Summary: What if Bella didn't fall in love with Edward right away? What if she instinctively shied away like normal humans do, like she was supposed to?

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, or any characters. Yeah, whatever, we all know…

Chapter 2: First Glimpse

BPOV

The bell rang a few seconds after I re-parked. I had followed the rest of the students around a couple of buildings to what I assumed would be the student parking area. It was much smaller than the one at my high school in Phoenix, approximately one tenth the size. Sadly though, all cars fit, and there were still spaces left. I grabbed my backpack from the passenger seat and opened the door, with Ms. Cope's papers still in my hand. I glanced down at my backpack and looked at the other students' backpacks. I was lucky I got black; It didn't stand out with the rest of backpacks, primarily black as well.

As I walked into the cluster of buildings, I began to notice the stares. Of course they're staring, you idiot! I scolded myself. There's all of about 300 kids in this school. Of course they noticed someone new.

"Yeah," I grumbled. "they would probably notice a new blade of grass in a town this small." But, unwilling to be known as the new girl that talks to herself, I began to study the map, and found my first class. I kept it out as I walked to class, only peeking up occasionally to see where I was walking, and how many people were still staring.

Finally I saw my class. English. I hurried towards the door, hoping to get there before the bell rang so I could get my slip signed without attracting any more notice holding up the class. I was lucky. I got to class in enough time to get my paper signed and get assigned a seat. Mr. Mason gave me a spot near the back on the right. I think he would be my favorite teacher. He did no business with introductions. But I was red as a tomato anyways, so I suppose it wouldn't have mattered. Also, he had just started a lesson on one of my favorite books, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. At least the day was starting off okay.

About halfway through the class though, I began to notice this boy staring at me. He had black hair, and seemed sort of nerdy. But who am I to judge? I smirked in my head. I knew I was a nerd and it was wholly unfair of me to begin judging others so quickly without knowing them. He had a few pimples, but what teenage boy didn't? He was average looking. And he was looking right at me. I blushed profusely and looked back down at my notes. I don't know what was different. Everyone else was staring, but that wasn't it. I knew I would be stared at and it wasn't weird to me. But his staring made me feel uncomfortable, but I didn't know why. I didn't like it.

Suddenly the bell rang, indicating it was time to go to my next class. I fumbled with my notebook trying to put it back in my backpack. Finally I did that and was getting out my papers again when the boy approached me.

"Hi. I'm Eric. You're the Chief's daughter, Isabella?" He asked. I tried my best to be polite, but honestly, I had no experience whatsoever talking to guys. I had been ignored by all of the male population at Phoenix.

"Y-yeah, um, Bella, though. It's nice to m-meet you, Eric." I stammered. Oh God, Bella! He's not cute and your nervous?! This is ridiculous. You don't even like him!

"Okay, um, so… How's your first day at Forks High?" He said, and appeared to be just as nervous as me. I briefly toyed with the idea that I was the first girl he'd ever spoken to, and had to choke back a laugh.

"It's going… Awkward, I guess you could say? Is kind of hard going to a new school when you're a junior in the middle of the school year. But I'm, uh, I'm holding up, thanks for asking." I wanted to get out of the room so bad! I needed to get to my next class… And away from this boy…

"Oh. Well, I hope you get more comfortable here. Do you need help finding your next class?" he asked, looking sort of hopeful. Again, the thought of me being the only girl he's talked to ran through my mind and I almost giggled. But I was serious again after his question processed.

"Um, I think I know where it is. Government with Jefferson?" I asked, sort of amused by the teachers name and the subject he taught. I saw Eric's eyes brighten a bit, and my amusement died away.

"Oh! I have him next period too! I can walk you to class." He offered. I had to hold back a groan. I was considering saying no and that I had to use the restroom, but then the thought of not having to reference the map was too tempting. Besides, at least now I knew someone. Even if they were a little more enthusiastic than I felt.

"Okay, thanks. That's really nice of you, Eric." I said, trying to smile with the most enthusiasm I could manage.

It really wasn't bad. He pointed out buildings that I was sure would be helpful later in my search for them. And while my suspicions were confirmed about him being a total nerd, he was really nice. But sort of over-friendly. I didn't like that so much. Soon we reached the classroom and I trudged up to Mr. Jefferson to give him my slip. He pointed me to the back row, in the middle. He didn't make me introduce myself, but he did announce that "we had a new student", and I immediately blushed fourteen shades of red as every single head turned to look at me. I just glanced down at my desk and wished the class would be over soon. That the day would be over soon.

The bell rang loudly, and I welcomed it. Eric had been called down to the front office for something so I was alone. But somewhat grateful for that. My semi-good spirits didn't last. I saw a set of feet approach me and I looked up. Standing there was a boy that was actually kind of cute. He had blonde hair gelled up a little, or perhaps it was wet with rain. In Forks, you never know. He had pretty blue eyes, and a smile on his face. My earlier assumption about all teenage boys with unhealthy skin was incorrect. This boy has good skin, I surmised.

"Hi! My name is Mike Newton. Your Isabella Swan, right?" He asked with curiosity alight in his eyes.

"Um, yeah. Bella, actually. It's great to meet you, Mike." I said, with a bit more enthusiasm than with Eric. Not that I could blame myself. Mike was very easily three times better looking. And confident.

"Oh! Okay, then Bella. Can I walk you to your next class?"

"Sure, as long as it's not too much trouble for you." I replied and silently begged it not to be. All my awkwardness I had with Eric was gone. I liked Mike.

"Not at all! What's your next class?" He asked with a grin. After I told him, he smiled wider. "Well then it really won't be a problem. I have Mr. Hendrix next too."

"Well I'm glad I won't be a bother then." I said with a bright smile. The first real and involuntary all day. We headed off to building four talking about how I was liking Forks, and how much I missed Phoenix, stuff like that. When we got to the door, I handed my slip to Mr. Hendrix, who signed it and then made me go up to the front of the class and introduce myself. I hated him for it. I was beet red and stammered. I also tripped on my way to my seat, which of course, was in the front. I hated this class.

When it was over, Mike came over and asked if I would eat lunch at his table. I reluctantly accepted, even though I was glad I wouldn't be sitting alone, and we walked to lunch. He showed me how the lines worked and stayed with me when I got my food. It was all extremely nice, especially considering how much I was blushing and stammering. I thought he would have ditched me by then, thinking I was too weird and shy.

I found out Eric sat at Mike's table, and he was sending Mike some very unfriendly looks as Mike was introducing me to everyone and vice versa. There was a girl with really curly light brown hair that was eyeing Mike in a way that made me feel just a hint of jealousy. Her name was Jessica. There was a very nice girl with long, straight, dark brown hair named Angela. She had glasses but looked pretty in them. She seemed to be caring and concerned about how my day was going and if she could do anything to help. I immediately liked her. Then Mike introduced me to a blonde named Lauren. She looked at me oddly as if she was embarrassed at having to be seen with "the new girl", and was kind of mean and gave snide comments. There were a couple others, but I didn't pay attention. I had just seen a group of five children that had taken away my attention and breath. Sorry, Mike.

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Kate