Forks High's annual graduation ceremony went off as scheduled.
Whole school had just over three hundred students across four grades. By graduation season, Bella's year had only seventy-something seniors.
For many of them, high school graduation was the end of their education. After this, they'd become workers, help out in family cafés, or go back to manage family farms.
Small town like Forks didn't offer high incomes. But people didn't live under the crushing pressure of big cities either. Kids grew up to live much like their parents did. Nobody starved. Nobody went homeless.
Seventy-plus graduates sat with parents or guardians beside them. Over two hundred people packed the auditorium.
In America, even kindergarteners wore graduation gowns. High schoolers? Obviously.
The yellow gowns and square mortarboards looked a little dated, but students were savoring this final moment. Some who planned to continue their studies chatted excitedly about college. Turning eighteen meant adulthood—some wanted to party for a few more years, but a few were ready to get serious about life.
Among the class, Bella's Stanford acceptance was the highlight. Americans weren't dumb—they knew the difference between a top-tier school and an ordinary one. But unlike cultures that obsessed over future career prospects, people here cared more about the present.
The girl with glasses leaned over. "Bella, can you afford the tuition?"
Bella wanted to cover her face. Way too poor... Stanford wasn't as insane as some schools, but still around forty thousand a year.
Here, parents generally didn't pay their kids' college tuition. Rich kids just saved part of their allowance. Poor or middle-class kids started working early, saving for half a year or even a full year ahead.
Bella didn't fit either category. While everyone else had been busy saving, she hadn't even crossed over yet. And her family definitely didn't look secretly wealthy.
But she wasn't worried. Still had more than a month. With her abilities, making money wouldn't be hard—she was just too lazy most of the time.
"Don't worry. Tuition won't be a problem."
Glasses girl lowered her voice, clearly implying something. "You must've secretly made a lot of money, right?"
The pension case had spread across half of America. At Forks High, Bella was practically a celebrity. Most people assumed she'd made a fortune from it.
No point explaining. Those who believed her didn't need explanations. Those who didn't wouldn't believe them anyway.
"Sure you don't need money? I still have some savings—I can help with tuition." Charlie whispered after glasses girl turned away.
Bella waved him off. "The plane-crash case is already won. Compensation should arrive soon. I'm fine." She paused. "But you—how are things with Samantha?"
Charlie froze.
Bella dropped her voice. "Let me tell you, you're not the only candidate. Nat said some mining heir from Prosperity Town is coming back—apparently he and Samantha had a thing when they were younger. Step up your game! Nat and I are both rooting for you!"
Charlie opened his mouth. Wanted to say something. Embarrassment won.
"Don't be shy! Nat invited me anyway. In a few days, we'll all go to Prosperity Town together."
Decision made. On the spot.
The ceremony itself was painfully dull. Everyone in town knew everyone else. Most people would spend their whole lives here. No "farewell forever" vibes—they'd still see each other every day. What was there to get emotional about?
Everyone's attention was on the graduation dance that night.
Ceremony ended. Students rushed home in excitement. The high school graduation dance was apparently a major milestone. How important exactly? Bella wasn't sure. But she followed the crowd and drove home to get ready.
Seven in the evening. Bella arrived at the venue.
Hair pinned up, slender neck exposed, strand of pearls around it. Her already delicate features had been carefully accentuated—even more radiant now. Soft brows. Faintly glowing lips. Quiet confidence adding another layer of charm. Even a subtle hint of allure in her eyes.
Graduation dance was extremely formal. Girls in long gowns. Boys in suits, shirts, ties.
Bella wore sapphire blue. And—very rarely—high heels. Elegant. Poised. Stunning.
Small town people didn't fuss over luxury brands. Bella couldn't afford them anyway. Clutch, bracelet, earrings, necklace—just matched in color. More than enough.
She said goodbye to Charlie, who'd driven her, grabbed a tulip-colored wrist corsage outside the venue, and stepped inside.
Her social skills were leagues above the original Bella's. Conversational polish? Excellent. She chatted warmly with everyone she passed, but always controlled the rhythm perfectly. Never gave anyone the wrong idea.
Graduates were the stars of the dance. Each student could invite one partner—didn't have to be romantic. Anyone worked. Bella hadn't invited anyone. Just here to have fun.
"Hi, Jessie! You look beautiful today!"
"You look even more beautiful, Bella."
"Thanks!"
"Hey—Evan? You look great in a suit!"
"W—what? Oh—thanks. You look amazing too, Bella. You're... you're the most beautiful!"
"Hehehe! Smart kid. Good eyes."
Bella flitted around like a butterfly. Chatting with everyone she knew. Everyone she didn't. Harvesting wave after wave of compliments.
Eventually, she drifted toward the small vampire group and asked—with obvious intent:
"I'm so nervous! Does anything look wrong with my outfit?"
Alice Cullen knew Bella's habits by now. If you told her she wasn't pretty or pretended not to hear? She'd hold a grudge.
Instant answer. No hesitation. "Too beautiful. Absolutely perfect! Bella, you are unbelievably—unbelievably gorgeous!"
The other vampires quickly echoed.
"Yeah, yeah—definitely the prettiest."
"So lovely. Really lovely..."
Then, amid the chorus of praise, a slightly out-of-place voice.
"...May I ask you for a dance?"
Bella turned.
Edward Cullen. Formal suit and tie. He'd taken a small step forward, bowed slightly. After a brief hesitation, he spoke softly.