Strange Ingénue

A Twilight Fan Fiction

By PuppetStrings19

Synopsis (Brief):

Opposites attract, even in college. To say their story is easy to tell would be a lie, cause where's the fun in that? Their story is somewhat of a slow burn, but there will definitely be some fun along the way.

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.

Prologue

Isabella Swan

I love the way he looks at me. Peering into my eyes, into my soul. His gaze speaks volumes and I feel myself getting lost in the many shades of brilliant green. He studies me, his eyes roaming over the planes and curves of my face.

This is wrong, we both know it, but we can't keep our distance any longer.

I've always been reserved, keeping my thoughts a secret from others, drowning in my own regrets. I've been hurt before… and so has he. But I feel myself getting lost in his presence and the feel of his warmth beside me. I want to open up. I want to share the truth with him, like he has already done with me.

It was all so easy at first. We could talk to each other, confide in each other… until our conversations grew serious and more intimate… more personal. And that's when I found myself pulling away.

But I didn't want to be that girl anymore. I wanted him to know me… the real me.

We were nothing but complete opposites attracting each other, completing each other. What was missing in my heart, he filled with his presence, his words, his touch. His words held a theme to a dream I didn't ever want to wake from. I thought I was dead inside… empty, un-healing, but somehow he found his way into my soul. He was strange, but beautiful and he captivated me.

Chapter 1: Roommates

Isabella Swan

"Red-rover, red-rover, send Jacob Black right over!"

With the Forks, Washington rain beating down hard and cold over my head and Rosalie's palm slipping against mine, I couldn't think of a happier moment in my life.

We locked hands and braced our arms.

"This is it," Rose said from beside me. "Let's do this, Bella!"

I watched as Jacob darted out from the line of boys across from us, his long black hair flowing like a river of oil behind him. He was fast, but small and skinny and so unbelievably beautiful. He was running right at me, right where my hand was locked with Rosalie's. But even then, at the tender age of eleven I knew that it would take much more than Jake's scrawny body to break through my grasp.

Jake picked up the pace before hurdling his body into our arms. But Rosalie's grasp on me was just as firm as mine on hers and together we forced Jake back away from our 'rope.' The force caused him to stumble and fall hard on his backside.

Rosalie and I screamed out in triumph, for we had just gained one more person on our team. That was seven summer's ago.

I awoke with a start, my mind still buzzing with thoughts of cold rain and a certain face I hadn't seen in person in years.

The Smashing Pumpkins was playing softly in my ears as I glanced around at the many heads on the full plane. I had never been on a plane before, so I kept my eyes away from the small window to my left.

I checked the watch on my wrist. Just two more hours to go.

I leaned forward and pulled my sketchbook from my bag by my feet. Flipping into the center of the book, I found the last page I had been doodling on. I glanced around the black ink and recognized the few faces I had drawn from the terminal back in Port Angeles. I studied the face of a small girl sitting next to her mother. I had sketched quickly, but I was happy with the way I captured the curves of her face, the light that glowed through the window behind her head.

I made a half smile and then glanced once more around full plane.

I young man caught my eye. He looked to be in his mid twenties. He was handsome, in that clean, white-collar, professional kind of way. He was sitting a few rows in front of me, but his head was turned in my direction where he gazed at me over his shoulder. I took in his hazel eyes and golden hair, a beautiful contrast against his tan skin. And then my eyes drifted down to the snug grey suit he was wearing.

I began to draw.

I drew a few more people once I was done with white-collar guy, until I finally touched down in O'Hare.

The Chicago Terminal was insanely busy with people. The rush of traffic, moving feet, loud yells, and the constant shoving was a bit overwhelming. I wasn't used to being around this many people all at once.

I kept my headphones in as I moved towards the luggage drop off. I only had one bag to pick up, but as I scanned through the many various bags littered over the revolving table type thing, I realized I was in for a challenge.

A sudden deep grumble from beside me caught my attention and I turned to find white-collar guy gazing down at me with cocky smirk on his lips.

"Huh?" I asked, removing one of my ear buds.

"Need help?" he repeated himself.

I frowned confused.

"I'm fine," I said. "Thanks."

I turned back towards the line of luggage to wait.

I caught sight of my burnt sienna Globe-Trotter coming my way and quickly adjusted my full backpack on my shoulders before I reached for it.

I forgot how heavy it was.

I heaved and groaned as I jerked it towards me. But before I got it close enough, strong hands pushed mine aside and pulled my luggage off of the revolving table and onto the ground beside me.

I looked up at white-collar guy again.

"Thanks," I said, with an air of annoyance.

"How about some coffee?" he responded casually.

I watched as he adjusted the cuff of his suit jacket as he stood up.

I sighed. I didn't understand what this guy was getting at. Just by the look of him, I knew I wasn't his type.

He was tall, clean, and expensive looking. He was the type who came from a well off family, who worked in a busy office and drank a glass of scotch with the guys after work on Friday nights.

I was his opposite. I was short with, ripped jeans, band t-shirts and piercings. I wasn't his type in the least.

"I'm gonna have to pass," I said. "I'm already late for a current engagement."

I watched the man's smooth smile falter.

"Thanks for the help though," I added before I bent to grab my luggage bag.

"In case you change your mind," white-collar guy said. And then he handed me his business card and turned away.

Royce King II.

Administrative Project & Tax Processing Specialist - Chicago Firm Services.

My gaze flickered down to the phone, fax and email and then the scrawl from a black ballpoint pen at the bottom.

'I hope to hear from you,' stared back at me, accompanied by a cell number.

Once outside, I caught sight of a shuttle that said it'll take me to Northwestern University, the Evanston Campus. The drive was slow with the afternoon traffic as I gazed out into the sunlight at the high buildings. Everything was so different from Forks. It was hot and a little humid for September weather, and I mentally scolded myself for wearing so many layers. I should have checked the weather back at home before I left.

Thirty minutes later, the shuttle arrived to a loading zone on the South side just in front of the campus housing structures. The structures were tall and wide and made of brick. It looked very condensed, but who was I to complain? I'd be living here for free for a few months.

I followed a small group of people out of the shuttle, pulling my Globe-Trotter with me, and then I made my way to the entrance hall.

I walked into the building, which was surprising full of students and made my way to the elevator, taking it to the fifth floor.

I found my room easily and pulled my key out of my jean pocket.

The lock clicked and I pushed my new bedroom door open.

"Bella!" Rosalie's voice was a high squeal through the music coming from my headphones.

I jumped. I wasn't even able to register Rosalie before a river of blonde hair fell over my face while long arms engulfed me.

"Rose," I said with a chuckle as I tried to hug her back with my free arm.

"Holy shit!" Rosalie continued, holding me at arms length. "Look at you! You're a fucking adult now. You have boobs!"

I laughed and pulled the ear buds from my ears.

"Yeah, I guess so." I looked Rosalie over. "You're taller than me now."

She laughed and reached for my Globe-Trotter.

"Seven years, Bella," Rosalie said with a laugh. "Seven fucking years. Can you believe it?"

"Not really. I still can't believe that I'm actually here."

I collapsed onto my new bed and met Rosalie's gaze.

Rosalie moved out of Forks seven years ago, only a few days after we played Red-Rover with the boys in town. We had been friends since we were in diapers, and continued to be friends ever since. We never lost touch, not even after her parents dragged her ass to Chicago. We talked on the phone constantly; all through middle school, and all through high school. We kept in touch through phone calls, text messages, Facebook, and Skype. It took very little effort for us to keep in touch, especially because we both actually wanted to, and I really think that being apart made us even closer. It wasn't until I was in my sophomore year at Forks High that Rosalie convinced me to move out to Chicago after I graduated.

She knew how much I hated Forks and how badly I wanted to get out, get away from my family. She convinced me to enroll in Northwestern and even helped me fill out all of my paperwork.

And then… two years later, I was sitting face to face with a girl I hadn't seen in person in so long.

"I'm so happy you're here," Rosalie said in a soft voice. "After all this time. I can't believe I have my best friend back."

I smiled at her. "Do you think things might change? You know, since its not all just virtual networking? I mean we're actually roommates now."

"We'll be fine," she said.

Rosalie helped me unpack some of my clothes and books and posters. We talked about my plane ride to Chicago, which was long, and then I told her about the guy I met at the airport.

"His name is Royce King… the second," I said with an eye roll.

"Is he cute?"

"Yeah. Very. But he's not really my type."

I glanced over at Rose and caught her checking me out.

I knew she was eyeing my dark clothes and tattered converse.

"Just because you guys are different, doesn't mean it wouldn't work out," Rosalie added. "And anyway, he's probably young and probably has money. What the hell is wrong with that?"

I laughed. "You think I should call him?"

"Yes."

I packed my clothes into the single dresser that was meant for me and placed my books on my tiny desk.

I glanced around.

Our living quarters were pretty small. All that really fit was two twin beds, two dressers and two small desks. I was happy I didn't bother bringing anything else with me.

Rosalie and I spent the rest of the day eating, talking and running some errands. There was still a lot I had to do in order to get settled. Paperwork to turn in, a prepaid phone to buy, ID cards to pick up.

But all too soon, the weekend passed and it was the first day of my freshman year in college.

I started off small, packing in a full schedule of GE's before getting started on my major courses. So, Monday morning, I was off to Pre-Cal with a backpack over my shoulder.

The first day went by very fast. The hours flew by while I sat through first day introductions, syllabus reviews, course requirements and expectations. I was already given homework and projects to work on for my first quarter and decided I'd better get on it ASAP.

The people in my classes were pretty friendly. For the most part, everyone kept to themselves. There weren't any awkward stares or curious glances, reactions I was expecting having come from a small town like Forks. On the contrary, nobody seemed to give a shit about anyone else.

I smiled.

Walking back to the dorm rooms at 2pm was miserable. The sun was high and hot and already irritating me. I couldn't remember the last time I broke a sweat from a ten-minute walk outside.

I reached the dorm rooms and took the stairs two at a time.

"I'm already fucking hating this heat," I complained as I pushed our door open.

And then I froze.

I was expecting to find only Rosalie in my room, but when I entered, a stranger's bright green eyes were staring back at me.

"Uh… who-who are you?" I stammered.

The man lounging on Rosalie's bed cocked a crooked smile at me before answering.

"I'm Edward," he said. "Edward Cullen. I'm Rosalie's cousin."

My mind was running on overdrive as I absorbed his words. I couldn't tell if it was because I found a random guy sitting alone in my room, or because I had just come from a sweaty jog up five flights of stairs.

I'd heard of Edward Cullen before, of course, but I'd never actually met him.

"Bella," I responded curtly.

Edward Cullen

"Rosalie's told me a lot about you." I took a second to take in the petite girl before me.

Bella Swan.

She was small with pale skin and long dark hair, and she was wearing a pair of snug fitted jeans and a white Black Flag t-shirt. She was cute, even with the semi-annoyed expression on her face.

"How did you get in here?" she asked, glancing around.

I watched as she hurried to pick up a pair of tossed sweatpants and some socks before throwing them into an empty hamper.

"Rose let me in," I answered. "She went to the bathroom real quick."

I jerked my head towards the door.

Bella nodded and took a seat on her bed.

"How did you like your first day?" I asked conversationally.

My gaze roamed over her face as I waited. I had seen pictures of Bella a few times, but I quickly realized that those pictures didn't do her justice. In the images I had always seen of her, she was wearing a lot of makeup and a phony smile. Right here in front of me, her makeup seemed limited and her hair was left loose, waving softly around her small shoulders. She wasn't putting on a plastic smile for me either.

Her eyes were very big and brown as she glanced around the room and I caught sight of a small silver hoop on her right nostril.

"It was fine," she said, crossing her legs. "It went by fairly quickly."

I glanced at her shoes. Black, beat-up converse with small ink illustrations on them.

"Did you have class today?" Bella continued.

"Yeah, just a couple," I responded. "I have a full day tomorrow though."

Bella nodded. "What year are you in? I remember Rosalie telling me once, but I can't remember what she said." Bella let out a nervous laugh.

"I'm a Junior," I said with a small nod.

"Nice. Almost done then."

"I guess so," I shrugged. "But there's still a lot to do. Believe it or not, the classes keep getting harder."

Bella frowned.

"If you think GE's are bad now, wait till you get to the upper division courses for your major. Not easy."

"What's your major?"

"Biochemistry."

"You want to be a scientist?" Bella's smile was wide and teasing.

I laughed. "I care about heath and the environment and shit," I said with another shrug.

"That's cool."

"What's your major?"

"Creative Writing… or English and Literature… I'm not sure yet."

"You want to be a writer?" I asked.

"Or a teacher or a thinker…" she responded with a wave of her hand.

I smirked looking away.

Just then, Rosalie walked in, loudly munching on a bag of Hot Cheetos.

"I thought we were gonna get food," I said annoyed.

"We are," Rosalie responded with a mouth full of red mush. "Let's go."

My gaze flickered to Bella and I saw her drop her eyes when I caught her looking.

"You hungry?" I asked.

Bella shrugged. "I can get food in the cafeteria. You guys go on without me."

"Na, come on, Bella," Rosalie argued. "I haven't seen you in yeeeeears."

"Liar, we did a video chat last week."

I chuckled and stood up.

"I'm gonna go get Jessica," I said to Rose. "I'll meet you out front."

I left their room and made my way towards the staircase.

As I walked, I thought about my conversation with Bella. She was cool, easy to talk to. Honestly, I was surprised by how easy it was for us. We didn't even know each other, yet conversation flowed effortlessly between us.

I smiled to myself when I thought of her reaction to my major. And then my smile broadened when I thought about her reaction when I asked if she wanted to be a writer.

"Cullen," someone greeted.

I looked up and saw Jasper as he walked passed me through the hall. I assumed he was heading to Maria's room.

I gave him a nod before I turned and climbed up the stairs to the sixth floor.

I got to Jessica's door a second later and knocked.

"It's me," I said to the door.

Jessica opened up and immediately fisted her hands into my shirt, tugging me into her room while her lips crushed roughly against mine.

I laughed through her wet kisses before I kicked the door closed and wrapped my arms around her waist, deepening the kiss.

"You ready for lunch?" I asked as I ran my hands down her ass, bunching her supple skin between my fingers.

She groaned and forced her hips against my now throbbing erection.

"I want you to eat me for lunch," Jessica whined against my mouth.

I smirked and towed her towards her bed, plopping her down before I dropped to my knees in front of her.

"I'll make it quick," I said with a low growl.

I pulled my shirt over my head before I reached for her snug jean shorts. I yanked them off, taking her red panties with them before I spread her legs and began sucking on her inner thighs.

Jessica's hands were instantly in my hair, tugging and kneading while her hips squirmed before me.

"I love when you do that, baby," she whined softly.

I took my time at first, leaving trails of wet kisses along her smooth thighs and the edge of her groin before I finally flicked her bald pussy with the tip of my tongue. She was already so wet.

She groaned loudly and jerked towards me. I ate her out using my tongue and fingers, making her come in record time. When I felt her muscles spasm and clench around my pumping fingers, I picked up the pace and groaned, letting the vibrations of my throat roll down my tongue onto her clit.

"Let's go," I said as I wiped my face with the back of my hand.

Jessica laughed, but didn't make any effort to move.

I checked the time on my phone. I had only been there for seven minutes.

"Don't you want me to suck you?" Jessica moaned softly from the bed.

I glanced down and found her watching me though hooded eyes.

Needless to say, she sucked me dry and we were downstairs ten minutes later.

"So where are we going?" Rosalie asked as Jessica and I stepped out into the bright sunlight.

"Well, do you wanna go to the Unicorn Café or Brothers K?" I asked.

My gaze flickered to Bella, who stood shielding her eyes from the sun. I had my black Ray-Bans on, so I quickly took them off and offered them to her.

She stared at me confused.

"You came all the way from Forks," I laughed. "I don't want you to go blind on your third day here."

She chuckled before hesitantly taking the sunglasses from me. They looked big on her small, heart-shaped face.

"Thanks," she said.

"This is Jessica, by the way," I said, introducing my girlfriend.

Jessica smiled at Bella and gave a small wave.

"Lets go to Brothers K," Rosalie said before turning towards Bella. "It's a bit of a walk, about a mile, but it's worth it."

Bella shrugged and we all set off towards Main Street.

We were only about halfway there when I heard Bella groan from behind me. I was walking up ahead with Jessica, listening to her ramble on about her day.

"What's wrong?" Rose asked.

"Its so hot," Bella said softly. "I'm not used to this heat."

I smirked, but continued my quick pace.

"Why are we walking so fast?" Bella complained again.

I chuckled and turned to peek at her over my shoulder.

She had her hand up again, shielding her face from sun. Even from here, I could see her eyes through the lenses, watching me, and the slight gathering of dew on her forehead and cheeks. I smiled at her, but slowed my pace.

"You're practically running there," she said to me.

"I don't mind the heat," I said with a shrug.

"I can tell. You're not even sweating."

"I'm used to it."

"Man, I'm out of shape," Bella groaned mostly to herself.

Rosalie laughed. "There's a gym on campus," she offered.

Bella didn't respond.

"Edward plays baseball," Jessica said. "That's why he has all this energy. He plays for two leagues."

I laughed when I caught Jessica smiling up at me with admiration.

"Two leagues?" Bella asked. "On campus?"

"Na, off campus," I answered. "I play for a couple of local teams."

"What position?"

"Pitcher."

"Nice." I could hear the smile in Bella's voice.

"You watch baseball?" Rosalie asked amused.

"Is it that surprising?" Bella shot back.

"A little. You just don't look like the type who would watch sports."

I glanced at Bella over my shoulder again.

We arrived to Brothers K soon after and stood in line to take our orders. I smirked when I saw Bella fanning her sweaty face.

I let the girls order before me and then I ordered a sandwich and a latte for myself before I took my number out to the patio where they were all sitting.

When I approached, I saw that Bella had just lit up a cigarette and was sitting with her legs crossed while she took a few drags.

Her cheeks were very pink, but she wasn't sweating anymore. I watched her run her hand repeatedly through her hair and that's when I caught sight of a few faded pink locks in her hair. The color of platinum blonde and pink looked nice, and strange, against the chocolate brown. And then I noticed her exposed ear was covered in many silver piercings. The barbells, hoops and studs glittered mesmerizingly in the sunlight.

Bella caught me looking so I dropped my gaze.

"I like your hair, Bella," Jessica said from beside me. "I've never dyed my hair before."

"Thanks," Bella said with a modest smile.

As she took another drag from her cigarette, I saw that she was also wearing a couple of silver rings on her right hand. One was small and round with a little black stone. The other was a decorative diamond shape with a large round turquoise in the center.

On her other hand, she had a single silver band on her thumb, but her wrist was made up with twisted bands, a watch and a very thin chain. I think there was maybe even a small tattoo on the inside of her wrist.

"Can I have one?" Rosalie asked as she watched Bella take another drag.

Bella used her elbow to push her pack of Marlboro Golds towards Rosalie. I watched Rosalie light up, instantly eager to have one as well.

I hadn't has a cigarette in probably over a year, but watching the two girls before me smoke made me suddenly crave one.

"Can I have one too?" I asked.

Bella met my gaze, looking curious.

"Sure," she said and then she handed the pack to me.

I took one out and lit it with the clear green lighter she had tucked inside.

I took a slow drag and let it out with a smile. It didn't taste as good as I remembered, but it still felt good.

Jessica scrunched her nose at me in distaste.

I winked at her.

A/N:

This will be a BPOV and EPOV, and I'll be updating about once a week… unless I'm feeling generous.

Now that introductions are somewhat out of the way, I can get on with the story. Much like WDEaNB, this story takes place in college, surrounded by college education, activities, drama, and of course, angst.

Remember, this story contains underage (and some 'of' age) drug and alcohol use, profanity, discussion of sex and sexually explicit acts. Mature readers only please.

Till next time. xoxo