CHAPTER 1 – Breakaway

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly

Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye

I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change

And breakaway

(Breakaway – Kelly Clarkson)

Rain started pouring as I put the last few pieces of clothing inside my duffle bag. The rest of my things were already shipped to California early this week. I sat as exhaustion and emotion overwhelm me. After twenty-six years of living in this small town of Forks, I am finally spreading my wings and flying away. Away from the bad memories, the pain, and the gloomy weather.

Right after I passing the Washington State bar exam, I had a lengthy conversation with my dad about my plans. I have a degree in Mass Communication as my pre-law and although I was lucky enough to land a job at the local media network in Port Angeles, I knew I was destined for more. I am more than happy to run a short news program and putting what I have learned into practice but deep inside I knew that I could do better, that I could do more. Despite Charlie's protests that I should go into law practice, (well it was actually his dream that I become a lawyer not mine. I am more than happy being a broadcast journalist) I sent an application attaching all my write ups, news scripts as well as few TOA's of our news program to every television company settled in California. And just like faith is agreeing with me, I received a confirmation for interview two months ago.

My father Charlie, who is Forks' Chief Police, has been supporting me ever since my hair brained mother left us. Their life as a married couple didn't last long. My mother, who just barely gotten out of college, learned that she was pregnant and freaked out. She laboriously stayed with my dad until I was born. The moment I was able to walk, she asked for divorce and went back to her hometown in Florida. She did try to visit me once a year but after I turned five, we've never heard from her anymore. Growing up, I never really cared much that I only have one parent. Charlie did his best to support me and nurture me. We love each other though we don't often say it out loud or show it through gestures. We are all that we have.

My life wasn't an easy one. I had to strive hard to get things that I need. I was popular in school, not because I am rich or pretty – actually I am pretty plain. People befriend me because they needed my help. Not to boast too much but I have been a consistent honor student. I don't know if it is just sheer luck that I get high grades or maybe I really am that intelligent, but part of it was because of my dad. I knew how hard he's been working for me, to send me to school, give what's best for me and so I have to strive hard and make him proud. And though this new chapter in my life will surely make me miss him, I know that deep inside, he really is proud of my achievements.

A light knock on my door pulled me out of my reverie. It was Charlie.

"Come on in dad."

He went inside my room only to lean over my desk. He surveyed the rest of my belongings that I am leaving behind before speaking.

"You sure you've got everything you needed?"

"Yep. The courier just called and said that the packaged arrived. I'll just have to call them up once I've got settled."

"Okay. No more internet, you better sleep. We'll go to service early then drop you off at Port Angeles." I nodded in agreement before he turned and started for the door.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked.

"We've talked about this before. I want this."

"Is it because of Jacob?"

"No. I want this. I want to be there." I barely whispered the last few words. Then I heard the door shut.

Do I really want this? Does this have something to do with Jacob?

Jacob. He is a childhood friend. We've both met in kinder and went to the same school. By junior year, we've become really close and started dating. After a month of exchanging love letters we became official. At first, we kept it from our parents knowing that, they are strict. But when my dad forced me to spill when during our junior prom, Jacob gave me roses; I have no choice but to admit. He was my first in everything and so am I with his. We are both taking baby steps in figuring out how to work our relationship. When he came to my life I thought of him as my knight in shining armor. He did what I thought of him would be, a protector, a brother, a friend but as our relationship progressed, he started to change. He became temperamental, demanding and tight. He started becoming more jealous and wanted my attention for his only. Things got worse when we went to college. We went to different schools and got different schedules. I did try my best to work out our times so that we could still see each other. I thought I was doing a good job but everything fell apart when he started having flings. Every semester, it would be a different girl. We would cool off and after sometime he would go back again to me and the stupid I would accept him. It wasn't until my last few months in college that we both decided to end our five year relationship. Every pain, hurt, tears have just become too much for me to bear. Right after my graduation, he told me about his new girlfriend, Vanessa, whom we have known from high school. The next few months after our break up and knowledge of his new relationship, I knew that we are both in denial. We would still text each other as we are supposedly friends. But it all ended when he told me to back off after he and Vanessa got into an argument because his family still won't accept her. As I lay my head on my pillow, I was reminded of that afternoon when I finally said my goodbyes to him.

"Bells, we've heard that you'll be leaving soon. Why is that?"

"Aunt Sarah, I would just like to try it out there. It's my dream. We'll never know, maybe one day you'll see me on tv!" I joked trying to lighten the mood

"You know he still could change his mind."

"Please, I'm over him. He and Vanessa are expecting a child and I know that they want to get married. Let them be. Support him. I'll still be your daughter you know. Nothing will change."

"Mom! What do we – oh." He spat "I'll just go back to…"

I cut him off "Jacob, I need a moment with you. Please." He stared at me contemplating whether it would be a good decision or not but he finally gave in and started towards the kitchen table grabbing a chair.

"I'll leave you two. Bells, take care of yourself there." Sarah said as she stood up

"I will. And please, let them be happy. And thank you for everything."

Deep silence ensued between us. I know that Jake has no interest of ever speaking to me and as much as I want this to be over I don't know where to start.

"I need to fetch Vanessa so if there is anything you needed to say, please just say it."

I looked up at him, his eyes where molten rocks of dark brown. Cold and hard. I wonder what ever happen to the sweet and childlike Jacob that I once loved.

"I..I'm leaving. Uh. I'll be going to California, follow my dreams." I took a deep breath before I continue with my speech "I knew that I have hurt you, well at least that was what I was told that is why you kind of distance yourself from me. And for that I am sorry. I never wanted to forget about us, our friendship. You…you put me back into pieces. You were the only person who accepted me for who I am, insecurities and flaws and all fuckedupness included. I loved you then and I still love you now…but as a brother, a friend. Nothing more. I only want you to be happy and I know that it's impossible because your family still thinks that we could…but we will never." My tears betrayed me and they started pouring. I missed my friend so much, he was once my anchor. I knew from the very beginning that he would be my forever but I was wrong. Or maybe, just maybe, God has a different plan for me. "I just want you to be happy. I am leaving not for your sake but for mine. But I am sure that somehow, it will help. If I am nowhere near this place, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Billy will soon open up to Vanessa. Congratulations by the way. You'll be a good father. Just be happy Jacob. Thank you for everything. I won't bother you anymore. You can now go on with your life and pretend that we never happened. That I never happened. It would be much easier. Goodbye Jake."

And that was the last time I saw him. I drifted to a peaceful sleep with my pillow drenched from tears. Tomorrow will be a new day for me and maybe, just maybe, I would finally find my place.

Morning came and I was awoken by a slick wet thing on my face. I half opened my eye and saw Ziva on top of me. Ziva is Seth's's 4 year old Pomeranian.

"Hey, you coming with us or what? You have 30 minutes to prepare." he said slightly crouching to pick up the dog.

"Ugh, can you just tell them that I'll meet you there? I want to visit Pops first." I responded as I stalk outside my room.

"Two cars? Who would drive it home once we dropped you off the airport then?" I knew from the tone of his voice that he really wanted to drive the truck so I gave in.

"I'll leave my keys with you. You take good care of her okay? And study hard! Now get out of the house and tell the lovebirds to move along." He gave me a very huge grin but turn to me right before he steps outside. "Bells, I'm gonna miss you. Once Sue and Charlie gets married, we're officially siblings. You understand me. And I will take good care of your truck!" Then he went off.

Not in the mood for anything to eat I just prepared myself a cereal drink and started loading my stuff. After I was done, I took a quick shower and then left to visit Pops.

Mr. and Mrs. Foz were Spanish couple who lived a few blocks from us. I remember when I was younger I would help him and his wife in their garden. He has a strange fascination with pine trees and so when he passed I asked the land supervisor of the cemetery if we could plant one near his grave. During night time when he would sit on his front porch and look at the stars, I would sneak out of the house only to hear him tell stories about the distant galaxies. When I was in grade school and participated in the United Nations pageant, he was the one I run to and ask to teach me a few Spanish. When dad would be too busy to pick me up from school or he got held up in the station, he would spare some of his time to get me and we would eat at The Diner. I was thankful that even if we were not related, he still made me feel like family. Even his daughters accepted me like I am part of it. And so when he got sick, I volunteered in taking care of him. Before he passed away, he had the chance to meet Jacob and have him promise to take care of me.

"Too bad he broke his promise Pops" a tearful sob came from me as I brush of a few pine needles that covered his headstone.

"I'm leaving today. But I am not going to New York." I laughed a little on how lame my joke is. "I'll be working with CNet Productions. Would you believe that? I made it."

Sitting down and thinking of what to say next, my tears just came pouring. "Thank you Pops. For everything. I hope you are proud of me. You should be!" I chuckled. "Say hi to Nana Cita for me up there." I tried to compose myself to no avail. "I will make all my dreams come true Pops. I'm going to travel the world. I'm going to meet the man of my dreams, get married, have kids and live a happy, blissful and blessed life. Then we'll see each other there. Do you have pine trees there Pops?" I started sniffing. "You look over mom, dad, Sue, Seth and Leah okay?"

"I'm going to miss you Pops. I love you. I'll visit as often as I can and I promise, I'll let you meet my God's Best once God has decided to let me have him in my life." Just before I leave his grave a black butterfly came flying. More tears came from me as I knew very well who this butterfly is. Pops is giving me his blessing after all. I better get going.

(This is the new story that I am doing. I have a couple of chapters written but I will only post the first chapter. I still need to finish my other story; It Started With a Kiss before I devote my time in completing this one. Please leave your reviews/comments. Again it might take me some time before I upload the next chapter because of my busy schedule.)