Arrival

1

It was the two of us in the car. Mom and me, we drove in silence. The sweltering heat from the hot Phoenix climate poured into the car enveloping me. It comforted me as it always did. I loved the heat. My Mom only stared ahead at the black asphalt, keeping her foot firmly on the accelerator we flew down the freeway. The hot air only seemed to intensify the silence. I could not take it anymore.

"Mom…" I started.

"Bella, we've already discussed this."

She was right, we had discussed this many times before. Moreover, on the inside, I was kicking myself for not listening the first time. I picked at the decal on my vintage t-shirt. This couldn't have been too "vintage" considering I bought it in a mall outlet store. And when I say bought, I mean stole. It was actually the reason we were on the way to the airport. Helping myself to the t-shirt and a few other items in various stores about the mall is what made my mother decide to send me to live with my father for a few months. It wasn't only shoplifting that got me where I was. I had been cutting class, smoking pot, and vandalizing things as well. Most people would say that I was acting out. But in reality, I was just bored. Yes, my parents were divorced but that certainly wasn't the reason. If you ask me, they became better people when they got divorced. I don't remember much of when they were married but what I do remember wasn't pleasant. Since then I had spent two weeks of every summer and one Christmas out of each year in Forks, Washington. , be a small town that remains rain-soaked 99.9% of the time. It would be a drastic change from the hot desert of which I was so fond.

"This is going to be good for you Bella." My mom said.

She had told me this at least twenty times prior to getting in the car and then another twenty while speeding down the freeway. Sadly, it was all she had really said to me since breakfast.

"You know I love you." She added.

"Yeah, I know. I love you too." I replied. I brushed a stray lock of my chocolaty hair behind my ear and caught a sad smile from my mom out of the corner of my eye. The sea of guilt that had been swelling in me grew a little bit bigger. I looked out the car window and watched as the cars flew past us beyond the concrete barricades on the opposite side of the freeway. I silently wished I were heading in the direction they were. Some people would wonder how sending me to live with my near estranged father would rehabilitate me. Well, not many people have Sheriffs for fathers.

We pulled into the airport parking lot, bold white lines telling us where to park and for how long. "The white zone is for the loading and un-loading of passengers…" echoed in my head making me smile only slightly. My mom popped the trunk as she climbed out of the car. I had to use my mom's enormous floral patterned luggage much to my horror. The zipper on my suitcase broke as I was closing it the night before. I busied my hands with my carry on bag and my coat so I wouldn't have to pull it behind me. Thankfully, my mom grabbed the plastic handle and towed it behind her as she headed for the automated doors. I followed her eyeing a cop who looked as though he was getting ready to ticket my mom as soon as we were out of sight. The airport hummed with the sound of people hurrying to their gates, loved ones greeting each other, and the crackling voice of front desk attendant over the airport intercom. We approached the front desk and a kindly blond woman greeted us. Her hair was in a loose but neat bun and her colorful airline uniform accented her hourglass figure. After exchanging pleasantries and my Driver's license, she handed me my ticket which was neatly folded in a blue envelope and we headed towards the escalators. The ride to the gate was about as uneventful as the car ride. I smiled awkwardly at a woman who was almost screaming at someone on her cellphone. She returned my smile with a roll of her eyes and turned around to continue screaming at the person on the other end of her phone. As we came to the top of the escalator, my gate number came into view. My mom and me strolled over to the line of people going through airport security.

"Call me when you get there. Okay? I don't want to be up all night wondering if you even got on the plane." My mom said brushing my hair from my face.

"Jesus, mom…"

"What am I supposed to expect after these last few months Bella? You haven't exactly earned my trust."

I pushed her hand out of my face and shuffled my bag and coat in my arms.

"I'm going to miss you and so will Phil. Charlie is going to take good care of you."

Phil was my stepfather, we got along for the most part and he took care of my mom.

"I know. I'll miss you guys too." I shifted my eyes toward the line, which was beginning to move. Not hesitating I gabbed my mom and hugged her tightly.

"I'm sorry…" I said under my breath, small tears forming in my eyes. My mom only nodded the best she could with me wrapped around her. We let go and wiped our misty eyes and I headed toward the gate to get in line. I turned back to see my mom watching me sadly, her light brown hair rested neatly on her shoulders. Her eyes no matter how angry they had been still held unconditional love for me. I waved softly as she disappeared behind a crowd of busy travelers and she was gone. Wishing I had never hurt my mom so deeply, I pulled my flowery luggage behind me and headed for my gate.

2

I gripped the armrests as the small plane touched down in Port Angeles. I had spent four hours on a commercial jet sitting next to a man who told me about how much he and his wife enjoyed Phoenix and it's weather. I hated flying so I only nodded when I felt it appropriate and prayed when it felt as though the plane was going to fall apart in midair. The flight in the small plane was no better than the first. In fact, it was worse. I wanted out of the plane so bad that the hour's awkward drive to Forks with my Dad didn't bother me in the least. Peeling my hands from the armrests, I climbed out of the small plane and was tempted to kiss the wet asphalt of the airport. Instead, I slipped on my winter coat and zipped it up. The pilot, who was a stocky little man in a baseball cap, unloaded my mom's behemoth floral luggage and set in on the asphalt with a thud. I jumped, startled, I brought my attention down from the dark and gloomy sky to the large tacky luggage sitting at my feet. I thanked the pilot and headed toward the airport. As I approached the building, I could see a dark figure nervously pacing the lobby. Having no doubt in my mind that it was my Dad I took a deep breath and went in. Dying and already burned out fluorescent lights hung from the ceiling of the lobby and outdated orange pear-shaped seats lined its walls. It truly was a sad little airport. In addition, in the middle of the chipped-tile floor stood Charlie, My dad. His arms rested on his hips and the matching coat of his beige uniform was wet from the rain.

"Bella…" He smiled and extended his arms. I sauntered over to where he was and gave him an awkward hug.

"How was the flight?"

"Mortifying…" I replied. My dad stood there, and smiled while shuffling his feet.

"Uh well, let's get you home." He stuttered and quickly grabbed my luggage, aimed for the exit. I looked around the small lobby and followed him to the exit.

As we stepped outside, rain began to fall from the sky forcing me to flip the hood of my coat over my head. My dad unlocked the trunk of his silver cop cruiser and with a grunt, dropped my large suitcase inside. We climbed into the silver car and my Dad quickly brought it to life. He adjusted the heater as the warm air escaped from the vents reminding me of home.

"That should warm you up." He said as we pulled out of the parking lot.

"Thanks." I pulled my hood back, frustrated with the wet weather.

"Oh, you'll get used to soon enough." He replied. This made me nervous. We rode in silence for a few moments as I thought of something to say.

"I got you registered for school. So that'll be one less thing to worry about."

"Oh, that's awesome. Thank you so much." I said, partly grateful for what he'd done and for saying something when I couldn't.

"Also, I got you a car."

My eyes widened.

"You got me a car?" The surprised words blurted from my mouth.

"You sound surprised."

Of course I was surprised. I was exiled to Forks for being a delinquent and didn't expect a car upon arrival.

"Um. Well, yes actually. I know Mom wouldn't think it was the greatest idea. The car I had she got rid of." I responded.

"Well, I don't blame her after what you've been putting her through. But do have to work and can't drive you to school and pick you up. And giving you this car is a chance to earn my trust. Also, don't worry about Renee. I'll talk to her about it and we'll work it out. Okay Bells?"

I smiled - this time, a genuine smile. Before they had all been a gesture, masking how I was feeling. This smile though, was a happy one.

"What kind of car is it?" I asked curiously.

"Its an old red '67 Mustang a friend of mine owned. Do you remember Billy Black? He went fishing with us in the summer. He and his son Jacob are still living on the La Push reservation."

I remembered them but only vaguely. What I could remember was the faint scent of tobacco and peppermint that invaded my senses every time Billy gave me a hug.

"Well, spends most of his time in a wheelchair, so he decided to sell the car. It's a great car; he rebuilt the transmission and the engine himself."

"He's in a wheelchair? What happened?" The words jumped from my mouth.

"It was an auto accident a while back. He lost the use of his limbs but he's still the Same Billy Black. So when he heard you were coming he suggested I buy the car from him. He knew I'd been looking for one."

"Wow, poor Billy…" I sympathized.

"Yeah, but he and his boy are doing great." My dad said with a smile.

Still reeling from the shock of the new car, I nodded gladly and directed my vision to the passing scenery. It was all green, a deep emerald green. It was a sea of ferns and towering trees that I wanted to dive into. I was would miss Phoenix and it's blistering heat but I could get used to the emerald jungles of Washington.

3

As we pulled into the driveway, my Dad's small house came into view. The house hadn't changed at all. It still looked the same as it did last summer when I had come out. Although, the paint had faded even more and the front door's color had changed. Meaning, that the old one had finally fallen off it's hinges or my dad broke down and decided to paint it. Moreover, none of that really grabbed my attention more than what was sitting in the driveway. There it was. The car my Dad, had bought for me. A 1967 faded red, Ford mustang. I got out of the car -my mouth gapping- and slowly approached the car in awe. I didn't even mind the fine mist that was falling from the cloudy sky. This car was MUCH prettier than my last one. My last car was silver, if not; grey 1980's Toyota and I pretty much hated it. It had left me for dead on the side of the road one to many times. So when the shit hit the fan and my mom got rid of it I wasn't very disappointed.

There were a few tiny dents in it here and there, which I didn't mind at all. I thought it gave it character. The rims and detailing were all a dull chrome except for the small Mustang that reared it's head on the side of my car. "What do you think Bells?" My Dad said sneaking up on me.

"Dad! I love it! Thank you so much!" I almost tackled him showing my appreciation.

"I'm glad you like it. But remember, I am giving you a chance to earn my trust Bella. Give me any reason to think otherwise and I will be taking you to school, and walking you to class myself."

I stared at him in horror.

"I will. I Promise." And I planted a huge kiss on his cheek.

"Good, now let's get inside out rain." he finished before popping the trunk of the cruiser.

Getting my suitcase upstairs was a chore until my Dad intervened. I was lugging, lifting, and pushing in every direction. My dad simply picked it up by the pleather handle and glided up the stairs with it; leaving me feeling weak and useless. My room was in the same place it had always been, at the end of the hall at the west end of the house, which I loved. I had the perfect view of the street and front yard, which I loved. It was perfect for watching all the small birds playfully bathe in the puddles after a rainstorm.

My room was still the same color, light blue. After all the years I had been coming here my dad never changed a thing. My bed, old oak dresser, and desk were still in the same place. My dad dropped the heavy suitcase on the bare mattress.

"Well, here you go kiddo'. You know where the sheets and blankets are." He said pointing to the linen closet down the hall.

"I know where the linen closet is dad…" I replied.

"Okay, well I'll let you get to it then." My dad said before heading out the door. I began unzipping my suitcase when all of the sudden:

"Oh, Bells?" My dads head popped back in the doorway.

I stopped what I was doing.

"Yeah, Dad?"

"When you're done come downstairs so we can have a talk."

I cocked an eyebrow.

"A talk?"

"Yeah, you didn't think you were going to come all this way, after doing drugs and vandalizing the principle's car without a "talk" did you?"

I only stared at the mustached man's head that seemed to be hovering in the doorway.

"Didn't think so. I'll be downstairs Bells." He plainly stated before disappearing again.

I sighed heavily and plopped myself down on the bare mattress. I thought about my car sitting in the driveway. The least I owed the man was my undivided attention as he scolded me later.

4

"Goodnight…" I echoed back to my dad downstairs. I climbed the stairs and traveled down the hall to my bedroom. I closed the door behind me and re-lived the conversation with my Dad.

"So, why'd you do it?"

I shrugged and took a bite of pizza that I had ordered. I always ordered from the same place when I was in Forks. Being back made me crave it.

"I was bored I guess."

"Bored?" My dad stopped in mid-chew.

"When I was a kid we didn't spray paint the principle's car when we were bored. We may have egged it, but never spray painted it."

I took another bite of my pizza.

"I wasn't the only one who did it."

"That may be true but those other kids aren't my concern. You are. I don't want to see you end up in Juvenile hall Bella." He wasn't eating his pizza any longer. I was okay with this. There would be much more for me.

"It was a fifty -two thousand dollar car Bella. What the hell were you thinking?"

I dropped the piece of pizza on my plate.

"That's the point. Where the hell did he get the money to pay for a fifty-two thousand dollar car? He's a public school principle for Chrissake."

My Dad smirked.

"So, that's it. You were trying to make a statement."

I picked my pizza back up and took an annoyed bite.

"Maybe."

My Dad interlaced his fingers and took a deep breath.

"Bells, it's gotta stop. It's going to, here and now. I am speaking to you as your father and the Sheriff of Forks. Do we understand one another?" He stared at me intently.

"Yes…" I said through a mouthful of cheese.

"Good. Now I'm not going to even bring up the pot because that would only make your mother and I hypocrites." This made us both chuckle lightly.

"Bella…look at me."

I brought my eyes up from my food and met his eyes. His fingers were still interlaced but his gaze had softened.

"You're getting a fresh start and a second chance. Don't screw it up."

He was right, it was a fresh start. I was certainly thankful for it but wasn't sure I wouldn't screw it up. I was notorious for screwing things up.

I grabbed my cellphone from my desk, which my laptop now sat upon. It blinked silently as it recharged it's battery. I Flopped down on my now blue-comforter covered bed and flipped my phone open. I knew I was supposed to call my mom but I really didn't feel like going to through all the actions of having a conversation with my mother. I couldn't answer the million questions that came at me like a swarm of angry bees. So, instead of filing through the contacts of my cellphone phonebook. I chose the preferred method of communication with someone you were avoiding: text messaging. My finger bounced from key to key as I typed:

Mom, I made it just fine. Had stern talking to from

Dad and pizza for dinner. Weather is crappy,

no surprise there.

Love, Bella.

I pushed the send button, and before I could hear that familiar twinkling sound I turned my phone off. A million questions from my mom is bad, but so are a million text messages. I tossed my phone on the nightstand and rolled over on my side. It was weird being back. Only because I wasn't going to be here for two weeks but several months. Oh yeah, then there was that whole new kid in school thing. I was not looking forward to any of that. There was going to be gossip, not that any of that bothered me. It's not like I hadn't been at the center of controversy before. It was the awkward staring and the dead silence when I walked into rooms that got to me.

My eyelids were heavy and I was grateful. I didn't think I was going to get any sleep. With the lamp on my desk still on, and me still in me clothes, my eyes slowly began to close and I eventually drifted off to sleep. Outside the sky predictably began to drop rain on the small town of Forks, Washington.