Collarbones || J.W.H.

Chapter One

January 23rd, 2005

The cab of the minivan jostled as it drove over the speed bump, entering the small parking lot of Forks High School. Camila, of course, didn't have her own car, and even if she did, she doubted that her mother would allow her drive herself to school. Simple things like this, that she had not so long ago enjoyed so much, were no longer possible for her frail body. So there she sat, being driven to school by her mother. As if being a new student in the middle of the year didn't already attract enough attention as it was. Either way, she knew it wasn't worth the argument to try and convince her mother to let her ride the bus to school.

The car slowed to a stop as it arrived at the front of the building. Camila turned to her mother, giving her a peck on the cheek as a goodbye. "Be careful today, Sweetie. Remember, we're just a call away if you need us. Okay?" She said, eyebrows furrowed in worry.

Camila gave her mother a reassuring smile. "Promise." She said, slipping out of the van and shutting the door swiftly, before her mother changed her mind and made her stay home. She pulled the hood of her jacked over her head, trying to avoid the rain that was beginning to sprinkle down from the sky as she wrapped it tightly around her torso. She stared at her worn out doc martins as they thudded softly on the tiled floors of the small high school, trying to avoid the constant eye contact from students around her. Going from such a large high school in such a large city to this was going to be a big adjustment, but she was happy to at least have the opportunity to socialize.

Her eyes searched the halls as she attempted to find the front office, needing to pick up her schedule. Finally she found her destination. As her sore muscles struggled to open the heavy door, a large pale hand came into view, as the weight of the door dissipated. She looked up to find a broad face with an angular jawline. His eyes shone bright amber, his whole face unnaturally perfect as he towered over her. "Thanks." She muttered softly, walking over the woman at the front desk.

She looked up from her paperwork, giving a polite smile. "Camila Johnson?" She asked expectantly. Camila nodded, figuring that they must not get new students very often if she already knew her name just by looking at her face. It made her a bit nervous as well, knowing that she would definitely stick out like a sore thumb. The woman sorted through the papers on her desk, trying to find the right ones, as Camila picked at the edge of her worn out baggy t-shirt. Finally, she handed her a crisp paper, covered in what classes she would have, what times she would have them, and where they would be.

She thanked the woman, turning to leave. She glanced back as she pushed against the door with her back, trying to use her body weight to her advantage. The boy who had opened the door for her, was now talking to the woman, a bright pink blush covering her cheeks. "Emmett! Here to pick up more lacework for Edward?." She asked, giggling slightly as she flushed even brighter. Camila scoffed internally, slightly disgusted by the display.

The door to the office closed with a soft thud behind her as she began walking down the hallway once more. She glanced at the classroom numbers on the walls, attempting to make sense of the system used so she could find her first period. Finally, she found the correct room, sauntering through the open doorway, earning the stares of the students that were already seated waiting for the bell to ring.

——————

The first half of the day had flown by, anybody and everybody trying to have a conversation with her. A guy, Eric, who she had met in her English class earlier that day, was walking her to the cafeteria, promising to save her a seat with his friends. He was nice enough, although maybe a bit too flirtatious. He definitely wasn't her type, usually leaning towards quieter guys as her preference, but he was nice enough. Although, dating was definitely not what she needed, and she had no intention of trying to find a boyfriend.