SECOND CHANCES
SECOND CHANCES
Disclaimer: These are not my characters. They are, of course, the property of Stephenie Meyer.
Author's note: I have taken some liberties with the relationship between Renee and Phil and perhaps their financial situation. Okay, I probably destroy Phil. Otherwise, I have tried to stay true to the personalities of the characters. The story also alternates between Bella's and Renee's point of view.
Bella's POV
My stomach was already filled with butterflies and I still had a half hour before my mom's plane would even arrive. She was coming here for my wedding. She and I had already had several contentious telephone conversations. I was worried that she wouldn't come at all. But, she was my mom, after all. Of course, she would come. She had requested that I come to pick her up alone. No doubt so she could give me another lecture about how Edward and I were too young to get married. I was sure that being back in Forks would only remind her of more things to bring up about how I was unprepared to be married just as she and Charlie were. At least Phil would not be coming with her. I didn't mind Phil at all, but having him have to sit there through her lecture to me was not something that I had looked forward to. Renee didn't say why he wasn't coming, just told me tersely that he would not be here. Since Phil didn't come, I turned down Edward's offer to borrow his car and decided to bring my truck. It was only an hour long drive to Port Angeles. I figured having the windows rolled down might drown out some of my mother's words.
I waited at the end of the terminal so I could walk with Mom to the baggage pick-up. Finally, I saw her heading toward me. She looked terrible. Way too tired and way too thin. Renee had always lost weight when she was stressed. Certainly this wasn't all my fault. Could she really be that torn up about me getting married? Since she had begun a new life with Phil, I didn't think this would be so hard on her. It wasn't like I was moving out of her house and leaving her alone like I was doing to Charlie. It was definitely going to be a long ride home. I gave her a smile and a wave.
Renee smiled back whole heartedly and grabbed me in a big hug. "Bella, it is so great to see you!" The tears started down her cheeks.
"I'm happy to see you too, Mom," I replied. At least she really did seem relieved to be here. Maybe I wasn't fully to blame for her appearance.
She took my hand and we headed off to retrieve her luggage.
"I have so much to tell you, Bella. It has been so long since we have really talked," said Renee.
I was under the impression that she had had enough of talking to me with how angry she had seemed since I told her two months ago that I was getting married. I was confused now, though. I expected her to immediately start with the criticism. I did not expect this melancholy, wistful meeting at all. "We have plenty of time, Mom."
We picked up her suitcases from the claims area. She sure had brought a lot for a week's stay. We stacked them up on a cart and headed out to the truck. My mom laughed when she saw my truck. "Bella, every time I see this old truck it gives me a chuckle. It is so perfect for you."
I wondered how much longer I would drive this truck or how much I might even want to after Edward had fulfilled his promise to change me. But for now, it was perfect. We put her stuff in the back and hopped in the front for the drive home. I stayed quiet. I didn't want to bring up the conversation. I wished Edward was here to help me through the storm I knew was brewing. I was sure if I looked closely enough, I would probably spot a shiny silver Volvo near us. At least he was near. Hopefully, he was close enough to listen in on Renee's thoughts. He could fill me in on what she really wanted to say later tonight. I was happy to see my mom. I was also sad as this might be the last time that I saw her. I hated that she was so unhappy. Finally, I had to breech the silence. "Mom, how are you?