I'm trying a little something new, ladies and gentleman. I hope you like it. Having Ch.1 in Charlie's POV is a necessity for this story. You won't understand him later on if you don't read it.

Thanks to all who continue to show support to my other stories. It means the world to me.

This is a reposting of The New Girl. I recently took it down. I missed so...here it is. AGAIN.

AN: I don't own Twilight.

So….

Charlie POV (Weird. I know)

November 20, 1992

As I'm sleeping soundly, I groan at the sound of my alarm going off as it turns on the radio.

"Damn," I mutter, hitting the offending object with my fist to turn it off. "Shit," I add, looking at the time to see that it's 5 in the morning.

I know what you're thinking. Why in the Hell are you up so early? It's a long story. So, I grab my books from my bag and start to study for my Chemistry test…that I will most likely fail. I have no idea why we have to learn this shit anyway. It's not like you're going to get turned down for an interview if you don't know what the major aspects of synthesis are.

"Fuck. I hate school," I sigh, looking in the back of the book to find that I got the practice problem wrong. I'm so screwed.

"Charlie," Dad knocks, coming into my room.

Why does he knock, if he doesn't wait for me to answer before he comes in?

"Yeah?" I ask, punching numbers in my calculator for what felt like the 70th time in an hour and a half.

"How is it going?" he asks, looking over my shoulder at my work.

"It's okay," I lie, closing my book.

"You sure?" he asks. "You know they won't let you play…"

"Yeah. Yeah," I cut him off, rolling my eyes. "I'm trying," I say, a little frustrated. I'm not the best at school. I try hard. I do. It just takes me a little longer to get it than other people.

"That's all we ask," he smiles, buttoning his cop uniform. "The town needs you," he pats me on the back and leaves the room.

"Again. I know," I huff, throwing my book on the bed.

"See you later," Dad waves, closing the door.

I step in the shower and attempt to let the hot water wash away all of the anxiety I feel. It doesn't work. I wrap a towel around my waist and try to find something clean to wear. I haven't done laundry in…forever really. I end up finding a sweatshirt that I only remember wearing once. I smell it. It's okay. I add some jeans that I only wore twice and try to find my other sock.

It's going to be one of those days. I can tell.

To help me in my search, I turn the radio back on. "Ugh."

Groove is in the heart,
Groove is in the heart,
Groove is in the heart (astronomical!),
Groove is in the heart (hit me!).Watch out!

I find myself humming along, before I hear the sound of soft giggling.

"Nice," I hear her clapping, as she tosses me my missing sock. "I didn't know you liked that song," she teases, as she hops on my dresser.

"I don't," I somewhat lie. It's a catchy song. Sue me. "I can't help that the radio plays it every 5 minutes."

"Of course," she rolls her eyes. "Are you ready?" she asks, throwing me my favorite pair of converse. I slip them on.

"Now, I am," I grab my gym bag and head out the door with her.

"Bye, Mr. Swan," my friend, waves to my dad. "Your aura is positively glowing today."

"Thanks Renee'," he smiles, reading the paper. "See you later."

"I don't get a goodbye?" I ask, feigning hurt.

"That's because I don't miss you," he rolls his eyes, laughing.

I follow Renee' out to her car. She saved up to buy it for 2 years, with the help of her grandmother. She's proud of her black 1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet. Personally, I think it's the girliest car ever made.

"Stop talking shit about my car," Renee' warns playfully, pointing her finger at me.

"I didn't say anything."

"You thought it."

"But I didn't say it."

"You could always ride the cheese if you want," she raises an eyebrow, speeding down the street. "I'm sure you'll be king of the freshman…as long as you don't mind being the only senior."

"Point taken," I say, as she pulls out that god awful cassette.

"Renee'," I beg. "No. Please."

She's played that song everyday for the past two years.

"It's not that bad," she shakes her head as Love Shack by the B-52s blares through the speakers. "I won't sing it," she pats my hand.

"Thank God for small miracles," I put my hands together.

Renee' has been my best friend since I was six when she moved across the street from me in the first grade. She calmly walked over to my house and told me that her chi detected mine. She then asked if I knew how to play Go Fish. I got my deck of cards and we've been best friends since.

Plus…I've been in love with her since the 6th grade. We were playing at the community pool and I discovered that she had boobs. I guess I started seeing her as more than a friend. She has long legs, beautiful blonde hair, dark blue eyes, and the prettiest smile I've ever seen. Sometimes, I just stare at her. I've wanted to become a real couple for the past year. But, I seem to chicken out when I ask her. Now, we're seniors about to go to college.

"CHARLIE!" she waves her hands in my face, getting my attention. "Are you okay? Are you worried about your test?"

"A little," I tell her. "I know a lot was riding on this. I don't want to let…"

"You'll be fine," she grabs my hand. "I'll study with you in the library during lunch if that will help. I have an A in Chemistry."

"You have an A in everything."

"Don't be jealous," she pokes my cheek, and gets out of the car. "You put out soooo such great energy in the universe," she smiles at me. "You're bound to get something great in return. You won't fail," she assures me.

"I'm glad you think so," I follow her into school.

Forks High. I've been here my whole life. Some hate it because it smells like trees and moss. But, I find it to be somewhat therapeutic at times.

"Charlie!"

"Swan!"

"You excited for the game?"

"I'll see you later, Mr. Popular," Renee' waves, heading to her class.

If you haven't guessed, I'm popular. I'm not really sure why. I'm average in every way…looks…personality…intellect. Deep down I know why.

"Good luck," Renee' hugs me as the bell rings and I'm off to Chemistry. Time to face the music.

I begin to pray to God, Jesus, Gandhi, Buddha, and Muhammad…pretty much anyone that could help me pass this test.

"Hello," a man who isn't my Chemistry teacher introduces himself. "I'm the sub for today. Your test will be postponed until tomorrow," he announces, to the cheers of the students, before putting a video in for us to watch.

"Thank you!" I smile, letting out a gust of air. It looks like I've bought some more time to study.

The day passes, and soon it's time for lunch.

"Charlie!" Renee' taps me on my shoulder. "Let's grab some lunch and we'll head to the library okay?"

"I'm okay," I wave it off. I've studied so hard. I literally can't anymore. I fear that my head will explode.

"If you say so," she passes through the line.

My nerves are getting to me. I head straight to the table and sit down. Renee' isn't too far behind.

"Hey guys!" Esme sits down, opening a bottle of juice. "How's it going?" she asks, as the rest of the cheerleading squad sits down with us.

Esme Platt is your stereotypical high school Queen B. When I first saw her, I expected her to be a bitch. You know…she's pretty, popular, rich, and a cheerleader. It was nice to see that she was down to Earth.

"Okay," Renee and I say in unison, shrugging our shoulders.

"Esme," Renee' smiles. "Your aura smells red today," she starts. "Are you feeling…seductive?" she asks, leading forward. "You found a guy?"

"Uh…"

"It could be the cherry shampoo she washes with," Kim Dawson snorts.

"Thanks…Renee'" Esme grins, awkwardly.

Like I've said before, Renee' is beautiful. Stunning even. People tend to overlook it because she's so damn weird.

"I didn't ask you," Renee' mumbles, biting her apple.

"It doesn't make it any less stupid…Moonbeam," Dawson giggles.

"My middle name is Moonstone…not moonbeam," she corrects.

Renee' was born on a hippie commune. She moved to Forks so she could stay with her grandmother, after social services got involved.

"Mr. Quarterback!" my Physics teacher smiles, handing me a paper. "It's your test from last week," he informs, as I go to my desk. I slowly turn over the paper to see a big fat red D on the front.

"At least I passed," I put the paper in my bag.

Students rush through the halls after the bell rings, as I go to my locker and grab my gym bag to go to practice.

"Mr. Swan," Mrs. Cope, the new front office secretary greets me.

"Hey, Mrs. Cope," I smile and wave.

"You ready for the game tomorrow?" she asks.

"We're trying our best," I answer, awkwardly.

At this point, I'm not even sure if I'm going to be able to play. I have to get a B on that Chemistry tests to qualify to play. It sucks to know that everyone is depending on you and not be sure if you'll let them down or not.

"You'll do great," she wipes her glasses and walks back to the office.

I let out a sigh of frustration and head out to the football field. Would anyone know I was alive unless I played football? I hate to think about the answer to that question.

"Hey!" Renee' jumps in front of me wearing her uniform.

Oh God. The uniform. The top that shows her perfect stomach…the skirt that just short enough to where you can…

"Charlie!" she snaps her fingers. "How did your test go?"

"I didn't take it," I tell her. "Mr. Rogers was out sick today. We had a sub…Mr. Baker…Banner…something," I shake my head, trying to remember.

"So you have more time to study," she hugs me. "Awesome. My house after practice," she orders.

"Renee'," I start. I hate that she has to tutor me sometimes. It makes me feel dumb. I don't want her thinking I'm stupid or anything.

"Charlie," she interrupts, taking my hand. "Stop acting proud. You're my best friend," she pauses. "Let me help you."

Best friend. Great.

"Come on, Renee'," Esme steps in front of the squad. "Okay," she starts. "We're starting off with a Go! Go!..."

"Esme," Renee' raises a finger. "Go! Go! Panthers Go, isn't connecting with my chi today. Have you thought about changing the formation a little?" she asks.

"Screw your chi. Let's get this over with," Kim flicks her hair. "Hi, Charlie," she smiles at me.

"Kim," Renee' steps forward in front of me. "Your aura is giving off this black…deathlike… essence and it's in danger of sullying mine today. So, if you won't mind backing off, it would be awesome."

"Don't you have a spirit rock collection to add to," Kim replies, causing some of the girls to chuckle.

"Seriously?" Renee' asks. "You're bringing that up…ten years later?"

For show and tell, Renee' bought her spirit rock collection in the second grade. She never lived it down.

"People don't forget, Moonray."

"It's Moonstone!"

"Okay, ladies," Esme steps in between. "Let's go to your corners," she prompts, separating the two.

"Swan!" Coach yells. "Get your ass over here!"

I follow instructions and start practice.

"How'd it go?"

"I'm taking it tomorrow."

"I'll let you practice today," he nods his head. "This team needs you, boy. Don't mess up."

"I'm trying," I say, as I run to the field.

Unfortunately, my head wasn't in the game during practice. I kept thinking about everything that was at stake. I suppose I did okay. I just know that I could have been better. As the sun started to set, Coach finally let us go. I hit the showers and change. Renee' waited for me, even though she was done an hour before.

I walk out front, where the cheerleaders and the team gather after practices sometimes to look for Renee'.

"Hey!" I tap the water boy on the shoulder. "Have you seen Renee'?" I ask.

"No," she shakes his head, staring into space. He's a pretty quiet kid. He doesn't say much. He's got a really bad staring problem. Though, he spends most of his time staring at Esme.

Poor kid. He's got it bad.

"Hey, Crusty!" Nigel pushes the poor guy's head into the wall.

"Ouch!" he yells, cradling his head.

Everyone calls him Crusty. I don't know his real name. It would be mean to call him that. So, I just tap him on the shoulder when I need to ask him something.

"Hey, Charlie," Kim approaches me. "You did great at practice."

"Thanks," I reply, looking for Renee'. I think I sucked. But…ok.

"Are you coming to Esme's party?" she asks. "It's after the game. It's going to be crazy."

"I don't know," I start walking, looking for Renee'.

"Well…" she smiles, a little sinisterly. "I hope you come," she finishes, walking away.

"Skank!" Renee' comes around the corner, lugging around her bag. "She wants to have sex with you," she seethes, walking to her car.

"So?" I ask taking her bag from her. "She wants to have sex with everybody."

Kim Dawson is everyone's girlfriend…if you get what I'm saying. She's the town slut.

She starts to drive and we sit in silence until she starts to talk again.

"Would you?" she asks.

"What?"

"Have sex with her?" she elaborates, in barely a whisper of a voice.

Where is this coming from?

"Nah," I shake my head. "Besides, it would be like throwing a hotdog down a hallway by this point," I add, causing her to laugh.

"Just asking," she shrugs her shoulders, as she pulls into her driveway.

"Hey Mrs. Hawkins," I hug Renee's grandmother.

"Hey, honey," she kisses my cheek. It stings. What is it about old people that make their spit sting?

"Okay," my friend grabs my hand. "Time to study. Then, pizza," she leads us upstairs to her room.

"Goodnight children!" Mrs. Hawking yells. "I'm going to play bridge with the ladies. Act responsible," she orders, as the door shuts.

"It's not like we're doing anything," I roll my eyes, opening the door.

"Yeah," Renee' opens the book and sulks a little. "Exactly," she whispers, writing out a problem for us to start with.

It only took 15 minutes for me to get frustrated this time.

"I'm so screwed," I chant in a mantra, shaking my head in defeat.

"Stop," she closes the book. "Close your eyes. Zone your chi," she orders. "Relax. You can't your frustration overrule your energies," she reasons. "Think of something peaceful," she breathes with me for the next 30 seconds. I follow her instructions until she tells me, "Open your eyes."

I see her big blue eyes staring at me. They're so pretty. She blushes.

Her blush is beautiful.

"Better?"

"Much better?" I grin, looking at the book.

"Charlie," Renee' looks in my eyes. "Your aura is too positive for all of this stress. The universe won't let you down. You just have to be open," she pats my hand and goes back to a problem.

Huh?

"What school are you going to next year?" I ask.

I'd been meaning to ask this question for the past couple of months. I've been avoiding. Renee' was my best friend/ possible love of my life. It made me sad to think that we wouldn't be together anymore.

"I don't know," she answers. "You?"

I'd been thinking about that too. I've been offered several scholarships. I just have to get my grades up.

"I've been offered scholarships to USC, Auburn, Michigan…" I lead off. "It's just my grades."

"I'll help you," she nudges my shoulder. After a small silence she tells, "I got into USC. I got a scholarship and everything," nonchalantly.

"Oh," I purse my lips, plugging in some numbers in my calculator.

I'm going to USC.

This could be my chance. We're both going to the same college. Could she feel the same?

"Charlie," she whispers, leaning closer. "In all the time we've known each other…have you ever…"

The sound of a loud crash of what sounded like thunder stops her in mid conversation, and she jumps in shock.

"It's just thunder," I calm her down.

"That didn't sound like thunder," Renee' gets up and opens the blinds. "Holy shit!" she yells, pointing to the red patch of sky behind her house. "Do you see that?"

"Yeah," I squint to get a better look. "It's kind of weird."

"Do you know what this means?" she grabs my hands and smiles. I shrug my shoulders. "The universe has spoken!" she beams. "Everything will be okay."

"If you say so," I look outside. "Let's get back to…"

"We have to check it out," she smiles. "Let me pee and get my camera," she runs off.

I follow her downstairs and walk to the back door to get a better look. It really looks beautiful. The dark night sky is slightly illuminated with a thick cloud of red mist hovering above some of the trees. When I step outside to get a closer look, it appears that the clouds are circling over a section of trees.

Call it curiosity. Call it stupidity. But, I went to go see what it was. You know how when you're watching a scary movie and you're screaming, "Don't go into the basement, you idiot!" and they go in the basement anyway. It was kind of like that. Now that I can speak from experience, people do that because wondering what that noise is…is a lot scarier than actually seeing it.

I follow the smell of burnt tree to find a small patch of scorched Earth with a stone in the middle. I bend down to get a closer look. It's definitely not like any normal rock I've seen. It's black with silver craters all over it. There has to be at least 20 different jagged sides to the stone. Honestly, I was a little disappointed. All that noise and red glow… for a rock.

But Renee' would love it. She lives for this kind of stuff. Her middle name is Moonstone for Christ's sake. I decide that this would be a nice gift. Maybe I could ask her out later. I smile at my idea and pick the stone up.

I shouldn't have done that.

"Fuck!" I shout, as I feel something pierce my skin.

There is a burning sensation. It's like my skin is burning off. I try my best to release the stone, but I can't. It seems that my hand has a death grip on the stone. In an instant, I sense what can best be described as an electric current from Hell shoot through my entire body. I drop to my knees in pain. I use my left hand, trying to pry the stone off, only to have that pierced as well. The air escapes my body. My stomach churns, causing me to dry heave in agony. Finally, my vision blurs and I pass out.

"Charlie," I hear Renee's hurried voice call to me. "Honey, wake up!" she gently taps my face. "Charlie, you're scaring me," she cries out, tapping my face harder. "Charlie, please!"

"Uhhhhh," I groan, opening my eyes to my friend's scared face.

"Oh God," she hugs me. "I thought you were dead," she cries. "I came out here and you were lying face down. I called and called and you weren't answering," she starts to rant.

"Renee'," I hold her face and look into her glossy eyes. "I'm okay," I lie, wiping a tear. "I fell. That's all," I soothe her, as I stand up on my wobbly legs.

"Don't do that again," she pouts, wiping her eyes. "What's that?" she asks, pointing to the stone I'm still holding. "Cool," she reaches for it.

"No!" I shout, as she rolls her eyes and takes it from me. "Ren…" I start to call, only to see that she's fine.

What?

"Did this fall from the sky?" she asks, her eyes lighting up.

"Yeah," I confirm, looking at the rock.

"Wow," she holds the rock up to the sky, inspecting it. "Amazing."

The stone looks different. What was once jagged was smooth. What was silver was now black. Now, it looked like a small boulder. The only difference was that it was coal black.

"I was going to give it to you," I say on autopilot, thinking about what just happened.

"Really?" she asks, beaming. "My middle name is Moonstone," she jumps up to hug me and kisses me on the cheek. I feel a spark. She felt it too by the way she jumped back. "This is going in my spirit rock collection," she grabs my hand and drags me back to her house. "Thanks!"

I go back into the house, not saying a word…or moving really. I'm too busy trying to decipher what the Hell just happened.

Why is my arm tingling? I wonder, looking at my hand. Slowly, I sense the sensation climbing to my arm…then my shoulder.

"Let's watch Melrose Place," Renee' smiles, turning on the TV.

"No," I shake my head. "Beavis & Butthead."

"Eww," she gags herself. "That show is so stupid."

"It's better than Melrose," I scoff, grabbing the remote.

"Hey," she tries to grab it back.

"Sorry. No dice," I tease, leaning the remote out of reach.

Then, I started to burn.

I'm not talking about when you pull a muscle. I'm talking about the kind of burn that makes you feel like your skin will peel off of your fucking body. I couldn't fight the scream that came out of my mouth as I dropped the remote.

"Are you okay?" Ren asks, concerned.

"I'm not feeling well," I complain, grabbing my stomach that now felt nauseated. "I need to go home."

"Okay," she pouts a little and grabs my coat. "Do you want me to sit with you?"

I shake my head and walk to the door. I can tell that I'm in for a bumpy night. I don't want her witnessing me blowing chunks.

"Bye," I wave, walking to my house.

As I step inside, the overwhelming need to throw up came to me. I rush to the kitchen, emptying the contents of my stomach into the sink. I sit there for an hour and a half, expelling what might be everything I ever ate until I feel weak. I'm pretty sure there is the remains of a Whopper I had two weeks ago in there.

Weak and scared, I clean up my mess and crawl upstairs to my room. I'm so feeble that I can't walk. All of my muscles have seized, and I once again shriek out in pain. I'm by myself, seeing how my father works the night shift as a cop. I'm on my own. I can't even reach the phone to call for help. It hurts to breath. It hurts to blink. It hurts to think. Everything hurts.

I look at the mirror on my wall and check my grey complexion. You can even see the veins in my face.

Damn. I've probably contracted some intergalactic disease and I'm dying.

I can't move. I can't do anything. So, I sit in the middle of the floor and wait to die.

Hours pass. My clothes and hair become drenched with sweat and I start to shake involuntarily. The burning increases, in addition to my muffled screams. I shiver with chills as drops of sweat and tears cover my face and I try my best to make a sound…any sound. But I can't. Eventually, my eyes go black and I fade into darkness.

Unexpectedly, I open my eyes and I'm not in any pain. I feel…great actually.

I look at the clock to see that it's 7 in the morning. Shit. I need to get dressed. I open the blinds and immediately close them. The sun has decided to shine extra brightly today.

"Charlie."

"Yeah!" I call downstairs. No answer. "Yeah," I call again.

"What?" Dad asks, rubbing his eye.

"You called me?"

"No. I didn't," he shakes his head. "Get ready for school."

"No need to yell," I grab my ears in agony. "Jeez."

"I didn't yell at you."

"Ouch."

"Get in the shower."

"Fine," I shrug my shoulders and get in the bathroom. I'm pretty sure that I smell like shit, since I was sweating for 12 hours straight.

"Shit," I gripe as the knob on the shower breaks off completely. It's broken so badly that I can't turn the shower on. I settle for grabbing a washcloth and washing up in the sink. "What the Hell?" I ask when I see the indent of my hand ingrained in the fresh bar of soap. It's not even wet yet!

This say is starting off weird.

I go into my room and check for any decent clothes. I immediately start to dry heave.

What is that smell? It's horrible.

I sniff around in earnest. It's annoying me. After 10 seconds, I find a half eaten mango from last week. I forgot it was even there. I throw it away and search for clothes. My luck ran out. After testing all of my shirts, I came to the conclusion that they all smell like shit. So, I bite the bullet and wear one of my dad's t-shirts and sweatpants. They're big on me but they're clean.

As I search for my bag, that awful song comes on.

The love shack is a little old place
Where we can get together
Love shack, baby
(A love shack, baby)
Love shack, baby, love shack
Love shack, baby, love shackLove shack, baby, love shack
(Love baby, that's where it's at)
Love shack, baby, love shack
(Love baby, that's where it's at)

"Ugh," I pat the radio, only to have it shatter into a million pieces. "What?" I bend down, picking the pieces up, having them crumble more. "What a piece of shit," I toss it into the garbage.

*BANG* BANG*

"Damn," I cover my ears and get the door. It's Ren. "No need to bang on the door like you're invading the place," I shake my head.

"I barely tapped it," she rolls her eyes, barging in…and letting in sunlight.

"Ahh," I close my eyes and shut the door.

"What's with you?" she asks, looking in my eyes.

It's not the first time that I've studied Ren's features. I always knew that she was stunning. But, it was like I was seeing her for the first time. Her skin was flawless…glowing even. Her eyes were bluer. Her teeth were whiter. Her lips were redder.

"Charlie?" she blushes. "Why are you…"

"Ah," I groan again. I must have a headache. "Let me take some Tylenol. Then we can go," I run to the kitchen.

"I'll be outside," she leaves.

I take the pills and immediately feel sick. Before I knew it, I spit the pills out of my mouth and washed them down the drain.

"Fuck," I open the door, and go back inside to grab a pair of sunglasses. I put them on, hoping that my headache will go away before we get to school.

"So…" Ren starts the engine. Was it always that loud? I feel the pistons underneath my seat. "Are you ready for the test?"

Shit. I completely forgot to study. You know? Since I almost died and everything.

"As ready as I can be," I huff, shaking my head. I'm fucked.

"Just know," she parks the car in the parking lot. "It won't be the end of the world if you can't play football. I'll always be your friend," she smiles, getting out. "Come on. We're late."

"Whatever you say," I follow her in school.

The hallways are empty. Renee' waves at me before racing down the hall to get to class. I walk slowly to Chemistry class. I'm trying to prolong my fate as long as possible. This is not going to be pretty. I knock lightly on the door, shaking my head.

"Mr. Swan," Mr. Rogers usher me into class. "Here is the test. You have the whole period. Good luck," he hands me the test. I cringe, as a result of his tone of voice and the test I will surely fail.

Why is everyone yelling at me today?

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. In doing so, I hear pencils moving and people punching their calculators. I even hear a girl reading the questions to herself in the back. A little quiet please? I open my eyes to see that no one else seems distracted.

Am I the only one who hears this?

"Mr. Swan?" Rogers yells. "Move to your chair, please?"

"Okay," I huff. He didn't have to yell.

Is he even yelling?

I sit down and grab a pencil and my calculator. I turn over the test and shake my head in fear.

The phase of matter is defined by the? What is it?

"Shit," I mutter, thinking back to what Renee' and I were talking about.

Then, I saw it. Literally. It was like I was flipping through the textbook…only I wasn't. It was freaky as hell. But, I wasn't going to question it. I look through the book in my mind to find the answer. Plus I understood it.

The phase of matter is defined by thephase transition, which is when energy put into or taken out of the system goes into rearranging the structure of the system, instead of changing the bulk conditions.

Wow.

That's how it went for the entire test. The kicker was when I copied the entire Periodic Table of Elements for the extra credit portion. I finished an hour long test in 25 minutes.

I was scared as hell.

I turn in the assignment and anxiously wait at my desk. Something is definitely wrong here.

"God," I cringe in pain, as the bell rings through the school, and the students leave the class to go in the hallway.

"I can't believe that she would do that!"

"I have no clue what you're talking about?"

"She looks so pretty."

"I'm not even sure if he likes me."

"One kiss doesn't make me gay. Does it?"

"I'm so fucking nervous."

"I can't wait for today to be over."

"I wonder if he's going to Esme's party."

I can hear them. I can hear all of them. I look around at people, having normal conversations…in their inside voices. But I can hear them. What's going on? This isn't normal.

"Charlie," Renee' grabs my arm. "You don't look too good," she points out.

"I don't feel…" I pause. "Something is wrong," I whisper, shaking my head.

"Are you still sick?"

"Yes…No…I don't know," I answer in a panic.

"What's wrong with Swan?"

"Is he flipping out?"

"Fuck. He failed the test. What are we going to do?"

"What the hell is wrong with Charlie?"

I stop panicking to notice everyone in the hall is staring at me.

"I can't be here," I run out of school in a blur.

What is wrong?

I run, hoping to gain some perspective. The only thing it does it make it worse. I hear everything…my feet against the gravel, my sneakers squeaking…in such clarity. I run faster, finding that the sounds grow more vibrant. I stop mid stride to find that I'm not tired in the least. I've had to have run 5 miles. I'm not even sweating. Not to mention that it's in the middle of winter and I'm not even cold.

I find myself sitting on the front steps of my house, scared of my mind. I close my eyes and try to get my wits about me. Ren would call it zoning my chi I hear the wind blowing past my ear, in addition to what sounds like an eagle flying by. I open my eyes to find no eagle. One eventually flew by, 10 seconds later. How did I hear it from so far away?

Shaking my head, I take off the glasses, instantly regretting my decision. I open and shut my eyelids, noticing how vivid everything is, even though it burns to look. It's like the world is in Technicolor. I look forward and notice the dining room table in Renee's house...from across the street. Then, I hear a car pull up. At least I know one is coming because I hear it.

"Charlie," Ren calls, jumping out of the car. "What's wrong? Your chi is blurry. I've never seen that on anybody."

"I don't know," I tell her honestly. "I'm not sure what's happening." I break the doorknob trying to get in my house. "Fuck!"

"Calm down," she grabs my shoulders. "Focus on me," she looks me in my eyes. "It's okay."

I can't say anything. I don't know what to say. I'm scared.

"I'm scared," I confide in her. "I can't play like this," I look at my hands.

"Is it your test?"

"I passed the test," I roll my eyes. "I'm not…well," I say, putting my glasses back on.

"It's okay," she rubs my shoulders. "Do you still want to go?" she asks. "They're starting to load the bus."

Really? "What time is it?"

"Six," she tells me. "You've been missing, since ten. Mrs. Cope wouldn't let me check out early to find you."

"Okay," I grab my gear and head to her car.

"Charlie," she whispers. "Don't make a habit of scaring the shit out of me."

"Whatever you say," I smile.

I arrive to an anxious team and an angry coach.

"You missed practice. What the Hell?"

He's definitely yelling at me.

"I'm sorry," I start off. "I was sick and had to go home."

"I should bench your ass," he seethes. "But you're too much of an asset. Get your ass on the bus."

I walk on wondering how I'm going to tell the team that I can't play.

"Hey!" the guys all wave.

"Charlie," Crusty stares into my eyes. "Are you okay? You don't look too good?" It's like he's trying to focus on something.

I shrug and sit down.

He's weird.

"You ready to go kill Port Angeles?" Dylan asks, raising his hand.

"Thanks to you man, we actually have a chance," Shawn says. "Thanks, bro."

Shit. Now, I feel guilty.

"You know scouts are going to be there," Dylan adds.

Renee'. I can't go to school with her unless I play a good game. I decide that I'll try.

It takes us two hours to get from Forks to Port Angeles. It gives us time to change into gear, and get a pep talk. Within 45 minutes, we were walking out on the field.

I'm in way over my head.

Marching Bands.

Screaming supporters.

Announcers in the booths.

The bright lights.

How in the hell am I supposed to focus? My eyes don't burn as bad, now that the sun isn't shining. But they still sting a little.

"You're playing?" Renee mouths from the sidelines. I nod my head and give her thumbs up. She just looks concerned.

We lose the coin toss and end up having to punt the ball to the opposing team. They send it down the field for a touchdown, setting us back in the first 15 minutes of the game.

It's our turn to score, I tell myself as I call the play. I hear everything… the breathing of my teammates, the growls of our opponents. I'm too distracted until my body hits the ground.

"Shit!" Dylan yells. "Get your head in the game, Swan!"

I get back up. This time, the screams coming from Port A's side distracts me. I find myself on the ground for the second time.

"Come on!" Nigel yells, picking me back up.

I look to the disappointed faces of my classmates and worst of all…Renee.

"It's okay," she mouths, shaking her pom poms at me and smiles.

"You can stare at her later," Dylan smacks my helmet.

This time, I find myself more centered. As I call the play, I try my best to 'zone my chi.' I ignore the stinging in my eye, as my hands catch the ball. It's like everything was happening in slow motion. Or maybe it was so fast that it seemed like it was slow. Next thing I knew, I was running into the end zone. I can't explain it. It was like I knew where everyone was going to be before they knew. So, I knew what to avoid.

We won that game with 48 to 7. Coach sat me out the last half and let the second string quarterback play. He got a touchdown too.

"You did it!" Renee' runs to hug me, followed by the rest of the school it seems. "I told you that universe was with you."

"Yeah," I smile at her.

Fuck it. I've already had a weird day.

I gently kiss her lips and pull away. She blushed.

"Wha…"

"Everybody!" Esme calls out, standing on a bench. "Victory party at my house. There will be music and beer!" she shouts, as everyone starts to cheer.

"Do you still want to go?" Ren asks, pointing to the crowd.

"We'll stop by," I smile, putting my arm around her shoulder.

"So what did that…" Ren starts, as a man and burgundy and gold steps in front of me.

"Great game, son," he hands me a big packet with USC written over it. "Call me on Monday. We'll talk," he grins, walking away.

"You're going to USC?" Ren asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe," I answer, walking back to the bus. "Are you?"

"Maybe," she repeats, going to the talk to the rest of the squad.

I received many 'Congratulations,' and high fives for my performance in the game. It wears off after 30 minutes and most of the team falls asleep on the bus during the way back. I spend the time looking out the window, amazed at how new the world looked to me now. I wasn't even tired.

We go home to shower and get changed.

"Everyone is at the party," Ren smiles, patting the passenger seat in her car.

"Let's go, then," I sit down and she pulls off.

I can hear the music pulsing from a mile away. But, I try my best to ignore it.

"I hate this song," Renee' rolls her eyes, going inside to the party.

"Now you know how I feel when you sing Love Shack," I chuckle, following.

You down with OPP (Yeah you know me)
Who's down with OPP (Every last homie)
You down with OPP (Yeah you know me)
Who's down with OPP (All the homies)

"Hey guys!" Esme waves at us, pointing to the keg. "Awesome game, Charlie," she congratulates, taking our jackets as something crashes in the background. "Shit," she mutters, walking off somewhere.

"I'll go get beer," Ren says, heading to the keg.

I find the nearest couch and sit down, placing my head in my hands. I try my best to drown out the sound.

"I'm going to get laid tonight."

"There is no way you can get Esme to sleep with you."

"I am soooo drunk right now."

"I can't feel my face."

"I haven't gotten my period yet."

"Shit!"

"This is good pot, man!"

"He's looking good tonight."

"Did you see how he…"

"Gah!" I whimper, jumping up from my seat. The sound of the music…hearing everyone's conversation…the smell of someone smoking pot…it's too much. I shouldn't have come.

I walk out back by the pool, hoping some fresh air could help.

"We shouldn't have come," Renee' comes handing me a cup of beer.

"I know," I take a gulp of my beer. "Oh, Gaw…" my throat heaves, and the beer shoots out of my mouth into the pool.

"Eww," Renee' gags. "The beer isn't that bad."

"Sorry. I didn't do it on purpose."

"Where are they?"

"No clue."

"It's not like they got far."

"Esme said they just got here."

"This party is awesome."

"Did you see what happened on 90210?"

"No. What?"

"I'll find Esme and get our coats," Ren pats my back and goes back inside.

"I'll be over there," I point to the pool house.

The voices start to get closer and louder. I rush to the small house and try to open the door. It opens. I just break the handle. I don't care at this point.

Luckily no one is in there. I'm alone at last. No voices. Just silence. I take my sunglasses off and rub my eyes. They're still a little sore.

"What the hell?" I shake my head, lying on the bed and shutting my eyes. I focus on nothing but silence, enjoying it because I know it won't last.

I hear the sound of shoes walking towards the house. I get up, thinking its Renee'.

"There you are," Kim walks in, blocking my path.

"Hey," I reply, trying to move around her.

"Nice game," she runs her hands under my shirt.

"Thanks," I yank her hand away from me, once again trying to move around her.

"Come on," she giggles, this time grabbing my crotch. "This isn't about…"

"Kim," I grab her hips to move her out of the way. Part of her dress rips.

"Ooh…"

"Seriously?" Renee cries, her eyes starting to water.

"Sorry, Moonbeam," Kim laughs.

"Renee'," I walk towards her slowly.

"Walk home!" she shouts, throwing my coat at me and running away.

"Ren!" I shout, tossing Kim aside and running after her.

I didn't hear anything, this time. I was too focused on finding Ren. I spot Esme who is looking at me like I'm the devil.

"What the Hell did you do?" she asks her hand on her hip.

"I didn't do anything," I look around for her. "Where is she?"

"I don't know," she stares at me. "She ran through here crying," she raises an eyebrow. "Asshole."

"Esme," I start, listening to the sound of an engine starting outside and someone sniffling. "Renee'!" I shout, running to see her driving away.

"Stop," I beg, running to her car.

"No," she seethes, tears running down her face. "Leave me alone."

"She came onto me," I tell her. "It's the truth. I swear," I grab on to the door, as the car picks up speed.

"Bullshit," she shakes her head, stopping the car. "Why?" she asks, stepping out. "Why did you even kiss me? Huh?" she pushes me. "What was all that stuff about going to the same school?" she adds, punching my chest. It doesn't hurt. I don't even flinch. "Can you at least act like I'm hurting you?" she pushes me.

"Renee'…"

"If you didn't like me, you should have just said something. You didn't have to like about it," she stops, running back to her car.

"It's not like that," I say, jogging after her. "Renee'… I lov…"

"Save it," she interrupts, as her car speeds down the road.

"Renee'" I call out, seeing her tail lights disappearing into the distance. "Stop!" I shout, as I'm suddenly in front of her car and my hands are embedded in the hood of her car.

What the Hell?

"Oh my God."

"Renee'," I break the handle on her door, trying to open it. "You have to listen to me," I grab her face. "I don't like Kim," I tell her. "Open your eyes," I whisper.

"Nuh uh," she shakes her head.

"Damn it," I plead. "Please."

She opens her lids, revealing glossy eyes filled with unshed tears. I wipe them away with my thumbs. I can't help myself.

"Charlie," she tries to move her face. "Don't you dare…" I interrupt her sentence, gently kissing her lips. "How can…" I take the opportunity to message her tongue with mine. It's like I could feel every contour of her mouth. Her taste seemed to be magnified. "Mmm," she moans, running her fingers through my hair. I softly pull away.

"I don't like Kim," I pause. "She cornered me in the guest house," I tell her. "I love you."

"Really?" she asks, her big blue eyes open. Even though it's dark outside, I can see them as clear as day.

"Yeah," I smile, kissing her again.

"Your aura is white," she whispers, staring at me. "You're telling the truth."

"Of course."

"Charlie?"

"Yeah," I hug her close to me.

"What the Hell?" she asks, pointing to her car.

Oh. That.

"Something happened to me," I say, sitting on the ground. "I think it was that stone."

"Okay," she sits down next to me. "Tell me what happened. Let's start by explaining what is wrong with your eyes," she says.

"What's wrong with them?" I ask, walking to the car to look in the mirror.

"Oh Shit!"

Next, we fast forward 17 years and we meet our lovely Bella. Plus, we'll see how Charlie and Renee' turned out.