Chapter One

A Fresh Start

The closest high school to my house was thirty miles away. The nearest town to my house was thirty two miles away. The nearest plot of woods to my house was thirty feet from my back door, twenty feet from the west side of the house, and thirty nine from the east. IT surrounded us on all sides and went on for eight miles without a break. How do I know this? Because I measured it, even wrote it down to remind me how far I lived from human beings. Yeah, I've got my family, but they're all dead.

My dad adopted me when I was seven, and he was seventeen. Now I'm fourteen, and he's still seventeen. Just like all of them. Still the same age that they were when I was adopted. But only on the outside, on the inside they're. . .well, dead, but they're more than a hundred years old. Especially my grandfather.

But that’s not the point I’m trying to make. The point I’m trying to make is that I’m fourteen, with parents that look seventeen. That means—well, what do seventeen year olds do? Go to high school of course, just like a fourteen year old.

“Daddy! You can't go to school with me!” I whined. We just moved here a week ago from Denali, and today was the first day of school. My first day of ninth grade. But when we moved here, I forgot that we'd be starting fresh, and they'd be going to high school again. . .with me. I love my family, don’t get me wrong, but this is high school we’re talking about. This is going to be the most intense four years of my life before I go to college and live on my own. I need to make the most of it, but that will be hard when my parents, aunts and uncles will be there with me watching my every move.

“Holly, we need to remain inconspicuous.” Dad told me patiently. “Besides, we will be able to stay longer if we act the youngest age we can pull off.”

“M-om!” I made her name into two syllables as I rounded on her. She gave me a sympathetic smile and shook her head.

“Sorry honey, but thats the way it has to be.” The way it has to be? No, there has to be another way that it can be.

“No it's not! Why can't you just stay here where no one can see you and say you go to some boarding school and come home on holidays?” I suggested, thinking of the first thing that came to my head. I know that I sound like a spoiled brat, and I know that it’s stepping over the line by saying that, but for some reason, I didn’t seem to care at the moment. Dad didn't seem to appreciate it though, because he stood up instantly and growled,

“We are not going to hide!” I could feel everyones eyes flashing back and forth between us, and then suddenly a calming sensation spread through me. My uncle Jasper has the ability to feel emotions, and influence them.

“Why don't we just talk about this?” Mom suggested, wrapping her arm around my shoulder and leading me over to the couch. I broke away from her and stomped my foot angrily.

“What's there to talk about? You're trying to ruin my life, that's it, end of story!” I picked up my school bag and marched out of the room, grabbing my jacket on the way out and sliding into it. I ignored my mom's resigned call to me, marching purposefully to Jasper's car. I'd rather ride with him then mom and dad right now, even if the ride would only be a few minutes.

But before I could reach it, he was there next to me, turning me to face him. Jasper was the closest to me because it so was easy for me to talk to him, and he has always been there for me.

“Okay, what's your real problem?” He asked knowingly. Of course he would know. He could sense my emotion. Dad might be able to read minds, but he only read what I had in my mind, not what was under the surface. Over the years I've become extremely well at blocking my thoughts so my dad wouldn't know what I was thinking. It was a good way to get out of studying for a test or something I didn't really want to do that I knew I had to. But even though I could block things, Jasper could still feel them.

“It's just. . .he's so. . .Agh!” I finally moaned, not able to find the right words to express myself out loud. “I'm finally old enough to be independent, to go to high school. But he's going to be there, you all will, and it's just going to be so hard to be independent and experience my own first crush and stuff that teens do when you all can read my mind, feel my emotions, and see what I'm going to do. You know?” I was nearly out of breath when I finished, and I could feel a flush forming in my cheeks.

“I do know. But you knew this would happen sooner or later. Besides, we don't have secrets in this family. It's just the way it is with us. But Edward tries very hard not to invade your space. He doesn't listen to your thoughts when he can help it, and he only has Alice look out for things that might be a danger to you. You have to give him credit for trying.”

“I know but it's just still so. . .annoying.”

“I know. And you know what?” Jasper asked, a small smile beginning to play on his face.

“What?” I asked wearily.

“I know how you feel.” he smiled and winked at me. I couldn't help but feel better. I guess he was right. If anyone knew how I felt better then me, it was Jasper.

Alice appeared behind me, I would have jumped, but I was so used to it by now it barely phased me—most of the time. Of course, she heard the conversation and realized we were done. Vampires has very acute hearing.

“If we don't leave soon, we'll be late.” she told us, as everyone else piled out of the house. “Holly, are you going to ride with us?” she asked. I smiled at her.

“Why are you asking if you already know the answer?” I laughed. I climbed into the backseat of Jaspers silver Mercedes. Jasper got in the front with Alice, and Emmett slid in next to me. I guess Dad, mom and Rosalie went in the other car.

“So, are you excited to go to high school?” Emmett asked me, giving me a light punch on the arm, which must have been hard for him seeing as he's so strong and anything they do with me they have to be careful doing anyway.

“She's so excited I'm practically dancing in my seat.” Jasper said from the front, giving me a teasing smile.

“Haha, very funny.” I said sarcastically, trying to leave the humor out of my voice. “But yeah, I am. And unlike you guys, I haven't been to high school so this is my first time. Try not to embarrass me too much. I don't think Carlisle and Esme would let us move again anytime soon.”

“Don't worry. I'll watch out for them, make sure that they don't do anything stupid.” Alice assured me with a bright smile.

“What makes you think we'll do something stupid?” Emmett asked, giving Alice a mock hurt expression.

“I've been living with you far too long for you to ask that sort of question Emmett.” she laughed, sounding like a bell. I really envied Alice. She was always so graceful, and her laugh was so dainty. Alice was the aunt that I had grown close to. It’s not that I didn’t like Rosalie and Emmett, but I connected better with Alice and Jasper. I still loved Rosalie and Emmett to death, and we did things together all the time.

The high school took about ten minutes to get to. It wasn't very big. It was only one floor, and I could tell already by the parking lot that they didn't expect many kids to drive. There were about three rows, ten spaces long. We managed to get two spaces in a row. Jaspers car next to mom's Elantra.

I almost slipped when I stepped out of the car on the icy pavement, but dad caught me in an instant. He was good at that. He never let me fall—even if I wanted to.

“Whoa, thanks.” I said, steadying myself, hitching my bag onto my shoulder. It was a vera Bradley bag that Alice insisted on buying for me.

“Alright, once you get your schedule, text it to us, okay?” mom told me coming around the other side of the car with her bag on her shoulder as well. We had recently gotten new phones. Mine was a green enV touch. I think that it's the best thing I've ever had.

“Why?” I questioned. None of us were in the same grade, so we wouldn’t have classes together—at least, I don’t think we would.

“Because we might have lunch and maybe some electives together.” she explained.

“Oh.” I was new at this, and it was apparent.

I easily found my homeroom. The entire ninth grade was in it. There were only about thirty two kids, including me. They all knew each other and were talking animatedly other about their summer vacations.

The teacher was sitting behind her desk gathering some papers into piles and occasionally telling some kids to quiet down. I just sat down in the back corner where it was quiet and undisturbed. These kids didn't look like they would really care to make new friends. If they did notice me though, they just went back to talking to their other friends.

“Alright, please take a seat and listen up.” the teacher called, standing up in front of the class. “I have your schedules right here, so when I call your name please come and get it. I will also hand you a sheet so that you can copy it over on to make it more understandable. Once you all have your schedules, I will explain how to read them for those of you who don't know.” she paused, detaching a sheet from the pile and holding it out. “Alexa Armondal.” A black haired, pale girl jumped up from her seat and walked swiftly to the front of the room, taking the sheet. “Chris Axford.” A boy with shockingly blond hair trudged to the front of the room. “Terrie Blisford. Micheal Brund. Carrie Calgin. Timothy Cromwell. Holly Cullen.” I jumped up and walked to the front of the room, retrieving my paper. I heard some whispers as I did so. I managed to catch some of what they said. 'Who is she?' 'She must be new here'. All very much the same thoughts and nothing very interesting

I sat back down and looked at my schedule. It was pretty easy to read. I had Algebra first period with Mr. Crainer. English with Mrs. Hudson. Spanish with Mrs. Jeminez (him-en-ez). Global with Mr. Thomas. Biology with Mrs. Harper. I took ninth grade science in eight grade. Psychology with Mr. Knuts. Gym with Mr. Flagg. Free period with Mrs. White. When I got this, I texted to to everyone in my family. Along with telling them that I had second period lunch. Right after Global.

I tuned out the teacher while she explained how to read through your schedule, and copied mine onto the separate sheet of paper, also putting the room number so I would know where to go. Within seconds though, I had gotten messages from everyone else about my schedule. I opened the first one from Alice.

Cool, we have lunch together. I knew we would. We all do. I have free period with you too.

At least I would have someone to sit next to in free period. Alice would talk to me. The next one was from Mom.

I only see you in lunch. I think Edward has Spanish with you though.

I opened the next one from Jasper.

Hey, I have psychology with you too. (I couldn't help but laugh silently in the irony in that) Alice already told you we all have lunch together.

The next one was from Emmett.

Hey Lunch buddy!

I felt kind of sad that Emmett and I didn't have any classes together. Emmett really knew how to get on a teachers nerves, but also charm them at the same time. The next one was from Dad.

No offense sweety, but your schedule is very boring. I have Spanish with you.

Well at least he didn't have to do my schedule. The last one was from Rosalie.

I only see you at lunch.

“When the bell rings, you will all go to your first period class. Are there any questions?” Everyone shook there head absentmindedly as they copied down their schedules.

When the first bell rang, I went to my first period class, holding my map in one hand and schedule in the other as I tried to locate the classroom. It wasn't that exciting. My teacher was boring. He wasn't that exuberant when he talked. He just droned. I took as many notes as I could, filling up one page, front and back. He handed us our homework at the end of the class, which was basically a syllabus that we had to get our parent or guardian to sign, and bring it in next class.

English was okay. At least Mrs. Hudson actually talked like she was excited about having us there. She talked to us about what we did over the summer, and told us that for homework, she wanted us to write a paragraph about ourselves due next class. Then we talked about nothing for the last five minutes. Well, I just sat there and listened to everyone talk.

Then I had Spanish. I went in and immediately saw dad. I also saw some kids looking uncertainly, mesmerized, or timidly at him. I walked swiftly over to him and sat down in the empty seat beside him and threw my arm around his shoulder with a big smile.

“Hey d-” he gave me a sharp look and I quickly caught myself. “Edward.” I smiled brightly, glad to finally be with someone I knew.

“How were you’re classes?” he asked me. I took my arm back and shrugged.

“Well, Algebra was boring. My teacher had no personally. But English was okay. She was nice. What about you. Did you learn anything new today?” I asked, giving him a teasing smile.

“Haven't you learned yet? I know everything.” He teased back. “I am a walking encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, all in one.” I rolled my eyes and smiled.

“Okay Edward.” I replied sarcastically. I couldn't say anymore because the teacher started to talk in Spanish to us. I had no idea what she was saying, but dad did. He was following it easily.

“Now, who here can translate what I just said?” she asked. No one raised there hands. She raised an eye brow before looking down at her clip board. “How about, Miss Cullen?” I just starred back at her. Uhh, could you repeat that in English?

“Me?” I asked nervously. The teacher nodded.

“Yes, What did I just say?”

“Um. Hi?” I guessed. Seriously. I've never taken Spanish. How was I supposed to know. “Okay, well this is just a wild guess, but I'm thinking you might have said, hi, my name is so and so, this is Spanish and the rest of the details are just muddy.”

She didn't ask me anything else, for which I was grateful. Dad and I just sat there listening to her talk. She told us about what we were going to cover this year, and how she does things.

After Spanish was over, I went to Global. My teacher was actually really nice. He even was kind of fun. He threw a ball to you when he wanted an answer, and if you didn't catch it, you had to stand in the front of the class and sing something. I was lucky enough to catch it, but then again, my coordination was pretty good.

I was so excited to get to lunch after Global. I nearly ran to my locker to deposit my books. I was about to leave for the cafeteria when I heard someone call my name. I turned around and Saw Emmett and Rosalie walking my way.

“Hi!” I said when they reached me.

“Hey shorty. Ready for lunch?” Emmett asked me ruffling my hair. I dodged my head out of the way and narrowed my eyes at him as I patted my hair down.

“Uh, yeah!” I told him like it was the most obvious thing in the world. I walked with them to the cafeteria, where we found everyone else already sitting at a table. I noticed that no one sat on the end where there was available space. But I already knew that people didn't go near them. They were scared of them, because of what they were. Even though they didn't know what they were. I couldn't help but wonder if they were scared of me too.

“Hey Alice!” I said sitting next to her.

“Hey Holly.”

“Hey Holly.” Jasper said from across the table.

“Hey Jasper.”

“Hey Hols.” Mom said from next to Alice.

“Hey Bella. Hey Edward, Hey everyone who I haven't said hi to yet.” Jasper Chuckled.

“So are you ready for school to be over yet?” He asked.

“No. But I'm pretty sure I will be by the end of the week.”

And I was. By Friday, I was tired of getting up early and doing the same boring thing over and over again everyday. I was annoyed that every night I had homework that was due the next day. But I got most of it done in Free period, with Alice's help.

But it was all worth it when I went into school that Friday morning and saw him sitting in my seat.

X o X o X

There he was. Sitting in my seat looking more godlike than anyone should have the right to. He could have been a vampire if it weren't for his fine blue eyes and tanned skin. His brown hair was a messy disarray on his head, his bangs just above his eyes. He looked like he just woke up and ran his fingers through his hair. But it was a good look. It didn't look bad on him at all. It looked good—really good. His arms—which were pretty muscular, not in the creepy way but you could see the veins—were crossed over his chest as he leaned back in the seat, looking like an outsider not sure where he fit in. Of course, the only thing I could manage to say when I attempted to tell him he was sitting in my seat was, “Uh. . .”

But he seemed to know what I wanted because he immediately sat up straight, his eyes bright and alert.

“Sorry, this is your seat isn't it?” I just nodded, my mouth still open. I could feel some people near by watching us curiously. “Sorry, the teacher just told me to sit anywhere.” he stood up and held his hand out. Amazingly polite for a boy his age—amazingly polite for a new kid who doesn’t even know who I am. This was something I've only seen guys out of school do. “My names Reilly.” I stared at his hand for what seemed years before I managed to reach out and take it. It was warm and soft, totally the opposite of what I thought it would be. I could hear him chuckle and looked up. “Are you going to tell me your name? Or am I going to have to guess?” He was so charming.

“Holly. Holly Cullen.” I breathed after quickly racking my brain for my name, which I had forgotten once I looked into his eyes. They weren't just any ordinary eyes. They were special. There was something extraordinary about them. Something that no boy had the right to have. Especially a boy that sat in my seat.

Just then the bell rang and everyone sat down in their seats. I just couldn't move though. His eyes had me frozen. But he looked away, looking for a seat. There was one that he spotted, a row over and three up. He flashed me a smile before walking over to it. I sat down and let a breath out that I hadn't know I was holding. The teacher stood up and called everyone's name for attendance, then said a few announcements. I wasn't listening. I was watching Reilly. He was sitting in his chair, slightly angled so that I could see the left side of his face.

I almost jumped out of me seat with shock when the bell rang for first period. I could feel my heart racing, as I timed myself just perfectly, reaching the door as he did. Some boys were already talking to him though, so I stayed close behind. I could also see some girls watching him curiously.

The boys he was with turned and went into a class room leaving him alone. I just stayed behind, slightly to the side. But he still saw me. His head turned and he smiled when he saw me.

“Hey. Where are you going? Maybe you can help me.” I nodded, my stomach flip flopping at the thought. “I have to go to Spanish with Mrs. Jeminez. Where is that?” he asked. Blank. Think think think. I know where it is.

“Um. If you follow the hall and take a right at the end it's the forth door on the right.” I told him I fought the want of walking with him there, but my class was only a few yards away. “I'd show you myself but this is my stop.” How stupid could I be. My stop?

“Sure. Maybe I'll see you later.” I almost tripped through the class room door. Was he just flirting or was that my imagination. As I sat down my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a text from Alice. Of course. I opened it.

Meeting boys already are we?

I rolled my eyes and told her I'd tell her in lunch. She wouldn't let me hear the end of it if I didn't.

Algebra seemed to go on forever. The teacher's voice made me want to sleep. I couldn't keep my eyes on the board. They kept dropping to the floor and Reilly's face kept appearing in my head. Boy was he handsome. His eyes, his perfect messy hair, his tan skin, his crossed arms, his warm, soft hands. The way he walked. His dazzling smile. It was all so perfect. And certainly not meant for me. He'd get one of the popular girls. Lyndsey or Meg maybe. I've already learned some of the girls who are 'popular'.

“Ms. Cullen, if X equals four, and Y equals seven, what would six X times Y to the seconds be?” he asked me. I had to think quickly. I hadn't done it on my paper like I was supposed to because I was—daydreaming. Think Holly, think. Six times four was twenty four, seven times seven is. . .is forty nine. So twenty four times forty nine is. . .

“one thousand, one hundred seventy six.” I said un-surely.

“Very good.” he told me, moving onto someone else.

I was relieved when the bell finally rang, and was out of the door before anyone could even get out of their seats. English was just down the hall, so it only took me seconds to get there, even Alice couldn't come and trap me before I got there. But there was someone else sitting in the seat I usually chose. Maybe it was because all the seats I chose to sit at were in the back corner, or that he just had some supernatural attraction to my seats, but it was a little odd to have to walk up to him again.

“Uh, hi.” I said. Well, at least I didn't just have one word like last time. He looked up, and his eyes immediately locked mine into them.

“Oh, hey. You have this class too?” He asked, clearly unaware that he was sitting in my seat—again.

“Yeah. I do.” I guess that was what he needed because he instantly jumped up. “Was I sitting in your seat—again?” he asked.

“Yeah, you were.” I grinned.

“Mmm. Interesting.” I raised an eye brow at him. He didn't have time to elaborate because a group of kids filed into the class room. I took my seat, and he took the only open one at the complete opposite side of the room.

Dad knew something was up when I walked into Spanish class and took my seat next to him. Not only because I wasn't bothering to block my thoughts about Reilly, but there was also a slight chance that he had gotten a good look at my face. All dreamy like.

“Oh Lord. It hasn't even been a full week of school. Can you please just wait a little longer before falling in love?” he asked me.

“Haha, love.” I sighed. “I'm not in love. Who said I was in love?” Who was I kidding, I was unquestionably, crazy in love, and I barely even knew this guy.

“It's not really who said it. But more of who thought it.”

“Edward, you promised me you wouldn't get into my business.” I reminded him in a sing-song voice. Hopefully he'd get the hint that I didn't appreciate him reading my thoughts in school.

“That I did. But your face also gives it away.” I blushed and looked away from him. I immediately began blocking my thoughts, making myself not think about Reilly. Especially not in this class, when dad was sitting right next to me, and possibly invading my personal thoughts.

Alice pounced on me before my butt was actually on my chair. She demanded that I tell her every detail.

“Who?” Mom asked, looking intently at me.

“Well, his name is Reilly.” I said slowly. Almost just as I said that, Rosalie, Jasper, and Emmett all whipped their heads around to look at me. “Okay, spotlighting on me much?” I asked, irked. I hated when they all did this.

“Whose Reilly?” Emmett asked wiggling his eye brows.

“Yea. Please tell.” Rosalie added. I sighed. This was going to be a long lunch period.

“Well, he just moved here—I think.” Did he? He must have or he wouldn't have had that amazing tan—that went amazingly with his amazingly gorgeous blue eyes—I was interrupted when dad and Jasper coughed uncomfortably. “Sorry. Anyway, he sat in my homeroom seat this morning, so we talked—for like, two seconds, I just kind of stared at him. And then he was in my seat in second period. So, that's pretty much it.” They all looked disappointed.

“That's it?” Rosalie asked. “Nothing juicy?”

“Nope.” What did they expect? “I've only talked to him for like, a total of ten minutes—not even. Not much can happen in ten minutes you know.”

I was kind of excited to go to Bio. My teacher told us that we were going to do our first. . .lab, or something like that. We were going to dissect a squid.

“Once you get your squid, place the tray on the table, and do not touch it again.” she emphasized the last part, looking at some of the boys in the back corner of the room. My partner was Leila Stephens. She was an okay partner. She was tolerable, but got really squeamish when we got our squid.

“Ew, oh my god, I don't think I'll be able to touch that.” she whispered.

“It's dead. It's not going to do anything to you.” My reassurance came out in more of a snobby way then I'd meant it to, and she gave me on of those. . .embarrassed/angry looks. “I meant it shouldn't be too bad. It'll be like cutting chicken or something.” Like that was suppose to help more? I just decided it'd be better if I shut up and let her watch and write down the organs and stuff on the diagram once we found them.

When I got to Psychology, I slumped into my seat next to Jasper. There was only a total of sixteen kids that chose to take this class.

“I'm guessing Biology wasn't that amazing?” he questioned.

“Let's just say the squid had it worse then I did.” I know it was dead and all, but I still felt oddly about having to cut it open just so we could learn about its insides. . .and other stuff.

“Been there done that. . .too many times.” I grinned. He could always make me smile.

Notes, notes, notes, notes and more notes! That's all we did in psychology. Notes upon notes upon notes upon notes. You'd think that after giving us two pages—front and back—of notes, he'd let us have the last ten minutes of class to do nothing. But no. Mr. Knutz (Which, now I'm starting to think there's a connection with his name and the subject that he teaches) thought that sense we finished what he had planned early, it would be just wonderful to start on the next classes lesson. So we sat there for the last ten—agonizing--minutes listening to him talk about the “sensitive balance of children's minds”.

I was glad to get out of there, because I was starting to think I would go nuts. But it didn't seem so bad when I learned that we were running the mile in gym to be timed for our first semester test. Great, just great. I love when they don't even bother to tell you a head of time.

I guess it really wasn’t that bad though. I just paced myself, and even when I wanted to slow down, I didn’t. The best part was when it was over we all got to go shower.

Once I got out of the shower, I hurried to get dressed. I only had five minutes. I put my gym uniform in my locker. It was sweatpants, and a long sleeve. I also had shorts and a tee-shirt, but that was for when we stayed inside. My hair, I guess would be fine for the last hour. It was long so it took a while to dry. But it dried fine. It didn't frizz that much. Only when I got out of a pool, did my hair frizz.

I reapplied my mascara and eyeliner, before gathering my bag and running off to class. Alice was sitting at our usual table. Unlike most classrooms, this one had round tables. I guess this was the “Free period” room. That's all it was used for anyway. But she wasn't the only one there. A certain dark haired, blue eyed boy was sitting there too, talking animatedly with her. He didn't seem paranoid by the closeness and attentiveness of her either.

I walked over slowly, trying to catch on to what they were talking about before they noticed. Of course, Alice noticed right away, but didn't stop Reilly as he talked.

“. . .moved here because my father had a job offering that he just couldn't refuse. But I guess it's okay. The only bad thing about this place is the cold.” I walked around the table and sat next to Alice. He smiled when he saw me. “At least I wasn't in your seat this time.”

“Actually you were.” I told him, pretending to be completely serious.

“Seriously?” he asked. I smiled and shook my head. “Oh, haha, I gotcha.” Not yet you don't. I couldn't help the thought that popped into my head.

“So. . .”Alice started, I knew right away that she was up to something. “So, do you two know each other, or are you just acquaintances?”

"Were more than just acquaintances, actually." I replied.

“In homeroom. I was sitting in her seat.” he paused, flashing me a smile. “But I can't say that I wasn't glad it was her seat.” my stomach fluttered. Alice smiled. “and I don't even know that much about her.”

“I can fix that.” Alice said brightly. I gave her a warning look. A don't-you-dare-do-anything-to-embarrass-me look. She stood up and sat at the table next to our. “Get busy.” She instructed, pulling out her homework. I stared at her for a moment. I wanted to tell her to come back and sit with us.

But that want was rivaling with the want to look at Reilly, to talk to him. To reach out and touch his hand. His masculine, tan hand.

I overruled my want to have Alice come back, and with a warm smile, I began a conversation with Riley.