~I could feel the goosebumps on my body rise as the cold seeped into my sneakers.~

CHAPTER ONE - VEGA SWAN

Seated next to me, beside the window in aisle 7 on a plane headed to the cold state of Washington was my sister, Bella. Meeting Charlie-Dad, the chief of police in the small town of Forks, would sure be an exciting reunion. By now alarms are probably sounding in your head, Forks? Bella? Chief? Yes ladies and gentlemen, I am stuck in the Twilight universe. Most of my life I spent praying it was a huge joke or bad nightmare, but it was my new, harsh, reality. I came to terms with it at an early age. Sure I would panic at random moments knowing that there are real blood drinking demons in the night but I always reassured myself I knew the signs and when to point out danger.

At one point I thought that if I died here I would return to my old life. That didn't go over very well and instead I was in the hospital for months. My parents were obviously worried, as anyone would be when their six year old drowns, though they consider it an accident. An accident that almost had Dad hauling me back to Forks with him, claiming that perhaps two small children were too much for Renne-mom to handle alone. Luckily, that was shut down pretty quickly. It took a really long time before I could even think of them as my parents, referring to them as mom and dad felt…wrong in a sense. But after a few years I settled into my new normalcy as Vega Swan.

Then there were the many nights I sobbed myself to sleep over the loss of my family and friends. Days where I stared in the mirror wondering just who was staring back at me. I tried living everyday in the present but it was hard when you could remember the past. I'd rather have forgotten it all.

Not only was I transported into an unknown universe but I also traveled back in time, therefore meaning it is now only 2005. Horrifying, I know. If only high-speed internet and Netflix were here to quell any discomfort but I was not so lucky. In fact, I had to bear with the horrid fashion trends of the early 2000's along with the slow but upcoming technology. Instead I had to find new ways to entertain my time, which led to music, gaming consoles, and romance or fantasy novels, all things I enjoyed in my previous life but seemingly never had much time for.

I shook Bella awake as the intercom beeped and announced our descent. She blinked her eyes open and grumbled about the harsh weather as she peeked out the window to see dark clouds forming. Truth be told, I didn't mind the rainy town but I would have preferred the sun of Arizona. Unfortunately, knowing what could happen I had to come and try to keep Bella out of trouble. My pulse thrummed wildly at the thought that I wouldn't be so lucky to inherit the impenetrable mind shield that Bella has and therefore would give away knowing the Cullen's secret instantaneously. I forced myself to calm down, it's not like they would kill me right? There's no way the loving Esme and Carlisle would allow such an act on an innocent human, right?

Bella nudged me, forcing me out of my panic driven thoughts, as I noticed we had already landed and people were getting off. I muttered a quick apology before shuffling out and waiting in the aisle for Bella to follow. I could barely reach my bag in the carry-on space, forcing Bella to hand me my backpack before grabbing her own and leading us towards the exit of the plane. Shuffling into the cold airport had me huddling further into the overly large hoodie I threw on earlier. On the way to the baggage claim, I caught my reflection in a mirror column. I don't remember how I died in my previous life, but I do remember how I looked. How my parents and siblings looked. How my amazing and loving fiancé, Jae, looked. I remember my first birth date, August 10, 1996. Not much different than my new—read second—birth date, August 2, 1986. I remember being a free spirited millennial college student, studying to be a Veterinarian. My cellphone and the internet were my lifelines, things that currently only drew some of my attention as they were not nearly as up to date as I was used to.

My appearance hasn't changed much, I was now shorter than average height, standing at a beautiful five foot two compared to my slightly above average five foot six of before. My hair was still dark, though dark brown, almost bordering on black, rather than my previous dark reddish brown. I was curvier now, sporting a larger chest and a cinched waist with wider hips compared to my previous slender physique.

Lost in my thoughts again, I nearly ran into Bella when she stopped in front of the luggage carousel, causing her to turn back to look at me with worried brown eyes. "Are you okay, Vega?"

I forced a smile on my face, not wanting my younger sister to worry for me, "Fine. Just a bit tired."

Bella, ever the one to avoid most emotions in public, nodded in acknowledgment before hauling both of our suitcases off the belt. Neither of us brought much, considering most of our wardrobe consisted of summer attire, something we definitely didn't need here in Forks, Washington. Dad said he would buy us both new clothes once we got settled in and started school, I argued I had money saved up from working a shitty part time job, but he refused to back down, claiming he had extra money to spend and therefore would take us shopping or we could peruse through some of his older clothes.

He also said he renovated our rooms, drawing concern from both Bella and I. As much as we loved the man, who was nearly the opposite of my original father, he had no sense of fashion nor knew our personal tastes. Bella and I both walked towards the airport doors, hoping to see dad so we could get out of the bustling place as I tried to avoid as much contact with other people as possible. Four people nearly ran into us as they rushed around the airport looking for another person, making me click my tongue in annoyance as they didn't even have the decency to apologize.

I could feel the goosebumps on my body rise as the cold seeped into my sneakers. It was stupid of me to wear track shorts but it was blistering hot in Arizona when we left and I didn't want to overheat on the car ride to the airport. I was near shivering when Bella—god bless her tall stature—spotted dad. I quickly followed behind her as she nearly elbowed an elderly woman out of the way. I could tell she was agitated at the entire situation; not that I could blame her.

Bella, who didn't stray much from her book description, didn't look or act exactly the same. While she was unusually pale for living under constant sun she didn't appear to be as sickly pale as the book made her seem. She had the same chestnut brown hair as described that fell straight while mine was darker and held waves. We both shared deep brown eyes though Bella's appeared more like milk chocolate and mine dark chocolate. She wasn't as meek as she seemed in the series. I'm not saying she was the most confident person but she didn't let herself get pushed around either. These small changes were ones I eagerly clung to at a young age. Hoping that if the books were wrong on those details then what else could they be wrong about. I certainly clung to the fact that I was even born, a sister was never mentioned in the books, nor was a sibling at all.

Despite us being sisters, Bella was gifted with beautiful sharp features on her heart shaped face and full lips. And I was envious of those features as I was stuck with a rounder, more childlike face. One that didn't match my current age of eighteen, a legal adult in society's eyes. It's unfortunate I couldn't legally drink yet—I used to make a mean cocktail. And I felt like the trouble ahead might cause anyone to nurse a drink.

When I brought myself back out of my wandering mind, Bella had just stepped away from dad. Their hugs were always awkward, both having a hard time communicating their emotions, something the series got spot on. I let go of my suitcase handle, a large genuine smile fell on my face because despite Charlie not being my original father, I have spent the last eighteen years as his daughter and he was my dad. I quickly threw my arms around him and squeezed, he was a full foot taller than myself making all of our hugs awkward but not in the same way his and Bella's managed to be. "I missed you, dad." I muttered against his chest before pulling away.

"Missed ya girls too." The man, as ever awkward, cleared his throat before gesturing to the doors. Stepping outside, my entire body tensed from the chilly weather. I quickly made my way to the police cruisers back door, praying the two made it here faster as I could feel numbness in my fingers spreading.

I must have nodded off on the drive back because before I knew it I was being poked by a bony, pale, finger that could only belong to my sister. "Vegaaaa." She muttered as she continued to poke my cheek.

I brushed her hand away before cracking my eyes open, "I'm awake." I glanced at the white single family home that was in front of me. The house had three bedrooms instead of just two like the books described but sadly still only housed one bathroom. I quickly clambered out of the car, noticing dad already took the suitcases inside. I sprinted to the door and into the house, leaving Bella in the driveway without a care. If she wanted to die of hypothermia so be it. Once inside I took in the same old furniture and pictures lining the walls. Photos of myself and Bella adorned the walls and the only change was a larger, new flat screen television that took the place of a smaller one from my childhood.

We followed dad up the stairs to a short hallway that had three doors; he opened the left door, the one I remember as Bella's old room, to reveal fresh lavender painted walls and a full sized bed with a dark purple duvet. It wasn't Bella's favorite color, but she didn't hate it as much as it was made out to be in the series. Bella walked in, glancing around before a small smile ghosted her face, "Thanks, Char—dad." Bella had an even harder time calling Charlie dad than I did, opting out of the small trips I took to see him more often.

Dad coughed as he rubbed the back of his neck, "The woman at the store helped pick out the color. I hope you like it."

Bella nodded, "I like it."

I turned around to avoid the awkward atmosphere, opening the door across the hall from Bella's, my old room. The walls were a soft, pale, yellow and my full sized bed held a burnt orange duvet. Not much had changed aside from the fresh paint and new bedspread from the last time I visited, which was three years ago. "I know you liked yellow, so I had some help picking out the color." Charlie-dad said from behind me, nearly making me jump a foot in the air.

I turned to face him, "Yeah I like it. It's very me." I meant it. Before—my previous life—I loved all things with a warm tone and vibe and that hadn't changed with this life.

"Well I'll let you girls settle in. I'll go order pizza." He said as he moved to head back downstairs.

"I want extra cheese. And don't forget onion rings!" I informed as I moved my suitcase over to my bed.

Time passed quickly as I finished unpacking my minimal fall and winter clothes. Carefully setting up my record player and organizing the vinyl holder full of vintage and new albums of varying genres. I stepped back and looked at the set up, my heart warming a little at the sight. I loved music. Always have. And I wasn't picky about genre as long as I enjoyed the sound. Bella didn't always have the same appreciation for some songs like I did but that was okay.

I flounced on my bed, letting my eyes drift shut. Thoughts running wild, completely out of control. What if I wasn't immune to the Cullen's like Bella was? What if I did end up dying to protect their secret? I wasn't ready to die again. I barely remembered how I died before. What if I was panicking for nothing and the Cullen's didn't even exist? But if they did exist, and Bella did start dating Edward Cullen, then what would become of her sister, an extra in a story that was never there to begin with? A shout that the pizza arrived pulled me from my dark thoughts.

I huffed, pushing myself up, thankful for the change of my maddening mind. I shook my arms and cracked my neck, telling myself that I decided to come here on my own free will so that Bella can find happiness whether that is in the form of a vampire boyfriend or not—if he happened to actually be a vampire though I would try my best to make sure there is less danger this time around. It didn't matter if I was an extra, all that mattered was trying to keep most of Bella's life easy going, it was my duty as her older sister. If I could change the plot, even the smallest bit, she may never have to see Edward leave. My stomach grumbles in anticipation for pizza and onion rings, reminding me the food was there. I lick my lips as I remember loving onion rings in my past life, a craving I clearly held onto.

After eating, Bella and I went back to our respective rooms. I have no idea what she did, but I grabbed my laptop to check any emails, no doubt mom has sent more than one. To my surprise, she only sent two, which was more than one but less than what I expected. I replied quickly, letting her know the small town wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting and that I would email her tomorrow or Monday when school was over. I shut my laptop, setting it on the nightstand before sliding under my blankets and snuggling into the bed, easily falling fast asleep.

The next morning I awoke to the sound of car doors opening and closing, making me shoot out of bed. I glanced in the mirror, fixing my hair and straightening my clothes before heading downstairs. In the back of my mind, I knew I met Jacob and Billy Black a thousand times throughout my childhood and adolescent years but now? With the story really starting? I had to mentally prepare myself. I heard dad yell from outside, "Girls! Come on out here please!"

I sucked in a deep breath as Bella made her way down and towards the front door, I stepped out after her, my eyes taking in a hideous, old, rusty red truck. Beside it were two men that I vaguely remembered from my childhood, pinpointing them as the Black's. Jacob had long, black hair and a round childish face, not that it was surprising—he was only fifteen. The old man was sitting in a wheelchair, he had kind brown eyes and also sported the same long black hair as Jacob, though it was covered by a hat. Dad turned to face us, "Bella, Vega, you remember Billy Black?"

Billy gave us a warm smile, "Glad you girls are finally here. Charlie hasn't shut up about it since you told him you were coming."

Dad huffed, rolling his eyes playfully, "Keep exaggerating, I'll wheel you down the hill."

Billy rested his hands on the wheels, spinning to tap dad on the legs, "Right after I ram you in the ankles!" He rolled towards him as dad jumped away, both laughing.

Jacob shyly approaches us, shaking his head at the two older men, "I'm Jacob. We made mud pies together when we were kids."

Bella and I nod before I say agree, "I think I remember that..."

"Are they always like this?" Bella asks, curiosity coloring her tone.

Jacob sucks a breathe through his teeth and hangs his head in mock sadness, "It's getting worse with old age."

A laugh escapes me, "Well at least someone is having fun." Bella just gives me a side eyed look, clearly unamused.

Before she can say anything a tap on the hood of the truck grabs our attention. Dad is standing next to it, "So what do you girls think of your homecoming present?"

Bella's mouth falls open while I have to throw a look of surprise on my own face. Bella shakes her head, a small smile flickering on her pale face, "No way. That truck is for us?"

Dad nods, looking extremely proud, "Just bought it off Billy, here."

"I rebuilt the engine and—"

Jacob is cut off as Bella exclaims, "It's perfect!"

I smile at them both, "Yeah, it's great. Thanks guys. You didn't have to." Bella's beaming, a look I hadn't seen since we left Arizona. I nod towards the truck, "Wanna check it out, Bells?"

She nods, moving towards the truck with a pep in her step. Jacob and I follow behind her, Jacob explaining, "Okay, so you gotta double pump the clutch when you shift but—" he holds the keys between Bella and I, clearly unsure who should take them. I nod to her as she takes the keys, letting her climb in the driver's seat.

Jacob moves out of the way a bit so I can heft myself up to look at the interior. It's exactly as I had pictured it, ugly and way too large. Hurray. Please note the sarcasm. Bella looks past me to Jacob, "Maybe we can give you a ride to school?"

I almost wince, knowing Jacob would love to but physically can not. I see a small smile on his face but disappointment flashes in his eyes, "I go to school on the reservation..."

I glance at him, gnawing my bottom lip, "That sucks. Would've been nice to know at least one person."

"I wish you guys could come to the rez, but having two pale faces..." he says as he makes a faux panicked face.

The Black's stay for lunch before dad drives them back to their home, saying he had to stop at the Clearwater's anyway. It was now evening and I was looking at my outfits for school the next day, I grabbed two before heading to Bella's room. I kick the closed door with my foot, as both hands are occupied. I don't wait long before Bella opens it, her eyes widening slightly. "Help me." I plead, my bottom lip sticking out.

She playfully rolls her eyes, "Of course, of course. Come in."

I set both outfits on her bed, "Okay, so which one should be for tomorrow?" The choices were strikingly different, yet both embodied my personality. One was straight leg light jeans with rips at the knees paired with a band shirt. The second was a short rust orange corduroy skirt paired with a patterned long sleeve and tights—both outfits crafted with recently thrifted items.

Bella glanced between the two outfits three times before letting her eyes trail across me. "I think you love making a good first impression, even if you won't make any friends so the skirt." She got me there, I loved dressing up to look nice. And her comment about friends held no venom. It was true that as Vega Swan, I steered clear of making strong friend connections and that was mainly to avoid the physical touch that came with having them. I kept friendly enough that making shallow friendships came with ease but never making that extra step to see them outside of school. Remaining politely detached from most kids my 'age' and since Bella knew how bad things could get with my episodes—as mom so nicely referred to them—she never pressed on why I preferred my alone time. Of course, that was partially because Bella herself was also extremely introverted and barely had one person who wasn't myself to speak to in Arizona.

I quickly snatch the outfits up, giving her a bright smile before turning to leave, "Thanks, Bells. You're the best." I pause at the door, "Do you need help?"

She shakes her head, "Nah, I pretty much know what I'll be wearing."

I can already see the horrid fashion Bella will throw on her body tomorrow but just nod and leave the room. Living over a decade in the past sure has put a damper on my own personal fashion tastes so I try to get the closest look possible to what I would wear, ya know, before. When I make it back to my room, I set my outfit out on my desk before crawling into my unmade bed and setting an alarm for the morning.