Chapter 5: Bella Swan
Mark didn't know the exact date Bella would move to Forks, but he was curious about future events. He still didn't know if he wanted to get involved in those events.
Since finding out he had traveled into the world of Twilight, Mark had avoided getting involved with the Cullens. He felt it wasn't the right time. Apart from exchanging glances a few times, they had never spoken.
Mark found out that he was in the same biology class as Edward — it almost felt like fate. Time and months passed, and Mark had been enjoying his school year peacefully.
He even began wondering if Bella Swan existed in that world. After doing some research, Mark met Charlie Swan, Bella's father.
Mark discovered — thanks to his mind-reading ability — that Bella would move to Forks in mid-January. In other words, just two months away.
"Did you know Charlie's daughter is moving to Forks? She arrives this week," William said while having coffee with Mark.
"Really?" Mark raised his eyebrows, intrigued. He wasn't surprised his dad knew Bella's father.
"Yes, he seemed very happy when he talked about it. I think her name is Isabella… Bella?"
Mark drifted into thought. It seemed like things were about to begin.
...
The days passed quickly, and Mark had already forgotten about Bella.
While driving to school, Mark passed by a very old pickup truck, but he simply ignored it. Once at school, he parked the car and walked toward the entrance. That's when he noticed the same old truck pulling into the school grounds.
In a rush, he didn't think much of it and went straight to class.
Outside, Bella had just found a parking spot. After checking the school map, she headed directly to her classroom.
Unluckily for Bella, her first day of school in Forks landed on Physical Education day.
Mark finished his morning classes. At the end of class, he headed to the gym, where he met Mike and Eric.
"Have you seen the new girl?" Mike asked.
Mark, wearing his PE uniform, remembered something but stayed silent.
"I met her. She's really pretty," Eric said.
"Really? What's she like?" Mike stepped closer and threw his arm around Eric's shoulder.
"Yeah, what's she like?" Mark asked.
"Her name is Bella Swan. She came from Phoenix, Arizona."
"Wait, wait — I want to know what she looks like," Mike interrupted. That's what he really cared about.
Rolling his eyes, Eric laughed. He knew this friend of his well.
"Let me think…" Eric placed a hand on his chin with a mysterious tone.
Mike rolled his eyes — he almost felt like punching his friend. What's so complicated about describing someone's appearance?, he wondered.
"Okay, fine. I'll tell you. I just wanted to mess around. She's really beautiful. Dark brown hair, chocolate brown eyes, and very fair skin."
Mike nodded — he felt like she was definitely his type.
Mark wondered if she looked like the actress from the movie. Although the people he had met were slightly different, they still resembled the actors who played them.
...
After changing clothes, Mark left with Eric and Mike and joined the others at the court. Looking around, Mark didn't see anyone who matched Bella's description.
Shrugging, he began to warm up. Soon, the PE teacher arrived and split the boys and girls into teams.
While playing with the boys, a ball flew and hit Mike on the head.
Mark, who had been distracted, turned toward the commotion and saw a girl walking toward Mike with an embarrassed expression.
Fair skin, dark brown hair... Mark had to admit — this Bella was even more beautiful than the actress who played her in the movie. Her appearance resembled the actress, but she had something more.
After apologizing to Mike, everyone returned to the game, and soon it was time for lunch break.
After getting changed in the locker room, they all headed to the cafeteria.
When Mark arrived, Bella was sitting with Angela, Jessica, Mike, and Eric. After grabbing his food, Mark decided to find another table — his usual one was full.
"Mark, over here!" Jessica called out.
Mark heard her invitation and could only walk toward her, at least to exchange a few words. As he walked toward the group, he noticed Bella was looking at him.