It was amazing how the rain comforted me now when in the past, I was so displeased by it.

I woke up hearing the soft droplets of rain against my window, feeling a strange wave of calmness flood through my body. I took a bath, dressed up and went downstairs to find a note form Charlie saying he'd be home soon and to take care.

I ate breakfast– well, barely ate breakfast– and went to school even if it was a bit too early to leave. I found a parking space for my truck and walked across the parking lot towards the school bulding, preparing myself for another monotonous day. The rain had stopped on my way here but it was still cloudy and overcast.

As I walked on, I noticed a shiny blue Porsche parked near the entrance of the building. A new student? Or a visitor perhaps? That was unexpected.

"Hey Bella. Good morning." Mike said offering me a warm smile but eyeing me with concern at the same time. He knew the Cullens had moved, well of course everyone in Forks already knew that by this time, and he must have noticed or heard how hard I was taking it. Gossip does seem to revolve rather fast in this small town. Nevertheless, I returned his smile with a great deal of effort. My muscles were contracting harder than usual.

I took my usual seat at the back of the class, avoiding to look at the now empty chair beside me that no one bothered, dared to fill in. The teacher started discussing a lesson that was seemingly foreign to me so I tried to pay attention. But my concentration started ebbing away the first few minutes into the discussion. Social Ethics wasn’t really on top of my favorite subjects list.

I occupied myself by staring at the way my front mate’s hair stood up in the most awkwardly wrong positions. I didn’t even notice when Mr. Coop stopped from his ranting to introduce a new student. I only became aware when my classmates took in a LOT of breath and I could feel their stares by the goosebumps I started to feel. I didn’t bother to look up, either way.

A rush of air went in the open window beside the now occupied chair next to me. That’s when I smelled it. A scent that was sweeter and more alluring than anything I’ve ever smelled in my entire life, sending shivers down my body. My eyes snapped at the new person beside me and it widened with shock.