Starts in Twilight about the time Bella is in school before she meets the Cullen family.

Chapter one: The Invitation,

Bella stared at the page one of her book for a long time trying not to look obvious as she secretly gazed up at the Cullen group longingly. She noticed their alluring strangeness and the mysterious often drew her curious mind irresistibly.

The Cullens were all in their usual place around the table chatting in their own little click. They never really gave anyone a second look until Bella had arrived. The fact that the Cullens were different made her curious to know more about them. From time to time today however, the Cullen's attention drew to her somehow. They all glanced at her once then went back to their interesting, secret conversation.

The girl with the short hair, taking in her other-worldly appearance could make Bella believe in faeries or perhaps pixies, smiled her way then looked strange as she locked eyes with Bella. She stared into the distance as if in some sort of trance. The girl's boyfriend, Bella noticed, with a pained expression looked concerned. He turned the girl to face him as he held her by the shoulders. With a worrying manner he gazed in her eyes shifting to one then the other looking for answers. She whispered her replies to his hushed questions then he looked around from over her shoulders in her direction and saw that Bella was watching them.

Embarrassed, Bella dropped her gaze at the opened book and pretended to read it again. She wondered what happened to cause such a reaction in the strange girl. Bella observed her odd behavior with a lingering question in her mind. "What was that all about?"

A fit of laughter from her new friends distracted Bella from the scene and pulled her back to the group's conversation. She glanced around at each one in turn to see what all the commotion was. Bella could not help but to grin despite herself as Mike Newton had arrived and slid down the bench next to her spilling her drink on himself in his foolish haste. Bella stifled her giggle by covering her mouth then turned back to find the Cullen kids had suddenly left their table while she was distracted.

Bella was now disappointed, then frowned as she could not find them in the room. She turned around again to her friends to find Mike apologizing and she just shrugged in response. Bella explained to him that she was just as bad at being clumsiness and he was not to worry about it. As Mike wiped up the mess, Bella was shocked to see everyone suddenly freeze and she found it made her a little bit self-conscious as she felt all eyes on her. An abrupt tap came to her shoulder from behind. Bella whirled around in her seat and looked up at the well-dressed pixie girl giving her that sweet smile again.

"Hey, I think you dropped this," she said as she handed Bella the book she had been pretending to read.

Bella felt her face flush in shame for being caught and with hesitation, she took the book.

"Yeah thanks," Bella said looking down shyly at her hands. "I was..." Bella stopped short and looked up to talk to the girl but found that the girl just walked away with the rest of the Cullens without another word. She stared stupidly after them and then as Mike began to speak, Bella turned toward him.

"That was Alice Cullen. Strange kids, huh?"

Bella did not answer him and looked down at her book wishing she were quicker with her words. She really wanted to get to know them, but this moment did not go her way and she missed her chance.

As the bell rang, she stood up and stuffed her book into her bookbag then set off moodily for her next class. The day past and she did not see them for the rest of school then she became disappointed. She wished time would go by quicker for the last class to come to an end. As the bell rang out, signaling the end of the day, she grabbed her bag and hurried out to the parking lot. Bella stood for a time scanning it hopefully to find them but was let down again to find their cars already gone.

Frustrated, Bella climbed into her truck and took off for home. She took her time because she knew her house would be empty. Sadly, because it was the weekend and she knew what that means. When she finally arrived home, she saw hat Charlie's car was not in the dive as she predicted. This weekend he went fishing again and he took time off just for the occasion to go and relax. She was used to it by now, he works hard and deserves it.

Bella entered through the door dangling her keys by one finger as she stumbled over the threshold. She went to the kitchen putting her stuff on the counter as she noticed the white piece of paper. She went to the fridge and took a Coke and went to pick up the note to read it.

Hey Bella,

Went for a little R and R this weekend, so I left you money for pizza or whatever you want. See you when I get back.

Dad.

Bella shrugged and set off for the stairs to her room. Once there, she plopped on her bed and slumped down, bored. Bella opened the bookbag because she had homework and wanted to get it done. No time like the present, besides, she had nothing better to do at the moment. As she dumped the contents of the bag on the bed, she noticed her little novel fell out onto the floor. Something slipped out of it and fluttered to the floor. Bella glanced down at it with a furrowed brow forming on her forehead. Bella blinked at it in surprise then picked up the small paper. It was a cut out of the newspaper. Strange, she did not remember putting that in there. She turned it in hand then opened it and saw an advertisement inside. She read…

Come and experience the supernatural! We have accommodations for two nights in our old family estate. You will sure too see a ghost if that is your wish. It is a great opportunity to tell your thrilling tale to all your friends and family. So call now for reservations to ensure your place. This coming weekend only. Located just outside of Seattle, twenty miles from Forks.

Bella smirked at the invitation but then was drawn to the idea. She found the thought of a lonely, boring weekend by herself unbearable. It was intriguing how this owner would make such a bold claim about his house. Bella did not think she believed in such things like ghosts, but maybe she would have an interesting time and who knows, it could be fun.

Bella checked the page for a phone number and went to the kitchen to dial it. She listened to the ring tone and then waited. Soon after the third ring a man answered.

"Hello. How can I help you?" Came a strange cheerful voice on the other end.

Bella cleared her throat then spoke up. "I was inquiring about this advertisement that you put in the paper, you know the one about the haunted estate?" Bella explained.

"Yes, I did advertise about that. Will you be coming alone or with friends?"

"No, just me."

He paused for a time and Bella wondered if he was still there.

"Tell me young woman, what makes you so interested in doing something like this? Most girls are into malls and going to the movies, like maybe on a date or something. Not going to old dingy estates that may or may not be haunted."

"I thought you said it was haunted and you said I was sure to see a ghost, remember?" Bella asked now becoming skeptical.

"I know it is, but you may not find it at all remarkable. Hollywood ruins it for a real-life experience. It's not like in the movies to be sure." He explained.

" Good. That stuff is so fake anyway."

"I see…will tonight be acceptable to come? It will be no trouble to send a car for you."

"No, I will drive myself. I want to leave anytime I want to. So, how much does it cost and what time?"

"Oh, there is no charge. It is a pleasure to provide a place one could visit to have a unique experience. It was the owner's dying wish to have his old family home become a sort of museum for all to see. It is just a bonus it happens to come with a ghost. How about seven o'clock. What is your name miss?

"Oh, it's Bella swan."

"Bella." He said the name slowly and it made her feel as though he was sounding it out for his pleasure to hear. "I will be here waiting to let you in and then give you a tour of the place. It will give you time to see if you have the nerve to take part in our little mystery. Who knows, you may not find you can do it after all," he said with a hint of a mocking chuckle.

"Sir, I am not so easily frightened and will certainly be participating. By the way, what is your name?" She paused her assurance speech to ask.

"It is Mr. Arosandro, the caretaker and family member of the estate."

"Alright Mr. Arosandro, I will see you then."

"Looking forward to it my dear. Bye for now."

She smiled at his charm. "Bye." She called back excitedly and hung up.

Bella went to work immediately and started to pack her over-night bag. She grabbed fresh clothes, toiletries. Some extra snacks, a flashlight, and her camera with video recording ability. Bella reached into her drawer and pulled out her journal and pencil. She put in her pocket of her coat then went to shower and change for her little adventure.

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Sometime later, Bella pulled up to the estate's gate with plenty of time to spare. She was careful to follow the newspaper's exact instructions to its location. Looking at the iron gothic style iron gate, Bella noticed how creepy and perfect it was. The vines growing on them created the proper atmosphere. She hopped out of her truck and walked over to the intercom and buzzed in. Bella found she did not have to wait long after pressing the button only a few times. But soon someone answered.

"Yes? Who is it?" A soft voice called.

"Bella Swan. I believe you have been expecting me. I have an appointment with you?"

After a moment of thoughtful silence, came the answer. "Ah, yes, please come in. I will meet you at the door."

"Thanks." Bella called and aboard the truck once again. She waited for the gates to open for her patiently. While waiting, she noticed something she did not before. A letter V and a crest with a red stone gleaming in the center. After squinting to make out the fine detail the gate groaned and swung open wide.

Bella moved the truck slowly onto the long winding driveway. She traveled past an overgrown garden with many statues of angels and birds in dirty fountains. As she moved on with ease, she looked up as the trees that overcast her vehicle shading her from dying light in the sky.

Eventually, Bella rounded the corner she gasped as she took in the sight of a large sprawling manor. It was Grecian in style with large pillars, as was the lady that stood in the center of a fountain before the great stairs leading up to large red doors. She had a scroll in her right hand clutching it to her ample breast. It drew her attention most unwillingly, the eyes empty and stone.

Bella's truck rolled to a complete stop and then she climbed out forcing herself to focus on getting up to the doors. So, she tore her gaze from the statue and headed up the long marble steps. Once at the entrance she noticed how much she dwarfed in comparison to the sheer size of the doors. Standing on her tippy toes to catch the door knockers, she reached and banged the door hard a few times then listened for any sign of life. The door opened after few minutes and soon she was greeted by a man whom she took as the caretaker, Mr. Arosandro.

She gulped down a bit of nerves as he gestured her to enter as he stood to one side. Suddenly, she is gone immobile as if in fear. She stood the gaping at him but as she saw his soft caring eyes, she moved past him in the doorway as if they were an invitation.

She tilted her face up and investigated his grave pale face. Mister Arosandro had black hair that was shoulder length. He stood about 6'0' foot tall, with an average build that looked slender but well muscular defined. His white face expressionless, translucent like onion skins. The eyes really had her staring, practically falling into the depths. A shade of ruby with an overlaying white milky film, she wondered if he could see well due to this. Despite that, he had good looks and a flawless face that appeared to be that of a middle-aged man. Dressed in a dark suit and a red tie he looked practically gothic. Laying on his chest was the same symbol on the gate, and it was gold with a drop of ruby in the center of the pendent.

Bella watched with caution as he reached for her hand. Her eyes drifted down upon his hand with an onyx gold ring that depicted the V as well. Slowly, he caught her hand, his fingers gently caressed her palm that sent shivers up her body. Gently, he brought her hand up to his lips and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. Bella gasped involuntary as she saw his eyes lifted to stare at her. Bella's heart skipped a beat suddenly and then thundered in her ears as she remained frozen. She was now lost in his very clutches as he drew her toward him. She was speechless and frazzled beyond imagining.