When Day Ends and Night Begins

A Twilight Fan Fiction By Puppetstrings19

Disclaimer:

All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

This story contains underage drug and alcohol use, profanity, discussion of sex and sexually explicit acts. Mature readers only please.

This story is Unbeta'ed! Please forgive the occasional grammatical errors. I'm only human, after all.

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Chapter 1: Forks High School

"I hope you like it here, Bells." Charlie's voice cut the silence.

"Yeah, me too," I said around the bite of food in my mouth. I tried to keep the sadness out of my tone.

We were sitting at his small kitchen table, sharing a large pepperoni pizza. I was having trouble swallowing my second slice. Nerves made my stomach turn nastily.

I had just arrived here in Forks only hours ago.

Six months ago, my mom remarried a minor league baseball player, Phil Dawyer. He traveled a lot, sometimes for weeks at a time. I knew it made my mom unhappy to stay home with me while Phil was gone, so I finally decided it was time to pack up my stuff and come spend some quality time with Charlie. It was March, and I'd be attending Forks High School right in the middle of the semester.

I suppressed a groan.

At least Charlie was being nice about the whole thing; his sixteen year old daughter coming to stay with him. It'd been a couple of years since I'd seen him, but he actually seemed genuinely happy to have me.

I took a drink from my canned coke and caught Charlie's eye.

He smiled softly at me and the smile stayed on his lips even after he looked away.

Charlie looked much the same as the last time I'd seen him. His curly hair was a little shorter, he had probably just gotten a hair cut, and there were more grays along his temples. But he still looked very handsome.

I glanced over him. I couldn't help but compare him to Phil. Charlie looked so much older, so much wiser than Phil. After all, Charlie was at least fifteen years his senior.

Charlie met my gaze once again and it was my turn to smile.

Charlie rose from his seat and grabbed my plate.

"Are you gonna eat that?" he asked.

"Sorry, I just don't have much of an appetite right now. The flight was long."

Charlie took my plate, dumping my half eaten slice in the trash before turning towards the sink to wash the dishes.

"Hey, dad?"

"Yeah?"

"So, what exactly happened last year at school? Mom told me there was some kind of trouble with some kids, which is why there are all these new rules and regulations? She was pretty vague about the whole thing. I don't think she really knows what happened there."

I stood and leaned against the counter next to Charlie while sipping my soda.

Charlie sighed. "I didn't tell your mom the details because I knew she would freak out and not let you come stay with me. It really isn't that big of a deal. No one was hurt or anything."

"What happened?" I pressed.

"Some kid brought a gun to school."

I gaped at Charlie, my mouth falling open. I was surprised that even something like this would happen in Forks. This town was so small and quiet; it housed no more than three thousand, one hundred and twenty people… well, twenty-one, now.

Charlie saw my expression. "Look, the kid grew up in a broken home; a drug addict for a father and no mother. He got into some trouble down at the reservation, met some bad people and was surrounded by nothing but bad influences. He had the gun with him at school, but it didn't seem he intended on using it. His girlfriend accidentally found the gun in his backpack and told a counselor. We arrested him and now he goes to a correctional facility in Port Angeles."

"So that's why the school has a new dress code?" I asked.

"Well, James had a certain look about him, kind of like the other bad apples down at the reservation. Baggy clothing, bald head, tattoos. I guess Forks High wanted to try to take control of the school as much as they could after the incident. They want to keep the whole 'gang-related look' to a minimum." Charlie shrugged. "There hasn't been any trouble like that before James or even after. I don't think they even use the metal detectors anymore."

I nodded.

After a minute of silence, I decided it was late enough to excuse myself, and head upstairs to get my stuff ready for school tomorrow.

"I'm gonna head up."

"Sure," Charlie responded as he moved towards the living room. "I'm just gonna watch the game before I turn in. I'll see you tomorrow morning. I, uh, I'll give you a ride to school."

I cringed. "You really don't have to do that. I can walk."

Just the idea of being escorted in the police cruiser on the first day of school was enough to make me almost start hyperventilating with embarrassment. It would only draw unwanted attention to my arrival.

"I don't mind, Bells. And anyway, it's raining out there. You'll be soaked through before you make it to the end of the block."

I sighed heavily. "Okay, sure. Night, dad." I grabbed my half empty can off of the counter and headed upstairs.

Once in my room, I packed my small black backpack with the essentials: a composition book, pens and pencils, my iPod, and wallet. And then I got up and grabbed the white plastic bag hanging on my small desk chair.

Inside the bag was my new uniform, which thankfully Charlie had purchased in advance. Of course it took several phone calls with my mom before Charlie felt confident enough he'd gotten me the right size, and luckily he'd gotten me a couple of sets to mix and match throughout the week.

I pulled out the uniform and studied the blue material before trying it on for the first time. I had to wear either a pleated skirt or tan pants.

I tried on the pants first, but they were too big and ill fitted. I groaned before pulling on the pleated, high waist skirt. It was short, but it fit pretty good, and I had a second one to help me get through the week.

I tugged on the bottom hem of the skirt, before pulling on the white button down, collared shirt. I tucked the shirt into my skirt and then pulled on the blazer.

The jacket was surprisingly cute and comfortable, and it fit me perfectly. It was made from the same wool material as the skirt, and it was also the same shade of dark teal, with a small gold mascot patch on the chest.

I walked over to the long mirror that sat in the corner of my room. The blazer was nice enough on me that I probably would have worn it even if it weren't a school uniform. I tried not to concentrate too hard on the rest. In Phoenix, I often wore dresses and skirts, but just the thought of walking around school in Forks weather in a short skirt was pretty horrifying.

I dug through my duffle bag and found a pair of short yoga shorts, perfect for wearing under my skirt. Holding them in my hands reminded me of my mom. I had gotten these back when she was in her yoga phase, a very short-lived phase she'd started last year.

For the rest of the evening I made great progress unpacking most of my belongings–– some pictures, decorative hanging lights for my room, clothes, and books before eventually climbing into bed.

My room remained illuminated from the soft glow of the moon. I studied my ceiling and the lame childhood posters on the walls that had been there since I was just a kid. I felt suddenly sad and lonely as I thought about the next day, let alone the next two years that would follow here in Forks.

I detested Forks and the constant rain and gloom.

I thought of my mom and her happy face. She and Phil would be leaving to Florida in a few days. Thinking of my mom, my best friend, brought tears to my eyes. I let a few of those tears fall before I eventually fell asleep to the sounds of rain and wind outside my bedroom window.

I woke up early and alert the next morning, though I'd had very little sleep. I showered quickly, styling my hair in loose waves down my back, before pulling on my new school uniform, a pair of knee high charcoal gray socks, and some black boots. And then I grabbed my backpack, a scarf, and an umbrella before heading downstairs.

I could hear Charlie in the kitchen, and I tugged on the hem of my skirt again before entering.

"Morning."

Charlie glanced at me over his shoulder as he poured himself some coffee. "Morning, kid. Want some coffee?"

"No thanks." I didn't need the extra jitters the caffeine would inevitably bring.

"There's some cereal in the cabinet and milk in the fridge," he offered. "Help yourself."

I poured myself some cereal and sat with Charlie while he read through the morning paper. It was different, but nice. Back home, my mom would've fussed over me non-stop. Keyed-up over my first day of school. This was a nice change, to be able to sit in silence and just chill.

Charlie was the complete opposite of my mother. He was quiet and relaxed. He even made me feel calm and less anxious about what the day would bring. And I had to admit, it felt good knowing that he and I could appreciate the quiet together. Neither of us felt the need to fill the silence with pointless morning banter.

After a few minutes, I washed my bowl and spoon while Charlie clipped on his gun and pulled on his coat. We headed out into the rain together, Charlie holding the umbrella over my head while I clung to my backpack and scarf.

My thighs were already freezing.

The drive to school was quick, and I was happy to see that the parking lot was still almost completely empty. Charlie dropped me off in front of the main building.

"I'll be here when you get out," he said as I stepped out and away from the precious warmth of the cruiser.

I thanked him.

The main office was small and warm. No metal detectors. I unwrapped my scarf, surprised by how warm the blazer kept me.

I introduced myself to the woman at the front desk. She chatted with me momentarily, welcoming me to Forks High. I smiled and nodded politely as she spoke.

She handed me my class schedule, a slip for each of my teachers to sign, and a campus map. I studied the papers as I walked out.

The hall outside began to fill with students. I glanced around, meeting curious gazes. Wrapping the scarf back around my neck, I tried not to completely cover my face as I headed back out into the rain.

With my umbrella in one hand and my class schedule in the other, I made my way to my first class. I was happy to see that almost all of the girls at Forks High wore the uniform skirt like I did, though some seemed to have longer skirts than the others. Some girls wore black or grey tights beneath their skirts; I was the only one wearing knee high socks. I also noticed that many of the students wore parkas over their uniforms. Their were surprisingly very few umbrellas around.

The boys wore similar blazers, the same shade of dark teal with the school mascot patch on the front like mine. They also wore similar white collared shirts. The only thing about their uniform that looked different, were the pants. All of the boys wore tan colored pants; similar to the pair I had at home.

I glanced around at the boy's ankles, some of them wore boots, and some wore sneakers. The cuffs of their pants stained dark brown from the rainwater. I momentarily wondered why Forks High would want their students to wear beige pants where it rained all the time.

My first few classes went by easily enough. In each class, students would turn and stare at me or sometimes introduce themselves. It was awkward, but okay I guess. I blushed a lot and stuttered when they asked me questions about my life in Phoenix.

In English I sat next to a small girl named Alice. She was very petite, had short crazy black hair and heavy black eyeliner. She smiled a lot, flashing a set of perfect white teeth whenever she spoke.

"Hi!" she greeted enthusiastically. "I'm Alice." She stuck her hand out for me to shake.

I smiled at the gesture and took her hand. "Bella."

We were quiet during the lecture, and when our teacher dismissed us early, Alice offered to walk me to the cafeteria for lunch.

She talked about the school and the students there, pointing groups of people out as we passed through isles of round tables in the cafeteria. Apparently, Alice had moved to Forks only a few years ago with her mom, so she understood what it was like to be a new kid in town.

"Fuck 'em," she said as we passed a group of girls who stared openly at me. They were all giggling, their eyes bright as they whispered to each other behind their hands. "They're just staring at you because you're something new to look at. Don't worry, they'll all settle down in a few weeks." Alice flashed another wide smile at me.

Her confidence made me smile back. I decided I really liked Alice.

"So anyway," she continued as we stood in the very long lunch line, "I hang out with a small group of people. They're right over there." She gestured to a table near the back of the room. "They're cool and they'll like you. And don't worry, they won't stare at you the way Lauren and her pack of wolves do."

My eyes swept across the handful of faces at the table she gestured to. There were two other girls over there and about five or six boys. And then suddenly, my eyes landed on a head covered with wild bronze colored hair. I could see his profile.

My heart stuttered and my lungs froze.

… Edward?

I knew that face. Or at least… I think I know that face. When I was a child, I knew a boy who looked exactly like him. His name was Edward, and he and I were friends once, when we were kids. Before my mother and Charlie split and my mom moved me away from Forks. We were friends as toddlers. His mother's name was Liz, or maybe it was Elizabeth. She used to come over to our place with Edward all the time. They used to hang out with my mom and me.

Our parents had met at a book club in Port Angeles. I even had a picture of him in a small jewelry box I'd brought from Phoenix. I never forgot him, he was my first friend. My only friend in Forks.

I watched as a boy next to him whispered something in Edward's ear before he turned to glance at me. His eyes met mine for a solitary moment before they flickered to Alice beside me.

Is that really him? My mind whirled.

The bronze haired boy met my gaze again. He stared back for a second. Slowly, confusion washed over his face. I watched his eyebrows pull together in a frown, obviously disconcerted by my scrutiny, before looking away.

I swallowed thickly. Maybe he didn't recognize me.

"Bella," I heard Alice call.

Catching up in line, I grabbed a ham and cheese sandwich, an apple, and a bottle of water before paying and following Alice towards her friend's table.

I approached slowly, watching him. The bronze haired boy.

"Guys and gals," Alice said cheerfully, getting everyone's attention. "This is Bella. The chick from Phoenix." Alice gestured to me and I met many curious, but friendly smiles. "This is Rosalie and Jasper," she gestured to the two blondes, the obvious twins."Angela, Eric, and Mike," they were the thin brunette girl, the boy with bad acne, and the dirty-blonde boy with short spiky hair. Mike cracked a flirtatious smile. "And Emmett and Edward," she gestured to the tall burly guy and the bronze haired boy.

Edward.

I smiled at each of them as I set my tray down, but my eyes lingered on Edward.

He smiled at me, but his face held no recognition what so ever.

Images of my childhood and that face flashed through my mind.

I glanced up at Edward again, sitting across from me.

His eyes were on Eric, who was telling an animated story about a fight Mike had gotten into down at First Beach. Edward laughed along with the others, never meeting my gaze.

I knew that face, that hair, those eyes. He had to be the same boy, yet he didn't recognize me at all.

My eyes flickered to Jasper, sitting to Edward's left. As soon as my eyes met his, he dropped his gaze looking away.

I turned my attention back to my food, feeling embarrassed about being caught ogling Edward.

The bell rang soon after and Alice, Angela and I made our way out of the cafeteria.

"What class do you have next?" Angela asked.

I dug my schedule out of my coat pocket and studied it. "Biology with Mr. Banner."

"Oh," Alice said. "You have Bio with Edward." Alice peeked over her shoulder, searching the school grounds with a frown. "He could have walked you to class."

"I can find it on my own," I said. My face suddenly felt hot from my blush.

"Well, there's Mike," Angela pointed out behind us. "He has Biology this hour too."

We stopped walking and waited for Mike to catch up.

"What other classes do you have?" Alice asked as she peeked at my schedule over my shoulder.

"Um, I have Gym last." I shrugged. Only in a town this small would they make their students take Gym four years in a row.

"Me too," Alice and Angela said excitedly. "We'll see you in Gym then."

I smiled at them.

"Mike," Alice said as Mike Newton approached. "Bella has Bio too. You should walk her to class. The rooms don't have numbers on them."

Alice gave me a smile before heading in the opposite direction. "See you later, Bella."

Angela waved as she walked off with Alice.

I waved back at them before turning towards Mike.

"This way, madam," he said with much enthusiasm. "So," he began, "Phoenix, huh?"

"Yeah."

"I bet living in Forks is a real pain in the ass compared to Phoenix."

"I guess," I shrugged. "Have you even been to Phoenix?"

"No, but I used to live in California before my family moved us here. So, I can understand if you miss the sun and the heat."

"Cool. When did you move to Forks?"

"A while ago. I was five."

"Cool." I wasn't good at small talk.

Mike gave me a nod, letting the topic drop.

We entered the Biology classroom, then. I looked around, taking in the black tops and stools. Mr. Banner introduced himself before signing my slip and sending me over to the single empty seat.

Beside that single empty seat sat…

"Edward Cullen. Raise your hand, please," Mr. Banner said in a voice that carried through the small classroom.

I walked over slowly and placed my backpack on the lab table.

Edward caught my eye and offered me a small smile, his hand still raised.

I smiled back before sitting down.

Mr. Banner began his lecture, so I pulled out my composition book and a pen.

For some reason, I was hyper aware of the boy sitting next to me, though I tried my best to ignore him. As the hour slowly ticked by, I caught myself studying his every move, searching for the boy I used to know all those years ago. If I was being honest with myself, I didn't really remember him that well. Just the way he looked, and the sound of his voice, though it was a lot deeper now. After all, it was over ten years ago.

I found myself analyzing the way his right hand swept across his notebook, as he took notes. He was using a blue pen, and I momentarily wondered if it was because he knew the fun fact that you were more likely to memorize what you've written if you wrote in blue ink.

My eyes traveled up his firm forearm, exposed because his sleeve was pushed up to his elbow, and then my eyes moved up towards his face.

I took in the messy hair that fell over his forehead, his forward brow as he concentrated on his notes, his straight nose, the pucker of his full lips as he chewed on the cap of his pen. The slight stubble on his prominent jaw.

My eyes slid down the curve of his back as he hunched over, deep in concentration. There was some muscle there; I could see it through the thin fabric. He was totally and completely unaware of my scrutiny. He didn't look at me once.

After a moment, Edward suddenly let out a low sigh before straightening up to stretch as he turned the page in his notebook. His head turned and his bright green eyes met mine.

He cocked me crooked smile, catching my curious stare, before turning back to his notes. He looked away much quicker than I did, and I blushed aggressively.

His smile wasn't smug, it was just an acknowledgment. And still I noticed his eyes held absolutely no recognition or familiarity. Not even the tiniest bit.

This surprised me. How could it not?

The class ended and Edward was out of the room before I had the chance to finish packing up my stuff. He didn't say bye to me either.

I walked quickly towards the gym with Mike, my umbrella pulled low over our heads.

Gym was fine, I guess. I didn't have to dress, so I spent the hour talking to Alice and Angela on the bleachers, watching the boys play basketball on the other side of the gym.

Edward wasn't there.

"So, what are you doing after school?" Alice asked me as she threw a quick glance at Angela.

"I don't know. Nothing, I guess."

"Well, a few of us are gonna hang out over to my place after school," Alice said. "We usually just hang out for a few hours, listen to music…" she lowered her voice, "… have a beer."

I nodded slowly. "Who's going?"

"Well," Alice looked thoughtful as she glanced around the gym, "mainly its just our usual crowd. You know, the gang from lunch."

"Um, sure. I'll go." I hesitated. "I don't really have a ride though. I still haven't had a chance to get a car yet."

"Oh!" Alice exclaimed. "Don't worry about that. We can car pool. It'll be fun."

"Are you sure, Alice? I don't want to be a burden to take home." I felt a little embarrassed about the whole thing. I barely knew any of them, and I didn't want to ask for a ride.

"Don't be silly!" Alice said. "We're friends, Bella. It'll be fine."

I nodded. "I have to tell my dad, then. He's supposed to pick me up after school."

"Go and call him," Angela said, gesturing towards the double door that led out of the gym.

Angela turned away from me and started talking to Alice about Eric. "I don't know what's been up with Eric," she murmured. "I mean, we've made out a few times already. Why won't he ask me to be his girlfriend?"

I pulled out my phone from my backpack and made my way over to the gym doors. Again, I couldn't help but run my hand over my ass, to make sure my skirt hadn't ridden up. I knew I had shorts on underneath, but it didn't really ease my modesty. I could feel my skirt swish against my thighs right bellow my butt.

I tugged on the hem of my skirt again.

"Dad?" I said when Charlie answered the phone.

"Are you out already, Bells? I thought you didn't get out until 3."

"No, I'm in Gym right now. I was just calling to tell you that I won't be needing a ride home today. I made some friends during lunch and they offered to give me a ride."

"Oh." Charlie hesitated. "Okay, then."

"Is that alright?" I asked.

"Of course, honey," he said. "That's fine."

"Okay, well, I might be home just a little late. A few of us are going to hang out after school for a few hours." I hesitated.

I felt like I was being rude, not hanging out with Charlie after my first day of school. But it wasn't like we had much of a relationship anyway. I hadn't even seen Charlie that much over the past twelve years.

"Sure, Bella. Have fun, and be safe."

"Thanks."

"And call me if you need a ride home," he added.

I said goodbye and hung up before heading back to Alice and Angela on the bleachers.

Gym ended soon after that and the three of us walked together towards the parking lot. Angela was still going on about Eric while Alice tried to assure her that he was interested.

"Just tell him you want to go out with him," Alice said.

"But what if I do that and he thinks I'm like, too forward or something? What if I scare him off?" Angela's voice pitched with desperation.

I sighed. I'd never had boy trouble like this. Though it wasn't like I'd had much experience with boys anyway.

"You're an independent woman. Don't be so fucking shy, Ang." Alice sounded exasperated.

"All right, all right," Angela laughed.

From across the parking lot, I could see Edward, Mike, and Emmett leaning against a silver Volvo hatchback.

The three of us walked over to where the boys waited— Alice and Angela laughing about something I didn't catch, while I stayed quiet beside them with my umbrella held close over our heads.

"Hey, guys," Alice called as we approached.

Mike's eyes traveled up my knee-high socks and bare thighs.

I looked away from him while resisting the urge to tug on the hem of my skirt again. Alice and Angela were both wearing thick black tights under their skirts; their legs hidden safe beneath the fabric.

Emmett pushed off of the Volvo and moved towards Alice. "So, what's the plan?"

"It's the same plan," Alice said with a smile. "My place in thirty minutes. My mom is working overtime."

Emmett turned to me. "You coming too, Bella?"

I nodded.

"We invited her," Alice said as she turned her attention to Edward who was still perched against the driver's side of the silver car. "Do you think you can give Bella a ride?"

"Sure."

I met his gaze. "I haven't had a chance to buy a car yet," I explained. "I'm supposed to go car shopping this weekend."

"It's no big deal," he said. He dropped his eyes to the ground.

The rain was only a light drizzle. I glanced over the wet stains on the shoulders of Edward's teal blazer. His hair was just as wet, red turned dark, almost brown. He ran his hand through it messily.

I swallowed thickly and looked away.

From a short distance, I saw Rosalie and Jasper approach. They greeted us, and Emmett explained that I would be riding with them. Mike said some remark about wanting to sit in the back with me, but Alice yanked on the back of his blazer pulling him towards Eric's car.

Rosalie, Jasper and I crawled into the small backseat of Edward's hatchback, me sandwiched between the twins.

"Hey," Emmett said as Edward sped down the road. "Let's stop at Stanley's Liquor. We need to buy beer."

Edward gave a slow nod before he made a left and then a right, speeding down the wet road before pulling over behind a small shop, which read Liquor in neon red lights.

We sat for a minute while Emmett, Jasper and Edward scrutinized the pedestrians walking into the store.

—

Author's Note:

Hi, there. So, looking back at some of my old fics, I've realized I struggle with angst and drama. I really want to explore that better here and not jump the gun with all of the intimacy. This story deals with teenage alcohol and light drug abuse (is weed really a drung though?). Nevertheless, don't read if this kind of thing makes you uncomfortable. I wanted this story to be realistic and have the raw experiences of being young teenager, similar to the kinds of things I did in high school.

I have links to how I've interpreted Bella's uniform to look. I made a quick sketch of what I think her outfit would look like on the first day of school. The link is on my profile, in case you're like me and you like having a visual of what someone's describing.

Kids, drugs and alcohol are bad for you. Please don't abuse those substances, or even use them if you can avoid it. I don't want to be the cause of any mishap. Like I said, this story is mostly for fun. And please note, there will also be some lemons in the future. Naturally.

Till next time. xoxo