This chapter has been re-written including the next 8 chapters. If you're a new reader enjoy. To any returning readers not much has changed. I just added little tidbits here and there to make the story flow better and fixed some of my grammatical errors. So enjoy!!
Chapter 1
BPOV
October 15, 2004
Most people say, somewhere in your life you'll experience some of the best and worst times when you're older, more mature. Well at age 13, I believed I was definitely experiencing one of those times right now. As I sat in the back of my mom's ratty blue Honda irritated beyond belief, I started to reflect on how my life suddenly changed in the blink of the eye. Here I was, on my way to Phoenix, moving away from everything I've ever known, my school, friends, and most importantly the Cullens.
October 9, 2004, 6 days earlier…
It was a cool fall day, surprisingly sunny; a rarity to Forks. I was laying in the green lushness surrounded by my favorite five people in the world. Although we were all different ages, we still hung out with each other and constantly spent every waking moment doing various things. It all started out when I was just six years old.
Flashback…
"Daddy! Don't leave me." I wailed grabbing a hold of his leg.
"Bella." my father cooed. "It's going to be alright. Why are you so afraid? It's just the first day of kindergarten." he tried to reassure me. Hiding my face in his leg, I called out for my mother but she didn't answer. "Daddy." I sniffed, trying to wipe away my tears. "What if they don't like me? I'll have no friends. I'll be all alone." I wailed. I was trying my hardest to calm myself down, but the tears were now back full force. I was very shy, quiet and s clumsily that I was practically disabled. Even when I started preschool, I didn't manage to gain a single friend. "Bellie." my dad called using my favorite nickname. "It'll be okay. You are one of the sweetest, humblest people I know. Anyone who doesn't want to be your friend it's their lost." he smiled down at me and I couldn't help but smile back. "Aw that's my girl. Now let's go meet your new classmates." he grinned grabbing my hand.
I walked slowly behind the birth of them still grasping my father's hand and grasping on to the back of my mother's leg as we entered the classroom. "Good morning." a tall but stoutly woman said. "I'm Sue Clearwater and I'll be your child's teacher this year." she smiled at us. "Hi, I'm Renee Swan and this is my husband Charlie." my mother said, "and this is our daughter Isabella."
"Bella." I said, my voice muffled by the fabric of my mother's pant leg.
"Well Bella" Mrs. Clearwater said kneeling down in front of me, "How about we got sit with the other boys and girls." she smiled genuinely. She gestured for my hand, and I slowly reached out my hand to place I hers. Looking back at my parents, I turned my head back as she led me to a table in the corner where another girl sat alone. A girl who looked to be about my age sat looking at me curiously. She wore a pretty lavender jumpsuit, with black Mary Jane's with white laced sock. She had pretty hazel eyes surrounded by a jet black bob. Even for a girl my age she dressed better than m0st of us in the class. I looked down at my overalls, and sneakers where my pigtails sat just below my shoulder, I immediately felt my little confidence that I did have go down the drain. I sat down beside her, as Mrs. Clearwater smiled at us. "Bella how about the two of you get to know each other, while I go get us all some milk and cookies." she smiled as I nodded my head.
As soon as I turned my head, a bell-like voice call out "Hi, I'm Alice." I turned my head to look at her and immediately said my name chewing on my sleeve hoping it didn't come out garbled. We looked at each other for a couple of moments until she blurted out. "We're going to be the best of friends. I just know it." she beamed. I looked at her strangely wondering how someone you just met could be so sure, but I found out later that day she was right. Less than an hour later we were acting like we'd known each other all our lives which frankly wasn't that long. She became my partner in crime, and we played together every day. We would battle the monsters in the closet when we had sleepovers, and often tease Mike Newton about his cooties.
I learned that she was the youngest of her siblings all adopted by Dr. Carlisle Cullen and his wife Esme. Emmett was her parents only biological child and when Mrs. Cullen was told she couldn't conceive any more she had decided t adopt. The eldest was Emmett. Emmett….well Emmett was just something other. He was 9 years old and was in the third grade. He was big for his age, not chubby but looked of pure muscle. He had Carlisle's ocean blue eyes and his mother's dark locks. He was a huge prankster and overall teddy bear. Then there was Jasper. He was 8 and in the 2nd grade. He was very quiet and often kept his head in Civil war era books for some strange apparent reason. He had blonde hair and blue eyes almost the spinning image of Carlisle.
Next were the twins Rosalie and Edward., They were both 7 and in the 1st grade. The both of them were complete opposites. In fact the only thing they even shared were pairs of piercing green eyes. Rosalie was a honey blonde with natural golden highlights. She was a real sweetheart but if you got on her bad side she would become the biggest bitch you've ever known.
Then there was Edward. What could I say about him. He, also had Rosalie's piercing green eyes, maybe his a shade lighter. He had a gorgeous mop of bronze colored hair that even a penny couldn't compare to. Strangely, even as a child he had a very angular face, and me and Alice would tease him and call him feminine, just to see him get mad and storm off. Then there was Alice, my best friend in the whole wide world. She was hyper, and I would constantly call her Starbucks on legs. She was the sweetest little thing, but don't let that fool you, she could be a vicious little thing. Like one day when Emmett, Edward, and Jasper cut off the hair off her Barbies, she screamed bloody murder, and started chucking the boy's GI Joes out the window, and lets just say they never bothered Alice after that. She was one of the best friends a girl could have, and now I had 5 more .
End Flashback
Ever since then we had all become closer than ever. Although Alice and I were close, I always ended up hanging out more with Edward. He was my protector, he was always there to catch me when I had my "Bella" moments, he even beat up Mike when we were 10, after he violently kissed me. He even got me through one of the hardest times of my life when my dad Charlie was killed in the line of fire when I was 8. I cried for 4 days straight, and he was there through it all. I had just celebrated my 13th birthday, three and a half weeks ago. I couldn't believe it I was finally thirteen. I was the youngest out of all them and they often playfully teased me about. I was just enjoying life thankful fr everything I had.
I was relishing through my thoughts when a velvety voice called my name.
"Bella" Edward called. "Bells" he called again, waving his hand in front of my face.
"Huh?" I answered, feeling that all too familiar blush creep across my face.
"You zoned out on us. I thought for a second that we lost you." they were staring at me curiously. I shifted uncomfortably, the piercing glare Edward was giving me was probably making my face turn a dark shade of crimson.
"Oh! I 'm sorry what were you saying? I asked curiously.
Alice squealed " Were going Shopping!" I groaned,Alice and I had just started the 8th grade, joining Emmett, Jasper, Rosalie, and Edward at Forks High. She believed we had to dress to impress and she knew I despised it.
" Bellsie!! Come on!!!" She knew I hated that nickname, I had outgrown it when I turned 9.
"Yeah come on Bellsie." Edward smirked. Alice pouted giving me her puppy dog eyes.
Grimacing, I simply nodded.. I waited 5 seconds, before she squealed again. "OMGTHISGOINGTOBESOMUCHFUN!!" she said bouncing in place.
3 hours later...
I was in the dressing room, trying on the mounds of clothes Alice had gathered for me. My feet were aching and this was only the second store we'd been in. We had been here for three hour now. The guys were across from us playing in the arcade. Rosalie last time I checked was getting a Mani Pedi and that was well over two hours ago. I mean come, on 2 hours to get just your nails and toes done.
I was still going through the loads of clothes when Alice threw over a midnight blue halter top and denim skirt.
"Alice! Have you lost your mind!" I screamed. " It's October for crying out loud".
Alice just simply smirked,
"It's never too late to buy summer clothes, especially on sale!! Stop being stubborn and try it on!!" she growled, and with that she simply walked off.
"Fine" I huffed. I mean I had a nice figure and all, but with a friends like Alice and Rosalie had a figures who could put any model to shame. With Rosalie at only 14 she had guys in college drooling after her constantly. Alice with the grace of a gazelle. Although short, she had the legs that went on for miles. Then you have me, the plain Jane. Brown eyes, mahogany hair, and small boobs. I mean I had a nice figure and all, better than girls most my age, but I was no Rosalie or Alice. Huffing to myself, I grudgingly put on the outfit and barged out of the dressing room only to have a "Bella" moment and trip over my own two feet. Closing my eyes, I waited to feel the all too familiar impact with the floor, when two strong arms grabbed me by the waist. Feeling the all too well blush creep over my face, I opened my eyes, only to see none other than Edward Cullen.
EPOV
I was playing Halo with Emmett and Jasper in the arcade, when I decided to get something to eat.
"Emmett, Jazz" I called. "I'm going to go grab a bite to eat, you wanna come?"
"Yeah, we'll meet you later, I'm about to cream Jazz at Halo." Emmett boomed, startling everyone.
"Yeah go ask the girls if they wanna come too." Jasper said.
I knew Bella and Alice were across from us, and who knew where Rosalie was. To save some time, I decided to go get Alice and Bella first and then look for Rosalie.
I walked inside and I couldn't help but glance at the mirror to look at my reflection. Call me superficial, but I looked good. At only 14 I wasn't buff ,but I had muscle. I was tall standing at 5'9 and was still growing. Most people always complimented me on my eyes (apparently the best they ever seen), the only downfall was my hair. No matter how many times I tried to comb and tame my hair, it wouldn't stay in place. Most of the girls who weren't fawning over my brothers, wanted me at Forks High, but those girls just didn't seem to interest me. Lately I've been have these very conflicting feelings about Bella. I don't know maybe it's these teenage hormones, but lately I can't seem to get her out of my mind. She was my best friend and we shared everything. Sometimes I would even notice how jealous Alice got when Bella spent her time with me. She was intriging, a complete mystery to me, her deep chocolate eyes with a hint of gold held so many secrets, and yet when I stared in them I felt like i could see her soul. ( Some sappy shit I know.) I even noticed how her long mahogany hair fell in waves down her back and even her appealing scent of freesias and strawberries.
I must have been so deep in thought that I didn't see Alice sneak up behind me.
"Geesh! Edward don't you ever get tired of looking in the mirror." Alice exclaimed.
"Gah!! I nearly jumped out my skin. "I hate it when you do that!
"Sorry, but your reaction is always priceless." Alice smirked.
"I thought you were with Bella" "Nope she's still in the dressing room trying on the clothes I gave her." Alice exclaimed.
" Whatever. Hey Al we're about to head over to the food court, you wanna come?" I asked.
"Sure I need to go help Rosalie, she wants me to help her find a new outfit." Alice proclaimed.
"Girls and clothes. Two things I will never understand." I huffed while Alice simply rolled her eyes. "Just tell Bella that I'm with Rose and we'll meet her later in the food court." With that she simply walked away, her little heels clicking across the floor as she walked.
I was heading toward the dressing room, when I saw a small body fall towards the floor. Quickening my pace, I ran and caught her just as she was about to hit the floor. Of course it just had to be Bella that fell into my arms. The gorgeous blush rose up her face as she bit her lip She looked up at me until I realized that I still had my arms wrapped around her waist. Quickly stepping back, I couldn't help but let my eyes rake over her body.
I think I saw heaven. That shade of blue looked amazing in contrast of her pale skin. It flaunted her curves and her hips, so proportionate giving her a soft hour glass silhouette. I didn't realize I was staring with my mouth open, hopefully not drooling, until she spoke.
BPOV
Oh my god! Classic Bella.. Why did have to inherit Charlie's clumsy gene. Luckily Edward was always there to catch me when I fell. We stood there for about 10 seconds, until I realized his hands were still on my waist. Realization must have dawned on him as he stepped back, and I noticed his eyes drift downward. Oh my gosh! Edward was checking me out!! My thoughts were going mile a minute. He stood there mouth agape, until I spoke up.
"Ummm.. Where's Alice?" I asked embarrassingly, looking down at the exposure of skin I flaunted.
"Oh she went to go help Rose find an outfit. Me .and the guys were going to the food court and wanted to see if you would come. Rose and Al are going to meet us there." he said.
"Uh okay let me, got get changed" I said glancing back down to what I was halter top magnified what little cleavage I did have and here I was giving Edward an eye full.
"I'll be right back." I said, noticing he was looking me over once again, and I swore his emerald green eyes turned to a dark jade. He glanced back up at me and he was so close to me, that I could feel his breath against my neck, shuttering my body with cue the blush.
I stepped back at his proximity and so did he. "Uh yeah, I'm just gonna go." I mumbled.
I hurried back to the dressing room, and let out a sigh. Sliding down the wall, I let out a small squeak only to hear a velvety laugh come from the other side. Just lovely....
EPOV
"Ummm. Where's Alice" she asked.
I stood there a couple of moments before I realized what she was talking to me. Playing it cool, I simply replied "Oh she went to go help Rose find an outfit. Me and the guys were going to the food court and wanted to see if you would come. Rose and Al are going to meet us there" I said.
"Uh okay let me, go get changed, she replied, and I couldn't help but look over her one last time. I wanted to keep that image permanently etched in my mind. I looked back up at her and noticed she was turning a beautiful pink . She turned on her heel and walked back into her dressing room. I ran my hand through my tousled hair, and let a breath I didn't realize I was holding.I was waiting for her to come out when i heard a thump and a squeal. I couldn't help but laugh. Only Bella.
BPOV
I quickly got changed, throwing on my t-shirt ,jeans and converse, as Edward led me out he still wouldn't look at me, and the silence was killing me.
"Look Edward about earlier…..before I could finish he stopped me.
"No I'm sorry, it was my fault." he said apologetic.
"Don't worry about it. Are we cool?" he smiled my favorite crooked grin, and I just about melted on the spot, why was Edward affecting me so much, just the thought of him made my heart speed up.I needed to get a serious grip on reality. Edward was gorgeous and could have any girl he wanted and he would never want a girl like me. I sighed. Any feelings I had for him were now hidden, my heart slowly aching in the process.
Two hours and ten shopping bags later The Cullen's dropped me off in front of my house. Emmett was the only one who knew how to drive since he was 16 and I hated riding with him because I swear he drove like a bat out of hell. I was surprised I even made it home alive. I waved as they pulled off. I turned back and started walking towards the house. I was surprised to see my mother's boyfriend Phil's car in the lot. My mom started dating Phil when I was 10, I was surprised she started dating so quickly after Charlie's death. He was killed in the line of fire protecting an elderly couple from a robbery. Phil was sweet,and he made my mom happy and that made me happy. He was an aspiring baseball player and was trying to get deals from various teams for him to play on. Slowly unlocking the door,I walked in and noticed they looked deep in approaching the kitchen they immediately stopped talking.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"Bellsie" my mom said,using my old childhood nickname.
"We have some news for you." she said hesitantly.
"Okay spill" I asked curiously.
"We're getting married!"she exclaimed.
"Congrats" I honestly was happy for my mother and Phil they both deserved happiness.
"Good, but that's not all." she smiled.
"Uh oh I don't like that look." I grimaced, I actually was feeling fearful and anxious about what she was about to say.
"Phil got signed!. He's going to play in the major league team in Phoenix." she said.
"That's great!" I smiled, but took a sudden double take, as she had just said he got signed to a team in Phoenix.
"Whoa, how is that going to work out for you guys? Isn't a long distance relationship kind of hard when your engaged?" I asked.
" Yeah for some, but not us because we're moving to Phoenix as well." she proclaimed.
Excuse me?
Review!