A/N: All characters belong exclusively to Stephanie Meyer. Other standard disclaimers apply.

New York Kids

By: C.K Degu

Chapter One: Welcome Home

The first day of school will always be the worst day for me. Especially when everyone knew everyone else. As I approached the iron black, ivy-adorned gates of Therese Allamane School for Girls, I could swear that my knees were shaking and my sweat was cold. And only because I was nervous. I was starting the middle of my junior year here in New York because my parents decided that it was time that I moved in with my sister, who was only just a senior herself. The only actual adults who supervised her were a maid that came in once a week, and a weekly call to my parents.

"Relax Bella, it's just school," she said to me this morning while I was slowly eating my Honey Stars. She had to go to school early and so leaving me to my own devices today, of all days.

"No it's not. It's cliques and rumors and gossip and all around---"
"Bitchiness?"

"NO! Yes."

So the next thing I know, I'm standing in front of a totally new class. Everyone's staring at me. Which is strangely attentive for the average teenager. I know I looked a little too pale for New York, but that was not my fault. With skin like mine, I didn't tan. I just get red and then get sunburned.

"Introduce yourself," the teacher said in a very bored voice. Helpful.

"Uh…I'd rather not," I replied.

"Whatever. Sit down so I can start," he said, and then the lesson began. This had to be one of the worst days ever.

By lunchtime, I'd already met all the girls in my class. They were pretty nice, but it was still pretty awkward to be surrounded by such high-society girls. It made me feel a little out of place.

Within the same campus as Therese is St. Ignatius's School for Boys, and because the cafeteria food was basically like eating poison, everyone went out for lunch, including the boys.

"Well, hello there Mary," said one really good looking guy as he came towards my locker. Seeing as he called me by the wrong name, I didn't say anything at first, but then I realized he was actually talking to me.

"My name's Bella."
"Exactly. Mary," he said with a boyish grin that would have made my heart melt if he wasn't so annoying. "Mine's Chris." I closed my locker door.

"I have to go," I said. He seemed very amused by me and laughed.

"I'll see you around then Mary."

"It's BELLA!" I yelled behind me as I scrambled out of there. I'd heard before that private school brats were exactly that, brats. But now I found out that they were seriously stupid.

I was just outside the school, crossing the courtyard, when suddenly a silver Volvo skidded to a stop in front of me, almost making me fall down on my butt. I glared at the driver, who glared at me too. He got out of the car and just glared at me. Oh WOW. He was gorgeous. With pale skin, a slim, strong physique and hair that looked a little like rusty bronze. And his eyes. Was it just me, or were they actually gold?

He seemed surprised to see me there, and neither of us could say a word. My mind seemed to have turned into mush at this point. I knew it was rude to stare and gape at him like this, but it was his fault for…dazzling me, I guess. His surprise seemed to turn into frustration as he continued to study my features, so I knew I had to stop staring at him. But I couldn't seem to look away. He was wearing a St. Ignatius uniform.

"Edward!" A musical voice behind me called, and I tore my eyes away from him and saw one of the girls in my class walking calmly, gracefully towards us. She saw me and smiled. I remembered her name was Alice Cullen. She was probably the most beautiful of the girls in our class and the nicest one I'd met so far.

"Bella!" She sad almost as excitedly, "where are you having lunch?"

"Oh, I'm supposed to have lunch with my sister at the steps of the MET," I said, my voice going up a little at that last word. I had no idea what MET meant exactly, but it seemed like Alice knew it well enough, because she nodded.

"Well, my brother Edward and I can drop you off if you like," Alice offered, "It's actually just a short walk there, but I'm sure Edward won't mind."
We both turned to Edward automatically, and he just smiled.

WOW.

"No, it's alright, I can walk," I said, smiling, "thanks for asking though."

"Well, maybe next time then," Alice answered, walking towards the Volvo and as Edward got inside again. "I'll sit with you in Chem, if you don't mind." Alice sounded nice enough, but she was actually informing me of a fact, not asking. Which was better for me. I'd hate to be lonely during one of the most boring classes of the year.

"I'd like that," I simply answered. The Volvo pulled out.

Was it just me, or was Edward still staring at me?