A/N: Again I am thanking and apologizing to everyone for having to put up with this. Yes, I took down all the other chapters since I combined the prologue with the first chapter. Yeah, I'm sorry if anyone got confused by that. Anyway, I am here with the next revision of chapter two. Please, continue to be patient with me as I work on editing this entire massive story – that will get bigger when I am done editing – and enjoy.

I'd like to thank Goldielover and CharitinaX for reading and leaving a review. Oh and CharitinaX please let me know if I cleared up what was bothering you in the other chapter. If not, then I am sorry. I did try.

o~O~o

Honestly, I'm not sure what to do about this entire situation. I mean, it wouldn't be a good idea to cause any trouble, especially since I am sure these creatures aren't going to do anything to me. So what I need to do is relax, take a deep breath and not freak out – as that's what some part of me wants to do at this point in time. Perhaps there isn't anything wrong with taking a peek interest in who these people are if they don't mean anyone here any harm. And by how everyone is acting these guys have been here quite awhile. Maybe this won't be so bad.

"Who are they?" I hear Bella ask. Hm. Taking an interest there, sister dear? Nothing wrong with that. Hell, I am curious as well.

"The Cullen's," Angela answers. Looks like we won't have to divulge to gather information since it seems everyone here is going to have no trouble in informing us of anything to do with these kids.

I nod. "They look rather cozy," I comment offhandedly to which Jessica proceeds to tell us that four of them were couples. Okay, that's odd. Really odd.

Angela shot the other girl a look. "You know they aren't blood related."

Jessica shrugged. "Yeah, but they live together. It's just weird."

Perhaps, but I am not one to judge. I have seen some really odd things within the last few years. Adopted teens being in relationships is not something new to me. Matter of fact, it's about the most normal thing I have seen in regards to situations like this.

I raise a brow. "It's like what Angela said, if they aren't related, what's the big deal?" I wasn't being rude when I asked this question, I genuinely wanted to know what was so wrong with this.

Jessica shrugged. "Nothing I guess."

That's not very reassuring to me. Not a bit. "You seem to have a problem with it, Jess."

She shook her head. "I don't. Really."

Huh. Maybe I am reading her wrong. I don't think I am. "And what about that last one?"

Jessica huffed, clearly annoyed. Whoops. "Edward? No one. He's completely gorgeous, obviously. Apparently no one here is good enough for him." Looks like he's turned her down more than a few times if I had to guess from the tone she used. I almost feel sorry for her. But some part of me is really amused by this. Not sure why, but I am.

"I wouldn't even try," Jessica said when she noticed that Bells kept looking over at their table. I noticed it too and had to keep from grinning at her. Yeah, the last thing I needed was to be kicked under the table. The girl has some pretty strong kicks let me tell you that much. We used to wrestle when we were kids.

"I wasn't planning on it," my sister replied. "Trust me." Oh, she's not planning on it, but she is a bit interested. I can feel it. It's rather amusing to me since the whole time back in Phoenix not a single guy managed to catch her interest. For that to happen here is just mind bogglingly amazing. Really, I would just love to tease the hell out of her and if we weren't surrounded by other people I would.

Jessica looked at me when she saw me grinning. "You want to try?" she seemed incredulous about the fact that I would want to. I don't.

I shook my head. "Nope. Sorry, the guy does nothing for me." I figure being honest would be the best route instead of playing around with this girl's mind. I might do that at another time…well, if she ticks me off. Hey, I can't go around being a sweetheart all the time.

So for the rest of lunch, I listened as the others talked, keeping an eye on the Cullen table. I had dialed down my senses a bit to keep from getting a migraine from all the other conversations that were going on in the cafeteria. I also had to keep from grinning too much or cackling with glee. I did not want to get any more attention added to my person since I seemed to have also peaked Mike's interest. Damn. I am way too nice…that or I am just odd. If that makes any sense. It probably doesn't. Ah well.

"Where are you headed for your next class?" Jessica asked as the lunch bell rang. We all gathered up our belongings.

"Biology," Bella answered.

I glance down at my schedule. "Well, whadda know. I've got the same thing." Rather odd, but I get the feeling that maybe the school wanted to keep Bella and I together for a reason. Probably for us to be more comfortable. That's a good thing. I didn't feel like leaving my sister by herself.

Bella blinked. "You did?!"

I nod, showing her the paper. "Yup. I did."

"This might be awkward," she comments with a chuckle, adding as she saw the confusion on my face. "You're so good at science and everything." Well, I wouldn't exactly say that, but okay. I am pretty good with science courses. I hadn't really planned on continuing them whenever I planned on going to college, but now that I think about it. It couldn't hurt.

"Wait?" Jessica gasped. "They put you both in the same class?"

Um. "What's wrong with that?"

"Isn't that like cheating?" she asks astonished. "I mean, you both could just wind up copying each others homework and stuff."

I blink. "That's what you're worried about?"

"Um, yeah."

I shook my head, chuckling a bit. "Hate to break it to you Jess, but Bella is just as good at Biology as I am. So there won't be any chance for us to copy anything. We're not that stupid after all."

She flushed. "Um…sorry. I didn't mean to imply."

She did. I can feel it, but I won't say anything. Not now. "It's fine." it's not.

Eric got our attention. "Well, that's where I'm headed. I can take the two of you over there." Boy must've realized that a fight might break out and wanted to keep that from happening. He was worried over nothing. I'm not one to take things too personally – depending on what it is.

I nod. "Okay."

Didn't take long to get to the building where the science classes were located. I felt a little nervous, but then I realized I was feeling my sister's emotions again. I need to work on my shielding – being an empathe does suck sometimes. Really, it does and it can be a little irritating. Yet at the same time, it's also a blessing as it allows me to know if those that are close to me are all right. So I can't entirely hate this gift that I was born with – although I need to learn how to tone it down a bit.

Upon entering the room, that same feeling overcame me again and I could barely listen to our introduction to the teacher. From the corner of my eye I saw one of the kids that Jessica had told us about during lunch: Edward Cullen. Oh, boy. This should be good and…okay, that's an odd feeling to get from another being. That feeling got stronger after Bella stepped in front of the fan. I had half a mind to toss her out of the room and make a run for the truck. However, I stifled that urge and just tried to pay more attention to where I was going to be sitting, which happened to be in the back of the class. Unfortunately, I was by myself. Hell. I don't like the idea of talking to myself during class – that seems a little nuts. These people need to find that out the hard way. Cue the pouting.

Or what would've been pouting if I hadn't realized that Bella would be seated right next to Edward. Oh, how lovely.

"Hey, Sarah." I blink, looking to my right to realize that I wasn't going to be by myself. Nope. An old friend from the past was in this class as well. Wonderful! This is going to be good. I won't be alone on projects and I will have my old partner in crime once again by my side! All is well with my world once again.

I'm going for being overly dramatic. It works rather well when I wanna be a smart ass as well. Trust me on this. I've got a lot of experience to back me up.

"J.D?" I inquire like an idiot. "What the hell are you doing here?"

She grinned at me. "Been back for three years," she frowned. "You didn't get my letter?"

Um. "Nope."

She cursed under her breath. "I could've sworn that I had sent it out. I may have forgotten."

Sounds like her. "Maybe."

She sat next to me. "So how have you been?"

I shrug. "Same."

J.D shot me a look. "Don't lie to me, Sar. I can always tell when you are. Remember?"

Matter of fact…I do.

I nod. "Yeah, I do," I look ahead to where my sister and her lab partner sat. "I guess I should say that I will be fine. Eventually. These kinds of things you don't exactly bounce back from, ya know."

"Yes, yes I do."

Silence.

"Since when have you been interested in science?" she pipes up as we begin the project. "Last time I checked you hated anything to do with the subject."

"Things change," I reply quietly, feeling that old dark cloud creep over me. "You know that better than anyone."

J.D sighed. "Yeah, I do." She grins. "So, you still avoiding hospitals?"

I shot her a dark look. "Like a plague."

It was no secret in my family that I hate hospitals. Always have and after what I had undergone that feeling only grew. It wasn't the fault of anyone in these facilities except for the experimentation lab that I had been holed up in at one point. I do make sure that I am always nice, polite and all that towards the staff in any hospital that I've gone to after being freed from that place. However, that still doesn't mean I am fond of those places. Too many dark memories and nightmares take up any kind of warmer feelings I might have towards hospitals or their staffs. It is something I am working on. Although it is a constant struggle.

J.D cringed. "Sorry."

I shook my head. "It's fine, J.D. Besides, you haven't seen me in years. It's only natural for you to ask questions. I'm not bothered. Not really." I amended as I saw the dubious glance she gave me.

"You suck at lying," she comments with a grin.

I shrug. "Only because you know me so damn well."

"True that."

~O~

That first day had gone way better than either Bells or I had originally thought. I mean, we were still pretty big news, but that's all right. We could handle the attention that seemed to be dwindling. Neither one of us liked being the center of such and of course, my day had gotten really fantastic by knowing that an old friend of mine was back in the same town. I had missed J.D a lot since we had gotten separated several years ago back before I had been taken to that laboratory. Ugh, shudder at all those negative thoughts drifting around that place. All in all, that day had been rather wonderful and I had forgotten about that odd feeling I got from the Cullen kids. I mean, I knew that they weren't human and I was fine with that. I'm not exactly human either. Not anymore. At least if you ask those doctors back in that lab I wasn't.

However, when I woke up the next day it wasn't all that wonderful. I somehow had wound up on the floor, courtesy of the nightmare my brain just had to give me. Really, I thought I had gotten good at not having those for a while. Looks like I'm wrong. That's annoying. For some added embarrassment and annoyance I woke up kissing the blasted floor as well. Damn annoying. Good thing Dad didn't walk in—

"Are you all right, Sarah?" I heard him ask bursting in with a worried look on his face. The world is against me right at this moment. And rather than be annoyed, I am more amused than anything else. After all, this is a pretty funny situation.

I look up with a grin. "Just fine, Dad. But you know these floors really need to be polished." Total smart-ass moment and dear ol' daddy just started laughing. Yes, I am the family comedian. Really, someone has to take up the job and I decided a long time ago that it might as well be me. I am pretty good at it. "Thanks for the help!" I call as Dad leaves, still chuckling at my expense.

Getting up, I blinked a few times as a camera flash went off. I hadn't known that someone else had come into the room. Bloody hell!

"Oh, shit!"

I glanced over at the culprit with a massive smirk. "Next time, turn off the flash." Yup, my sister had just taken my picture. Pretty sure she's gonna try to put that one on the internet. Hell I wouldn't blame her. It was rather hilarious. I would've done the same thing if the roles were reversed. Of course, after that I was a bit more careful when getting into the shower. I didn't want to have another incident and this would be way more embarrassing if Dad were to come in. And not just because I'd be naked, but because of the scars. I've got quite the collection on my back, stomach and chest. None of them are pretty either. Ten minutes later, I exit the shower, dry off and change into the black cargo pants, white tank top with a red shattered heart on the front and a light gray sweat jacket. I had gotten a brand new one after the other one had been destroyed back during that one incident that basically changed my entire life. I'll get to that eventually, but right now I need to be in a good place and thinking such horrible things is not on the agenda for today.

"What're you up to this time?" I ask crossing my arms as I leave the bathroom only to find my grinning sister on the other side.

Bells giggles. "Nothing whatsoever!"

Not buying that. "Oh, really?" I inquire trying to sound menacing and failing with the grin on my face.

She blushed. Busted!

"You're a horrible liar Bells," I comment dryly as we head downstairs. "You know well that we can't lie to each other all that well. So what's up?"

She huffed. "It's a surprise."

I froze. Neither one of us was fond of surprises. So this was definitely new.

I look over my shoulder at her. "Clarify please?"

"Can't."

"Why not?" I really do wanna know if I need t be worried about this whole surprise or not. Then again, if she did tell me then it wouldn't be a surprise anymore.

She grinned again. "Charlie's idea."

Uh-oh. If Dad is in on this then there is no way I can get it out of Bells. Damn. I wanna know. Great. I sound a little bit like a child there.

I look at her carefully as I get a Coke from the fridge. "You could try calling him 'Dad' around me, Bells." I always did wonder why she had trouble calling him by that title. I mean, he is our father.

She sighed, rubbing her left arm. "I know. It's just…not easy. I haven't really been around him in so long. I kinda don't know how to act around him."

I feel like an asshole right now. I didn't mean to make it seem as bad as I had. Shit. I really wanna kick my own ass right about now.

I looked at Bells. "I didn't mean to make it sound like that," I mutter softly, going over to hug her tightly. "I'm sorry."

She hugged me back. "It's fine." No, it wasn't. Not by a long shot, but I knew better than to argue with her about it. Bella is just as stubborn as me.

"So," I breath. "What'd you guys get me?"

She glanced over at the table. "Check it out."

I look over at what she was looking at. "What the—" How in the Nine Hells did they manage to get this?! I have no idea how on earth to actually react to this entirely pleasant surprise!

"I helped out," she stated, looking at me with a grin. "Thought you could use a new laptop." Well, yeah, I did need one. But, I was just going to wait until later on to try getting one. It was starting to break down more and more lately. However, I wasn't going to worry about it…but I didn't think that my own family would worry about it.

"Why?" I swear I am choking up. This is almost too much. Almost. Damn, I may literally start to cry.

Bells grinned. "YOU need a new one. That other one was falling apart. I'm surprised that you haven't broken it into parts yet." Amazingly enough, so am I.

I raised a brow. "What about yours?" Yes, I am going to worry about it.

"You bought me a new one for Christmas, remember?" Ah, that's right. I did buy her one. I also remember putting some extra stuff onto the laptop that I had gotten her. So that's starting to make me think that she's probably done the same thing to this one.

"You added shit to this didn't you." A statement as I remember distinctly that I had added things to her own computer. As I have stated.

"Of course!" That was all to cheerful. I am officially scared. And it takes a lot to terrify me.

"It's not even my birthday for another month...so again, why?" This would've been perfect as a birthday gift. So I am still curious about why I even have one this early.

"It's supposed to be your homecoming gift." Bella clarified with another grin. "It was originally Mom's idea. I had thought about actually getting this for your birthday, but I had something else in mind." I wonder if I should be worried about this now? Nah. I trust my sister not to get too terrifying on me. Anyway, I really do wanna see what this baby can do so instead of worrying about my birthday, I am going to go see what's on this delightful piece of electronic equipment.

~O~

Firing up the laptop, I could not stop from grinning. I was so damn excited about this. Really, I am practically bouncing in my seat. I always did take great delight whenever I got some type of new electronic. And with this one I would be able to upload videos to Youtube a lot faster with this bad boy. Oh and the games I would be able to play on this just makes me giddy. Very giddy. In fact, if I could I'd marry this piece of machinery if it does all that I want. I'm kidding.

"So what'd ya think?"

I look over to see Bella standing in the doorway and hide a smirk. "About what?"

"The laptop, you goon," she laughs. "Pretty slick, huh?"

I grin. "Yes, yes it is. And I can't wait to find out what else you've got stashed on this thing. Hopefully not porn."

Bella blushed a deep shade of red. "God I hope not!" Oh, oh my. I didn't think I would ever see my sister go that deep of a red. Looks like I've just earned a metal for making that possible and all I did was say the word 'porn'. Gods, that is comedy gold right there.

"Relax," I cackle. "I'm kidding."

"Oh," she breathed, then glares at me. "That's not funny!"

I chortle. "Wanna bet?"

"You're horrible!" She's just now discovering this? I thought we covered this last year.

"Didn't we discuss that last year?" I inquire all to innocently. Apparently it wasn't enough to fool Bells.

She tossed a book at my head to which I caught effortlessly. "I hate you."

I raised a brow. "Yes, of course you do. The feeling is entirely mutual," I deadpan, before the two of us burst into hysterical laughter. I had said that without an ounce of emotion and honestly, it did scare me a little bit. Hence the reason why I was laughing to mask the fear that had gripped me momentarily.

"You feeling all right?" Bella asks when she noticed me go silent.

I blink. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Why?"

"You went quiet for a moment," she says. "You looked a little sad and scared."

"I did? Huh. Whoops. Don't worry about it, Bells," I chuckle. "Probably lacking a little bit in sleep."

She flushed. "Sorry. I can't help but worry about you. You're my sister." Oh, dear…sounds like she's about to cry. No, that is not acceptable! Quick, make a joke!

I looked at her blankly. "We are?! My dear girl I have never seen you a day in my life! LET ME OUT OF HERE! I think I've been kidnapped!"

Bella started laughing, I had to stay by her as we went down the stairs to make sure she didn't fall down them as we headed outside to the truck. We did have to go to school today and the last thing we needed was a trip to the hospital. Of course, it didn't help matters much when I kept on making more jokes once we were driving down the road and Bella almost drove us into a tree. Didn't I just say I didn't want to go to the hospital?! Man, next time I will wait until we're at the school before making my sister burst into hysterical, gut busting laughter. It's way too dangerous to do that in a moving vehicle.

Flat stare. "Nice."

Bella glared at me. "It's your fault! You're the one going around making me laugh whilst driving."

I nod. "Yeah, I'm guilty," I sigh. "Next time I'm waiting until we're at the school before I go around making you laugh like that. Pretty sure we both don't feel like dying."

She punched me in the arm for that one. I totally deserved it.

…...

We finally made it to school without further incident. As soon as Bella parked in her usual spot clear in the back of the parking lot a deep chill drifted down my spine. Something wasn't right. I'm not quite sure what, but from what my instincts were telling me, it wasn't anything good and that I might need to be on my guard. Awfully uncomfortable to have that feeling towards the beginning of the day.

"What's wrong?" Naturally, Bells was able to tell something was wrong as I had gone eerily silent. I didn't want to worry her with what could be nothing at all.

"Nothing." Yes, I lied.

"You're lying to me, Sar." And of course she's gonna know that I am. Sometimes it's annoying on how perceptive she can be, yet at the same time I am glad that's not entirely normal either.

I gave her a big bullshit smile. "I am not. I was just lost in my thoughts for a bit."

Bells grinned. "Really? You actually think?" Oh, nice! She's learning!

I blink, then cackle. "Oh, little grasshopper you are learning quite fast. Soon you shall be a smart ass like me!"

"I don't think the world can handle another one of you." Ouch. That may actually be true, however, that still stings.

"I am not sure how to take that." Truly, I don't know how to take that kind of backhanded compliment. Maybe I should just laugh it off? Yeah, I will do that. It isn't too often that I am rendered into such a speechless state so laughter will have to do.

I look at her with an innocent expression upon realizing that she was staring at me with an odd look. "What?"

She shook her head, moving towards the front of the school. "You're a freak."

I giggled quite happily. "Yes, I am well aware of that fact, sister dear." Yup, and I am proud to be considered such. Most would think me insane for that but I do not give a damn about what others think in regards to my sanity or lack thereof.

"Such pretty weather," I state offhandedly, to which Bella snorts. Unlike me, she hates the cold. And I think it was also because of the randomness of the comment. But it's true, I do love winter although I am more of a fall girl, that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the beauty of winter. "What? The snow is always beautiful, especially if the dirt keeps away from it. After that it isn't quite as pretty."

"Oh good grief," she laughs. "You're impossible!"

"Never said otherwise, sister dear," I grin. "Let's just get inside before you freeze," I laugh. "Or fall," I add as I catch her as she slips on some ice. "Oh, I love you're parking spot."

"You weren't complaining earlier."

I flat stare. "I didn't think you'd park right next to a sheet of ice. Pardon me for not taking notice!"

"Love you too." Sarcasm? Oh, my. My sister is coming out of her shell it seems. I am thrilled to see this side of her once again. I thought that once we came here she'd hide in her shell. Glad to know that I am wrong.

Looking towards the doors, I notice Jessica, Lauren and Mike standing there. At the other end of the parking lot I notice J.D walking towards the two of us. By the expression on her face I could tell she had the same bad feeling that I did upon entering the parking lot. Good to know that I am not being paranoid. I just hope it has nothing to do with the three waiting for us by the front doors. That really would not bode well. For anyone.

Is it too late to just go back home? I thought as that feeling grew so much stronger.

"You'll be fine," Bells mutters as they approach.

"Someone won't be," I hear J.D pipe up as she walks in step with the two of us. "I just hate being stared at."

Looking up for a second I see that we were indeed being stared at. I hate being stared at. I mean, normally it doesn't bother me but this isn't just a casual look of curiosity, this more like feeling as if I were under a microscope. It's very uncomfortable. Instead of concentrating on that I focused all my attention on making sure that my sister didn't fall or trip. A feat in and of itself. In English: it's not easy! There were times when we were young that she almost took me down with her and that was just walking across a floor! Rather hilarious now that I think about it. I did manage to greet the three at the door politely whilst making sure my sister didn't hit the floor as she almost slipped again. I had to shake my head and hold back a few chuckles to keep from getting hit. Bella does have a temper. Trust me.

Bells kept giving me a few concerned looks as we got to our lockers since I had become mostly silent. J.D was giving me the same looks and really it was starting to put me on edge. It was as if they were expecting me to snap or something. No that's not going to happen if I can help it. I mean, I can handle the silent stares and sometimes glares. I'm not sure what I did to Lauren to piss her off, but for some reason that girl hates my guts. Wonder if it has to do with the fact that I am friends with J.D? That'd be pretty pathetic of a reason to not like someone.

"Are you all right, Sarah?" J.D pipes up finally. Here I thought she was going to stare me down as well.

I nod. "Fine. Just a little tired."

Jessica perked up at that. "Really?! Have a hot date last night or something?"

I think I almost tripped at that question. Really? What the hell?! Why am I being asked that? I don't have a boyfriend or anything like that. Now I know where someone's mind is at. Gods. "Nope. Studying."

"Studying what exactly?" Lauren asked with false innocence. Yeah, the girl is not fooling me. Her emotions are all off from what they should be if she were making an innocent inquiry. Sigh.

"Well not sex for one thing," I state bluntly. I'm that kind of person. "You two definitely need to get your minds out of the gutter. Sheesh. What's the matter with you two? Don't go around making assumptions about people you just met. It's really not good Karma." I tug Bella towards our lockers after that, ignoring the giggles that were erupting from J.D as she came with us. Her locker – surprisingly – was right next to mine. At least I won't have to go far if I need to talk to her about something important.

"You shouldn't've done that," my sister kindly informs me as we make our way to Algebra.

I shake my head. "Perhaps," I sigh. "Sorry, I'm just not really feeling like myself for some reason. I'll apologize to them later, but I just needed to get us away from all that staring they were doing," I shudder. "It was a little unnerving."

"True, but still though you could've taken it a little easy."

"That wasn't going easy on them?" I inquire nonchalantly. "Hey, I could've been a lot more descriptive if I wanted to be a real bitch there, Bells. I wasn't so I say that I was rather nice despite the circumstances."

J.D nods. "She's right, Bells. I have to say, Sarah was rather nice about handling the situation. I might've punched them."

I shot her a dry stare. "You would've if you were in bad mood. And the both of us are in rather good ones even though we're tired." True. We were rather grumpy when we didn't get enough sleep.

Bella shook her head, chuckling. "Fine, fine. You both win," she smiles at me. "You were nicer than how some people would be."

I bow dramatically. "Why, thank you very much sis!"

o~O~o

A/N: I combine chapters 2,3 and 4 into one whole chapter. Thought it'd be better that way. I think I'm right. Anyway, I hope this was a lot better as I spent almost two days trying to revise this. I wanted to keep as much of the original that I could, whilst making it different from how it had been with the OC being a lot less cold than how I originally portrayed her. Let me tell you, that's a lot of work looking for all the things that I needed to change, but I think I did it.

This last part of the chapter I wanted to keep, but decided to change it up a little bit. I had thought about getting rid of it entirely and focusing more on that bad feeling that the girls were having. However, last minute I changed my mind and decided to throw that in with the next chapter.