Chapter 1: Ms. Swan

Today marked my first day at Forks High School, to say I was miserable was an understatement. I spent most of my life in sunny Arizona with my mother Renee, God I can't even think about her she drives me utterly insane! I shook my head and grabbed an apple while running out the door. Of course, it was rainy and muddy outside, there wasn't a single ray of sunshine in sight, I sighed. I could save enough money to move back home. I missed my friends in Phoenix, and I doubt anyone here would interest me. I don't mean to be rude and closed-minded but small towns aren't my thing, everyone here has been together since birth. Unlike Phoenix, there's always someone new or new things to try UGH here I go again dreaming of my past life. I have been in Forks for a week and I'm trying my best to cope with my feelings. This time last month if you had told me I was moving back to Forks I probably would have laughed in your face. Renee, the unpredictable parent, decided to leave me on a random Tuesday afternoon with a simple note.

'Bella I'm so sorry honey but I can't do this anymore, I paid the rent for this month but afterward, you need to find a place. I wish I could've been the mother you needed but life is too short to be held in one place. I love you, sweetie, you'll do fine. Email me when you can.'

- Mom

I was never upset she left me honestly, I was a bit relieved I wouldn't have to deal with her anymore. Most of the time I only saw glimpses of her at night after her nightly party sessions in town. She always did the bare minimum, once I was old enough to do the basics by myself, she stopped caring. Thankfully she managed to keep a job long enough to get me through middle school and elementary. The Child support from Charlie; my dad did wonders to help us. I always did the house budgets and made sure my mom got us groceries between her work and going out on the town, Sometimes I felt heartbroken when I thought of how unfair things were for me, she never stepped up and she never would, my childhood was ripped from me, and I could never get it back. After a week of deliberating, I finally decided to call Charlie and tell him everything, and to say he was heartbroken was an understatement. Charlie always facetimes me on Fridays, but I never told him how bad things were. He was living a happy life as a bachelor and the last thing I wanted was to ruin both my parents' lives with my presence.

Before I knew it, I was pulling into the Forks High parking lot, my dad had taken me car shopping last weekend and I picked out a cute Volkswagen Bug. It was a convertible classic blue color, and I was so obsessed with it. I had a Barbie VW Beetle toy when I was little, and it always was my dream car. Not to mention Charlie had Apple Play installed so I could jam out, although I think he mostly wanted me to have it because he felt guilty. I was never mad at him, but it took him a while to look me in the eye, I could tell the guilt was eating at him, but the car made him feel better.

I grabbed my backpack and stepped out of my car, I decided to wear a short black skirt that flared at the ends, matched with a tight green V-neck tank top with a simple white cardigan. I wasn't much of a shoe person, but I wore my staple black and white Converse, I wouldn't call myself fashionable, but Pinterest helped me with basics. My hair was quite long and thick, so I normally slept in heatless curls to avoid waking up extremely early. I loved the artistic aspect of makeup, I didn't wear heavy makeup like the girls back home but a simple concealer, bronzer, blush, and eyeliner was about the max I could do, I was 30 minutes early today to get my new schedule, I talked to a Ms. Cope on the phone last Friday and insisted I take the advanced classes, I wasn't a genius but my mind tended to work a bit faster than the average person. I had taken almost all AP classes back home but unfortunately; Forks doesn't have the budget for anything but simple honors classes. With a sigh I checked my phone '7:30' I was right on time. I opened the glass door to the front office and smiled at an older lady at the front desk "Good morning I'm here for my schedule, I'm Bella Swan."

The lady smiled at me "Good morning, Miss Swan I'm Ms. Cope I believe we talked on the phone" I beamed and walked closer to the front desk "Here sweetie this is your schedule for the semester we only have 4 classes a day, but the classes are longer." I smiled. I was used to blocked classes. I preferred them, had less work and less stress. "Sweetie the whole town has been awaiting your arrival it's so nice to see a new face" I forced a small smile. Of course, the whole town knew I was coming! I liked it better when I could hide behind the thousands of students in Arizona. "I'm so excited to be here it's always nice to have a fresh start" I lied. Ms. Cope smiled and quickly explained all my classes and where on the map they'd be "I have a student who has all the same classes with you he should be here shortly if you want to sit and wait." I nodded "Oh that's perfect! Thank you it will be a huge help" I quickly checked my phone while taking my seat in the office.

I was assigned to Honors Biology, Music, Honors English, and Calculus. I managed to test out of sophomore and junior math so thankfully this would be my last High School math. I debated on testing out of biology, but I liked the class, and I wasn't in a rush to graduate early. Suddenly the door opened "Sorry I'm late Ms. Cope" I looked up to meet piercing blue eyes. I smiled up at him, he was handsome! Hmm, maybe I underestimated my classmates. "No worries, Mike, this is Bella Swan the one I told you about." He looked back at me "Hi Bella! I'm Mike Newton it's a pleasure" I giggled and stood up. I never had a boyfriend or girlfriend in Phoenix, but I was a known flirt. "Hi, Mike! I'm Bella" I noticed him do a quick once over of me and could tell he was as pleased at what he saw as much as I was. He offered to take my schedule, and I obliged as we walked out of the office. I was immediately hit with a burst of humidity; I grimaced and prayed my hair wouldn't frizz. "Not a fan of rain?" Mike chuckled at me, noticing my clear distaste. "Not the slightest" I laughed as I followed him into the main school building. "Here I'll give you my number in case you need anything, a study buddy, a shoulder to cry on, and maybe even a date" he smirked at me while holding his hand out for my phone. I smiled at him "I'd like that" while opening the contacts app. My new iPhone was another guilty purchase by Charlie, but I didn't mind since my old phone barely held a charge. As Mike put his phone number in my contacts, I noticed more students piling into the halls staring and whispering about me. I wasn't one to limit my options, I admired both boys and girls, I might not have had my first kiss yet but growing up I liked the Princesses a bit too much. "Hey so trust me all our classes are going to be a piece of cake, honestly most of them are online so I hope you brought your laptop." I nodded "I brought my iPad with me, although I'm surprised Forks went mostly virtual." Mike laughed "It wasn't by choice, after COVID the school had no choice, the parents about had a protest when they originally suggested we just repeat the grade." I laughed "I can imagine everyone was mad" I grabbed a strand of my hair and started fidgeting with it. I could feel Mike's gaze "Here this is it, you can sit with me today" I smiled "Great I would love to." I sat at the desk next to him while looking around the classroom. I found myself in a very bland-looking English class, just some typical poster of Shakespeare quotes throughout the class, I could hear whispers and every so often a head would turn my way, not to mention Mike was practically gazing at me the whole class.

The class passed in a blur, I have always liked English, but the teacher had one of those bland voices that makes you want to scream. A girl walked up to me and Mike while walking to our next class "Hey Mike, who's this?" I noticed the girl shot him a quick glare, huh he never mentioned having a girlfriend. "This is Bella Swan, um Bella this is Jessica Stanley." I smiled kindly "Hi Jessica, sorry if I have stolen Mike away, I wasn't aware he had a girlfriend" I noticed her blush "Oh we aren't together just friends" I noticed Mike shifting uncomfortably "Well we need to get going Jessica but Bella will be sitting at lunch with me so we can catch up." Jessica smiled and quickly walked away clearly embarrassed. "Sorry I didn't mean to make things awkward I shouldn't have assumed" I frowned at Mike honestly feeling a little bad for seeming so rude. "No, it's not your fault" he ran a hand through his hair "Jessica kind of has a thing for me but I just don't feel the same way, I have told her before, but she is very persistent" I nodded "yeah been there before, I'm here if you need to chat about it." He nodded and continued leading me to our next class.

After Calculus we headed to the cafeteria, I always packed my lunch for school. I liked the healthy food options I prepared myself. While living in Phoenix I took weightlifting and managed to keep myself healthy, but Forks only offers a gym class, so I reserved healthier food and jogging every day. I sat down at the lunch table with Mike noticing a few similar faces Jessica and a girl named Angela, "Hey guys" I said while taking out my lunch. "Hey Bella," Jessica said dismissively, and Angela gave me a quick smile. "So, Bella it looks like the whole school is fawning over you," Jesica said in a flat tone "Ah I guess so" I shrugged. "I mean I'm sure you've noticed, all the boys won't stop looking at you," she said without meeting my gaze. "Jess be nice, Bella can't help being pretty," Mike said while winking at me. I smiled, at least I had Mike on my side. I noticed Jessica huff and stab her salad a little aggressively. We small talked until I started feeling extremely uncomfortable and not because of Jessica's behavior. The hair on the back of my neck and arms started to stand up, I looked around the room and noticed nothing. "Bella! Edward Cullen is staring at you" I looked at her confused "Who?" she rolled her eyes and motioned to a small table in the back of the room. I turned and was shocked to see five very attractive people staring in all different directions. Well, everyone but a brown-haired boy…who was staring right back at me? Uh, I couldn't pry my eyes away it was like we were having a staring contest, but I was looking stupid, and he was looking like a God. I felt Mike shake me out of my trance "Bella you, ok?" Mike asked and spared the brown-haired boy a glance. "It seems Edward Cullen has also noticed how pretty Bella is" Jessica practically sneered at Mike. God, why is Jessica such a bitch? Like girl get over it he doesn't want you! I still felt his eyes on me but tried to keep a conversation with Mike and Angela. We managed to all swap numbers, insta's, and snaps. Angela and I had a nice talk about music apparently she plays the flute, and I played the violin. Unfortunately, Forks only had a band so I wasn't sure how music class would work for me. I learned while in middle school and just stuck with it, honestly, it helped distract me from life with my mom, so I got pretty good. The bell for class rang as I finished my grapes, and I scrambled to follow Angela and Mike to music class.

I walked up to the music instructor and explained I played the violin, but they placed me in the class anyway. She looked thoughtful "Do you have a violin?" I nodded it was one of the only gifts Renee got me "Great! Bring it tomorrow and I'll have you and Edward work together he plays the piano." I slightly stiffened at the thought as she motioned for Edward to join us. "Edward this is Bella she also plays a string instrument, and I'd love it if you guys could work together and maybe do some duets, Bella will bring her violin tomorrow but until then she'll just accompany you." I smiled nervously and noticed Edward stiffen a bit. I followed him to the back of the class "Hi Edward" I managed to squeak at him. What the hell Bella you never got flustered around boys! I mentally berated myself while taking my seat at the piano with Edward. "How long have you played the violin," Edward said without looking at me "Uh since I was in sixth grade so admittedly not long… I'm honestly not the best." I looked at my hands nervously "How long have you played?" I noticed him chuckle "A very long time, for as long as I remember," he said quietly. I found myself admiring his beauty and wow… he is so handsome even more so than Mike. Yeah, I underestimated the students at Forks I confirmed again. Shoot! I quickly looked away after getting caught staring. I blushed a deep red and hoped he wouldn't say anything. "Usually, the teacher just lets us mingle on Mondays, I think she hates them as much as we do" Edward chuckled and nodded to our music teacher hiding in her office. I chuckled "I guess I can't complain"

We sat in comfortable silence as Edward played a few songs "It seems Mike Newton has taken a liking to you." He said without looking up from his keys, I looked up to Mike smiling at me and waving. "Yeah, he is super nice, he's been a huge help today." Edward nodded "Yeah Mike has always been nice to pretty women." OH GOD, I turned a bright red "Haha thanks." Did he just call me pretty? I felt like my heart was going to pound out of my chest. I glanced over at Edward quickly and I swear I saw a slight grin. After that class passed in a blur with very minimal small talk about the beauty of classical music. Honestly, I'm more of a Pop girly but I grew up listening to classical with my mother. When the bell rang Mike was at my side, he nodded towards Edward as he walked away. "Sorry about Cullen I swear the rest of us are nice here…the Cullens are just very closed off." I smiled "He was nice we just talked about music" Mike looked confused at my statement but ultimately shrugged it off. "Ready for Biology? Unfortunately, we are in the middle of a project so I can't switch partners but afterward, we can sit together." I nodded and smiled up at him "I would like that, thanks so much for helping me today Mike you do not know how much I appreciate it." I noticed him hesitate and internally warring with himself, he ultimately decided to reach for my hand. I was a bit shocked but held his hand back. Back home my friends and I were very close, we typically cuddled and held hands, so I didn't think much of it. I have come to realize that Mike must be as much of a flirt as I am, he had the balls to hold my hand on the first day. I squeezed his hand as we walked to Biology. We passed Jessica on the way, and I couldn't help but smirk at her as she gave me a look that could kill. Sure, it was mean, but I was petty, and she was a bitch, plus it will help Mike get her off his back. We walked into biology and noticed only one seat left and of course next to Edward Cullen, this is such a small school I groaned to myself. Mike led me to my desk and squeezed my hand before dropping it and setting my books down for me. He glanced at Edward for a second before settling back on me "So um I'll Walk with you back to the parking lot" I nodded but he seemed like he had more to say and glanced at Edward yet again. "So, um… do you think you'd want to grab dinner or coffee sometime" I noticed his anxiety as he messed with the hem of his shirt. I smiled and grabbed his hand again "Yeah Mike I would like that very much." Mike beamed at me "Great" he practically shouted. "I will see you after class" he walked away clearly satisfied.

"Yep, very nice to the ladies" I heard Edward say while I turned toward him "And how are you with the ladies?" I asked Edward with a bit more confidence than earlier. He smirked "I don't know I don't talk to them besides my sisters." I smiled "What about men?" and Edward chuckled "While I admit some men are better looking than others, I am very straight" I nodded "What about you?" he asked me with a raised eyebrow entertained by our conversation. "Well, I want to kiss men, and I would be down to kiss a girl I think it's all about the heart rather than someone's sex." He nodded in understanding "It's nice how progressive everyone has become" he stated, and I agreed "You seem very nice Edward, why does everyone seem to think you are a jerk?" I said lightly. He shrugged "Honestly nobody tries talking to me so I'm not sure where the jerk comes from, but I don't see the reason to change their mind." I nodded in understanding "Well I don't think you are a jerk, Edward." He opened his mouth to say more before Mr. Banner walked in and started instructions. Luckily Edward had already finished the project, but I told him to share the slides with me and I would make it pretty to add in something. He seemed to find that amusing but agreed to let me have some fun with it. Just like Mike had promised, as soon as the bell rang he was at my side collecting my books. "Miss Swan," he said playfully and offered his arm. I took it "Mr. Newton," I said laughing. I waved at Edward quickly and he winked at me making me blush.

"Wow Bella cute car" I heard Angela say as she joined me and Mike at my car. "Thanks, it's my dream car," I said while cranking my car up to warm up. "OH CRAP" Mike said while slapping his face "Sorry Ange I can't take you home today Mom is making me go straight to the shop to do inventory." I noticed Angela frown "It's ok Mike it's only a 30-minute walk." I shook my head "Just ride with me Ange We can jam out it will be fun!" She looked at me relief flooding her face "Oh thank you, Bella, I owe you one." I unlocked the passenger side for her as she climbed in. "Hey, no fair I want in the Barbie car" Mike groaned, and I couldn't help but giggle "Maybe next time Mike." He grinned "I'll take you up on that offer Ms. Swan" I tossed my books and bag into the back seat. "Do you want to get Ice cream after school tomorrow for our date?" he asked, and I nodded "I would like nothing better" he smiled and gave me a quick peck on the cheek before walking away. I stood there in a bit of shock damn the kid had guts! I got in my car and started blasting 'Dog Days Are Over' while putting my convertible top back. While snapping it in place I felt someone's gaze again and looked up to see Edward smiling and waving. I winked at him and started backing out of my spot. "Run fast for your mother run fast for your father" Ange and I sang but it was more of a yell. I could see Edward doubled over in laughter as he watched us leave and caught a glance of his family glaring at us. I drove Ange home and luckily, she lived right down the street so I just told her I could pick her up and drop her off now to save Mike on gas. As I drove home, I listened to some throwback music and reflected on my day. Maybe I will stick around for a bit I mean Forks can't be THAT bad.

Later that night I made Charlie veggie pizza and a quick salad, "How was the first day Bells?" he said clearly nervous about my answer. I knew he hoped I could find this place home and I was so happy to give him an honest answer. "Great I made friends with Mike Newton, Angela Webber, and Edward Cullen." He nodded "All very good kids," he said approvingly "Mike's parents run the local hardware store Edward Cullen's Dad is a very good Doctor, and Angela is always doing charity that kid is a saint." I smiled while serving him his plate "About Angela, I hope you don't mind but I told her I could pick her up and take her to school to save gas" Charlie nodded "Sounds good just be safe" I shoved a piece of pizza in my mouth. "Always am Dad." Later that evening I pulled on some running shorts and a tank top, "Going for a run Dad" I said while running out the door. I put one Airpod in and started a slight jog down the road.

'Eyes on fire on fire, eyes on fire

And they burn from all the tears

I've been crying, I've been cryin'

I've been dying over you '

I loved jamming to P!nk especially when trying to get a good run in, I slowed down when I noticed I'd met my mile and started back home. I loved the burn of the run and the adrenaline, it was addicting. It was about 6 when I got back to the house "I'm back" I yelled to Charlie while grabbing a new change of clothes and a towel. I stopped dead in my tracts when I noticed my bedroom window open. Huh? It must have flown open I tried rationalizing. I chewed my bottom lip, but it wasn't windy. I dismissed the thought and made a mental note to tell Charlie to fix my window. The last thing I needed was someone coming in my window, I laughed at myself yeah like someone could get to my second-story window, I beelined for the restroom and got a quick shower, I took my physical well-being seriously and that included shaving, and skincare nightly. I could tell Charlie was not used to ladies in the house by his awkwardness with tampons and feminine products in the bathroom, but he needed to get over it, The man has a daughter for Christ's sake of course I have girly stuff. After a long hot shower and quick blow dry, I had my comfy matching pajama set and heatless curls in. I knocked on Charlie's bedroom door "Night Dad, love you" I yelled through the door "Night Bells sleep well" I heard him say before returning to my room. My room was light purple from when I was little but was nicely upgraded to match my style. I had a nice vanity and a fully stocked closet thanks to Charlie not to mention the new mattress that feels like heaven. I checked my phone before plugging it in and noticed a text.

'Was nice chatting with you today, Bella'

I was prepared to see it was from Mike but remembered I had his contact, and this read unknown. It couldn't be Edward. Could it? I felt a small nudge of excitement. He must have gotten my number from Ange I thought.

'Edward?"

"Bella?"

'Haha very funny'

'See you tomorrow, Bella, sleep well"

I couldn't help but grin at my phone, hmm maybe Forks won't be so bad I thought to myself before setting my alarm and settling into bed. It wasn't long before I drifted off in my sleep and per usual dreamed of my sunny Arizona and my old friends.