Another day in paradise, I think to myself as I open the blinds to yet another day of clouds and rain. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, having lived here my whole life. By here I mean Forks, Washington, USA. I've often thought if vampires were real, this would be the perfect place for them to live. The sun NEVER shines.
After the four day weekend (teacher's in-service – I mean, come on. We've been in school for a whole 6 weeks and they already need an in-service) I really don't want to go to school but I don't have much of a choice. Not that Charlie would get mad, but because I really need some sort of scholarship if I want to go to college.
Charlie is my father, or my charity case, I haven't quite figured it out yet. You see, since Renee, my mother, died when I was 9, Charlie has been useless. Sure he's "Chief Swan" that everyone respects, but as soon as he gets home he turns into a recluse. I can't remember the last time we had a real conversation. So, because of his inability to cope with my mothers' death, I have become the adult. Sure he brings home a paycheck, but I have to do everything else. (i.e. – cook, clean, laundry, pay bills . . . . . you get the picture) Okay, enough of that, off to school.
As I pull into the Forks High parking lot, I'm pretty sure I'm the last one to arrive. Walking through the halls, nobody really notices me, which is how I like it. I'm not really a social person. Not because I don't want to be, but because 90 of the people here – including the teachers – couldn't carry on an intelligent conversation if their lives depended on it.
Coming up to my locker, I notice Lauren Malloy talking to the new guy. How do I know it's the new guy you ask? Everyone knows everything in this town. Who's coming, who's leaving, (more leave than come) where the party's at, who's with who, etc. So therefore, everyone knew the Cullen's were moving here.
I can't help but feel sorry for him, though I don't even know him. He just got here and Lauren is already in full hey-look-at-my-oversized-boobs-aren't-I-hot-do-you-want-to-do-me? mode.
As if I'm not in complete control of my body, I let out a little snort.
"What?" Lauren spits at me.
"Oh, nothing Lauren, it just doesn't take you long to pounce, does it?"
"To what?" Lauren asks stupidly.
"Well, poor" I look up to see the most amazing green eyes and almost lost my train of thought, but I catch myself and gesture with my hand at the new guy.
"Edward" he says, thankfully understanding that I need his name.
"Well," I started again "poor Edward here, probably hasn't even got his locker open and you're already trying to get in his pants."
"Shut up, Swan" she yells "you're just jealous!"
My mouth drops open as I grab my chest where my heart is, in mock horror.
"My gosh Lauren, you finally figured it out." I say in the most sarcastic voice I can muster without laughing "I've always been so jealous of the way you throw yourself on so many guys that by the time you figure out what love is, he won't want you because you're so, how shall I say,…….used."
At that last word, Lauren just grinned at me, completely oblivious to the fact that I just insulted her.
As she's turning back to Edward, I looked up at him, only to find his eyes pleading with me to save him.
"On second thought Lauren," I quickly add. She huffs and turns back to me before I finish. "I'd rather shoot myself in the foot than be anything like you."
With that, she walks the 3 feet it took to close the space between us and yells in my face "SCREW YOU, SWAN!"
"Thanks, but I'll pass" I say nonchalantly.
Right then, the 5 minute warning bell rang and Lauren rushed off.
I got what I needed from my locker and headed off to class.
Halfway down the hall, I hear someone, with an awfully smooth voice, saying "Hey, wait!" But I knew they couldn't be talking to me because nobody but Emmett and Alice ever speak to me.
Just then someone grabbed my shoulder, stopping me dead in my tracks. I turn to see who it is and was lost for words. It was Edward. I hadn't noticed, as I was unloading on Lauren, just how GORGEOUS he was. Let me explain. He had messy, yet perfect, bronze hair. His full lips were just screaming "kiss me". He had very prominent cheek bones and jaw line, I'll just leave that there, no need to further explain. And oh, did I mention his amazing green EYES? If I could pop them out of his head and put them on a ring and sell it, I'd be rich. Sick, I know!
"Yes?" I say because my brain has completely failed me.
"I just wanted to thank you for rescuing me back there."
"Anytime" I answer. Thank goodness my brain decided to turn back on.
"I'm Edward Cullen" he says extending a hand.
"Bella Swan."
I reached out and grabbed his hand but there was no movement. We both just stood there, hand in hand, looking into each others eyes. I didn't realize that I'd stopped breathing until, out of nowhere, Emmett flung me over his shoulder and headed down the hall.
I looked up to see Edward, still standing in his original spot, laughing. I gave him a quick smile and a little wave, then proceeded to beat the enormous kid that stole me away from the Greek God that was Edward Cullen.