Here is a new story that I will update once a week.
I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 1: Pathetic
I pick up the last box and take a look around my apartment. All of Mom's things were put in storage. Moving to the small town of Forks was a good idea. I would get to spend more time with my Dad.
I wanted to go to school in Washington but Mom made me feel guilty for leaving her. I ended up staying and going to school here in Phoenix. She even talked me into going to business school. I love literature not business but I digress.
I want to buy a small business in Forks, Washington and turn it into a coffee shop – bookstore New Hope. I want to change my life. To stop thinking of what everyone wants me to do and start thinking of myself for once.
My realtor Alice seems nice we have spent a lot of time talking on the phone getting to know one another. She found me a lovely building not far from the police station. So I will be in walking distance to visit my Dad at work. It even has a loft on top so I don't have to find an apartment.
I have never lived on my own before in all my twenty-two years. Mom wants me to follow her to Florida with her new husband Phil. I put my foot down this time. I would not let her guilt me again. I handed the box to the movers and handed the keys over to my landlord.
The moving truck would be in Forks in about a week. I picked up my suitcase and purse from by the door and got in the cab. I arrived at the airport fifteen minutes later.
I landed in Seattle and took a cab to the car dealership. I sold my car before leaving Phoenix and had enough for a down payment on new car. I found a nice little SUV a GMC Terrain black in color with dark grey leather seats for $24,000.00. I paid my down payment and set up my bank account to withdraw the monthly payments. Then I started the three hour drive to Forks. My GPS on my iPhone took me straight to the address Alice gave me.
"Hello you must be Alice. I'm Bella." I told a young woman slightly shorter than me with short black hair. She was around my age.
"Yes Alice Whitlock it's nice to meet you Bella. Do you want to have a look inside before Jasper arrives?"
"Yes please." I told her as she unlocked the door. The main floor was completely open there was a raised section near the door that would be perfect for the book shelves. There was a counter on the back wall near the kitchen. Perfect for the coffee, pastries, and register where you could see the entire store. A back patio was set up off one side of the counter perfect for outdoor tables. I would set up tables and chair near the kitchen and sofas and chairs along the glass wall next to the patio. The kitchen was small perfect for what I needed to make the pastries.
We walked up the stairs that were located behind the counter. There were two doors up here. One held enough room for a small office the other led to the loft. Inside there was a full kitchen with an island bar so there was no need for a table. A small bedroom with walk-in closet, the bathroom had a claw foot tub and pedestal sink. The loft also had a small living room with a fire place. It was perfect for me. "I love it Alice. It's just what I need but these colors have to go."
"Well it should be yours with a week. The owners are ready to leave Washington. They plan on traveling the world. I have the paperwork drawn up for you to go over. I agree about the colors." She laughed.
"Alice Hun are you upstairs?"
"Jasper's here he has the paperwork I was just talking about. Yes we will be right down."
I followed her down the stairs to find a young blonde man about twenty-five years old. He had a handsome face with beautiful blue eyes. He kissed Alice's cheek and placed his hand lovingly on her stomach. "Alice are you expecting?"
"Yes I'm fourteen weeks today."
"Congratulations both of you. I'm Bella by the way nice to meet you Jasper."
"It's nice to meet you to Bella Alice here talks about you often." He said with a southern accent. "Here is the paperwork you need to look over and sign."
"Thank you I will look over this today. Can we meet tomorrow?"
"Yes would ten be okay with you?"
"Yes here or someplace else?" I asked.
"Here will be fine. We will be here at ten then."
I left them to lockup and headed over to the police station. I walked in and saw a young woman with fake blonde hair and fake breasts behind a desk. "Welcome to Forks Police Department. Can I help you?" She said in a bored tone.
"Yes can you point me in the direction of Chief Swan's office?"
Her eyes roamed up and down my body, "Do you have an appointment?"
"No, do I need one?"
"No I was wondering the nature of your visit?"
"That's none of your business can you point me in the right direction?" I didn't like her attitude. She seemed to be looking for gossip.
"You are a little young for personal business with the chief. Don't you think?"
"Excuse me? Are you insinuation that…"
"Miss Stanley that will be enough," a young officer interrupted me. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen. "I'm sorry Miss I can help you find Chief Swan's office." He said in a honey laced voice.
"Edward I didn't hear you come in."
"I'm sure you didn't and it's Officer Cullen Miss Stanley. Don't call me Edward." He told her in a cold voice. "Please follow me Miss; I'm sorry I didn't catch your name."
"It's okay she didn't ask for it. It's Bella um Isabella Swan but you can call me Bella."
"Well Bella this is Chief Swan's office," he said when we reached a door. Before he knocked the door opened. "Edward I was just coming to check if you were back."
"Yes I just got back, it was a false alarm again. I walked in to find Jessica giving this young lady a hard time." He said. Dad looked over and saw me. He shook his head and looked again.
"Bells what are you doing here? You aren't supposed to be here till Wednesday?"
"Dad what am I going to do with you it is Wednesday." I laughed. I noticed Edward hide his laughter in next to me.
"I'm glad you're here kiddo. Edward I would like to introduce you to my daughter Bella."
"It nice to meet you Bella I hope you enjoy your stay. I will fill out my report and have it on your desk this afternoon Chief." Edward said walking away. He seemed like a nice young man around twenty-five years old. He was very handsome, strong jaw line, tall slightly over six feet, well built not too muscular like Jake, emerald green eyes and reddish brown hair.
"How did you get here?" Dad asked bringing me back.
"I bought a car in Seattle and drove it down. I met Alice at the building already. Have you eaten lunch?"
"No I was about to go." He said leading me back to a room with about ten desks. We stopped near Edward's desk. He was filling out paperwork and didn't look up. "Felix I'm heading out for lunch with Bella. You are in charge while I'm gone." Dad said.
"Nice to see you again Bella it's been about six years. You have grown up into a beautiful young lady. I will let Jane know you are here."
"Thanks Felix I'm sure I will run into her." I laughed.
"Bella have you talked to Jake?" Dad asked.
"Yes I just sent him a text he will met us at the diner." I said.
"Edward Alec, take your lunch break now." Dad said. "Alec I would like you to meet my daughter Bella."
"Nice to meet you pretty lady," he said eyeing me hungrily.
"It's Bella." I said.
"I can show you around town while you're here."
"I don't think my boyfriend would like that very much." I told him coldly.
"Okay see you later boss," he shrugged and walked away.
Edward we are headed to the diner do you want a lift?" Dad asked.
"Sure Chief," he said.
"We can take my car Dad," I said handing him the keys. Edward held open the passenger door for me. "I can ride in the back Edward." He shook his head and I got in. Once in the car Dad turned towards me.
"So Bells when do I get to meet this boyfriend of yours?" He asked seriously.
I laughed, "Dad when I find one you will be the first to know."
"But you told Alec you had a boyfriend." He said sternly.
"I know I did Dad I didn't like the way he looked at me. So I told him I was taken. Besides I'm sure once I find a boyfriend he wouldn't appreciate the fact I spent anytime with an obvious player."
"That's my girl," Dad said starting the car.
Edward laughed in the back seat, "Good catch Bella but he won't care that you have a boyfriend or not." He said more seriously.
"I've dealt with jerks like him before." I said.
"How's your Mom handling you being here?" Dad asked.
"She's in denial. She thinks I will give in and follow her. Not this time Dad." I said looking at him.
"Is this what you want Bells?"
"Yes Dad this is what I want."
We arrived a few minutes later to see a bouncing Jake near the door. I laughed, "He seems happy don't you think Dad."
"I still can't believe you two met in Phoenix." Dad said shaking his head. Jake is my best friend. His Mom moved to Phoenix for work when he was twelve and they moved into our apartment building. We did everything together until he moved back here when he graduated high school two years ago.
"I know and then we became best friends like you and his Dad. It's a bit funny." I told him getting out of the car.
Jake came running up to me, "Bella you're here."
"Yes Jake you can put me down now." I told him.
"Yummy who's the beefcake?" He said eying Edward.
"Behave yourself what would Quil say." I said.
"He would say yummy also." Quil said walking up, "Hi Bella great to see you again."
"You too Quil, Edward this is my best friend Jake and his better half Quil." I said introducing the pair of flirts.
"Nice to meet you two," Edward said.
"Bella Edward, Hi what are you two doing?" Alice said walking up to us.
"Bella and Charlie gave me a lift Ali how do you know Bella?" Edward said walking up to her and placed his hand on her stomach. "Are you taking care of my kiddo here?"
His kiddo I thought Alice was married to Jasper. "Your kiddo I don't think so and I'm Bella's realtor and new friend." Alice said.
"Ali you know I'm going to be his favorite uncle you might as well get used to it." Edward said.
"Okay I will give you that but stop calling my kid a he I don't want her to be confused." Alice said smiling.
"You two join us for lunch. Alice I didn't know you were pregnant?" Dad said sitting down at the table.
"Yes I am fourteen weeks along." Alice said.
"That husband of yours is yummy Alice. I have trouble concentrating on my work when he is in the office." Quil said. "How do you know this one?" Quil asked motioning towards Edward.
"He's my brother and sorry guys but he doesn't bat that way." Alice said laughing at Jake and Quil's pouts. I had to join her.
"Alice you could have left that last part out and let them imagine they stood a chance." I told her.
"True Bella where are you staying until your place is ready?"
"With me right Bells." Dad said.
"Yes Dad I am staying with you. I need to paint the building inside and out and find furniture and give the place a good cleaning and that's just the loft. I think the loft will be livable about two weeks after the paperwork goes through. I hope to be able to open in about two months one if I find the right contractor. I can afford two months without having to find a job but any longer and I will need to find a job until I open."
"Can you afford to fix the place up Bella?"
"Yes Jake you know I have been saving for this since high school."
My phone rang and I looked at the caller id. "I might as well get this over with," I sighed excusing myself. "Hi Mom," I said standing up.
"Hi baby where are you?"
"At a diner trying to eat lunch with my Dad."
"You can't be serious about this Bella. What am I going to do without you?"
"Mom don't start this again. I am staying here I want to get to know my Dad. You have had me for twenty-two years. It's Dad's turn to get a chance to get to know me and me him."
"What about finding a man to take care of you? You aren't getting younger Bella."
"I don't need a man to take care of me Mom. I am doing this on my own for myself. I need to get back to lunch Dad is waiting for me. Bye love you."
"Bye Bella love you."
I get back to the table, "How did she take it?" Dad asked.
"Still in denial wondering about herself as usual."
We ate lunch and then decided to take a look at my building. Edward was waiting outside so I poked my head out the door. "What are you waiting for?"
"I didn't want to be in your way Bella."
"You won't be in my way I want your opinion as well." I told him. He followed me in and I explained to them what I wanted to do the colors and the décor. I waited for their reactions.
"Alice, do you know what Mom is doing with the shelves from the library she is remodeling?" Edward asked.
"I don't know Edward your right they would be perfect in here. I will call her." She said excusing herself to use the phone.
"I love what you plan on doing here Bells. Is this what you want to do for yourself?" Dad asked.
"Yes Dad, thank you for asking that. I have been waiting years to hear that question." I told him with tears in my eyes.
"Your Mom should have been supporting you instead of controlling you." He said.
"Bella I think this is a great idea. I don't see the problem with the colors they're bright." Jake said.
"Yes they are Jake. I want a more subtle background to draw the focus to the books."
"I understand," Jake said walking into the kitchen. I let out a breath.
"You hate the bright colors don't you?" Edward asked.
"I really do they're to bright their walls not Easter eggs." I said and he laughed.
Alice came back inside and showed me a picture on her phone. "They are lovely shelves Alice. Is she selling them?" I asked.
"No she gives things away or donates them. If you want you can write her a check for the library. It's the only way she would take money from you. She will have them ready to pick up in three weeks." Alice said. "Do you want them?"
"I think they would be perfect. Yes I want them." I said.
"I will let her know and have her delivery crew drop them off here." Alice said.
"Okay it's time to get back to work. Bells you can use my office to read over your paperwork."
We arrived back at the station and Miss Stanley eyed me carefully when I walked back inside with Edward. We said goodbye at Dad's office when I went inside. Dad took off in his cruiser without entering the building.
I read the contract and it seemed standard. The price was what we discussed and the loan company's contract was straight forward and had a reasonable down payment and monthly payments. I could easily get by with two months without getting a job. I hope to open sooner if possible.
I signed the papers and placed them in my bag. I decided on a cup of coffee and went to the brake room to find it deserted with an empty pot. I made a fresh pot adding a touch of vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar before brewing to make it less bitter. I fill a cup and head back to Dad's office.
I pull out my laptop and research contractors in the area. I found a few that I believe could be reliable and set up appointments with them. Then I research indoor and outdoor tables and chairs. There was a knock on the door a little after five. "Come in," I said.
"Hey Bella I needed to drop off some reports for your Dad before I left." Edward said.
"Okay should he be here by now?" I asked.
"He's on his way. He's happy you're here."
"I'm glad I want to get to know him. He has always been a great Dad. I just never got to spend much time with him. My Mom is too dependent on me. I put my foot down and decided to do something for myself. Does that make me selfish?"
"No Bella your Dad told me what you have done your whole life for your Mom. I think you are the most unselfish person I have ever met." He said.
"Thank you Edward that means a lot to me," I said. "I'm twenty-two years old with an MBA and she can't see this is what I want to do."
"You have an MBA and you want to open a coffee shop – bookstore. Do you mind if I ask you why you went for an MBA?"
"My Mom she always wanted one. I took summer classes while working since I was sixteen to help pay bills. It still wasn't enough she wants me to get a corporate job. I love literature and since I know business now I figured I would open a shop. I can run it from both sides. I know books and business." I told him. I found talking to Edward easier than talking with anyone. I just wanted to tell him everything.
"Did you make the coffee in the break room?"
"I did the pot was empty so I refilled it. I hope that's okay."
"It is fine I was wondering because no one here can make coffee that good. You make a killer cup of coffee and I think your coffee shop will do great. It's been great talking to you Bella I'll see you around." He said smiling.
"Yes it's been great talking to you too I shouldn't keep you from leaving." I said. I'm sure you have someone waiting for you at home."
"No Bella I have no one waiting for me at home or even waiting for a phone call from me." He said with that panty dropping smile before he left.
Dad walked in five minutes later and I followed him home. I have not been in this house since I was a small child. It hadn't changed two stories with a wrap around porch, two bedroom one bath, with kitchen, living room and dining room. I put my suitcase in my bedroom which Dad had a full size bed put in for me.
I cooked fish for dinner since it was about the only thing he had in the house. "Tomorrow night I have a poker game with a few guys from the station and elsewhere in town. Are you okay with that or do you want me to cancel?"
"Dad I'm fine you invite anyone to your house that you want. I will even make sandwiches and snacks for you."
"Thanks Bells that would be great but don't go to much trouble." He said before heading to bed.
I made a list of things to pick up in town tomorrow after meeting Alice and Jasper. Then headed upstairs to take a shower, brush my teeth and change into a tank top and shorts for bed.
I made Dad breakfast in the morning before he went to work and gave him a thermos of coffee. I met Alice and Jasper at ten they were happy I signed both contracts and had my check ready for the down payment and checking account information filled out for the monthly installments. I headed to the grocery store and had sandwiches and snack set out when Dad got home at five- thirty. A quarter till six there was a knock on the door. I opened it to find Edward, Jasper and a bear like man with them.
"Hi Bella, I think you know my brother-in-law Jasper and this is my other brother-in-law Emmett." Edward said.
"It's nice to meet you Emmett I'm Bella Charlie's daughter." I said as they came in.
"Nice to meet you too Bella," he said shaking my hand.
"Emmett here owns a construction company. You might want to get his opinion on what to do with the building." Jasper said.
"I have set up appointments with a two contractors. I met one today and did not like him at all. He flirted the entire time."
"That would be Newton Construction." Jasper said.
"Yes it was I'm glad I used the station phone to set up the appointment I wouldn't want him having my phone number." All three of them laughed.
"Do you mind me asking who else you have talked too?" Emmett asked.
"No not at all I called five contractors and only got ahold of two. I called Newton Construction. Real Construction, Construction for less, Yellow Pine Construction didn't answer. I have an appointment with McCarty Designs on Thursday." I told him.
"Who made your appointment on Thursday?"
"Rose," I told him.
"That's my wife. Yellow Pine Construction went out of business three years ago. They must have reissued the phone number. Construction for less is worse than Newton and Real Construction is legit and is my only real competition in this town."
"Well I look forward to are meeting on Thursday." I told him.
"Yes Alice has told me in detail what you want so now that I know what my Thursday meeting entails I will be prepared." He told me. By six thirty the house was full of men I met Edward's father. Chief of Medicine at the hospital Carlisle; he is very good looking and I can see where Edward gets his looks.
I was in the living room going over figures on my laptop when my phone rang. "Hello."
"Hey baby did you change your mind yet?"
"Mom I'm not moving to Florida with you."
"I set up some interviews with a few companies here."
I cut her off, "Mom I don't need you to find me a job. I didn't ask you to do that. I bought a business today and am staying in Forks. I want to get to know my Dad. I want to run a bookstore. I want to find my own happiness. I found friends here. I bought a car. I am staying. I am going to live on my own for the first time in twenty-two years."
"Why are you being so selfish Bella? What about me?"
"Selfish I'm being selfish now am I. I went to college where you wanted I studied what you wanted me to. I wanted to come to Washington and study literature and become a teacher or librarian. I stayed with you and cooked and cleaned the apartment for you and your boy toys. I balanced your checkbook and paid your bills. I was ten years old when I started that. I was tired of moving and no water, electricity or what ever else you didn't pay. I took care of you everyday for twelve years Mom instead of living my life. If it makes me selfish to think about myself for the first time in my life then yes I'm selfish."
"I'll try in a few weeks Bella made then you will be over this tantrum. Bye Bella."
I slam my phone onto the table and walk to the kitchen door, "Dad I'm going for a walk." I grab my jacket and put on my shoes.
"Everything okay Bells," he called.
"Yes dad I'm selfish now and she has given up for a few weeks until I get over this tantrum."
"Okay don't go to far okay."
"I won't love you Dad."
"Love you to Bells."
I left the cool air is just what I needed. Twenty minutes later I found myself back at my Dad's. I wasn't ready to go back inside so I sat on the porch swing. "Bella I don't want to scare you." I turn and see Edward sitting in a chair on the other side of me.
"Hi I didn't see you there." I said.
"I know that's why I said something," he said putting his cigarette in his mouth. "You smoke?"
"No and neither should you." I said.
"I know," he laughed. "You sound like my mother and sisters." He said exhaling smoke.
"Trouble with your Mom? I sorry I over heard you yelling at her."
"Yes I don't know what to do. I'm not moving I just don't know how to explain it to her."
"I know what you mean. You can't live your life for others."
"I have my entire life has been about her and what she wants. I tired and want a life of my own."
"I understand perfectly. My Mom wants me to settle down and get married because my sisters are. Rose has twin two year old boys and Alice is pregnant with her first. I'm twenty-five years old. I'm not ready yet. She doesn't understand. I tried five years ago. My Mom doesn't know I wanted to propose to her." He said pulling another drag from his cigarette. I had just joined the force. I had what I thought was the perfect life. A great job, a great apartment, the perfect girlfriend I was a fool. I didn't have the ring yet thank god. I came home early one day I wanted to take her out and plant the idea of marriage. I was the one surprised though. I found her in our bed with Alec. I packed my bags and left that night after breaking Alec's jaw."
"I ran into her today and she acted like everything was fine. She wanted to get back together like she didn't disrespect me in our bed. It took everything in me not to hit her." He pulled another drag. "That sounds awful I shouldn't want to hit a girl. I've tried to date but I can't find it in me to trust anyone. I'm pathetic."
"Edward you are not pathetic you had your heart crushed. It will take time but you will find someone."
"Bella I haven't had sex in five years. I can't bring myself to have casual sex. I will never find someone who wants to be with me. That makes me pathetic." He said.
"Edward do you still love her?"
"God no Bella when I think back I don't think I ever truly loved her. I don't miss her and never did. I felt more betrayed by Alec than Leslie. I'm angry with her for acting like she did nothing wrong."
"Edward you aren't pathetic I am." I told him.
"Bella taking care of your Mom doesn't make you pathetic." He said.
"I know that Edward. Mom had so many men go in and out of her life. I used to think that a revolving door would be easier for our front door. A few of the asshole started to hit on me when I turned fourteen. My Mom never believed me she told me I was asking to be hit on. Not one of them touched me." I told him when I saw the look on his face. "I didn't want to date in high school because I knew what guys wanted. I was to busy during college and now no one will want me. That makes me pathetic."
Edward move next to me, "Bella are you telling me you are a virgin?"
"Yes Edward I'm a twenty-two year old virgin that has never even had my first kiss."
"Bella you are not pathetic and you will find someone that will love that." He said.
"I don't know I find it hard to talk to guys. I find it easy to talk to you. It feels natural to talk to you," I told him honestly.
"It feels natural to talk to you also Bella I haven't told anyone what really happened with Leslie before. I like talking to you it calms me more than these." He said patting his shirt pocket. I would have smoked two or three more by now. Would you mind if I called you sometime?"
"I would like that," I said giving him my phone number. "Can I ask you something?"
"You can ask me anything Bella." He said.
"Would you have warned me about Alec if I hadn't seen through his bullshit?"
"Yes I would have. As the Chief's daughter he should have respected you enough to stay away. He has no respect for women and trust me he hasn't given up on you. A boyfriend won't stop him real or imaginary. I trust you not to fall for his shit."
"See Edward you can trust again. Any girl would lucky to have you and Leslie was a dumb ass for cheating on you."
"Thank you Bella. I feel like I can trust you. I can see the honesty in your eyes when you talk. It wasn't there when you told Alec you had a boyfriend."
"I have not waited this long to give myself to an asshole. I will safe myself for the person I fall in love with."
"I'm glad you will find him. Maybe he's closer than you think." He said. I think he's right in front of me but could he ever feel the same way. I will probably be alone forever.