Chapter 2

14 Years Later

"Nessie, I can't believe it," Bella said, holding her daughter close. "You're fourteen. You're going to high school and then college. You aren't allowed to get any older."

"Mom," Nessie said in a calming voice, "it's okay."

"Come on high schooler. It's time for open house," Jacob said, cheerfully. "School starts in a week, don't you want to see your friends before that?"

"My friends are all werewolves and go to school on the rez," Nessie complained. Her best friend was Seth's daughter, Leah. She was as happy and easygoing as Seth was. Leah wasn't a werewolf, but Nessie and Leah both were possible new werewolves.

"You get to go to my old school: Forks High," Bella said, pretending that this was a great honor.

Nessie started giggling. "Thanks, Mom." Nessie was actually shy, like her Mom.

At Forks High

"Welcome to your new school!" Jake said as they pulled into the parking lot. The school had not changed a lot since Bella had attended. It was still small, rainy, and wet. Even the last names of the students were the same: Newton, Weber, Crowley, and Cullen. "Bella, look at who's here."

The Cullens had been generally forgotten, so they felt it safe to return. Edward would have never agreed if he knew Bella still lived in Forks.

"This way," Bella called, distracting Nessie from noticing the new students. "We're supposed to go to the administrative building to get your schedule."

"Why are we getting it so early?" Jacob asked. "It's not like she has classes."

"Everyone goes from room to room, so they learn their way around and see who is in each class with them. We'll spend 15 minutes in each room and then the bell will ring and we change classes." Nessie explained to her father.

"Great, I'm back in high school," he complained.

" 'First period-Spanish' " Bella read from the schedule Ms. Cope handed her. Bella led the way to the class. The teacher had all of the students say their names and then she lectured on her expectations. All of the other classes were much the same.

In Math, Nessie sat by a girl who seemed nice. Her name was Alice. Bella left the room, looking sad, when she saw Alice and Jacob followed. Alice's parents weren't their either.

"Can I see you schedule?" Alice asked when the teacher finished talking.

"Sure," Nessie said handing her the piece of paper. "I think I have science next. What about you?"

"English," answered Alice. "You have science with my brother. We have gym together last period. At least I know someone in two of my classes."

The bell rang then, but Bella and Jacob still had not returned.

"Alice, which way is science?" Nessie asked.

"That way," she said, pointing.

"Thanks. Bye, Alice! See you Monday," Nessie said, turning the way Alice indicated.

"Wait! Nessie," Alice called. "Will you eat lunch with my family and I?"

"Okay. I'd like that. Thanks," Nessie answered truthfully.

"Bye," said Alice, waving as she walked to English.

Nessie hurried to science, afraid of being late and getting lost. She looked around for her parents, but they were still nowhere to be found. I'll go to the car after science she decided.

Nessie entered the science room. She was one of the last in, but no one was sitting down.

"I'm assigning lab partners," the teacher called. "I'm just going down the attendance list. It's in alphabetical order. First table is Black and Cullen, since there are no "A" last names. Please sit down when I call your name."

Nessie went over to her seat and sat down. The boy in the seat next to her had reddish brown hair, golden eyes, and pale skin, like her mother. Nessie had inherited her appearance from her dad. The boy smiled at her and said. "You met my sister Alice in math. My name is Edward Cullen."