After the first, everything got easier a little bit each day. I was able to figure out the most efficient route from one class to the next while still having a chance to stop by my locker to switch out materials. English and Art were my favorite subjects thus far. I had always been better at dissecting a poem or short story than finding x or deciding which formula to solve a problem with.

Angela made my US Government class bearable by chatting on the way and being my partner for the group work we had so far. I remembered my change of clothes and started playing volleyball daily with the girls in PE. Lunch, which could have gone sideways from the start, was much better than I could have asked. Thanks to Bella and Angela, I had a whole group of people to sit and talk with, rather than eating alone by a trashcan. The ever elusive Jasper didn't return until Friday. I wondered how miserable it must be to have a migraine for that long.

As I slid into my chair at the lunch table that day, Alice came prancing up to me with her brother in tow. For as happy as she looked, he was the opposite. Thinly veiled behind a mask of indifference was a frustrated, if not pained, expression. Perhaps that migraine wasn't completely gone. As the two drew nearer, I became even more aware of the fact that the only other people who had arrived at our usual table were Edward and Bella.

"Hi, Collins!" Alice nearly sings as she stops beside my chair. "I want you to meet Jasper. Jasper, this is the new student I was telling you about. I think you two share Calculus, right?"

I nod and extend my hand for him to shake. I'm not sure how often high school students shake each others' hands, but her formal introduction seemed to almost call for it. Or maybe it's the Southern Baptist in me. Either way, I had mentally prepared myself for whatever emotional insight I'd get through the touch of our hands; however, nothing could have prepared me for what I received.

First of all, his hands were freezing. I thought my hands and feet were always cold, but in comparison, mine might as well have been on fire. And that wasn't even what caught me by the most surprise. What had, was the emotional feedback loop that made my head spin. I couldn't discern whose feelings belonged to whom and for a second, I forgot where I was and what I was doing. Just in time, I fixed my face, which must have looked as confused and surprised as Jasper's. The entire event couldn't have lasted more than a few seconds, even if it felt like much longer.

"Nice to meet you; you're hands are freezing by the way," I tried to joke and cover the uncomfortable silence that had begun.

"Oh, poor peripheral circulation. Tied to the migraines," supplies Alice before Jasper can answer. Both take the seats to my left. For Alice to have been talking up how swell her brother and I would get along, she makes a special effort to sit between us. The rest of our group has just arrived, and it's like the ice around us thawed. Jessica is complaining about her personal finance class while Angela and Eric are discussing prom decorations for a Vegas theme.

"I'm just saying, go-go dancers would really add to the experience," Eric holds up his hands in defense. Angela looks half exasperated, half amused.

"Yeah, that experience would be teachers having a heart attack and lots of girls breaking up with their boyfriends. Can we move onto something else? Oh, hi Jasper. Are you feeling any better from your migraine?"

"Fair to middlin'," Jasper shrugged, dipping a carrot stick in ranch. Jessica stopped for just a moment in her tirade about how she really hated math to pin him with a look. I'd gotten the same look on Tuesday for saying my parents were 'happier than pigs in slop' concerning their move. No one knew what I'd meant.

"Fair to middling means about average," I explained. "It's a southern thing."

A few seconds pause, then Mike and Eric both roared in laughter.

"Hell, we finally got a translator!"

I guess I've got to explain the emotional feedback loop, or, er...what caused it.

I'm not sure exactly when I realized something was wrong with me. I remember bursting into tears a lot in early elementary school when holding the hand of an already crying friend. Or knowing that someone was upset with me when our fingers had only brushed and no ill words were exchanged. Feeling suddenly overwhelmed with grief and loss when holding hands in a prayer circle. Eventually, I started to figure out that I felt emotions differently than other people, but it was only when my skin came into contact with someone else's.

At about ten years old, I experimented with my idea. Bethany and I were squabbling about something stupid. A boy, most likely. I was so angry, so so angry that I was sure my mom would know just by me kissing her on the cheek when I got home after school. But that greeting came and went. She was none the wiser until I told her later that night.

Then there was Cara getting accepted into her dream school. I couldn't read minds, that much had been discovered already. But, when you know someone is waiting on news that could be really good or really bad, you can deduce which it was based on their body language. I had a bit of an edge, when poking her in the ear gave me a walloping sense of accomplishment and pride. I ended up telling my parents about Cara's letter of acceptance before she could herself. I think that's why we don't get along.

Essentially, I'd come to the conclusion that skin on skin contact with anyone gave me a glimpse into their emotions. Sometimes it was a blessing, like when I wanted to know what mood my parents were in before asking permission to spend that night over at someone's house. Other times it was a curse, like when the grieving widow brushes their shoulder up against mine, and suddenly I can hardly breathe due to the crushing sorrow gripping my chest.

Whatever happened with Jasper, I'd never felt before. Some people were a little easier to read than others. I'd already checked out Angela, who was calm, collected, and organized with what she felt. Bella, who I hadn't meant to touch, was completely void of anything. I'm sure she had emotions, I just couldn't feel them for her.

But Jasper was the opposite. It was like a million different feelings were coursing through my body and constantly changing. I couldn't nail down a particular one to ascribe to him.

As odd as it may seem, I almost thought he knew how I was feeling. Or at least knew something. There had been a sort of recognition in his eyes, like we were sharing the experience. Though that was preposterous. I had probably just looked silly with my mouth hanging open. If anything, the problem was that Jasper had a lot going on in his life and all of that was unknowingly unloaded onto me.

"So what do you think about Jasper?"

Alice was late to Art, but Mr. Salinski just waved her on. I kept my eyes focused on the branches of a tree I'd started sketching out.

"He seems fine. Where's he from again? 'Fair to middling' doesn't exactly scream PNW." I used my middle finger to blend the shadows on the side of the tree trunk.

"Texas. Before he was adopted, that is."

Ah right. Jessica and Angela had filled me in on the Cullen-Hale clan during free period on Wednesday. Apparently, the five siblings were all related through Dr. Cullen's adoption, except Jasper and his sister Rosalie who had graduated last year. There was another brother that had also graduated, though I couldn't remember his name at that moment.

"Can I just ask why you're insistent on us being good friends? I just didn't get that vibe earlier," I try to not sound so opposed to the idea, but I doubt it'll happen based on the lack of connection today.

"I just have a feeling. Call it a...premonition."

I didn't miss the smirk she wore, showing her perfectly white, straight teeth. They were the kind that probably had never needed braces. I thought back again to lunch, and how everyone had laughed at mine and Jasper's southern phrase. I had expected him to find it at least slightly amusing, like I had. But when I tried to catch his eye, he deliberately avoided it. Rather, it sure seemed like it. I guess it could have all been in my head, though ability or not, you can tell when someone isn't happy with you.

So I gave it a chance. The next week, all week, I made a concerted effort to engage with Jasper at lunch, since we were nowhere near each other in Calculus. I'd ask him questions, try and make comments that he could relate to, just tried to be nice, and it blew up in my face. Well, not violently. But I sure felt foolish trying to hold a conversation with someone that actively ignored me, only giving the occasional small answer or nod of their head to not seem entirely rude and pompous. I didn't want to dash Alice's hopes of us being "such great friends" or to spoil the friendship I had started with her, so I decided not to bring Jasper's...indifference to my existence up again. I was a bi girl, and I could handle someone not liking me. Even if I hadn't given them a reason.

I resolved instead to start looking for a job to help Cara keep the house running. By herself, working with the hospital's psych ward was plenty, but supporting another person would put a strain on her finances. My savings were slim as it was.

"I could waitress," I suggested to Cara one night over spaghetti and meatballs. "Or babysit."

She didn't seem to like either of those two ideas. I didn't either, but in a small town like Forks, I wasn't spoiled for choice. I said as much, too.

"Well, there is an opening at the hospital for a receptionist. You could work there after school and a few weekends."

I wondered why she hadn't mentioned the opening sooner, but didn't ask, for fear that I already knew the answer.

"I'll swing by tomorrow then and apply. Put in a good word for me?"

"Hmm," was her only reply.

To say I had bombed my first Calculus quiz would have been all too accurate. I stared down at the paper on my desk, wondering how I had managed to make such an ugly grade.

A D? I never make Ds!

I let out a low groan and propped my head up on my hand. I couldn't remember a time when I had made anything less than a high C on a quiz or a test. Cara would have teased me endlessly and my parents would have given me the old "we know you're capable of more" speech. Perhaps I wasn't cut out for so many AP classes in one semester, especially the spring semester, when all seniors come down with a horrible case of senioritis.

I know I can pass this class with at least a B; I've just got to try harder, of course.

I immediately slid the quiz into my bag and grabbed a pencil and my math notebook to take down every letter and number included in today's lesson. As I looked up to the board, I saw Jasper watching me for just a second before turning back to the front of the room. As he put away his quiz, I spotted the huge 100 written at the top in red ink.

Ugh, just another reason for him to act condescending.

By the time the last bell rang, I practically sprinted to my car. I'd learned that Jasper was also in my English class, something that I'd not realized with him being out for an entire week. It was just another block of my day I'd focus on ignoring him, which I'd gotten pretty good at since he was doing a great job of ignoring me.

The hospital was much smaller than the one back home. Or, should I say, the one back in Andalusia, since Forks was supposed to be my home now. I jogged up the front steps and walked through the automatic doors to the reception desk where a lady about the same age as my grandmother sat, looking down through her glasses at a computer screen. I suddenly felt nervous about talking to this woman whose mouth puckered into a tight line as she noticed me approach. The sharp scent of disinfectant and hospital air wasn't helping either. I tried to steel my mind and body to a calmer, more stable version of myself.

"Can I help you?" The woman's voice was just as sharp as her light grey eyes. I'd figured out that everyone on this end of the country talked faster and more to the point than what I was used to. She, however, was even worse.

"Um, yes," I said, trying my best to not sound like fried cornbread, "I'd like to inquire about the receptionist position that's available?"

Her eyebrow quirked up and her mouth drew into a tighter grimace, if that was even possible.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about. There aren't any openings at the moment, unless of course you've gotten your medical degree at the age of...?" She trailed off, waiting for me to supply her with the rest.

"Eighteen," I answered firmly, feeling a little embarrassed and a little irked.

"Yes, eighteen. So, unfortunately, there's nothing I can do for-"

"Collins!"

The doors to my left swung open to reveal the hottest doctor I'd ever seen. I knew he had to be Dr. Cullen based on Cara's description of him. He couldn't have been older than twenty-five, and that was generous already. His skin looked flawless and pale. Maybe the secret to his youthful appearance was limited sun exposure. His features, like that of Jasper, Alice, and Edward were perfectly proportioned. His hair, a beautiful honey blonde, was styled fashionably out of his face. He knew my name, though I was one hundred percent positive that I had never met this man in my entire life because I certainly would have remembered.

"Excuse me, I didn't mean to startle you. You must be Collins Walker, Cara's sister?"

I could barely nod as he gently placed an arm around my shoulders and led me into a nearby office. I had to remind myself to breathe, his dazzling face was such a distraction. And even then, he smelled amazing, too!

"Your sister has told me a lot about you. I also hear that you're looking for a job? Here, have a seat and we can get started with an interview. How's that sound?"

Dr. Cullen guided me to a plush armchair while he took the chair on the other side of what looked like a solid wood, ornately carved desk. My throat and mouth were so dry, I had to repeat myself to make any intelligible noise.

"Yes, that sounds fine," I croaked.

"Good, good. I understand that you're a senior this year. How are your computer skills? Any experience with database software? Microsoft at all?"

I had...some experience with Microsoft, but none with any database software. What kind of job was Cara thinking I needed? I told him as much, feeling that I might as well walk back out of the door.

"Not a problem, I'm sure you're a fast learner. What about fax machines? Ever used one of those?"

"Yes, sir. I mean, doctor. I spent some time at my old school as an office aide. I mostly ran copies, faxed documents, and added papers to student files," I felt a little more confident now that I was able to list some of my skills.

"Lovely," he smiled brightly, the corners of his eyes crinkling the slightest bit. My brain felt hazy in the most delicious way, like the remnants of anesthesia. "I trust that you have no issues with abiding by our patient confidentiality policy? We'd hate to have a HIPAA violation on our hands."

After a few seconds of silence, he lifted his eyebrows and said, carefully, "Miss Walker?"

"Oh! Yes, yes of course. I wouldn't dream of sharing a patient's information," I finally said, trying to fight my way out of the endless brain-fog, though not really wanting to.

"Excellent. Well, I believe that's all I need from you. If you'll just bring in your driver's license and social security card on Monday, we can get you started on some training. Does that day work for you?"

"Yes it works for me," I agreed, then paused for a second. "So, you're hiring me on the spot, just like that?" I couldn't believe my good fortune. Maybe Cara HAD put in a good word for me. The best word. A million amazing words.

"If you're still interested, we'd love to have you here at Forks Community Hospital. Our records are in terrible need of a tech savvy young adult to transfer them onto a computer. Would you like to be that person?"

I tried to take a deep breath of air that wasn't perfumed by his scent, to clear my head and think in a logical manner. But every inhale just made me more delirious and compliant. I did want a job, didn't I?

"Of course. Can I ask what the pay is?"

"Sure, we'll start you at fifteen an hour, with a performance review after thirty days. It's of the utmost importance that these records are handled with great care, so I have no issues with compensating you for a job well done. Any other questions?"

"No, no I think that's everything I can think of right now."

"Alright, would you like me to walk you out to your car? I don't mind at all."

"No! I mean, no thank you." I stood to walk out as fast as I could without being impolite, before turning back to his warm smile. "Oh, and thank you again for the job. I really appreciate it."

"No problem, we're happy to have you."

ON my way out, the lady at the desk gave me a confused glare as she watched me exit. Outside, I gasped in the cold air until my lungs were flushed of Dr. Cullen's scent, and that of the hospital all together. My mind instantly regained the ability to focus on individual thoughts. I stood beside my car for a solid five minutes before trusting myself to drive home safely. I'd never been so dumbstruck before in my entire life. Not when dad had gotten his promotion, not when Harrison Phillips, one of the most attractive guys at my old school had asked me out, not when we had won our first volleyball game of the season. I was fortunate that Forks was such a small town, because any farther of a drive would have required too much mental effort. Cara wasn't home yet, and the note on the table said that she likely would be late coming in. Once I felt well enough to eat dinner, I munched on a pack of crackers and tried to forget the feeling of looking into Dr. Cullen's eyes. Oddly enough, it had started to fade like a distant dream. By the time I crawled into bed that night, I'd mostly forgotten about the encounter and was just excited to have a job so quickly.

Cara had congratulated me, but seemed puzzled when I mentioned that she must have pulled a lot of strings to get me the job.

"I actually didn't say anything. To anyone. Felt like it wouldn't have been fair. Either way, someone was looking out for you."

As I crawled into bed, exhausted from the entire week, I wondered whether getting a job on the spot was such a good thing after all.