The morning was even cloudier than I’d initially expected. The air was heavy with fog and the grey sunlight lit up the school in a dull, lifeless sort of way that likely put off most birds from singing. An ugly day to match an even uglier mood.

As I walked across the quad with Angela, I couldn’t help but dreading the forthcoming possibilities I had guessed at since Edward’s departure last night.

I had conceived three main ideas since then for what could take place the moment I stepped into the cafeteria.

One: A detailed, spot-on reenactment of last Monday’s strange looks and death glares. Side effects include nausea, headaches, confusion, and a general feeling of resentment towards everything Cullen-related.

Two: A simplified version of Chinese water torture in which Edward Cullen stares the subject (in this case, me) down with enough force to drive them to the brink of insanity, and then back again when he looks away. This method is used repeatedly until the subject gets up and leaves, or otherwise implodes.

Three: The very sight of the Cullens causes me to spontaneously combust and as a result, I could no longer cause them any more trouble or harm.

The cafeteria seemed to loom high above me and cast a shadow over my every step as I neared its doorway. I was beginning to hope that I’d get lucky and the third possibility would become reality – but I’ve been known to push my luck.

Consequentially, I was unprepared. What took place in the cafeteria was altogether unexpected, and frankly, a bit mortifying.

I had been in the lunch line with Angela for no more than two minutes when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around with a sharp intake of breath and gaped at the bright, smiling face of a petite girl with delicate, pale features and a black pixie cut.

“Hello,” the Cullen girl said smoothly, offering her tiny hand to me, “you must be Bella. I’m Alice Cullen.”

I hesitantly grasped her marble hand. “Hi, Alice,” I said warily.

Alice waited a few seconds for the line to move, and spoke more quietly once Angela was out of earshot. “I just wanted to introduce myself now so you wouldn’t feel as weird meeting all of us at once later today.” She said, still smiling as she flicked her thumb in the direction of her family’s table. “I know you’ll probably think I’m silly for saying this, but I think you and I are going to be very good friends.” Another genuine smile played across her lips. She sounded so sure of herself that I almost believed her.