TITLE: Learning How to Bloom

AUTHOR: Virgo Pixie

SUMMARY: After a traumatic experience, Bella moves back to Forks, were she learns more about friendship, flowers, and freedom. This is the year Isabella Marie Swan Bloomed. Canon Pairing. All human.

A/N:

Hello all,

I want to first take the time to say THANK YOU for reading my fanfic. I hope you love it and grab on to the story quickly as I have. I currently don't have a beta or a proof reader, but I thought 'hey, the show must go on!' So here we are. If you have any questions, comments, or rants you feel you must share, please DM me, or Comment to this story. I am currently a junior in college, so I want to be able to post once a week, but I might get delayed at times, so please be patient. Tell me what you think…

Chapter 1

The place smelled the same as I always remembered: Rain, Moss, and a hint of mildew. The car ride from the airport was as it always was, quiet. Charlie, being the perfect cop that he is, has his face straight ahead, his eyes is focused on the road, and his hands is gripping the steering wheel so hard that his already pale knuckles was turning a sickly white. I really wanted to grab my iPod to blast my music, so I won't have to suffer through this uncomfortable silence, but I didn't want to seem rude. I must admit that I loved this silence, it's better than my mother's constant unnecessary chatter. He was all I had now, even though he didn't know that little detail yet. The memory of my mother telling me that she didn't want to deal with my ungrateful, whore ass flashed through my mind, and I had to keep the bile from coming up as it always did when I thought about that night. I didn't let her see me cry, but as soon as I was on the plane, I cried so hard I was afraid that the passenger next to me would be horrified, but she wasn't. She was beautiful, with a heart-shaped face that was framed with the most beautiful copper, caramel hair I have ever seen. She looked at me with those expressive green eyes, and asked me if everything was okay. I, thinking that I would never see this lady again, told her everything. I told her about my life in Phoenix, about my mother Renee, and I even told her about Phil. It poured out of me and as I finished I passed out from all the exhaustion. I woke up with my head on her shoulder, and a huge, embarrassing amount of drool were my head once was laid. She shook off my apology, and told me that she was glad she was my shoulder to cry on. She gave me a soft smile, and an encouraging hand squeeze. I remember thinking as she walked away, I wish she was my mother. The car stopping abruptly caused me to come out of my chaotic mind, and realize that we have made it home. Same as it always was, small, white, and slightly worn.

"Your hair is longer." Charlie said as he finally looked over at me.

"Um… thanks." I said because I didn't know what to say. What I really wanted to say was, 'I cut it since last time you saw me.' But I didn't want to get kicked out for being rude. That was one of the things Renee said when she told me to get up and pack.

"I hope Charlie can deal with those smart ass comments" she spit at me as she throw clothes at me.

She throw one more glare my way as she snapped at me to get dressed.

Shaking my head of the memory, I grabbed my things as Charlie grabbed my luggage. As we walked to the door I noticed a big rusty red truck sitting next to Charlie's police cruiser.

"Um… Bells, I like you to meet your truck." He said with a small smile. I looked now at the truck with new eyes. This is mine? No, this can't be mine. Did Charlie seriously buy me a truck? I looked at Charlie to confirm, when I saw his smile began to fall.

"I know it's not new or flashy, but it can get you to school. You can go to Port Angeles and hang out with some of your friends. I just thought you would like some freedom, and-"

I cut him off, once I realized that he was serious about this truck being mine. I then told him exactly how I felt,

"I love it Charlie!" I told him with grateful eyes. Charlie then looked away with a small smile.

"Glad you like it" he mumbled as he began to walk back towards the house. Opening the door, the house was the same as I remembered from when I was 8. The recliner was across the TV, and the place was glittered with pictures of me as a kid, and some of Charlie and Renee. It was worn, but warm. You could tell it was lived in. Walking up the stairs with Charlie, he showed me my old room. The purple walls were so familiar just as the rocking chair in the corner was also. The only things that was different was the bed sheets, and instead of the prehistoric computer, a sleek silver laptop sat in its place. I also noticed that there was a new TV on a stand across my bed. Charlie sat down my luggage in the corner as I walked around the room.

"Charlie, you didn't have to buy me the laptop and the new TV." I told him as I sat on the bed, because I knew that those things were a luxury at Renee's house. I had to earn the privilege to watch TV or get on the internet for other than my school work. I never got to earn my worth to her, I guess I was just worthless. He shrugged as he looked at me,

"I wanted you to be comfortable here Bells." He said with a comforting smile. Could he see how broken I am now? Could he see the scars that cover me? I know Renee and Phil did a number on me, but did it show? I couldn't keep his gaze long, so I looked down at the deep purple and blue comforter instead.

"Thanks Charlie. This is all so nice." I say. The bed dips beside me, and I feel Charlie's hand slip into mine. Charlie then clears his throat,

"Bella, what's going on?" he ask. I shake my head as I gather as much courage as I can to lie to him.

"I am fine, I just wanted to give Renee and Phil space. They are newlyweds." I try to say with as much enthusiasm as I can, but I think it fall short once I spoke his name.

"Are you sure that's all?" he ask one last time.

"Yes" I say with a smile, but I'm sure it looks more like a frown. He looked at me as if he didn't believe a word I said, but he nodded as if to say 'okay, I'll let it go for now.' He got up as he gave my shoulder a small squeeze, and walked to the door. I let out a small relieved sigh as I heard the door open, but it didn't close.

"You know bells, you can always call me dad." He said simply as he closed the door. A tear fell and then the dam broke. I tried to cry as softly as I could while the pillow muffled my sobs. I cried for Charlie, who was always so good to me. I cried for the years I lost with him, because of my mother. I cried for the little girl who use to call him dad.

…..

I woke with a start from the reoccurring nightmare, as the rain fell heavy outside my window. I grabbed my phone off my nightstand next to my Romeo and Juliet book, and looked at the time, 6:35. I've completely slept the day away, I thought as I got out of my bed. My stomach growled as I made my way down stairs to see what I could whip up for dinner. The smell of pizza hit my nose as I walked down the last step to see my dad in his recliner, with a huge slice of peperoni pizza hanging out of his mouth. His eyes was glued to the TV, until he noticed me.

"Bells, I ordered pizza. I wasn't sure what your favorite was so I just ordered a peperoni. I hope that's ok?" he asked with unsure eyes.

"Thanks dad. Peperoni is my favorite, but you didn't have to order pizza. I could have made something for dinner." I could tell as I said this that I was fidgeting, and Charlie, being the ever observant cop, zeroed in on my fingers.

"I didn't want to make you my slave on the first day I get you. I just got you back." He says with a throaty chuckle. I laughed with him, but I felt the hairs on my arm rise with his words. I turned and walked toward the brightly kitchen, as I rubbed my arms soothingly.

He's not like them. He's not like them. He's not like them.

Was on repeat in my mind, I could feel myself getting light headed, so I sat down and placed my head between my legs. With deep breaths I would hear my heart began to slow down to a normal pace. I don't know how long I sat there before my legs started to work and my arms started to act more like arms. Putting two slices on a plate, I sat on the kitchen table and began to eat my pizza in silence. I hummed a small satisfied tune as I munched happily on my second slice. Renee never believed in fast food, she always called it 'greasy garbage', but on the days I knew she wasn't going to be home, I would pig out on any greasy takeout I could get my hands on. After I finished eating, I decided to do some cleaning. I cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom. I washed the dishes, scrubbed the floor and counters, and I even cleaned out the stove and refrigerator. Satisfied with the way I left the kitchen, I walked back into the living room to an angry Charlie. He was sitting on the edge of his recliner, as his eyes watched the game with rapid attention. The sound of a whistle blowing on the TV, caused Charlie to sit back and curse silently. All while this was going on, I stood over by the kitchen door with my head bowed and my hands folded behind me, my usual stance.

"Oh, Bella you scared me. Why are you all the way over there? You want to sit and watch the game?" he asked as he motioned toward the couch next to the recliner.

"No sir, I don't want to interrupt you. I just wanted to ask, did you have any clothes that needed to be washed?" I asked as I looked at him, but not for long. Renee never liked my eyes on her long.

"No I did them this morning. I like to reserve my Sunday mornings to laundry."

Nodding my head I make my way back upstairs were I can relax, but before I could Charlie stopped me in my tracks with what came out of his mouth next,

"I had you registered for school. You start tomorrow."

I turned around to him to give him a small smile and a nod, before I made my way back upstairs to my room, my sanctuary, my safe haven.

….

The morning fog covered my window as I looked outside the next morning. Did the sun ever come out in this tiny town? Shoving the covers to the side, I stretched up as a yawn escaped my mouth. Getting up I began to fix the bed, Renee never liked a junky room. After getting my room straightened, I walked over to my suitcase, and began to pick out the outfit that I would be wearing for my first day of school. Shades of black, white, and nude, began to fill my vision. Renee made sure that I was always in uniform, no matter what day it was. The memory began to fill my vision, there stood an eight year old girl,

"What did I tell you Isabella? No other colors beside white, black, and nude! Nothing else is acceptable in this house." She said with an intense glare that shook me to the core.

"But mom, I like the color blue. You use to let me wear it when we lived with-"a loud screech filled the air stopping me from continuing. Renee face was blotchy and red, I then realized my mistake. I was told never, ever to say Charlie, Dad, or Daddy any more, at least not in front of her.

"Renee, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean that." I said soothingly hoping to win some brownie points by calling her Renee. She then took a small breath, and she looked me straight in the eye, and in a grave voice she spoke,

"Isabella, take that blue sweater off."

That night, she burned every item of clothing I had that wasn't the colors she preferred, but of course she kept all of her clothes that were different colors. I didn't know at the time, but now I know why she insisted on the colors. It was because she wanted me to be the perfect, little house slave: quiet, reserved, and productive. Grabbing my beige sweater, black pair of jeans, and my bag of toiletries, I made my way to the only bathroom in the house. Making quick work of my morning routine, I realize that I haven't checked with Charlie about what time breakfast is usually served. Racing down the stairs, caused me to trip on the last one, but from years of tripping I've learned to catch myself before I caused too much damage. I took a moment to gather myself. I smoothed down my hair and my sweater, as I calmly walked towards the kitchen, but before I could open the door, Charlie came rushing out. We almost collided, but I jumped out of the way before it could come to that.

"Oh Bells, Honey, I'm sorry I was just about to leave." I simply nodded. Charlie walked around me making his way to the coat rack by the door, and began to put on his belt that held all the necessary things that a chief would have on him. Before he opened the door, I called his name.

"Yes bells?" I could feel myself began to fidget, but I tried not to convey my nervousness to ask a simple question. One thing about Renee, she did not like to be asked a lot of questions, she simply wanted to see results.

"What time should I serve breakfast?" I ask, as I folded my fidgeting hands behind me. I wanted Charlie to know that I would handle anything he needs from me. He looked puzzled, but his voice sounded so sure,

"You don't have to serve me Bells." He simply said as he took one step towards me. The sudden movement caused me to slightly flinch, and I hoped that Charlie didn't notice, but Charlie, being ever observant, noticed and his eyes began to look extremely concerned. Before he could speak, I tried to bring back the conversation at hand,

"What I mean is, what time are you usually done getting ready in the morning?" I nodded with confidence. He looked unsure on how to answer, his hand began to rub the back of his neck as he spoke.

"Well, I'm usually done by 7, but sometimes I'm not done until 7:15." Nodding my head, I told him that I will have breakfast for him tomorrow, and that I apologize for not having it ready on today. He nodded, looking uncomfortable with the situation, and said his usual "sure Bells" as he walked out the door. I will get this right, I can't afford to make any mistakes living here. I had to make sure that Charlie was pleased with me. Making a piece of toast, I hurriedly ate and grabbed my things to head early to school to get my schedule. The fog greeted me as I opened the door, and made my way to my monster of a truck. Starting the engine, caused it to roar loudly to life, and I knew then that my baby, will be called 'Monster'. The drive to the school was a quick and easy one, as I saw the small, red bricked building, I knew that I have arrived to my new school. I decided to park a little ways from the building so I won't be in anyone's way or parking space. Grabbing my simple, black backpack, I make my way to the side door that is marked office. Opening the door caused me to get a gust of warmth before I could properly walk into the building. The office was simple with tile floors and beige walls, the only significant thing in the office was the cherry wood shelves behind the frizzy red haired lady. She glanced up at me with a look of curiosity, before her face broke out into a bright smile.

"Bella Swan is that you?" she said as she began to gather what I guess was my file, and schedule. I gave her small polite smile, as I simply nodded.

"I'm Ms. Cope, in case you forgot my name." I smiled and I can feel my face began to flush from embarrassment. I didn't remember her name, and I surely didn't remember her face. I couldn't tell her that, so I simply nodded again, and thanked her for my schedule. In my haste to get out of the office, I almost left my map of the small school, with all its classes. Thanking Ms. Cope quickly, I made my way back to my truck. As I opened my door, I began to see the parking lot fill before my very eyes. Skipping out on walking back to my truck, I decide to make my way to my locker, to stow away my things. Something caught my eye as the door of the school closed behind me,

Was that a car with flowers growing from the top of it?

…

My classes were easy to find, so I had no problems with making my way from class to class. My first class of the day was US Government, and it was very simple, but the teacher Mr. Pitts made me introduce myself to the class, which of course caused me to stutter, fidget, and worse of all blush. What was also weird, was this guy, Jasper Whitlock. He was a real live cowboy, who was extremely funny, but also very intelligent, even though you wouldn't guess it. I never seen a guy quite as good looking as he was, but I of course didn't let it show how interesting he was to me. My next class was English, with Mr. Mason, which of course was a disaster. Not only did he make me introduce myself, but his lingering eyes caused me to stumble in front of the entire class. Of course everyone laughed at my slip up, and my face went from pink to magenta. I loved English, so after the embarrassment, I found myself enjoying the class, no matter how many times Mr. Mason would smile my way. We then paired off to dissect the poem, 'Because I could not stop for Death' by Emily Dickinson, and I met Angela Webber, who I found I was comfortable with. Of course not as comfortable to tell her my life's story, but good enough to keep up a normal conversation. I then realized that I liked her, and I hardly ever like people, at least not honestly. My third class was French, with Mrs. Beau, and I instantly liked her, because she didn't have me introduce myself, she instead was ready to get to work. During class, I began to notice a short, raven haired beauty staring at me frequently. She was very short in her sit, and her foot looked as if it bounced from anticipation. Her hair was sticking out stylishly in all direction, and her gray-blue eyes seemed to pierce my soul. I then began to wipe my face, and smooth out my hair, hoping I didn't have anything on my face. At one point our eyes met, and instead of looking embarrassed at being caught staring, she simply smiled friendly at me, and gave me a slight wink. I froze as a thought hit me,

I think she's flirting with me.

I was truly flattered that she thought that I was attractive, but I didn't see her in the same aspect. What was I going to do? I couldn't just walk up to her and say,

Sorry, you're pretty, but I'm not into you like that.

My musing was cut short from the ringing bell. I began to gather my things and head toward my locker to go to lunch when someone blocked my view of the door.

"Hey Bella! I'm so happy to see you again. I've missed you so much." The short, raven haired beauty said to me as she developed me into a strong hug. I'm sure the confusion was evident on my face, as I looked at her in utter shock. She noticed my still stature, and she leaned back from the hug to look at me. Her once bright eyes looked saddened, as she took a step back.

"You don't remember me." She said softly, as she glanced down at her hands and back up at me.

"I'm sorry, um-" I said trying to seem polite, but she cut me off, because she knew I didn't remember her name.

"Alice" she said with a small smile,

"Alice, I haven't been here in a long time, so I don't really remember anything or anyone." I said, but I knew once it escaped my mouth it was more to the story then what I was telling. Ever since I left I had been surprising all good memories, because all it did was make me sad, and wish that I was back at the place that once gave me joy.

"I know, and that's okay. We were once best friends, and I believe that we will be best friends again. We were destine to be friends. Don't you think?" she said as she gave me a small, sweet laugh that sounded a lot like little bells at Christmas time. I nodded, as I turned and began to walk to my locker, but I realized I wasn't alone. Alice walked with me to my locker, which was surprisingly two lockers down from hers. We dropped off our books, and made our way to the cafeteria. Going through the line I grabbed an apple, a salad, and a bottle of water, just as Alice did. Getting out of the line I began to look around, trying to figure out where I was going to sit.

"Sit with us?" Alice said, as she began to lead the way through the lunch room, to the table on the right side of the cafeteria that was right in front of a window.

"Us?" I ask as we began to walk, but I began to hesitate to follow. I wasn't completely comfortable with Alice, and I didn't know if I wanted to sit with her type of friends. They probably were all super pretty, rich girls who only talked about boys and fashion. She turned around and looked concerned,
"You'll like them, and I just know it. You were once good friends with Edward. You remember Edward Cullen?" she asked as her eyes shinned with hope of some kind of recognition. I didn't try to look in my mind and remember, because I didn't want to remember. I simply shook my head, her eyes looked like they lost some of its luster, but she bounced back quickly.

"You'll like him, I know it." She nodded as I followed her to the table that had five people waiting at it, but the one that caught my eyes was him. He looked exactly the same as I remembered, but just older and hotter. His green eyes caught mine as Alice introduced me, and a whoosh of air escaped my lungs. My vision went black and before I knew it I hit the ground.

A/N: Did anyone see that coming? What do you think about Bella's reaction to Edward? Alice? What was your reaction to this first Chapter?

Thanks for reading

-Virgo Pixie