All recognizeable characters are property of Stephanie Meyer and the author makes no financial gains from using them. I just like to make them spoiled little rich kids.

This story will bounce back and forth between the present time (senior year) and the summer before. Please do not hesitate to PM me with any questions you may have.

Big thanks to Kaila for betaing this for me.

Thank you to those of you who have added my story to your favorites or alerts, I really hope you enjoy it. The first several chapters should post pretty quick, but they may start to slow down after chapter 10. Thanks for reading!

A puff of steam preceded Bella's entrance back into her bedroom. She towel dried her hair as she looked around her new room again. Mrs. Cullen had certainly tried to make everything to her liking, or had asked her staff to. The comforter on the large mahogany bed was a deep green with black flowers embroidered all over it. There were tons of pillows that adorned the head of the bed, but it still seemed cozy instead of overly decorated.

She dropped the towel on the seat in front of the matching mahogany vanity that took up the majority of the wall next to the bed and grabbed the bottle of strawberry lotion and began applying it to her legs with vigor. Every item of Bella's toiletries was strawberry scented, from her shampoo and conditioner to her lotions and sprays. She knew she wasn't one of those girls who needed gobs and gobs of extra scent, but she couldn't bear her normal lilac scent and went to great lengths to cover it up. Her interaction with J this morning had proved to her that her efforts were working.

She picked up the towel and hung it and her robe on the bathroom door before slipping into her pajamas. The carpet was soft under her feet as she padded out onto the patio. Bella had expected a massive, several story house when her mother had described the Cullen home, so she had been surprised when it was all one level; the vastness of the home more than made up for it only being a single story though. The cool breeze made her shiver a little and she realized that summer was truly gone. She wasn't used to the season changing so early. Back home she could be quite comfortable in short skirts until late November, but it was becoming quickly evident that winter would be here sooner than she'd expected.

Bella rubbed her arms quickly as she walked back inside, closing the doors behind her and sliding the curtains into place. Her mind was racing a mile a minute with different thoughts of the summer and her new school. She grabbed a book from the shelf hoping to calm her thoughts. She was amazed that everything had already been unpacked when she'd gotten here, but she was instantly grateful to see all her books proudly on display. She flipped off the over head light so that the only light came from her bedside lamp. Tossing back the covers, she slid into the silky soft sheets, resting amongst the pillows.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. She read the immortal words of Charles Dickens. Bella scooted further under the covers, snuggling, pulling the comforter up to her neck. Her eyes quickly grew heavy and her dreams were filled with someone else quoting Dickens' eternal words.

June 29th

James awoke early the next morning and was surprised at how relaxed and rested he felt given the early hour. Normally during the summer he needed to sleep until noon or later to feel rested enough to get out of bed. Then again, the majority of the summer was normally spent hanging out with the guys until the early hours of the morning, getting drunk on whoever's parents' stash at whichever house they happened to be partying at that night. It was an unspoken agreement in his circle that the parents didn't say anything about their alcohol consumption as long as they didn't make a spectacle of themselves in the process.

James took a run along the beach enjoying the still morning air and smiled to himself as he passed Isabella's house on the way back. After a quick shower, he made his way downstairs for breakfast. His mother greeted him with a friendly hello and offered her cheek for him to kiss, which he obliged before sitting down. Marcus placed a plate of French toast in front of him as they exchanged a knowing glance.

"See darling, this is the appropriate time for French toast," she said as she took a small bite of her grapefruit. He nodded to her, but said nothing. "Marcus tells me you've asked him to pack a lunch for you." She eyed him curiously.

"I planned on biking up the hill today," he said, trying not to give much away.

"Yes, that sounds lovely." She smiled and he knew there was more coming. "I told Marcus that was way too much food for just one person though, even a growing boy like yourself."

"Where's Dad?" he asked, attempting to change the subject. James did not talk to his mother about girls and he certainly never talked to her about ones he was interested in. They barely spoke of the female friends in his group unless her parents were brought up first.

"Scheduling a yoga class," she answered with a wave of her hand. "Don't try to change the subject. I happen to know that the only family currently on the beach with someone your age is the Swan family." She looked uncertain for a minute. "Unless you're suddenly wooing town girls?"

"No. No Mom," he assured her, quickly wiping his mouth on his cloth napkin.

"So it is the Swan girl then," she said, shooting him a smile.

He decided to give in before this got too much more painful. "Yes mother, I am taking Isabella up the hill and I thought we could have lunch," he admitted.

"Ah, she does have a name," she trilled. "See was that so painful?"

"Was what painful?" his father asked finally joining him. Marcus immediately set a plate down in front of Mr. Evans along with the morning paper.

"Hopefully not your yoga class," James grumbled. His father shot him a look and he decided not to press with anymore comments.

"James has a date with the Swan girl," his mother informed his father, still smiling.

"I didn't say it was a date," James replied, irritated.

"You're taking her somewhere and there's food," his mother reminded him. "That's a date."

"Swan…" his father trailed off in thought. "Nice enough family I suppose. It's too bad you couldn't hit it off with the McAllister girl; now that's a good family."

"Geoffrey!" his mother admonished, "James can date whomever he wishes."

"Except a townie of course," James replied, smiling at her sweetly. His mother made her way out of the kitchen, satisfied with the information she had pulled from her son.

"Townies are only good for one thing son," his father said without looking up.

"Being on their knees," James finished for him and they exchanged a knowing smile.

James knocked lightly on the door and Mrs. Swan answered in a tennis outfit.

"Oh, hello, James," she said inviting him in. "I'm afraid Bella's not up yet." She turned and smiled at him, indicating for him to follow her into the kitchen. "Marta was just about to take her breakfast up, but you could do it if you'd like," she said as she eyed him as if he were a lollipop. "Unless you'd like to come help me work on my backstroke."

James smirked to himself, Yup she was just like all the other mothers. He shook his head. "No, but thank you. I'll just take this up to her," he said, lifting the tray.

"Up the stairs at the end of the hall on your left," she called after him.

Ah, so she does have the same room I do, he thought as he wandered down the hall.

He carefully set the tray down on the desk that looked out over the ocean and thought that she had probably sat here just last night. The room was decorated in white and pale yellows and he smiled as he watched her sleeping under a billowy white comforter. She had a four post chestnut bed with white gossamer netting draped over it.

He sat on the bed gently and lay onto his side as he gently nudged her hip with his finger. She made an annoyed groan so he persisted, nudging her a little more forcefully. She rolled over towards him and he was engulfed with the scent of lilacs.

"Wake up duchess," he said with his hand still on her hip. She opened her eyes slightly and rubbed them clearing out the morning sun.

"Duchess?" she asked, still asleep.

"Princess is too common," he said in explanation.

"What're you doing here?" she asked, rolling all the way towards him and snuggling into her covers a little more.

"Someone had to bring you your breakfast." He motioned to the tray on the desk. She turned to look at it and then turned back to him.

"Marta could've done that," she said, calling his bluff.

"I didn't want to help your mom with her stroke?" he asked trying again.

"Ah, but for that request you would have needed to be here to begin with." She smiled through her sleep haze at him and he knew he'd been caught. "So, tell me why you're really here." He idly began playing with the edge of her pillow case as he thought about how to respond.

"I thought maybe you'd like to go on a ride up the hill with me," he offered.

"Depends," she said, covering her mouth as she yawned.

"On?"

"What kind of car do you drive?"

"I'm surprised you care," he told her.

"I don't, I just figured that was the kind of thing I was supposed to ask," she smiled, sitting up.

"Most of the females I know would," he agreed. "We're not driving though; I thought we'd take bikes."

"I don't have one here." She reached for the muffin on her tray and began picking it apart with her fingers.

"Good thing I brought a spare then," he returned, smiling and shook his head as she offered him a bite.

"Do I have time for a quick shower?" she asked, popping another piece in her mouth. James watch the way her mouth moved as she chewed and found himself wanting to kiss her again.

"A quick one," he allowed. She tossed the covers off of her and made her way to the bathroom that was connected to her room.

"Oh, James." She peeked her head back out of the bathroom. He looked up in response. "I'm not like any of the girls you know," she said with a sultry smile and closed the door.

"No, you definitely are not," he agreed.

The ride to the top of the hill took about an hour and they were grateful for the light breeze that blew down on them. Several times James caught himself staring at Isabella. She had donned a light white sundress and it sailed around her like scarves. James chuckled remembering the look on her face when she came out of the shower and he was still sitting on her bed.

"Um, I kind of need to get dressed here," she said, hinting that he should leave.

"I don't mind." He smirked at her and shrugged. She had grabbed her clothes and wandered back into the bathroom and he had laughed to himself for a minute before he got a face full of the towel that she had thrown out of the bathroom at him. Ah, he'd thought inhaling deeply, lilacs.

"What's so funny?" Bella asked, bringing him back to the present.

"Oh, I was just thinking about when you came out of the bathroom this morning," he said.

"I'll get you back for that," she threatened as he slowed his bike.

"I'm looking forward to it." He smirked at her as she stopped beside him. They left the bikes and he grabbed her hand, leading her to the edge of the cliff. For the first time that he could ever remember, James did not look out over the amazing view. Instead he found himself watching Isabella. Her face went from slightly frightened at being on the edge, to amazed and then serene. James gazed at her intently feeling each emotion with her.

"It's beautiful," she whispered.

There were some rough rocks below them where the ocean had slowly worn them down over time, and the ocean crashed against the side of the cliff emitting a spray that almost reached the top. The water beyond met the horizon and was dotted with little boats. Every now and again, a dolphin or some other water animal would pop out of the water. Bella tugged lightly on James' arm and he turned to her. She stood on her toes and he leaned towards her slightly.

She lightly pressed her lips to his cheek and whispered. "Thank you."

James was amazed at how much that small gesture meant to him. He spread out the blanket he had brought and laid down motioning for Isabella to do the same. She positioned herself next to him, but slightly lower to where her head reached only his chest. James brought his arm behind his head and looked up towards the sky.

After lying in silence for awhile, Bella finally spoke up. "What're we doing?"

"Don't you ever just look at the clouds?" he asked her, feeling more at peace than he had in a long time.

"Not normally." She shrugged before bringing her gaze to the sky.

"When I was younger, my nanny would bring me up here and let me fly kites until lunch time. Afterwards, she would insist that I needed a nap. I always protested and she would eventually tell me that I didn't have to fall asleep as long as I'd lie here at least an hour and look at the clouds," he told her. "The catch was, I wasn't allowed to talk."

"Were you a talkative kid?" she asked, enjoying hearing about his childhood.

"I never shut up." He laughed.

"It was probably her way of getting some peace and quiet," Bella murmured before laughing lightly.

"I imagine it was," he agreed. "Sometimes I would lose track of time because I got so engrossed in the clouds."

"Why?" she asked, curious.

"I'd start making up what shapes they were and then I'd make up stories about them," he admitted, not feeling embarrassed at all.

"Tell me one," she requested quietly.

"Come here." He reached for her and spun her so that her head was resting on his stomach.

"That's a lot easier on my neck," she admitted. James smiled to himself enjoying the warmth of her head on his body.

"See that one right there?" He pointed to a cloud. "See how it kind of looks like a skull in a way?" He felt her nod and continued on. "Do you see that other cloud over there that kind of looks like a squiggly line, and its moving kind of slowly."

"Yes," she said after spotting the cloud.

"Well, I would make up a story about how the skull was haunting the snake and that the snake was trying to get away. That's why it looks like it's moving."

Bella smiled. "That's not a very interesting story," she said, putting her arm up and twisting her hair around her fingers.

"I didn't say they were interesting," he admitted and began running his fingers over her arm unconsciously. "I just said I made things up."

"True," she admitted.

They continued to lie there quietly just looking up to the sky. James thought of how different it was to be with Isabella than all the other girls he knew. The majority of the time it was difficult to just get them off the beach, let alone to just watch clouds. Bella let out a content sigh as James ran the back of his fingers over her cheek. Her skin was so smooth; he couldn't get enough of just touching it.

Bella reached lazily for her bag and began pulling something out.

"Done with Dickens already?" James asked, noticing the different cover of the book she had just pulled out.

"No." She handed the book to him. "This one's for you."

"Ender's Game," he read the title aloud as she pulled another book from her bag. "What makes you think I want to read this?"

"I just thought you might enjoy it is all." She settled herself against him again and opened her book.

"What even makes you think I read?"

"I think you could probably read more than just the sports section of the news paper if you tired." She laughed lightly.

"How do you know that's all I read?" Her astuteness continued to amaze him.

"Call it a hunch." She smiled and began reading.

What could it hurt? He thought, she'd been patient enough to gaze at clouds for the last two hours, he could read.

James got so engrossed in the book that he completely forgot about the picnic he'd brought with them until his stomach started grumbling.

"I think its feeding time for the humans." Bella laughed as she put her bookmark into her book and placed it back in her bag.

"Seems so," he agreed and got up to retrieve the basket. Marcus had really out done himself; there were several different kinds of cheeses, a couple different rolls of bread and various types of meats. He had also included strawberries, blue berries, tangerines, and a bunch of lilacs for ambiance. James laughed as he pulled the lilac bunch out.

How does he always know this shit? He wondered to himself. Lastly he pulled out a light blush wine and a couple glasses.

"Wine?" Bella asked, raising her eyebrow. "Are you trying to get me drunk Mr. Evans?"

"Ew," he said, scrunching his face. "Please don't say 'Mr. Evans' like that. It makes me think of my father's secretaries."

Bella eyed him apologetically. "I'm sorry, do you not like them?"

"Not as much as he does," he answered without looking up.

"Ah," she replied and began helping him set things out onto plates.

"So, what do you think of the book so far?" she asked after they had tasted several of the cheeses.

"I find it interesting," he admitted.

"What part?" she asked as she picked up the bunch of lilacs, bringing them to her nose. James smirked at her; the lilac scent was going to overpower him if he wasn't careful.

"The number of children couples are allowed to have particularly," he said.

"Really?" She scrunched her eyebrows together.

"A lot of the families in our circle only have one child or a boy and a girl."

"Ah," she said, making the connection.

"Yeah, I do have this one friend who is the third child with an older brother and an older sister," he told her.

"Well, I can see why you'd find that aspect interesting, but a lot of families are like that, with the one boy and one girl thing," she said.

"No. The interesting part is that his older brother," he popped a strawberry into his mouth, "is a total ass."

"Is the older sister extremely sweet?" she asked.

"She was." He offered her a strawberry. She opened her mouth and he placed it in, touching her lips softly. She smiled sweetly at him.

"Was?" she asked after finishing the strawberry.

"Let's just say that people change as they grow up in my world." Bella couldn't place his tone, but it almost sounded wistful.

"Everyone changes as they grow up," she said, rubbing his hand.

"Normally for the better though." Bella touched his face hoping to reassure him. "I feel bad for my friend though," he said, looking down. "His parents constantly belittle him for not being on the same page as his siblings. When he didn't run for class president in the sixth grade, I seriously thought his parents were going to blow a gasket."

"How awful for him," Bella acknowledged.

"He takes it pretty well though," James said. "He never compares himself to them or lets his parents' issues weigh on him."

"Good for him," she said.

"Good?" James asked raising an eyebrow. "It's bloody amazing to be honest." He continued eating, thinking about it a little more. "Even though the majority of us can't stand our parents and think low of their activities, doing something that makes them think less of us or not succumbing to the things that are expected of us, is practically unheard of."

"Sounds like your friend's a notch above the rest of you then." Bella smirked, sniffing the lilacs again.

"Only in that aspect." He laughed and shook his head.

"So, what else do you have planned for this afternoon?" Bella asked after they had cleaned up their lunch.

"Cliff diving?" He nodded to the edge. Bella looked at the edge and back to him with a horrified expression. "I was kidding," he quickly reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder and leaving it there. "I actually didn't have much else planned. We can go back if you'd like." The sadness in his tone was not lost on her.

"Do you play cards?" she asked, grabbing for her bag again.

"What kind?"

"Gin?" She pulled a deck of cards from her bag.

"What else do you have in there?"

"I like to be prepared." She shrugged.

"You must've been a boy scout in a previous life." He chuckled.

James quickly caught on to the game, but couldn't seem to win a single hand.

"Gin," she said, smugly laying down her cards.

"I swear you cheat," he grumbled as he began shuffling the cards again.

"I do no such thing," she answered, offended. After losing three more hands, James had decided he'd had enough.

"That's where I draw my limit." He shook his head in defeat. "You have to play poker with me tonight," he informed her as they began picking up.

"Oh no, I get to decide on the event tonight," she said as they walked back to the bikes.

"So I get to see you tonight then?" he asked, suddenly relieved.

"I think that's an option." She gazed at him from the corner of her eye.

"Well, since you were such a good sport about my little outing, I guess I can concede tonight to you," he agreed as they peddled down the hill.

"How very gracious of you," she replied sarcastically.

Present Day

Bella stood at the center island of the kitchen taking in the vastness around her. It continued to amaze her at how large the homes of this area were. Her family had always been well off, but for some reason they were never as showy about it. They had lived in one of the nicer homes in Phoenix, but nothing as extravagant as the Cullens' home or any of the other homes she'd visited since coming here.

She found the major differences between the people here and the people back home oddly disconcerting. She didn't understand the arrogance and entitlement that these people exuded, but she was one of them now and was still adjusting to acting as such. She chewed a bite of her Cinnamon Toast Crunch thoughtfully as she scratched the back of her leg with the toe of her shoe. She had to admit that shopping with Alice certainly had its perks.

Edward watched the way the toe of her ridiculously high shoe rubbed on the back of her calf before following the line up her leg to the bottom of her skirt.

"So people do still do that," Edward observed, making his presence known.

"Do what?" Bella asked her mouth full before swallowing. "Eat?"

"Eat cereal," he clarified, coming to a stop across the island from her. Bella glanced down into the mostly empty coffee cup in front of her and shrugged.

"Is cereal below you?" She quirked eyebrow at him.

"Normally, we're supposed to have something healthier," he replied.

"What, like French toast?" she asked, inwardly cringing at her own words.

"Or something like that," Edward feigned disinterest. "Are you about ready?" He pulled his keys from his pocket and made a show of looking at them.

"For what?" Bella asked before taking another bite.

"School?" Edward asked, rolling his eyes in response.

"Oh, is Kate here? I didn't hear her horn." Bella quickly swallowed the last couple bites of her cereal before taking the cup to the sink and rinsing it out, sticking it in the dishwasher. Edward watched curiously; he couldn't remember the last time he'd seen someone take care of their own dishes; it was practically a crime.

"Kate's running late, I told her you could ride with me." He shook his head. "You really aren't from around here, are you?" he added as she popped a piece of gum into her mouth to take care of the milk breath she was sure she had.

"What, cause I can wash my own dishes?" She wanted to roll her eyes at him but refrained. "Please don't mistake my lack of laziness for an inability to fit in." She walked past him and picked up her leather bag. Edward stared at her, dumbfounded at her words.

Laziness, he thought to himself. Is that what it was?

"Are you coming or not?" Bella broke through his thoughts throwing a look over her shoulder.

"Just enjoying the view," he returned before brushing past her to pick up his own bag. Bella rolled her eyes this time before following him out.

Bella rolled her window down, enjoying the fresh smell of the soon to be autumn air. She leaned her head back into the seat just letting the wind blow across her face. Edward glanced over at her with amusement. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen a female willingly deal with the wind knowing it could mess up their hair. Even Angela never rolled the windows down.

The serene look on her face made him smile in contentment too as he glanced back out to the road in front on him. His reverie was interrupted shortly after when he heard Bella adjusting in her seat. He looked over and watched as she pulled the white knee highs up her long legs. He had never understood the reason for those stupid things, that almost all the girls seemed to wear, but as his eyes once again followed the shape of her leg, he was convinced that the reason was merely to torture him. He adjusted slightly in his seat trying not to think of his dream from the night before.

Edward breathed a slight sigh of relief as he pulled through the familiar gates of Cromwell Academy and into the spot he'd been parking in since he could drive. Bella flashed him a quick smile before opening her door and climbing out. Edward caught the briefest glimpse of lace and groaned as the door shut.

Bella glanced quickly around, noticing James was nowhere to be found. Once she realized what she was doing, she mentally smacked herself, hating that he was the first person she looked for. She made her way over to Alice and Kate, hoping to distract herself.

"Love the shoes." Alice winked at her conspiratorially.

"Like we don't all know that you've been playing personal shopper," Kate responded. "Sorry I couldn't swing by this morning." Kate turned her gaze on Bella. "Garrett decided he needed to work out this morning." Bella returned Kate's knowing look and Alice just wrinkled her nose in response.

"Please, work outs should not be done on your back," Alice said.

"Who said we were on our backs?" Kate asked with a raised eyebrow.

"More than sit ups can be done on those benches." Bella laughed quietly.

"And at that angle...whoo!" Kate laughed back.

"And with that, I shall take my leave," Alice murmured before strutting off.

"What's her problem?" Bella asked, watching the crowd of students part as Alice made her way through them.

"She walked in on James getting blown yesterday and cringes anytime we bring up sex now," Kate explained.

"How long will that last?" Bella asked, doing her best to not think of James in the, err, arms of someone else.

"She'll be over it before Friday." Kate sighed. "Assuming there's no more run ins. Either that or she'll hook up with some random guy on his gym locker."

"Is that hygienic?" Bella asked as they headed into the school.

Visions of Bella on his lap from his dream the night before danced in Edward's head before quickly morphing into Bella on his lap in his car. He quickly got out and leaned against the door before his fantasies had the chance to continue.

"Aren't you full of color today?" Tanya noted, running her perfectly manicured fingers over his cheek. Edward shied slightly away from her touch but she didn't seem to notice. Tanya brought her hands to the loose ends of Edward's tie and began to loop them together.

"Stop it," he said, pushing her hands away.

"My, my, aren't we testy this morning," Tanya cooed in response, running her hands over his perfectly sculpted abs.

"Stop it," he growled at her, gripping her hands and glaring down at her. He wasn't in the mood for her games today, and if he was being honest with himself, it wasn't Tanya's hands he wanted on him.

"What's your problem?" she asked, looking mildly offended. "Perhaps someone hasn't been having their needs met." Tanya smirked as her hand wandered down the front of his trousers.

"Or maybe Angela is headed this way," he growled, but was instantly relieved for the excuse. Tanya snapped her hand back like she'd been electrocuted before running her hands quickly through her hair and tossing it over her shoulder.

"Morning, dear," Tanya smiled her fakest smile at Angela.

"You alright, Tan?" Angela asked, doing her best to sound concerned.

"Fine, why?" Tanya asked as she straightened her skirt.

"You just look a little fidgety," Angela responded with a shrug.

"We should head to class," Edward interrupted, slinging his arm around Angela's shoulders.

"See ya later, Tan." Angela waved over her shoulder.

"It's Tanya," Tanya growled to her back before heading in the other direction.