Okay so I've been busy and all that excuses. I really wanted to revise this story. I reread it and I felt like it was off. This is the new, hopefully better one. There have been some changes, again hopefully for the better.

Chapter 1: Graduation Day

The heels my mother forced me into clicked against the wood of the stage as I strolled across to get my diploma. My principal gave me a smile and a wished me the best of luck. I walked off the stage and looked up to see Renee, Charlie and Phil smiling down at me. I had finally graduated Arcadia High School in Phoenix, Arizona.

My name is Isabella Marie Swan, though I prefer to be called Bella. Come September I'll be 18 and going to Washington to attend the University of Washington. I'm what people call a wall flower. I've spent my entire High School career trying to avoid confrontation and blend into the scenery. Currently, my only friends are my books, computer, and my guitar. I spend most of my time reading books or writing stories and music. Up until a few weeks ago I was completely happy to have objects as friends, but as graduation neared I found myself wishing I had someone to celebrate with. Other than my mother, that is.

The graduation ceremony ended and I made my way through the crowd towards my parents and Phil. Renee pulled me into a strong hug. Charlie was after her, then I got a hand shake from Phil, Mom's new husband.

"Oh sweetie, we're so proud of you. Graduating in the top of your class. You'll be off to college so soon," Renee said as she pulled me into another hug. She had tears running down her face.

I smiled at her and patted her on the arm, "I'll come visit, I promise."

"You better!" She said as she led us to the parking lot. She and Phil got into their Nissan Altima while Charlie and I hoped into my beat up red truck. I had been driving Charlie around for the past few days seeing as how he didn't know anything about Phoenix.

We had a celebration dinner at a local restaurant. We finished our food and I drove Charlie back to the airport with the promise of seeing him again in a few months. I was driving home and playing with the radio when I finally found a station I liked. The lyrics that played through my speakers were perfect.

" Graduation Day, Graduation Day
We take back everything we said about you

September as far as she remembers
They don't teach humility
And just because her only signal is mayday
It don't mean a thing
That she's faired love
And she's seen war
But fairness she don't see
And just because she is in misery
It don't mean a thing

That she wants to know
That she wants to know

Graduation Day, Graduation Day
We take back everything we said too..."

My head bobbed as I listened. I was anxious about going to the University of Washington. It would be a big step towards getting my own life. Part of me was scared to be going so far away all by myself. Once again I found myself wishing that I had at least one good friend. Just someone to hang out with and talk to.

That was the night I promised myself I would make friends when I went to college. I wanted someone.

The summer passed quickly. I had tried painting, though I had come to realized I was definitely not an artist. I also tried working out and baking. I could now make some delicious cookies. I had tried all of these hobbies in hopes of breaking out of my own monotony. Renee said I talked much more than usual. This gave me some hope for friends in Washington.

I ran the packing tape across the top of the last box and put it in the bed of my truck. It was finally time for me to make my way to Washington. I turned around and saw Renee standing there with tears running down her face.

"My little girl, on her way to college," She said as she pulled me into her arms. I hugged her back tightly.

"I'll call Mom. I'll visit when I have time too," I promised her as I pulled away.

"Good luck," She said as I got into my truck.

The engine roared as I pulled out of the driveway and started my two day drive toward Washington.

I visited Charlie for a few days before I made my way to school. He drove up with me to help me unload all of my stuff. I pulled up to the red brick building that would be my home for the next few years. I jumped out of my truck and started unloading all of my boxes with Charlie helping me. It took us a few hours to get everything sorted out, but I was happy to have the few extra hours with Charlie.

I stood back to view my room and was happy with what I saw. A huge bed on the left side of the room, with a book shelf next to it. I had a couch, TV, desk (with laptop), and coffee pot (I couldn't live without it) on the right side. The blue walls calmed me and I smiled. I turned to Charlie. He gave me a crinkled smile.

"Thanks Dad," I told him as I hugged him.

He pulled back, "You have fun Bella."

I laughed, "I'll try my very best."

I flopped back in my bed after going for a walk around campus. It was gorgeous. My phone rang and I groaned.

"Hello," I mumbled.

"Bella! How's the school? Are you all settled in?" Renee asked quickly.

"Hi Mom, I'm fine, thanks for asking. The school's gorgeous and yes I'm settled in," I said.

"Good. Have you met any other kids yet?"

"No, not yet," I told her.

"Well," She had her plotting voice, "I was talking to a friend of mine and her kids are going to your school. Her son is very attractive I hear. So, I set you up on a date."

I groaned, "Mom! Another blind date!"

"Please Bella. Please. Please. Please!" She begged.

I sighed, "Fine. No more after this one, okay?"

She squealed, "Thank You! Perfect. He'll meet you at a restaurant called The Host. Should be right on campus. He'll be there at 8. He'll be holding a rose. Should be easy enough to find. Have fun Bella, and call me tomorrow!"

I hung up and got up to get ready for my blind date. After a nice long shower, I was lost. I had never been fashionable and I couldn't style my hair for anything. But I'll manage I suppose.

I put on the only skirt I owned, a gag gift from Renee. It was a pleated white skirt that barely covered my ass. My shirt was a tight dark blue halter top. I wore black flats for shoes. I blow dried my hair and let it fall in waves.

I turned and looked at myself fully in the mirror. Just seeing myself made me feel uncomfortable. I wasn't use to wearing something that showed off my body so much. But this was what normal girls wore, right?

I walked around campus for a few minutes trying to figure out where I was suppose to be going. I didn't remember much from my earlier walk. Guys were giving me glances every now and then and I was worried I looked funny. I dropped my head to let my hair shield my face.

It took me a few minutes to find it, but I was there only 10 minutes late, which was pretty good for me. I walked into the restaurant that also had a small cafe section. I looked around slowly. It was fairly crowded. Then I saw a man with a rose.

Wow, he is good looking. Images of me tripping and stuttering flashed in my head and I could only pray I didn't embarrass myself too much. I walked over to him. He smiled at me.

"...Hi," I mumbled shyly.

"Hello. My name is Jasper Hale," He said smoothly.

I lifted my head to look at into his sparkling light blue eyes.

His head tilted to the side, "Do you have a name?" His voice was filled with laughter.

If possible my face got even redder. "Bella Swan," I squeaked. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

He handed me the rose. I took it gently in my hands and played with the ends. I looked over Jasper and took notice of his appearance. He was tall and lanky, but with defined muscles. He had chin length blond hair that was shaggy. He was dressed smartly in dark wash jeans and a black button down shirt that had the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

As I studied him he looked over me. His gaze made me feel like he knew everything I was feeling. His eyes locked mine again. "Do you want to be here?" He asked softly.

I was shocked for a second. How could he possibly know? "Even though I've only known you for five minutes I get the feeling that I'd like you more as a friend than as a boyfriend. I hope you don't hate me for that," I explained to him.

He watched me with a soft smile. Then he said, "I'm actually glad you said that. I'm not looking for a girlfriend right now. I just did this because my mother asked me to. However, you do seem nice, and I would feel terrible leaving you. So, as friends, would you like to hang out tonight?"

I gave him a soft smile back, "I would love to hang out. Can I change though? This isn't how I normally dress."

"Alright, go get dressed and we'll meet back at my apartment for a movie night. My sister Rose will be there, do you mind? She's nice enough if you can get past her edges."

"Sounds fun. Where do you live?" I asked.

He gave me directions and I told him I'd see him soon. As I walked out of the cafe I felt lighter. I had just done something I never normally do. I had spoken to someone as a friend. Jasper was not a book that I could get lost in, he was a human being. I was proud of myself. Even if a friendship with Jasper didn't work out I had still tried.

I changed quickly throwing on jeans and a tee shirt. It was casual and comfortable. I nodded happily to myself as I walked out of the apartment and headed for Jasper's apartment. I was a street away when I felt someone fall into step besides me. Well stagger into step besides me. The boyish blond looked like he was two sheets to the wind. The smell of alcohol was strong and I crinkled my nose.

He looked up at me and gave me a grin, "Y-you know, until I-I met you I thought I was gay."

I burst out laughing at him. That was a new pick up line to me. "I'm sure you did."

I started walking faster. Despite how drunk he looked I didn't want to be alone with him for too long.

"Hey-Hey! Come back baby," He called after me.

I felt his hand grip my arm and I did the only thing I could think of. I shoved him off me. I watched as his feet flew over the bench that we were next to.

"Fuck!" He swore and started to get back up.

I jumped back a little and took off down the road.

Review and tell me if you like it. If you've read the old story tell me if you think this is better.