Chapter One – New Beginnings

Everyone's the same
our fingers to our toes
We just can't get it right
But we're on the road

One Republic – All Fall Down

-0-

I had never really allowed myself to dream that one day I'd be back here, back in the place I'd been born, back with my Dad. I loved my Mom, more than anything and I loved Phil but I'd desired this for so long, desired the chance to really get to know my Dad in the way that had been denied to us since childhood. Seeing him for two weeks during summer, talking to him on the phone was all well and good but never really felt like enough to me. When the opportunity had presented itself I'd jumped at the chance, beyond excited yet my sister's reaction had not been as enthusiastic.

Isabella Marie Swan, or Bella as she insisted on us calling her, was more than just my sister. Bella was my twin – fraternal twin sister – and my best friend. We were so different in so many ways, but at the same time it was an easy balance. She was more quiet and reserved and I was more out-going, more willing to take risks. It wasn't just our personalities that differed, it was looks to. We both had our Fathers trademark fair complexion, but that was as far as our similarities went. Bella was much similar to our Dad, Charlie; she had brown hair that framed her face, with wide chocolate coloured eyes. I was closer to our Mom – my hair was a lighter brown, with an almost light reddish tint, with green eyes.

I was more optimistic about this move than Bella. She loved Phoenix, loved the heat whereas I wasn't a huge fan of it. Forks was gloomy, it rained a hell of a lot but I was strangely looked forward to living here for the foreseeable future. I would miss my Mother, of course I would but I didn't worry about her like Bella did, I knew Phil would take care of her, of that I was sure.

"Dad it's great I love it." I said, standing in the center of my old room. A smile broke out on my face as I took in the beautiful blue of the walls, and almost immediately I was transported back to my summers spent here. I really had missed this place more than I'd ever be able to tell him. Walking over to my bed, I ran my hand over the new sheets and looked back at my Dad standing in the doorway, a relieved smile on his face.

"Sue Clearwater picked them out," he informed me and I nodded, thinking that the green bedding and green window sheers that touched the carpet complimented the blue incredibly well. "If you prefer somethin' else we can…"

"No. Dad it looks great, honestly. Tell Sue I said thank you." I told him, watching the worry disappear from his face. Glancing around the room I decided it could use a few little touches here and there to make it feel more like home but in every other way it was perfect. The size wasn't too small, yet at the same time not too big, and the white dresser, desk and beside cabinet simply served to complete the perfect room.

"You think…she's okay?" he asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had fallen between us. Looking over at him I watched as he nodded his head down the hall in the direction of Bella's bedroom. Dropping my bag at the bottom of my bed, I walked over to him, watching as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. "She was kinda quiet."

"Bella's always quiet Dad. Don't worry." I told him, shooting him a reassuring smile, "It's just a big move, but I know she's looking forward to spending some time with you. We both are." I added honestly. I couldn't be happier to be here, to be with Dad once more. I knew Bella was struggling, even if this had been her idea part of me wondered if she'd perhaps underestimated how much of an affect this was going to have on her. Out of the two of us, it was Bella I was sure was going to struggle the most in adjusting.

Nodding his head, still clearly not convinced if the look on his face was anything to go by, Dad muttered something about letting me settle in and left the room. Smiling fondly I shook my head, he'd never been one to linger and for the first time I appreciated that. School started tomorrow and I wanted to get a head start on all of my unpacking, wanting to add some familiar and comforting personal touches to the otherwise beautiful room.

"Hasn't changed has it."

"I don't think that's a bad thing." I said, turning to acknowledge Bella as she stepped into the room. She shot me a small smile that didn't quite touch her eyes and nodded her head. Frowning I sat on the edge of my bed and patted the spot beside me, indicating she should sit down. Doing just that she sighed softly and it was only now that I was really looking at her I could see just how sad she really was. "Come on Bella, it's not that bad is it? I know the weather sucks but it's not forever is it…" I told her softly, watching her shoulders deflate.

"I know just feels like it…" she said, a frown on her face. Reaching out I took her hand and squeezed it gently, trying to offer her some sort of comfort. I really hoped she at least tried to be here, give it a chance and Dad a chance. I knew she was already missing Phoenix, concerned about Mom and possibly even second guessing the decision to be here. Though Bella's stubbornness always won out, she'd see this through I knew her well enough to know that.

I felt her tighten her hold on my hand before dropping it and pushing up from my bed, determination replacing whatever I'd been seeing on her face only moments ago. "Let's get you unpacked then," she said, moving over to the pile of boxes in the far corner of the room. Watching her for a moment, a shook my head and laughed lightly before standing, kicking off my shoes and following her.

"Suddenly you're the very eager beaver." I joked, hearing her laugh lightly as I poked her in the side. Sighing dramatically I reached out and tore open the first box, ready to finally unpack and settle in.

-0-

It was the sound of a car honk that stopped me in my tracks some hour or so later. Combing my fingers through my hair, I stepped out my bedroom, to see Bella disappearing down the stairs. "That was Dad's subtle way of calling us down!" she said over her shoulder, rolling her eyes as she disappeared from sight. Smiling in amusement I made my way back into my room and slipped on my shoes before hurrying down the stairs after her.

Once outside my eyes were pulled immediately to the beat up, faded red chevy truck my sister and some boy were climbing into. "Grace, come meet Billy Black." My Dad called out to me, pulling my focus from the truck and onto him and the man in the wheelchair beside him. Smiling softly I moved quickly down the steps and over to my Dad, "You remember Billy don't you Grace?"

"Of course, it's good to see you again," I said truthfully, holding my hand out to Billy. The older man smiled, his large hand encasing my own. "How've you been?"

"Doin' a lot better now you and Bella are here, this one hasn't shut up about it since you two announced you were coming." Billy said, nodding towards my Dad and causing me to laugh lightly. Dad rolled his eyes at the teasing and shook his head at both me and Billy.

"Yeah keep exaggerating old man and I'll roll you into the mud," he threatened playfully, quickly dodging out the way as Billy turned his wheel chair around, charging at my Dad.

"Not before I ram you in the ankles." He threw back, going after Dad as he kept moving backwards. Shaking my head at their antics I laughed, though a loud roar made me jump and turn back towards the truck. Surprised at how loud it sounded I chanced a look back over to my Dad and Billy who were still fooling around and moved over to the front of the truck, peering in through the driver's side window. .

"New toy Bella?" I asked, leaning in against the window and shooting my sister a smile. I then turned my attention to the boy sat in the passenger seat, my smile widening. "Jacob, right?" I asked, vaguely remembering him from one summer spent here with Dad. I watched the surprise register on his face before he nodded and smiled at me in response.

"Yeah…hi…" he replied back, keeping his dark eyes trained on me for a moment. His brilliant smile highlighted his russet skin. He had long dark hair, which looked incredibly thick, soft and the irrational part of me was half tempted to check and see if it was as soft as it looked. "I was just telling Bella you guys are goin' to need to double pump the clutch to get this thing to start." He said and I finally remembered to acknowledge the fact my sister was sat in the truck.

"Dad bought us the truck." Bella explained, taking in the somewhat confused look on my face and I felt my eyes widen. Looking between Bella and Jacob, I leaned back away from the window and turned to my Dad, shooting him a wide smile. Moving the few steps towards where he now stood talking to Billy and wrapped my arms around his waist and leaned into his chest. I felt him stiffen slightly before returning the hug, his arm going around my shoulder.

Unlike Bella and my Dad, I had no issue in showing affection. I was more like our Mom in that respect. So when it came to Dad, he had no choice but to go along with it. It was easier for us it seemed, there was no awkwardness and I figure it was because of how open I was with how I felt. Dad and pretty much everyone knew where they stood with me. Bella was more introverted, kept herself to herself, Dad was similar in that way. Their relationship was strange but it worked for them, so I guess it wasn't too bad.

"Thanks Dad, it's awesome." I said, listening as he explained he'd bought it off Billy, knowing Bella and I would need a way to and from school. As he conversed with Billy, I inclined my head to the side, watching as Jacob and Bella moved over to us and once again found my focus pulled to the other boy. "Will you be coming with us to school tomorrow?" I asked, releasing my hold on Dad and immediately feeling the chill in the air.

"Already asked, Jacob goes to school on the reservation." Bella said, a flash of disappointment flooding through me as she spoke. It would have been nice to have someone familiar there with us tomorrow, that and it would have been nice to get to know Jacob a little more. Shooting him a warm smile, I glanced at Bella, shrugging my shoulders and reaching out to take her hand, offering her another comforting squeeze.

"Well, least we got each other." I reminded her, hoping she wouldn't be as freaked out about tomorrow. I know she was worried, Bella hated being the center of attention and there'd be no escaping that tomorrow being the new kids and all. An awkward silence seemed to lapse over the group before I clapped my hands together and looked at them all, "So come on, one of you show me how to start this truck." I said, and Bella laughed shaking her head.

"I don't think so. The way you drive, this thing won't make it down the street." She teased, making me narrow my eyes at her. I opened my mouth to respond when Dad placed his hands on my shoulders,

"Yeah how about we just let your sister drive for now, I think we'll all sleep better." He joked, making Bella and the others chuckle. I sighed dramatically and rolled my eyes,

"Jeez, one fender bender and suddenly you can't be trusted behind the wheel." I said, crossing my arms over my chest, playing along with them. Moving to stand in between Bella and Jacob I paused before continuing, nodding my head, "Fine, Bella can drive but I'm choosing the music."

"Sounds fair to me." Jacob chimed in and I smiled, nodding my head and linking my arm through his, raising my eyebrows at Bella. Jacob chuckled and looked at my sister as well, my new ally in this playful little battle. Bella pulled a face and rolled her eyes.

"Fine." She sighed, sticking her tongue out at me before turning and walking back to the front of the truck. With a smile I turned to Jacob and high fived the hand he held up to me. Tugging on his arm I followed after Bella with him in tow.

"See, compromise. I think this is going to work."

-0-

So here we go. I had some reservations about posting this, simply because I know it's been done so many times before. At the same time I hope you guys give it a chance, I'm hoping you'll see it as different to the many others out there.

As always, letting me know what you guys think really helps me understand what you want. Also it's love and I'm really hoping I can get some of that.