New story! Hopefully this one won't crash and burn miserably like my other Twilight one. Ooh such encouraging words I know. ;)

Anyways I've had this idea swimming around in my head for a month now and like most things and annoying people, it wouldn't leave me alone. So this is what I came up with. No idea where it may go but I hope you enjoy the ride as I figure it out.

Enjoy!

God! How many toys does this kid need? Seriously.

I grunt as I tug again at the lavender suitcase that I swear weighed more now than it did when we left the airport back in Phoenix. The damned thing was lodged snuggly in the overhead compartment and refused to budge. I pulled again a little harder, this time planting my feet solidly to get a better hold and gripping the handle with both hands and forcing my weight back in an attempt to pry it loose that way.

But no go. After the fourth yank, and another frustrated complaint from one of the passengers behind me, I gave up and took my seat so the other whiny bodies in the aisle could get by. Slouching back in my seat, I sighed and ran my fingers through my dark hair tiredly, my cheek resting heavily in my other hand on the arm rest. My nerves were already frayed beyond repair. Any amount of soothing on my part would have just been pointless. I needed a cigarette. Like now.

After I was satisfied that pretty much all the passengers were off the plane, I shook my head in a vain attempt to dislodge my exhaustion from my mind and body and bent over to retrieve - what used to be - my white backpack and the small pink backpack with Miss Piggy's face printed on the front pocket.

"Excuse me, Miss?" I jumped in my seat at the sound of someone beside me.

An attractive, well built man with short dark hair greeted my vision. His eyes were a startling shade of gold, though they were filled with a warmth that stunned me for a moment. It took me a second longer to realize that he had said something.

"Sorry if I startled you." He said, looking a little guilty.

I smiled at him and shook my head. "Oh no. You're fine. I'm kinda all over the place today."

He smiled and nodded in understanding. "I was wondering if you needed help getting your stuff from the compartment."

I felt my shoulder muscles unclench slightly in relief at the offer. I smiled genuinely at him, the first real one in days and nodded. "That would be awesome. Thank you."

He smiled and backed up to retrieve the stupid luggage and with one swift pull, it was free and lowered to the ground. Um…thank you large man. I frowned at how easy he made that look. I seriously need to start working out.

Shaking my head, I stood up and got to work unbuckling the car seat next to me. The slumbering child wasn't showing any signs of opening her eyes and I hesitated to wake her up. Damn it. I couldn't bring myself to wake her but if I didn't, I would end up having to carry her, the car seat, my bag and hers, as well as wheel the lavender suitcase off the plane. I hope that a cart is close by. I don't think I can carry all of our stuff plus the adorable dead weight in my arms and still have time to grow another arm so I can wheel my suitcase once we got to baggage claim. Lord Bella. I think you bit off more than you can chew. And mom even said she would mail the rest, but then again, the poor woman - with tears in her eyes - insisted on packing the purple suitcase, saying it was only right since both her babies were leaving her. Last time I let her help me pack when I was only running on two hours of sleep prior. I would have agreed to anything at that point.

I sighed and gently maneuvered the little girl into the seat I had been sitting in previously so I could get the car seat out and place that on the ground. Smiling, I shook my head as she curled her body into a little ball, softly snoring without a care in the world. I cooed as she made a small sound when I picked her up but I knew she wouldn't stir. Kid slept like a rock. As she should since she stayed up all night and played in her room like a stinker while I was dead to the world and blissfully so. Though I didn't care since I knew that she would most likely be restless on the plane and sleeping through the flight would have been the better alternative. For my sanity and the rest of the cabin.

"Um would you like me to grab that for you?" A voice spoke politely.

Huh?

I was surprised to find the guy still there, though now that I was standing I could finally get a good look at him. This guy was huge. Nuff said.

He gestured to the car seat in my hand and I understood what he was getting at.

"Oh you don't have to do that. I'm just grateful that you got that offensive purple nightmare out of there before I could break something, and by something, I mean my back."

He chuckled. "I don't mind, really. If it's cool with you, that is. I promise I won't bolt with your stuff." He grinned. I laughed softly and handed him the kid seat. "As masculating as they are, I don't think purple's really my color."

I cupped my mouth with my newly available hand, holding in my laughter so the sound wouldn't jostle the girl in my arms. I didn't know who this dude was but I liked him. He seemed like he genuinely wanted to help me out so who was I to refuse. I needed it. I could admit when I was wading. I didn't like to do it but boarding with this much crap was a stupid idea, lack of sleep or not, I should have known not to listen to my mother.

"Suit yourself." I responded.

He looked over his shoulder and grinned before making his way down the aisle. I adjusted the girl in my arms and followed him off the plane.

"Baggage claim is this way." He said once we made it out of the tunnel and away from the waiting area where the new passengers were standing in line to board the plane that I just stepped off of. My eyes scanned the area carefully and found myself frowning at my efforts. Not finding what I was looking for I turned my gaze back in front so as not to run into anyone by mistake. That's usually what happens. The man - I really should get his name - turned left and I followed him blindly. I had never been to Seattle airport before, so even though I could have easily followed the signs telling me where to go, it was nice having a guide.

"Thanks again for your help." I told him when he slowed his pace enough to walk beside me. I think he understood that even if I tried I wasn't going to hurry to make it to where we needed to be. Yes, the kid was knocked out and probably wouldn't greet the living unless you shoved a Hershey bar in front of her nose but that didn't mean I was okay with bouncing her around simply so we could get there faster.

He turned his head and smiled. "It's no trouble. It bothered me that no one was willing to help you, especially since you got a kid with you."

I held on a little tighter at the mention of the sweet girl in my arms and smiled down at her.

"Well that's assholes for ya." I said, looking up at him.

He laughed loudly but quieted as soon as he saw the three year old flinch in my arms at the sound.

"Sorry." He winced.

I smiled. "It's fine. She won't wake up, trust me."

"I'm Emmett by the way." He said a little more softly this time, flashing me a perfect smile.

"Bella."

"It's nice to meet you, Bella."

"You as well."

"So," He drawled as we began descending the long escalator. "What brings you to Seattle?"

Well, that was a big question. "Change, I guess." I shrugged as I looked away from him and laid a gentle kiss on the sleeping girl's forehead. "I have family in Forks."

His ears seemed to perk up at the last bit of information.

"Forks." He stated.

I nodded. "Yup. Haven't been in years so God knows what I'm getting myself into once I get there." I said, chuckling a little to lessen the heavy admission.

"S'not so bad." He shrugged. "Once you get passed the constant rain and the perpetual gray sky its kinda purdy. Well, in a depressing sort of way."

I quirked an eyebrow.

"Talking from experience?"

His grin widened. "I live there so yeah."

My jaw fell open. "Oh." What are the odds? "Small world."

He smiled slowly. "Yeah. Small world."

When we made it to baggage claim the conveyer belt was already spitting out luggage and delivering them to their owner. Emmett asked what the suitcase looked like and once I listed the characteristics he made a beeline through the crowd. Man he was a sweet guy.

Spotting a row of chairs near me, I went to sit down, after placing the little girl comfortably on my lap; I dug out my phone from my bag. I needed to dial Charlie. He told me he would be waiting outside the gate for me but I never saw him and after the third ring I was beginning to panic.

Please don't do this to me Charlie.

...But the call went straight to voicemail. Fuck. I called his cell again but I got the same result. Double fuck. I scrolled through my contacts to find his home number and pressed - [CALL].

I felt my heart sink a little more at each ring. This cannot be happening.

"…This is Charlie Swan. Um I'm sorry but I can't come t-"

"Son of a-"

"Bad news I take it." Emmett was back, car seat held awkwardly under his arm while both hands held one of the suitcases. Setting my phone in the little lap I held in my arm, my hand made the instinctual motion of running itself through my hair. My mom said I usually did this more when I was frustrated or tired, though, I never noticed until now how right she was. My hair probably looks like a mysterious creature lives in there at this rate. Oh well. I find myself too tired to care.

"I think my ride bailed on me. I'm trying to reach him but I keep getting his damn answering machine."

Emmett frowned, his head turning from side to side as if in search of something. "Was he supposed to meet you somewhere?"

I nodded and gestured with my hand lazily. "The gate." I told him. "But I never saw him."

"Do you want to go back and check?" He asked.

I shook my head. Truthfully, I wasn't really surprised that Charlie was a no show. A part of me was kind of expecting it. But I dared to hope that he wouldn't leave his kin stranded in a strange airport with no way of getting out of there.

"Wouldn't do any good."

Emmett's frown deepened. He looked like he wanted to say something but was stopped by the ever catchy lyrics of Madonna. My brow quirked.

"Living in a material world and I am a material girl. You know that we are living in a material world and I am a material girl-"

I looked at him amusedly as he fumbled with the stuff in his arms. Finally placing the seat on the floor he quickly dug in the inside of his jacket pocket and pulled out a sleek looking touch phone.

"Yeah." He answered. I looked away from the man, giving him his privacy, as he continued his conversation with the person on the other line. Though, I didn't mind. I was more than content as my fingers wove themselves softly through small, chestnut curls. This was her favorite way to fall asleep and it was also a wonderful method to put her back to sleep and keep her there.

"Are you sure though?" He asked hopefully his frown slowly melting as one corner of his mouth curled higher and higher.

Whoever was on the other line was obviously giving him some great news. I gave him a soft, silent smile as I couldn't help but notice the excited tone in his voice. I was happy at least someone's day was going right.

"Thanks for the heads up munchkin. See ya in a bit." He put his phone away and beamed at me.

"What?"

"So would you be opposed to carpooling with me back to Forks? I know we just met but if it makes you uncomfortable or whatever you can drive."

I stared at him, my brow creasing slightly. "Why are you doing all this? I-I mean, not that I'm not grateful," I added quickly once he began frowning again. Way to go Bella. "But you don't even know me."

He shrugged. "Neighborly thing to do I guess."

I eyed him skeptically. Though I was obviously out of shape, I had taken self defense classes a year ago so if he did try anything I could still break his nose and hopefully push him out of the car before the situation escalated.

"I promise to behave. " He said with a smile though his eyes held such raw sincerity that was hard to miss. As insane as accepting his offer was, since I didn't know him, my gut was telling me that he wouldn't hurt me or the precious girl in my arms. I finally nodded.

"Okay." Because seriously. What choice did I have?

He grinned and picked up our luggage.

"Did you want to sit for a bit, maybe rest or get something to eat before we head out?" I smiled at his thoughtfulness but shook my head.

"We're fine. But thanks for asking."

"Of course, meh lady." He winked.

I chuckled and stood. I followed him out of the airport and to the parking lot. He stopped by a large white jeep and began loading everything in the back. I walked over to the other side and laid the three year old on the seats so I could fasten the car seat securely. After everything seemed in order I buckled her in and closed the door. I really hope I wasn't about to make another stupid decision by accepting this guy's offer. With that worrying thought in mind I climbed into the passenger seat and buckled in. Emmett looked surprised as he got into the driver's side.

"What?"

"I'm just surprised you wouldn't prefer driving."

"There's a lot of surprising things happening this morning. And -" I hesitated to tell him my next thought but my need to be honest with people won out. "For some strange reason," Emphasis on the strange. "I trust you. I don't know why but I do."

He smiled widely. "I promise," He said, giving a firm nod. "You have nothing to worry about. I'm a perfect gentleman when I'm not playing video games."

I giggled but nodded. "I guess we'll just see about that."

Please let him be telling the truth.

We drove in silence for almost an hour as Emmett maneuvered us out of the hellish Seattle traffic. Though, I was only half surprised that the silence wasn't stifling and was kind of nice. It was nice being able to be in the company of someone without the expectation of words to feel comfortable. Very rarely do you find someone you can enjoy that with. But the fact that we didn't know a single thing about each other - besides our names and the mutual destination that we were headed for - probably played a big factor in that. But whatever.

"So what brought you to Phoenix, if you don't mind me asking?" I asked. I didn't think he would since he pretty much asked me the same thing about why I was in Washington. He seemed like a pretty open guy either way.

He stared at the road ahead but didn't answer right away. "An errand." He said. "There was something very important that I needed to keep safe."

My brows knitted together at that. Well that's incredibly vague. I shrugged.

"And did you get your important thing?"

The corner of his lips quirked up. "As far as I know. But I didn't do it for me."

"Who'd you do it for then?"

God. Nosy much?

He thought about his answer for a moment before saying, "My family." He glanced in the rearview for a moment before adjusting his focus ahead.

Accepting his answer I shrugged and leaned more fully against the ultra comfy back rest. Breathing a sigh before I could stop myself, I found my lids steadily growing heavier and heavier, until all I could see was the dark red of the back of my eyelids and then darkness. After what only felt like minutes I soon found myself being gently roused from an interesting dream. A dream that featured golden eyes and pale skin.

"Bella. Hey Bella, we're here."

I sat up in my seat a little. "What?" I asked, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"Welcome to Forks." Emmett said cheerfully. I scoffed. Like there would ever be anything cheerful about Forks. I mean…just look at it!

The dark gray sky seemed to hang low and heavy as it smothered the green landscape. I think the last time I was here I was maybe nine and it's just as gloomy as it was then. I guess things never change.

It's like the perfect location for the most depressing movie ever made. No. Seriously. What the hell am I doing here?

"This place is like Eeyore's wet dream." I muttered under my breath. I winced as soon as the words left my mouth. Emmett chuckled and I looked sheepishly at him.

Why do you have to be an ass? He lives here remember.

"Sorry. That came out wrong."

He shook his head but I was surprised at how amused he looked, not insulted in the slightest. "No. That was actually pretty accurate."

I breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing I wanted to do was offend this guy after all he did for us.

I gave him directions to Charlie's house and once he turned onto the street and the small white house came into view I turned around in my seat.

"Sweetheart. Wake up." I squeezed her thigh until her brow began to crease.

Blinking tiredly, she lifted her head up curiously. Emmett parked the Jeep and whispered that he would get our stuff from the back and put it on the porch while I dealt with the little one. I smiled my thanks. Her eyelids began to droop and I shook my head at the adorable sight.

"We're here baby girl." I shook her foot gently. After the many hours that she's been asleep she should be more receptive. Her features turned down in a frown.

"Her?" She mumbled sleepily.

I smiled at the adorable girl as she rubbed her eye with her little fist. "Yes baby. We're here. But you gotta wake up okay?"

She yawned and gave a little nod. I turned to Emmett as he opened my door offering me his hand like a true gentleman. I smiled. "Thanks again for your help. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't met you."

"Then try not to think about it." He said with a quirk of his lips. "Now get outta here. I'll see ya around most likely."

"Good. Because I need to find some way to thank you."

"No need. It comes with the job description of being awesome to help such lovely damsels in distress." He winked. I rolled my eyes but smiled as I got out of the Jeep. He stepped aside to let me by. I opened the door and got the little one and the car seat out. Emmett took the car seat from my hands and walked with us to the porch. He set that down on the bottom step and turned to me.

"Well, I guess I better get going."

I nodded and gave a small wave. "Thanks again. It was nice meeting you Emmett.

"You too Bella. Take care munchkin." He smiled down at the little girl by my feet.

The three year old tilted her head to the side as she considered him.

He laughed at her expression. "Bye Bella."

"See ya Emmett."

I watched as the Jeep pulled away. I felt a tug on the hem of my jacket and looked down.

"Who Emmy?"

"A friend. He helped us."

"Oh."

"Come on. Let's go say hi to Charlie." I held her little hand in mine as we climbed the high stone steps.

I took a deep breath…and then pressed a shaky finger against the well worn door bell.

I'm going to kill you Charlie.

I hope that didn't feel rushed. I was more excited about having this down on Word and eager to post it. *shrug*

Next Chapter: Charlie gets a verbal bitch slapping from Bella. And Bella enrolls in school buuuut apparently the surprises aren't over just yet when she gets a rather interesting welcome.

Thank for reading! R&R if you have the time and tell me what you think. Let me know if you think I should continue.

Later gators! XD