A/N: Although I am using some of the basic principles of each of the Twilight characters, I am going to change some aspects, for instance… Bella doesn't hate sports in my story. Just keep that in mind before you criticize. All changes are for the benefit of this story.
To answer some of your questions, Yes, Bella had an "ideal" first day of high school, but like life, Bella and her friend will face some challenges that will test their strengths and friendships.
The other major question asked was will this just be a short story or a longer one. Well, I envisioned this story lasting quite a while. It will cover all four years of high school and maybe a little longer (not quite certain of that point, just yet).
DISCLAIMER: Not Ms. Meyer… Please review, it makes me write faster.
BPOV
Beginning November
The first few months of high school were, in a word, wonderful. Edward and I had half our classes together, and he even spent some of my gym classes as an aide. He came in and worked, sometimes one on one with me to help try and "hone my skills" as he called it. Alice and I had even become pretty great friends as well. I was looking forward to this weekend, where Alice and her parents were throwing a surprise party for Edward's 15th birthday. Edward, Jasper, and Emmett had been so busy with basketball practice lately that they hardly noticed if Alice and I were whispering secrets at lunch. The party would be this Saturday at six-thirty. They boys would be picked up after practice to come back to Edward's house for dinner. What Edward didn't know is that Alice was in charge of inviting people to the party. She had secretly been handing out invitations to practically all of Forks High. Apparently, most of the freshmen and sophomores would be in attendance Saturday night.
So here I was Friday after school at the mall with Alice and her mother, Elizabeth, looking for a present for Edward. Edward's mother was so amazing. You could just tell how much she cared about her children by the looks she gave them. We were in a clothing store so Elizabeth could pick up a few things for Edward while Alice went off to "find the perfect party outfit" for tomorrow.
"So, Bella. Edward is always talking about you. You seem to have made quite the impression on my son. Alice also speaks of you. However, she can barely get a word in around Edward. He practically lights up when you are brought up in conversations. It's nice to know he has someone in his life that makes him smile like you." I almost sobbed as she spoke those loving words to me.
"Yes, Mrs. Masen. I am thankful that Alice and Edward became my friends that first day of school. They are two of the reasons I like living here in Washington. They really made me feel at home here, and I would be happy to do anything for either one of them." Especially since I'm in love with your son. I couldn't tell Edward's mother of all people that I was in love with her son. However, Mrs. Masen gave me a knowing smile as she looked back at me.
"Bella, please call me Elizabeth. Also, you are welcome at our home any time. You are such a good friend to my children, I'd be happy to have you there." She pulled me into a small hug. Alice came back towards us carrying two large bags. I can only assume what her outfit will look like tomorrow. We all walked to a sporting goods store down the way so I could pick up my gift for Edward. I had debated for a few weeks on what exactly to get him. I settled on getting him a couple pairs of blue gym shorts for his basketball practices and pick up games. I also got him a year's subscription to Sports Illustrated. I made up a little card that the subscription notice went into. I also slipped in a note that said I had agreed to become a basketball statistician for his team. We would be able to travel together and I could go to all his games to cheer for him.
The next afternoon, while the boys were at practice, Elizabeth, Alice, and I were all hard at work getting the house ready for Edward's party. Apparently, Edward received gifts from his parents and Alice this morning before he left for practice. This was to ensure that he would be truly surprised. Once we had finished decorating, Elizabeth looked at her watch and sent her husband to go pick up the boys. All the boys would be returning here after practice. People were starting to show up for the party as he was walking out the door. Elizabeth began hosting the party while Alice tugged me up the stairs to her room. She pulled out one of the bags she purchased yesterday. "Put them on. I got an outfit for you and one for me. Don't worry, we won't be the Bobsey Twins. Now get into my bathroom and get dressed. Edward and the boys will be here in about ten minutes."
I went to change in a slight state of shock. Alice had picked out beautiful blue party dress with cap sleeves. I looked at my reflection once I was finished getting dressed, but quickly saw Alice heading into the room. She pulled my hair half up with a blue butterfly clip and let my naturally wavy hair cascade over my shoulders.
Alice and I heard the car pull up and were able to make it halfway down the stairs before the front door was opening. "Surprise!" we all shouted as Edward walked in through the door. Edward looked around at the crowded living room and then saw Alice and I standing on the stairs he gave me my favorite crooked grin as I mouthed "happy birthday". He mouthed "Thanks" back and greeted his many guests. Alice left me standing on the steps to go talk with other people from school. I watched as she and Edward talked with practically everyone. After a few minutes a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me into a tight hug. "Thanks for the party, Bella. Can you come upstairs with me for a moment, please?" Edward asked me.
I nodded my head and followed him up to his room. He set his gym bag down next to his bed and went into his bathroom to start the shower. He shouted out to me to have a seat while he cleaned up. I looked around his room, having never been inside it before and was pleased to see his massive collection of CDs covering most of one wall. Another wall was covered with pictures. There were family portraits and pictures of him and friends. I was surprised to see a picture of Edward and I that Alice had taken of us at lunch a few weeks ago.
I heard the bathroom door open behind me and I turned around to face Edward. I was shocked to see that he was only covered by the towel wrapped around his hips. He smiled at me and laughed as he saw the blush creep into my cheeks. "You know Bella, I never got to tell you how beautiful you look tonight." If it was possible the blush in my cheeks got darker, and I mumbled a thank you as I turned back to his pictures. I could hear Edward getting dressed behind me, chuckling at my embarrassment. Soon those strong arms were wrapped around my waist and I could feel his breath on my hair.
I turned to face Edward and looked up at him as he looked down at me. "Happy birthday, Edward. I hope you have the best year." I reached up and kissed his cheek before leaving his room and heading downstairs. I was entirely flushed by the time I found Alice around the punchbowl. I mingled with some of our friends while Edward walked around, talking to the many girls who were vying for his attention. I noticed the kiss I gave Edward wasn't the only kiss he received that night.
After a few hours, Elizabeth brought out a cake, and Edward made a big show of blowing out the candles. Someone played some music and everyone was dancing. By about 11, parents were showing up to pick up our classmates. When everyone had left, Alice and I began cleaning up some of the mess. Edward had somehow disappeared, but I could hear Emmett and Jasper playing video games so I assumed that Edward was with them.
That night, as I was laying on the couch trying to fall asleep, I heard Edward come into the living room. "Bella," he whispered.
"Yes?" I sat up on the couch as I saw him enter the living room.
"I just wanted to thank you for the party and the gift. I like the shorts, but my favorite part is that you are going to be a part of our team. I am glad you're willing to help us out and I know Coach James is thankful to have you on the team as well." He leaned over and kissed me on the lips. I gasped from shock as Edward kissed me. He pulled back slightly and then leaned in again to kiss me once more. I was surprised to say the least, but kissed Edward back. That night I fell asleep with his arms wrapped around me.
Basketball season would start in a couple weeks, and I was thankful that I would get to spend even more time with Edward. My life finally felt like everything was falling into place. I was happy for the first time in a long time, and Edward was just the icing on the birthday cake.