Chapter 1 – 12 Years Later

I wince as I get out of bed to turn off my alarm clock. My left torso is extremely sore from the beer bottle that Charlie threw at me last night. Apparently it's my fault that he went out and bought the wrong kind of beer after his shift the other night.

I wince again as I lift my shirt up to get a look at the bruise. It's huge and very dark already; it'll probably take a little more than a month to disappear. I let my shirt down with a sigh.

I've had worse.

I'm just happy that it missed my ribs and I didn't have to go to the hospital. This bruise would be a hard one to explain, especially considering I still have a bruise the exact shape of Charlie's hand on my arm. That would've been impossible to explain and Charlie would not be happy.

I know that he left for work already, but I still find myself walking over to my window and checking that his car is gone. I can't help the relieved smile on my face when I see the driveway is cop car free. Just my beloved beat up truck in sight.

I can now relax for the first time since I Charlie came home from work last night. I shudder just thinking about it.

As soon as I heard the front door smack the wall as it was pushed open I knew that I wouldn't make it upstairs tonight without a new bruise. I had been able to go a whole week without acquiring a new bruise. I should've known it couldn't last much longer.

Charlie was supposed to be off work yesterday but he had been called in because of a crash right outside of town. With Forks being as small as it is there aren't a lot of officers and they needed all the help they could get. Charlie was not happy about this interruption as he was trying to watch the Seahawks game.

Never interrupt a sporting event. That was one of the first rules I learned.

I touch the scar that runs along my palm of my left hand, the reminder I have to leave Charlie alone as he watches sports.

I shake my head to clear myself of these thoughts. Don't think about it right now Bella. He's gone. You're safe.

I rid myself of these thoughts and get dressed in my typical outfit, a baggy black sweater that covers all of my bruises. Charlie makes sure never to leave a mark anywhere that can be visible. The bagginess also helps ease the pain a little because there's nothing pressed against the bruises and it let's air circulate. I pair it with the usual dark blue baggy jeans. Most girls where skinny jeans but I can't handle pants that tight due to the bruises and aching muscles. Plus it's not like I have a desire to show my figure off to anyone.

I look outside again and notice that it's a rare sunny day in Forks. I must have missed it before in my excitement to see that Charlie's car was gone. Of course the sun would be out today. What a way to say 'welcome back Forks High students! The sun is finally shining, now have fun being back in school unable to enjoy it!' Not that I mind being back in school. It's a way to get out of the house and away from Charlie.

For most students summer vacation is the greatest time of the year. Away from homework, studying, and tests, a time to go out and have fun and do whatever you want. For me it's a time of being stuck inside almost all day cleaning and having nothing to do all day except wonder if Charlie will come home angry.

Of course now that it's sunny today I'll get to spend the whole first day of senior year being gawked at because of my outfit. Everyone else will be taking advantage of the warm weather and using the opportunity to wear tank tops and shorts and whatever other cute summer outfits they weren't able to show off this year.

I wish my biggest worry of the summer was whether I'd be able to wear the cute new sundress I bought before fall.

I can't help the sigh that escapes me at the thought. There's no use in wishing about what life could be. This is the life I have, the one I'm living.

One more year and then I can leave Forks behind and never look back.

One more year.

I walk down stairs slowly, careful not to let my arm brush against my side. When I reach the kitchen I grab a granola bar and then head out to my car. I like to get to school early so that I can avoid the early morning stares of everyone. By getting to school a half an hour early I can just sit in the library until it's time to go to class and read my book. Today it's The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stfvier and it's the second book in The Raven Cycle series. I loved the first book and was really able to connect to Adam Parrish for obvious reasons.

Grabbing my backpack and putting it on my right shoulder so it doesn't touch my left side at all, I'm out the door. The warm air feels amazing on my face and I can't help but wish that I could feel it across my arms and legs like everyone else will be able to do today.

One more year and than I can never wear baggy long sleeves and baggy jeans again if I don't want to. The thought cheers me up a little bit as I climb into my car and get ready to start the day.

I'm always the first one at school besides the janitor and security guard that opens the doors in the morning, but today there's another car pulling into a spot as I enter the lot. It's a silver Volvo and it seems to be completely full of people. It's a car I've never seen before and the passengers don't look familiar either.

The back doors open and two girls and a guy climb out before the car is even turned off. The girls are complete contrasts of each other. One is tall with long blonde hair and a curvy body, she look at the school with a slight sneer on her face. The other girl is short with short black hair and a really thin body, and she's practically vibrating with excitement. The only thing they have in common is their summer clothes.

The boy that got of the car is tall with blonde surfer style hair and even from here I can tell that he has a slightly muscular body. He's smiling at the short girl and shaking his head slightly.

I purposefully drive to a different row and park there, but I can feel their eyes following me, which isn't that surprising considering how loud my truck is. They'd be able to hear me coming even if the lot was filled with students. Another reason why I come to school early, less attention due to my truck.

I don't look up hoping to avoid all contact with these new kids. Soon enough they'll learn to avoid me like everyone else here. I take my time getting my backpack and climbing out of my truck, so I'm surprised to see give people in front of me when I turn around.

Two other boys have joined the three I saw earlier. One guy is huge. Not just tall, but so muscular that I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he's a weight lifter. He has black curly short hair and dimples on his smiling that make him seem boyish, something I would not have thought possible.

The other boy is tall as well, but not as muscular as the black haired man standing beside him, or even the blonde guy. He's more lean and defined more than muscular. He has messy hair the color of shiny penny, which he's running his hand through. I can see why it's so messy. He's beautiful.

In fact, they're all beautiful. It's actually kind of unnerving.

"Hi! I'm Alice Cullen! These are my brothers Emmett," she points to the black haired body builder, "and Edward!" she points to the beautiful messy haired boy. "And this is my boyfriend Jasper," blonde surfer dude, "and his sister Rosalie, who's also Emmett's girlfriend." She points to the blonde girl. They all smile at me kindly, even Rosalie's original sneer at the sight of the school is gone. They all look so friendly. That won't last. As soon as they learn the gossip and know to stay away from me they'll be just like everyone else.

"Um, hi. I'm Bella." I don't know what else to say to them. Why are they talking to me? Can't they realize that I'm the school freak already? Doesn't my outfit kind of give that away?

"Well Bella, it's so nice to meet you! We're new here and need to get our schedules for the day. Do you know where we could get them? We made sure to come early so that we have plenty of time to get them and find our way to our first classes! Not that I think it'll be that hard with a school this small! Our last school in Chicago was more than twice the size of this one!" Alice rushed out all at once.

My eyes widen as I listen to her go on and on. I don't think I've ever spoken that much to anyone in a whole day, let alone in one sentence!

"Breathe Alice, damn! Give the girl a break, she's only just met you and isn't used to your craziness!" Emmett says while ruffling his sister's hair in a very brotherly action, to which Alice scows at him.

"You know I hate it when you do that Emmett!" Alice whines as she uses her hands to pat her hair back into place.

Emmett lets out a loud laugh, "yes, but that's what makes it fun!"

Rosalie rolls their eyes at their antics but she has a small smile on her face as she looks at her boyfriend. "Anyway like Alice mentioned in her grand speech, we'd really appreciate it if you could show us to the main office."

Alice is now asking Jasper how her hair looks and he's rolling his eyes and telling her she always looks perfect while Emmett is still smirking. It's the last guy—Edward—that makes me the most nervous. He's looking at me still but with a curious expression on his face. As if he's trying to figure me out. I don't like it, it makes me nervous and I find myself once again touching the scar on my left palm. He notices me looking at him and smiles slightly at me, almost guiltily.

"Yeah, sure. Follow me." I answer and walk away from them.

"So Bella Boo, what's there to do around Forks that's fun?" Emmett asks as he catches up to me and throws an arm around my shoulder.

While he's on my right side, it still causes my left arm to hit against my left side causing me to wince slightly and jerk away from him. "Don't touch me." I snap at him.

His eyes immediately widen and he holds his hands up in a gesture of innocence. "Sorry, I sometimes forget that other people enjoy their own personal space."

"He means well, he can just be an idiot sometimes." Jasper supplies helpfully with a smirk.

"What the hell Jazz?" Emmett grumbles, clearly put off by his friend's words.

"Just ignore them, they're both idiots." Rosalie says with a raised eyebrow and both boys roll their eyes but remain quiet. "So what is there to do in a town like Forks?"

"Nothing."

They all look slightly shocked at my words. They were probably hoping for me to tell them that Forks isn't as bad as they feared and that there are plenty of parties and other fun activates to attend to. Well if they want to know about parties and other social events they asked the wrong girl. For me there is nothing to do in Forks.

I let out a small sigh of relief when we reach the front office. I stop in front of it, point to the sign, and with a quiet "here ya go," I'm already walking away in the direction of the library.

"Thank you!" Alice calls to my retreating figure, but I don't bother to acknowledge her. I doubt they'll ever try to talk to me again once the rest of the school fills them in on how weird I am.

"Strange girl." I hear Emmett say followed by a small thwack and an exclaimed, "dammit Rosie!"

Maybe they won't have to wait for the rest of the school to fill them in. It seems they've already figured out how weird I am already. Now I just hope that they leave me alone.

I walk into the library and sit at my usual table. It's lunchtime and everyone is either in the cafeteria eating or taking advantage of the nice weather and eating outside on the picnic tables. I'm the only one in the library, which is the just the way I like it. This means absolute peace and quiet as I read my book.

So far today had been a great start to the school year. I was able to get a seat in the back for every class and for most classes I didn't even have to sit next to anybody! I had a new kid in every one of my classes, but they were always surrounded by other students and none of them tried to talk to me again, although Alice did smile and wave when she saw that I was in her art class. She'll learn soon enough to leave the outcast alone. The only one that I didn't have a class with was Edward, which I'm totally okay with.

Every class seems like it's going to be a piece of cake which means that as long as I don't completely screw up I'll be graduating in June with grades good enough to get me a scholarship and the hell out of Forks!

I can't help it as my mind once again drifts to the new kids. While I managed to avoid speaking to them again, that doesn't mean I haven't been hearing things about them everywhere I go. Apparently they're all kids of Dr. Cullen and his wife. Dr. Cullen is the new doctor at the hospital that the town's been talking about for months. Apparently he's a world-renowned surgeon and somehow Forks was able to snatch him up. Alice, Emmett, and Edward are triplets and Mrs. Cullen's biological nieces and nephews. They took them in when their parents died ten years ago. Rosalie and Jasper Hale are twins and were the Cullen's neighbors in Chicago. When their mom died of cancer after a long battle the Cullen's agreed to take them into their care so they wouldn't have to go to foster care and they decided to leave Chicago behind.

Besides their backstory all I've hear today from the boys of the school is how they would love to be Rosalie's shoulder to cry on and help her through this tough time. No one has dared to approach her though after Mike Newton hit on her during first period and almost wet his pants when Emmett stepped in to defend his girlfriend. That doesn't mean the boys don't still talk about her though.

And all the girls have talked of nothing but the one eligible Cullen since they found out the others were taken. I can't walk by a group of girls without hearing about how sexy Edward's voice is, and "oh my god did you see that sex hair?" That last comment was Jessica Stanley and Lauren Malloy. They've decided that they'll see who gets him by allowing him to pick who he wants to share a desk with in biology. Pathetic.

Although I can't say I'm exactly surprised. This is the first new student we've had since Mike Newton, and that was in seventh grade. People went crazy when he first came. Jessica made an ass of herself everyday for a month trying to get his attention. It was actually really amusing to watch. She even went as far as to dedicate a song to him in the school talent show. I almost died of second hand embarrassment.

The bell rings and I realize I've been lost in thought for most of the period. I quickly put my book away and speed walk to my biology class so that I can make sure I get my preferred desk in the back.

Luckily the science wing is right next to the library so I'm the first one there. I say hello to Dr. Banner and take my seat next to the window at the table at the back of the classroom. I take my notebook out and then stare out the window not caring who else is in my class. It's not like I'll be talking to them anyway.

"Edward! I saved you a seat!" I hear the unmistakable shrill voice of Jessica and I have to work hard to suppress my chuckle. It looks like I'll get a front row seat to her battle against Lauren for the new kid.

As if on cue Lauren peeps up from the table next to Jessica. "No sit here Edward!" I can't help but look at them to see them both leaning over their desks and fluttering their eyes at a very scared looking Edward who has just gotten back a signed slip of paper from Dr. Banner.

I put my hand over my mouth to cover up the giggles that are dying to be released. Edward must see the movement because suddenly his eyes flash to mine and his scared look is being replaced by a crooked smile.

My heart beats faster and my eyes widen as I take in the smile on his face. I can see why all the girls are going crazy for him and why Jessica and Lauren are getting ready to throw down. He really is attractive.

I immediately shake the thought from my head and tear my gaze away from him and focus my attention once again on the outside world. My hearts still beating fast and I silently curse myself. What the hell is the matter with me?

I suddenly feel a presence beside me and hear the sound of the chair next to me being pulled back so someone can sit in it. What the hell? Who's sitting next to me? No one ever sits next to me biology. This means they'll have to be my partner for the whole year during in class labs and any other projects we have to do. Who would be so stupid as to sit here?

"Hi, Bella right?" I don't know that voice.

I look up and my mouth pops open and my eyes widen comically as I see that the new kid, Edward Cullen, is sitting next to me. I shift my eyes slightly to the left and see both Jessica and Lauren with looks of complete disbelief on their faces. When they see me looking they both glare at me as they switch seats so that they're now partners. In fact everyone who's already in the room is looking from Jessica and Lauren to Edward and me with utter shock. I immediately blush and lower my head down. Why is he sitting next to me? Both Lauren and Jessica saved him a seat and there are other completely empty desks where he wouldn't need a partner if he doesn't want one. Why did he sit here?

"I'm Edward. Edward Cullen." He says and puts his hand out in front of him for me to shake. I just look at his hand and then up to his face in utter confusion. Is this guy for real? There's no way they didn't warn him to stay away from me.

When he realizes that I'm not going to shake his hand he slides it below the desk and into his lap. He looks embarrassed and his ears turn a faint shade of pink. I can't help but feel bad for him.

"Hi." His eyes immediately lock onto mine when I speak and now I'm the one blushing, especially when that crooked smile returns to his face.

"I didn't see you in the cafeteria at lunch." I just stare at him not knowing what he wants me to say. I'm surprised he even noticed I wasn't there to be honest. When I don't say anything he continues, "Were you at the picnic tables? I saw that a lot of people were eating there. Taking advantage of the warm weather while it lasts I guess."

Why is he talking to me? Hell, why did he sit next to me? There are still a few open seats around the room; he could easily switch his seat. "No." I answer his question; I wasn't at the picnic tables.

He looks like he's going to try and talk to me again but thankfully the bell rings and Dr. Banner stands up to address the class.

"Welcome to biology! I hope you picked your seat wisely because the person you're sitting next to will be your partner for the remainder of the year. No switches, no exceptions." I notice Edward smirk out of the corner of my eye. What the hell is wrong with this guy? "I'm going to pass around the seating chart and I want you to sign your name where you are currently sitting. If you do not have a partner you can pair up with someone now." A few people get up and make their way to another table so they won't be stuck by themselves for the whole year and I'm tempted to get up and change my seat as well but I don't want to bring attention to myself. "Now let's get on with the syllabus!"

The rest of the class passes quickly. I stare out the window as I've heard this same speech every year from Dr. Banner, albeit with a different course title at the top. When the bell rings Edward turns to me to say something, but I'm already out of my seat with my bag and walking towards the door.

My next class is gym and then it's back home to make clean the house and make dinner for Charlie before he gets home. I'm thinking some steak and potatoes tonight as it's Charlie's favorite and I don't know if he's calmed down yet from last night. The fact that I'm at school all day and not at home cleaning his house won't make him any happier.

I take my clothes into the bathroom to change. Luckily our school gives us a gym uniform and it's a pants and jacket tracksuit so it covers all of my bruises. Today most people leave the jacket off and just use the undershirt, but I keep my jacket on and zipped.

When I come out of the bathroom stall I notice I'm receiving weird looks from most of the girls and when I see that Jessica and Lauren are in this class I understand why.

Jessica sees me walking towards my locker and glares. "You and Edward seemed pretty friends in bio." I just ignore her and put my clothes in my locker and then put the lock on.

"It's not nice to ignore people Isabella." I hate that name. That's what Charlie calls me whenever he's mad. I shiver at the thought; lucky for me Lauren thinks it's in response to her and she smirks at me, happy with herself.

"Stay away from him. Do you understand me?" Jessica sneers as she gets into my face.

"Yes."

"Good! Not that he would ever want anything to do with someone like you anyway. Don't worry, we'll let him know exactly what a freak you are." Jessica laughs and she leaves the locker room with Lauren and the rest of the girls in the class.

I let out a deep breath I didn't know I was holding and walk into the gym. It turns out all three Cullen's and both Hale's are in my gym class. Rosalie and Alice must have been done changing before I even got to the locker room. When they see me walk out they all smile and Edward and Alice wave, but I ignore them and head to a different section of them gym.

"Hey Bella, wait up!" I hear called behind me and when I turn I see Edward jogging towards me. What now? "I wanted to ask you after bio if you wanted to exchange numbers, but you ran out of class so quickly. Everything okay?" He genuinely looks concerned as he asks me and I can't help but to feel a little bit of gratitude towards this boy that I don't know, but who seems so nice.

"Why?"

"Why what? Why do I want to know if everything's okay?" He asks confused, but I shake my head at him and roll my eyes. "Why do I want your number?" When I nod his ears turn pink again and he stumbles through his answer. "Oh, um, well I, um, I just figured that if we're going to be partners in biology it would be beneficial to have each other's numbers." His right hand runs through his hair and then scratches the back of his neck awkwardly. "You know, in case we have questions about labs and stuff."

I just stare at him dumbly for a second and blink. Does he not realize we do all of our labs in class? "We'll be able to work on labs together in class and hand them in at the end of the period. We won't have to do it at home."

"Oh, well um, that's a relief. Okay, well…. Okay." He still seems nervous and like he wants to say something else. I notice Jessica and Lauren glaring over his shoulder and his whole family watching us with curiosity on their face.

My face feels like it's burning from all of the attention and I just know that it's tomato red from blushing. "Yeah. Okay, well bye." I say and walk away from him and over to Coach Clapp, hoping that he won't follow me towards a teacher. I find I'm correct when I look over and see him standing there looking dejected before walking back over to his family. What a weird guy.

Coach Clapp lets us out early since it's the first day of classes so I'm the first one out into the parking lot, as I don't have any friends to wait for. As I'm pulling away I see the new kids walking to their car and they all wave at me as I drive by them.

Why are they still being friendly towards me? The rest of the school must have told them by now how weird I am and how nobody in their right mind would ever hang out with me, let alone talk to me. So why were they still trying? It doesn't matter. It's not like I could be friends with them anyway. I can't be friends with anyone because no one can no my secret. One more year, that's all I need.

One more year.

A/N: Holy Crap, I'm alive! It's been a while right? Almost four full years! DAMN! Well I'm back now (hopefully for good) and ready to get back to this story!

Bella is currently 16 in this chapter, but school just started so her 17th birthday will be coming up soon! All the Cullen's and Hale's are 17 as well!

Please leave me a review to let me know what you thought of this chapter! It seriously means the world to me, and definitely gives me motivation to keep writing!

FIC RECOMMENDATION

Beneath The Surface by My-Bella. One summer, an internship in Africa, bloodlust, sharp teeth, and a boatload of fear are all that stand in the way of Bella Cullen landing a job at the Atlanta Aquarium - As long as she doesn't count cocky shark expert Edward Masen on her list. I'm currently reading this and I absolutely love it! It's has Bella getting over huge fear and Edward helping her to do this! Plus it's a pretty cheeky sexy yet sweet Edward which I love so much!

Gingy