CHAPTER 1

Welcome to Forks

I never thought I would return to the town I was born in but here I was making my way back to what would become my new home. When my parents divorced my mom took me and we moved to Phoenix where she wanted to start her life over. That was five years ago. So much has changed in the last five years leading me to where I am now.

I wondered if my father, Charlie, really wanted me here or if he was just humoring my mother. Either way I would do my best to keep out of his way and avoid a repeat of what led me here in the first place. My cover story would stay in tact and nobody could find out the truth of my life.

As we pulled up in front of my new home Charlie cleared his throat like he wanted to speak to me for the first time. "Bella, do you need any help getting out of the car."

"No, I can get it. I have been getting around well for the last few weeks so I have it down but thanks." I said as I maneuvered myself so that I could get out of the car despite my casted arms. Charlie believes that my broken arms are the result of me falling as I was rollerblading and I don't intend on him finding out any differently.

I feel sorry for Charlie. He is being saddled with a broken child who can offer nothing but problems and heartache. I planned on doing my best to not cause him any unnecessary problems until I turned 18 and could leave him to live the life my mother was robbing him of by sending me to be his problem.

I remembered when my mother decided that it was time for me to spend time with my father after my "accident."

"Isabella, you have done nothing but cause me and your step-father problems with your constant clumsiness and unnecessary medical bills. I think it is time your father got a taste of what it is like to deal with you on a daily basis. He should be the one to deal with all your problems." Renee told me.

"Mom, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to break my arms. I can take care of myself. You don't have to help me with anything. I promise I won't ask for anything." I cried.

"I have given up everything for you. Phil and I want to have some time alone and your constant need for attention is making it difficult for him to enjoy our new marriage. I will always love you but it is time for you to spend some time with your father"

I remembered when Renee told Charlie that I was going to be coming to live with him. He seemed excited to have me here but I guess she forgot to tell him about my current medical situation. The look on his face when he showed up at the airport to pick me up to be confronted with a child with two broken arms made me realize just how much of a problem I am for people.

As we drove to Forks I did my best to ensure that Charlie understood that I could take care of myself. I have been managing all my daily care for the past several weeks and if all goes well I should have my casts off in three weeks. I could tell that he was upset about my situation but all I cared about what letting him know that I wouldn't be a burden so he wouldn't send me away. I didn't have anywhere else to go.

After we parked in front of the house, I carefully got myself out of the car. I grabbed my bags and once again thanked the lord that I was able to talk to doctor into taking my initial casts off and replacing them with below the elbow casts. Now that I had the use of my elbows I could do so much more and I had become pretty adept to taking care of myself.

Charlie showed me to my room. It was the same room I had before my parents split but he had replaced my bedding with new bedding and painted the walls a pale silver color. "I hope you like your room Bella. I can change it if you don't but I thought you would like something a little more grown up" Charlie stated before going on "I have also rearranged the bathroom so that it is easier for you to maneuver with your casts"

"Thanks Dad. It's great but you didn't have to do this. I really don't want to be a bother to you. " I knew that my being here was an inconvenience and I was determined to do whatever I can to not make this any harder on him that it already was.

As I looked around my room I forgot Charlie was there until I heard his throat clear. "Well I was going to say we should go out for dinner but I figure you will want to stay in so I can try to find something to make in the kitchen."

"We can go out. I don't want you to have to change your plans on my account." I knew I was already causing problems by my being here.

"If you're sure then we should leave in half an hour." Charlie stated. "See you downstairs and we can discuss school arrangements over dinner"

Twenty minutes later I was ready to go. I was going to do whatever I could to make Charlie not regret his agreement to take me into his home. The ride to the local diner was quiet. Charlie seemed to be lost in his thoughts and I found it better to not interrupt those thoughts with mindless chatter. When he was ready he would let me know what was on his mind.

Once we had ordered our meals at the diner I noticed that Charlie seemed to be very uncomfortable so I thought I should ask him about it. "Did I do something wrong Dad?" I asked. "I'm sorry you have to buy me dinner. I have money and I can pay you back."

"Oh baby girl it isn't that. I've just missed you so much and I'm glad to have you here. " After a brief pause he went on, "Bella, why didn't you tell me about your arms before you got here?"

"I thought Mom had told you. She told me you were okay with me being here and I just assumed that she told you about my accident. "I sighed and told myself that I would not cry. "If you don't want me here I understand but I promise I won't be in your way. I will find a way to pay for the medical bills and I promise to try not to get hurt again."

Charlie's face fell when I was done speaking. I could feel that I had hurt him once again and all I wanted to do was get home and by myself before I let the tears fall from my eyes. As Charlie started to speak I cut him off. "Dad, could we go home now. It has been a long day and everyone is staring at me. I would like to get some rest before I have to head to the school in the morning."

"Sure Bella. Let me just pay the bill and we will be on our way home" he sighed before getting out of the booth and heading toward the front to pay.

As I made my way behind him I heard some snickers from one of the booths on the other side of the diner. I glanced that way out of the corner of my eye and saw someone who I used to call my friend looking back at me. Not wanting to be the circus sideshow any longer I quickened my pace and told Charlie that I would meet him in the car before making a hasty exit without looking behind me.

The ride back to the house was quiet and every time Charlie tried to speak I let out a fake yawn so I didn't have to see how sad he was to be saddled with me. I hurriedly went up to my bedroom once we got back to the house and after I finished getting ready for bed I went to tell Charlie goodnight but what I heard stopped me in my tracks.

"How could you not tell me about this Renee? She's my daughter and I should have known that she was being sent to me with two broken arms. What do you mean what did she tell me happened? She told me the truth about the rollerblading" Charlie was practically screaming into the phone. "Of course she is staying here. I love her and she is welcome in my home."

At this point I couldn't listen anymore and I ran back to my room tears streaming down my face. I was determined not to screw up his life like I have everyone else's in my life. I would make him forget I was here and not interfere with his life any more than I already had. As I came to this resolve I found myself falling into an exhausted tear induced slumber and mentally prepared myself for the onslaught of stares I would find when I returned to Forks High School tomorrow.