two, volleyball + the cullens
twilight

The boys' in the fourth period gym class are running drills on one side of the gym, sneakers squeaking against the newly polished floor. On the other side, the girls' playing volleyball moves in sync, the sharp thud of the ball echoing through the large space.

Clover stands near the back of the volleyball court, her arms crossed, shifting from foot to foot. She isn't exactly avoiding playing, but she's definitely not jumping at the chance to hit the ball either. Her eyes dart to where the boys run, running — that's more her thing.

Fast, steady, focused.

Volleyball, however, requires unpredictable movement, and that's not exactly her style. She likes the planned aspect of running.

Juno is a few feet away, sleeves pushed up, bracing herself. Unlike Clover, she actually tries. It doesn't mean she's good, but she's stubborn enough to make the effort, unlike her twin sister.

Ouch.

"Block it, Chloe! Yeah! Good attack!" Jessica shouts, energy radiating through her voice. She's playing the captain, not that anyone else minds. She's good, as good as raining town Forks can get. "Yeah!"

The volleyball comes flying toward Clover. Her eyes widen, but instead of controlling the hit, like she had been taught to do previously, she panics. She hadn't been paying any attention, that was her own damn fault.

She smacks the ball way too hard. It sails off the court, straight into the head of a boy.

Mike Newton lets out a startled "Ow!" as the ball bounces away, his blond hair slightly tousled from the impact. He smooths it down before anyone can see, before some of the boys are already laughing, at him and Clover.

Clover cringes, already hurrying toward him. The game continues as she steps off the court and someone else steps on. "Are you okay? I wasn't paying attention, I'm so sorry."

Mike rubs his head, but grins. "It's only a bump, sweets."

Clover lets out a relieved breath, her shoulders relaxing. Before the word sweets rings again, and her face twists from relaxed to something else. Something with a bright blush against her cheeks. Before she can say anything, the loud bell signalling class is over, rings.

"You're Clover, right?" Mike asks as they head toward the locker rooms, separated by a pink and blue door. They stop outside as others head in.

"Yeah, Clover Swan."

"I'm Mike. Newton."

He looks at her for a second too long, and Clover notices, how could she not? Before anything else can be said, Juno steps in. She's at Clover's side in an instant, casually nudging her as if reminding her to keep moving into the locker room so she can change.

"She's got a great spike, doesn't she?" Juno says, smirking a little. They both know it was anything but a spike, but a panicked flailing hit.

Jessica slides into the conversation easily, from where she stands, shifting the subject. "So, you're from Los Angeles? Are you apart of a gang?"

Clovers eyes go wide, and Juno's nostrils flare as she looks like she's ready to grab the girls ponytail.

"Uh, no." Juno shakes her head, and loops her arm with her sister, dragging her away as Jessica laughs about something they didn't catch.

🌲

Clover and Juno carry their trays, following Bella towards an open, empty table. Clover slides into her seat, still processing the whirlwind of attention she's received today, it's just a little much for her, it would be a little much for everyone. She wonders if this is how Bella felt.

Clover turns her attention towards her cousin, "So Bell —"

Mike and Jessica sit down, their trays clattering against the table top. As she takes her attention off her cousin, Eric squeezes in beside her, grinning.

"Mike, you met my homegirl, Clover." He swings his arm over hers, which she awkwardly shrugs off. He turns back towards her, a smiles apologetically. "Sorry, Clo."

"Your homegirl?" Mike raises a brow, he almost looks ... jealous.

Jessica smirks, eyes twinkling at the talk about the two girls. "It's first grade all over again, and you two are the shiny new toys, plus, there's never twins here and everyone seemed to get over Bella too quickly."

Clover offers a small, uneasy smile as she glances at Juno, silently asking for help. Before either can say something, a flash goes off, temporarily blinding her. She blinks up at Angela, camera in hand.

"Sorry, needed a pic for the feature..."

Eric waves her off. "You did this to Bella, the feature is dead, Angela."

He shifts his focus back to Clover, his grin back again. "I'll delete it of the camera later, yeah?"

Clover nods as Angela sighs dramatically. "Guess we'll just run another editorial on teen drinking or maybe Speedo padding."

Clover tilts her head slightly. "There's always eating disorders."

Angela perks up. "Wait, that's a good one..."

But Clover's attention is already drifting elsewhere before she can give any more information. The cafeteria doors swing open, and suddenly the room feels different. It's weird, it's quiet, it's like the world has stopped for them.

Four of the most interesting — odd choice, Clover, but okay — people Clover has ever seen enter, moving in perfect practiced sync. The Cullens; two guys, two girls, all pale with purplish shadows beneath their eyes, all having their own thing about them that makes them unique.

They glide through the cafeteria, their movements impossibly smooth, almost unnatural. Like ghosts of fairies who don't need to walk. Conversation around them seems to dim as they settle at the farthest table, away from everyone else. A darkened corner, where the Cullens reside, it seems fitting.

Clover's gaze lands on Rosalie first. She's pure elegance, like she belongs in a castle where a princess does nothing but smile and wave. Long blonde waves, sharp cheekbones, and an undeniable confidence. She looks untouchable, she is. Next to her, Emmett leans back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, his usual smirk playing at his lips, although Clover doesn't know it's normal. He's massive, built like a brick wall, but there's something light in his expression. Playful, almost, like a puppy dog.

She barely notices Edward at all.

Beside Clover, Bella shifts awkwardly in her seat, instinctively ducking her head down when Edward entered. Jessica leans in, lowering her voice slightly, the shift into gossip mode unmistakable.

"Doctor and Mrs. Cullen's foster kids. They all moved down here from Alaska two years ago," she says, like it's a text from a history book. One she has memorized.

Angela adds, "They kinda keep to themselves. Expect for Bella, Edward seems to have made friends with her."

Juno, sitting across from Clover, watches the scene but doesn't seem particularly intrigued. She pokes at the food on her tray, uninterested but listening because it's drama, she'll always listen.

Jessica leans forward slightly. "Because they're all together. Like, together together. The blonde girl, Rosalie, and the big dark-haired guy, Emmett — "

Clover's eyes flicker back toward them. Rosalie leans into Emmett slightly, murmuring something that makes him chuckle. They seem effortless, like they exist in their own world, well they do.

Jessica continues, "...They're a thing. I'm not even sure that's legal."

Angela rolls her eyes. "Jess, they're not actually related."

"But they live together," Jessica argues. "And the little dark-haired girl, Alice? She's really weird."

Alice practically floats as she moves, all delicate features and perfect energy, hovering near Jasper. He sits stiffly, honey-blond hair slightly tousled, his eyes distant, like he can't focus.

Jessica keeps going. "...she's with Jasper, the blonde who looks like he's in pain. I mean, Dr. Cullen's like this foster dad slash matchmaker."

Angela sighs playfully. "Maybe he'll adopt me."

Bella lets out a small laugh, but it's quiet — just barely there, like she isn't sure she's allowed to find this funny. Clover nudges her gently, giving her a reassuring smile.

Clover is still thinking about Rosalie and Emmett — the effortless confidence, the way they seem completely comfortable in their own space. Something about them is fascinating, their hair, or the smile that Emmett wears, or the laugh Alice has, she isn't sure yet.

Juno finally speaks, her voice low but direct. "They don't look like high schoolers."

Clover hums in agreement, but doesn't say anything. Bella remains quiet, avoiding Edward's gaze entirely.

Everything will come crashing down one day, because it's been a month since Bella met Edward, and although they're 'friends' she is sure something is different about him. Clover and Juno already noticed something that takes others years, they just don't look like they belong.