumbled in her high heels to the car. Emmett was behind me, supporting Rose as she stumbled slightly.

"No, really. You're, like, perrrrfect. Hair so shiny," she said as she drew up her hand to stroke my hair. I grabbed her hand and put it down.

"Alice, let's go to the car. You can sleep it off," I said as I opened the door for her. I had to help her get into the car and buckle her seatbelt as her head lolled to the side. Emmett was helping Rose get into the car on the same side, but as she wasn't that drunk, he didn't need to help her as much. She was still sober enough to buckle her seatbelt and close her own door.

"Emmett, are you going to be sober enough to drive home when we get there?"

"Yeah, Bella, why?"

"I'll just stay over at Alice's tonight. I didn't know what to do about the two of you, though, since Rose won't be sober enough."

"I'll be fine, I promise." We pulled out onto the highway, and within 5 minutes, Emmett was lightly snoring in the back seat, along with Alice mumbling every now and then in her incoherence, which left me to listening to the music in the car quietly. The drive was a basic straight shot, so I found my way back to Alice's easy enough. We arrived in her driveway at around two fifteen in the morning. I was ready to drop my head on the steering wheel and just fall asleep there, but I knew it wasn't possible. I kept the car running as I got out and opened the door to wake Emmett up.

"Em," I said, trying to shake him away. He groaned softly in protest of waking up and started to push me away. "Emmett, come on. You have to wake up," I said more loudly this time. Again, he protested my words and actions. I decided to take matters more strongly into my own hands and decided to pinch a small section of his arm to wake him up. It certainly worked.

"What the hell, Bella? What was that for?" He cried out softly, still realizing the girls were asleep.

"We're back. I need to get Alice inside, and you need to drive the two of you guys back." I studied the weariness on his face. "Do you just want to crash here, or at my place? I don't know how far away you are from here. I live a few blocks away, so it wouldn't be that far of a drive for you."

"Nah, I'll get Rosie home in no time. Let me get Alice inside for you. I'll just put her on her bed and you can help her get ready or changed or whatever. Just wait out here with Rose while I do that." He walked around to the passenger side of the car to scoop Alice gently from the seat. He brought her inside and came out a minute later. He let Rose stay in the seat she was already situated in as he got into the driver's side door.

"Thanks for tonight, Bella. I had a lot of fun, and thanks for driving us back in the dead of night. I'm sure I'll see you around sooner or later. Goodnight," he said as he rolled the window back up so the cool night air didn't wake up Rose or make him cold. I waved to him as he backed out of the driveway and pulled away. I walked into Alice's house, locking the door behind me, and traveled to her room silently.

Emmett had laid her down on her bed on the left side. Alice had curled up into a fetal position on her side, looking extremely comfortable. I hated to wake her up, but I needed to get her out of her heels and dress and into at least a t-shirt.

"Alice, hon, let's get you ready for bed, okay?" She mumbled something I didn't quite catch in response. I sighed as I realized she wasn't going to be much help in my upcoming task. I pulled the sheet off of her, and then slipped her heels off, not caring where they belonged at the moment. I sat her up so I could pull the dress off of her much easier. She slumped forward in her sleepy state. I eventually got the dress off and put a large t-shirt that I assumed to be Jasper's that I found in one of the drawers in her room. Changing into a large t-shirt of my own, I walked toward the bed, falling asleep almost immediately.

I woke up to sunshine in my face and Alice's arm slung over my chest. I grunted in response to get her off, but she didn't even budge. I threw her arm off of me, and rolled away from her. I looked at the clock on the nightstand and saw that it was nearly noon. How the little midget in the bed beside me was still asleep, I didn't know. I went downstairs to make her some food since I knew she would need something to help her with her hangover, along with aspirin and plenty of water. She trudged down as I was finishing making breakfast for her, groaning and rubbing her head gently. I smiled at her and handed her the aspirin and water. She looked at me gratefully before downing the pills and glass of water.

Sitting down at the table, she put her head on her crossed arms. I brought over a plate of bacon, toast, and scrambled eggs with cheese for her. She looked up at me, then down at the food, before groaning again and placing her head on her arms. She said something that I couldn't make out.

"Sorry, Alice, what was that?"

"I can't eat that shit. I'm about to puke my brains out. Why am I so hung over?"

"Eat it, Alice. It'll help your stomach. I promise. The reason you're so hung over is because you had about four beers and six shots last night. You're a very rude drunk, you know, when people try to stop you from drinking anymore. Then you turn all loving, and then you're sleepy. I could barely get you dressed last night. All you kept saying was how much you loved me and mumbling how you wanted me so much. By the way, Alice, I do not have a dick. That would be Jasper's job."

Alice groaned. "I don't want to eat, Bella. It won't help my stomach. How would you know? You said yourself before that you don't get drunk. You've only been drunk once, and you didn't even have a bad hangover."

"I was always the one to take care of my friends in college when they all got drunk. I learned the best fix to hangovers quickly. Trust me on this one. There's only one thing better, and you don't want to have that. It's a horrid drink that tastes terrible and has a terrible texture. I save that for the worst hangovers. You don't want to know what's in it, but it works wonders. Just eat the damn food. If it doesn't make you feel better, I will stay by you all day making sure you're okay when you throw up. Got it?" She nodded in response and tentatively took a bite of bacon. Her nose wrinkled in disgust and protest at having food in her mouth.

"I know it doesn't taste the best immediately, but just eat it. It'll help. What do you like in your coffee?"

"Two tablespoons of sugar and a lot of the caramel shit in there. Thank you so much, Bella. I'll make it up to you some day."

"Relax. It's really not that big of a deal. I've done it so many times that I can't even count. If you really want to help me, just help me get some more clothes for school. I have basics, of course, but I need to get a few more things. Besides, you're already taking me to the spa. Against my will, of course, but we're still going. You don't owe me anything. Just eat and feel better."

Alice finally took my advice and ate the food like I instructed her to do. She was more accepting of the hot mug of coffee I placed in front of her, drinking it like a madwoman. Once she was finished eating, I took her plate and washed it off before putting it in her dishwasher. She was nursing her second cup of coffee, but looking much better and awake now. She smiled gratefully at me when I turned to face her once again.

"Okay, okay. I believe you now. You are the hangover curer. I shall no longer doubt your abilities. You're magical. I feel… honestly, I feel amazing." Alice grimaced at me. "Only… we. I smell disgusting. Let me shower. Then we'll go to your place, we can get you ready for the spa today."

"You're still going? Even after your hangover?"

"Hell yes. Nothing better than a relaxing day at the spa. It'll be even better than your miracle worker. This way, not only is my head not pounding, but I'm also completely relaxed and prettified for when Jasper gets home tomorrow. When he comes home from camping smelling all woodsy and shit… well, let's just say that I have my way with him however the hell I want," she said as she winked at me.

"Thank you for over sharing. I really needed to know that little bit of information. I really wanted to know that you and Jasper are going to be up to. My life is now complete."

"Oh, come on, Bella. Don't be such a prude. We're going to become engaged soon. I know it. We've been together for years, and I love him with all of my heart. I can't even imagine being with someone else. It's not like our entire relationship is based on sex. We know each other inside and out. Of course we're going to have sex."

"I am not a prude! I just… don't want to hear about your shenanigans."

"That sucks. I'll be giving you all the dirty details," she said while winking at me. Before I could respond, she jumped up from her seat and ran to her bathroom. I heard the water start a few seconds later.

While she showered and dressed, I decided to clean up the mess I had made while making breakfast. She came downstairs half an hour later, dressed in black yoga pants, a white tank top, and a hot pink hoodie.

"No more dressing up, Alice? All worn out from last night?"

"No, silly Bella. I don't dress up for the spa. It's a place of relaxing. And these are expensive sweatpants and a designer sweatshirt, I'll have you know."

"Those are not sweatpants. Sweatpants are like boys sweatpants, old and comfortable and ratty. You don't wear them outside. Those are, like, relaxed clothes."

She dismissed me with the wave of a hand. "Details, details. Let's go to your house and get you all ready." We made the five minute drive to my house separately. While I took a shower, Alice decided to set out "spa appropriate"- clothes for me. When I exited the bathroom, I found her sitting on my bed reading a magazine.

"Here. Put this on and I'll dry your hair when you're done," Alice said as she handed me gray leggings and an oversize black pullover hoodie. I pulled them on and sat down on a chair in my room to allow Alice to do as she pleased to my hair. I didn't see the point, especially since it would probably get messed up at the spa, but I went along with it. She didn't really do much to it, surprisingly. Instead of curling it, she just took the extra time to blow dry it straight. Once she was satisfied, she took my hand and led me downstairs.

"What, no makeup," I joked in half amazement.

"Nope. They're going to be giving you a facial there, so it'd be pretty useless. Now let's go!"

Every minute I spent with the girls at the spa proved to make my stress level, which had been rising every day due to the approach of school, decrease. The back massage I received was heavenly, the masseuse kneading out the knots and kinks throughout my back and neck. I left the room feeling much more relaxed. The facial I received made my face literally tingle, and, as cheesy as it sounds, I felt like my skin was glowing when the gunk was washed away. I was thankful Alice chose leggings instead of jeans for me to wear after my waxing was done. I was most certainly not prepared for the amount of pain that had brought forth. I was now sitting between Alice and Rose, who apparently had no hangover this morning, getting a manicure and pedicure, while Alice's mother, Esme, was sitting next to her. I was not prepared to meet her, but she was so warm and welcoming, I was happy that I had.

"So, Bella, I feel as though we haven't been able to talk much between all of our treatments. What made you come to Forks?" Esme asked as her nails were painted a delicate shade of pink.

"My father, Charlie, is the police chief. I wanted to be closer to him because I haven't had the closest relationship with him. I was also looking for a job, and Charlie told me Forks High was hiring. I applied, and they hired me," I shrugged.

"Oh, are you a teacher then?"

"Yes, ma'am. I teach Physics."

"Please, don't call me ma'am. Call me Esme," she smiled at me. "Jasper teaches at Forks, as well as my son, Edward."

"Alice told me that when I first met her. He coaches football there, too, right?" I asked Alice. I was desperate for someone else to jump in on this conversation. As much as I loved Esme's warm and welcoming attitude, I felt awkward being the only one talking while the other two girls listened in on our conversation.

"Yep. And Jasper coaches basketball as well," Alice said. Her nails were being painted in a French manicure.

"Emmett was Edward's assistant coach before he left for Iraq. I wonder if he'll be allowed to have that position back," Rose questioned aloud. Her nails, unlike the delicate colors of Alice and Esme, were being painted a deep, wine red color. I stared down at my nails, being colored a dark blue, while I waited for someone to respond.

"I'm sure Edward would be happy for Emmett to be back. He can always use the extra help. I don't think he was very happy with Laurent as his assistant coach, anyway. He's a nice guy, of course, but he doesn't know much about football like Edward and Emmett do," Esme explained.

"I'm sure Emmett would love that," Rose said as she smiled at her future aunt-in-law. I felt like I was intruding on family time, but I also felt so welcomed by the three women that I didn't give the thought another second.

The rest of our spa day was filled with happy chatter, followed by a quick mid-afternoon lunch in the diner. I didn't have much to eat, instead choosing to save my food for my dinner. After my spa day, as relaxing as it was, I was exhausted and didn't feel like cooking dinner for myself, no matter how simple it would be.

The rest of my weekend passed by uneventfully. I spent the holiday with Charlie at his house, eating burgers off the grill. He said that he enjoyed the potato salad and corn on the cob I had cooked for him, but I think he really just enjoyed the company he had for once. I spent the last day before school starting preparing myself for what was to come. The night was spent with me tossing and turning in bed, having restless sleep because of my nervousness. I had constant dreams of students behaving disrespectfully, somebody getting hurt in the classroom, and having such terrible teaching skills that I couldn't control the class in the least bit. I finally stopped fighting the fact that I wouldn't get much sleep and crawled out of bed to get myself ready for the first day of school. I laughed quietly as I realized my first day of teaching high school was fast becoming like my first day of high school every year when I was younger. The nerves, the bad dreams, and waking up early fast became a sort of annual ritual.

I spent more time in the shower than usual, making sure I was perfectly groomed and that every drop of shampoo and conditioner was rinsed out of my hair. After the shower, I dried my hair perfectly, just as Alice had done a few days before. Before deciding to curl my hair, I dressed so that it didn't become ruined. I slipped my skirt and shirt on, deciding to wait for the shoes. Then, finally, I curled my hair into big, loose curls before pulling it into a ponytail. I then expertly applied my light makeup to my face, picked up my shoes and bag, and traveled to my kitchen. As I ate my toast and scrambled eggs, my phone rang.

"Hello?" I asked after swallowing and answering the phone.

"Hey, Bells. Nervous about today?" I smiled as I heard Charlie's voice on the other side of the phone.

"Hey, Dad. Yes. I'm incredibly nervous. How'd you know?"

"Your mom's been telling me for years how nervous you got before the start of school every day. I figured that teaching your first day of school wouldn't be any different. Bells, listen to me. You'll do great, okay? Trust me. You're going to be a wonderful teacher. Today is the first day of school, so everyone will still be in the summer mood. It's more about getting to know your students, and most of the kids here are good kids. You have nothing to be nervous about."

"Thank you, Dad. I really appreciate it," I almost whispered into the phone. I did appreciate him saying that. More than he realized, at least. His words helped me calm down as I took big breaths.

"Just go in feeling positive."

"How do you know all of this?"

"I had to teach classes to officers in training a few years back. I know it's not exactly the same thing, but if you show nervousness, they'll eat you alive. Go in being positive and confident, and they won't give you shit."

"Thanks, Dad. I need to finish eating so I can get to the school on time, but I'll be sure to call you when the school day is over, alright?"

"Anytime you want is fine. I'll look forward to hearing your account of the day," he laughed. "Bye, Bells."

"Bye," I said as I smiled at my dad's easygoing nature. I finished my food, washed the dishes, and got in my truck to get a move on to the school.

The parking lot was mostly empty when I arrived. There were maybe five cars parked in the assigned spots we had been given. I pulled my rusty old truck into my parking spot, located in the second spot on the right side of the parking lot. Turning the car off, I sat in the seat taking deep breaths and attempting to calm my racing heart. Reaching over to the passenger side, I grabbed my bag that had all the papers I needed and my lunch. I was determined to spend lunch in the teacher's lounge, not in my classroom like I normally would have done. I exited the door carefully avoiding a puddle so as not to ruin my shoes. I closed the door with my hip and locked it closed. Slowly, I made my way to the school and out of the water covered parking lot. Waving hello to Mrs. Cope in the office, I made my way to my room. I unlocked the door and set my stuff on the desk, then walked to the whiteboard. I uncapped a fresh black Expo marker and wrote my name on the whiteboard in neat letters. After placing an overhead of instructions on the projector, I grabbed my lunch from my bag and walked to the teacher's lounge.

"Hey, Bella. I don't know if you remember me, but –" I heard Jasper's twang as I entered the room.

"Of course I do. You're Jasper, Alice's boyfriend."

"That I am," he smiled. "Are you ready for your first day?"

"I suppose. I'm extremely nervous, though. What if they don't like me?"

"You'll do fine, Bella. I know how you took care of Alice after the four of you went out the other night. I heard all about how my hangover cures will no longer work and that I need to take lessons from you."

"Ah, well. Sorry about that. All you have to do is get some food, especially greasy food, into that stomach of hers. Then she'll be fine. But if she has a really, and I mean really, bad hangover, call me. I have a recipe for this God-awful drink that cures it," I explained as I placed my labeled bag into the fridge. I heard the door open and close behind me.

"I'll be sure to do that. I'm glad you went out with Alice, Rose, and Emmett. I know that Alice had a great time. Rosalie can't stop talking about how nice and responsible you are. They also enjoyed the spa day with you and Esme very much."

"I had a really great time with them, too," I replied as I backed up from the fridge. Combined with my heels and not seeing where I was going, I inevitably tripped backward. I reached for a chair or a table to break my fall, but a pair of arms and a hard body beat me to it. I expected to hear Jasper's chuckle behind me, but was surprised when a different voice hit my ears instead.

"Are you okay there?" a soft, velvet voice wrapped around me. I gasped lightly at the warmth that instantly surrounded me once I heard the wonderful tones. Escaping from the grasp, I turned around and looked up to see bronze tinted hair and emerald green eyes. No, those simple words were not enough to describe the angelic sight upon which I gazed. His hair was an unruly mess, but still looked like it was perfectly in place. The bright, twinkling eyes that were like a forest with the myriad of greens crinkled as the inhumanly beautiful man before me smiled. My gaze dropped lower to his jaw, sprinkled with scruff, and I had a sudden urge to run my nose along it, followed by licking it. The Adam's apple in his throat bobbed up and down as he swallowed. My eyes traveled lower still, taking in his form.

His torso was covered by a white t-shirt, covered by a dark blue button up shirt with light blue skinny stripes covering it. I swallowed as I saw the sight before me. The sleeves were casually rolled up above his elbows. Oh, God, his forearms. They were toned and muscular and the most perfect forearms I had ever seen. My gaze traveled lower, seeing a brown belt on his hips. His legs were covered in khaki slacks, his feet being covered by brown shoes. This sight before me left me completely breathless.

"I-I'm fine," I replied, somehow finding my voice.

"Are you sure?" the wonderful velvet tones asked me, escaping from the most perfect set of lips imaginable. They were formed in a heart-stopping side smile. Once again, I felt as if all the breath had escaped from my lungs.

"I'm very sure," I said as I smiled shyly. I glanced over at Jasper, who was watching us with an amused expression on his face.

"Well, that's good. I was beginning to think that when I caught you, I had squeezed your body too hard. You weren't speaking there for a while," he said, smirking once again. This man knew exactly what my reaction had been once I set my eyes on him.

"No, I'm fine. Really. Thank you for catching, me, though."

"It's no problem… Bella, was it?"

"Yes," I said, smiling shyly once again. I could feel the blush spreading through my face. I only hoped that my face wasn't too red.

"Well, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Edward Cullen."

Once again, so sorry for the majorly long wait I put you guys through! I swear it won't happen again.

Many thanks to my Ed-itor, whose name happens to be… Edward (no lie). He makes some of my silly mistakes fixed. Hooray! :)

Read, review, love, tell me what sucks, tell me what you like, and all that jazz,

Rachel