Disclaimer: All of the lovely characters in this story are owned my Stephanie Meyer, however the plot is all mine.
Summary: After being kicked out of the house by her parents, ditched by her friends and rejected by the man she loves, Bella has no one to turn to…except Alice. When she moves to Forks to live with her, she meets a handsome stranger and her life changes forever.
Chapter One – Waking up
Bella's POV
I stood there in shock for several seconds as I read through the screen again. 'I'm sorry Bella, I just don't think I want a relationship right now…' After a year of stolen glances and small smiles, there was nothing there. He didn't even like me enough to tell me in person. A small sob escaped my lips as I crunched up into a ball, rocking back and forth. If he didn't want me, who could? My family didn't want me, my friends didn't want me and now, a man that I loved, had told me that he didn't want me either. My hand went to my wrist and traced the scar from the last time. Forcing myself to think of something anything to stop myself from repeating history, I racked my brain for one place that I could go, one place where no one knew me and I could start fresh. I finally thought of the one place I always felt safe; with Alice. Alice was once my best friend. We grew up together and she was always there for me, even after my parents kicked me out.
"Sorry kid, we just don't want to deal with you anymore." They had said as I walked out the door with my small suitcase and box of books. They gave me 100 and send me packing with no notice or reason. I guess they were just sick of me, just like everyone else apparently was. I had called my friends, hoping for some escape from the dark cloud over my head but they all came up with their own excuse. Now I worked in a small store for 8.50 an hour and lived in a ratty old apartment. I had no one in the world anymore. Except Alice. I lost touch with her for a year or so after everything that had happened in her own family and she moved to Forks, WA sometime last year from what I had heard from her parents.
Three Weeks Later…
After I had called Alice, she insisted I move out to Forks and live with her until I got things together. I couldn't think of a better place in the world that I would rather be. So I packed up what few things I had and took the next bus out of the city and to Forks.
I stood in front of her door, suddenly nervous for some reason. As I brought my hand up to the door to knock, it flung open to reveal Alice, a big smile on her face and container of frosting in one hand and two spoons in the other. I dropped my things just inside the door and gave her a big hug, letting my tears fall for the first time.
After a box of tissues, a talk about how idiotic men could be and two containers of frosting later I was finally feeling better.
"Hey Alice?" I looked over at her "Thanks. For everything I mean. I don't think I would even be here if it weren't for you." I said as the last of my tears dried up.
"Bella, after what you have been through in the past two years, there is no need to thank me. I am here for you. Always and forever okay?" She said, hugging me tightly.
"Always and forever" I repeated.
One Month Later
While I was still 'broken', Alice seemed to make everything better. I managed to get a job at the local coffee house and my life was finally starting to look up. Of course, Alice, being Alice had insisted on a new wardrobe, as mine was "shabby and outdated". My new closet was now filled to the brim with clothing and accessories. I had also met Jasper last week, Alice's fiancé. He was wonderful and I was very happy for her, no matter how much it hurt when I saw how she looked at him and vice-versa. I sighed to myself wishing to have someone look at me like that.
"Alice" I called "I'm off to work. I'll be back around 5 or so. Do you want to order some pizza and watch a movie?" I asked, unsure of her plans for the evening.
"Bella, I'm so sorry but I was just on the phone with Jasper and he wants to take me out tonight. Will you be okay here by yourself?" She replied as she came into the kitchen with a rather worried look on her face.
"Really, Alice, I'll be fine. Have a good time and say hi to Jasper for me okay?" I said trying to hide my disappointment at being home alone. I really didn't want to think about being alone. "Well, I have to go to work so I'll see you later okay?" I said slightly rushed as I headed out the door to my trusty old truck.
I didn't wait for a response as I climbed into the truck and left as quickly as I could manage.
Later that day at the coffee house…
I nearly dropped the cup of coffee I had just made for my rather unhappy customer when I saw him walk through the door to the small shop. I handed the cup off and quickly informed my boss Angela that I was going to take a short break. Angela, having heard about my bad luck with him gave me a knowing look and said she would cover. I silently thanked her and rushed off to the alley, hoping to get some fresh air and clear my head. I opened the door and slid to the ground as my legs gave out from beneath me. A sob ripped from my chest and I curled myself into a ball. I must have lost track of time because the next thing I knew I was staring into the most beautiful emerald eyes I had ever seen.
The face that belonged to the eyes was even more breath taking. The man looked like a dream. He had copper hair that had that 'just rolled out of bed look' to it and his beautiful features were filled with worry. I wasn't prepared for the velvety voice that accompanied the breath taking face.
"Are you okay?" He asked, his voice laced with worry. Still shocked I just stared at him with what must have an idiotic expression.
I tried to make my mouth form the words to reply but the moment I looked into his captivating eyes I was lost, possibly forever. In that moment I felt, well…whole. Safe. Something that I hadn't felt around anyone for many years.
The velvety voice continued…"Can I call someone for you? Do you have somewhere to go?" The voice carried on as I wiped my tears away. I tried once again to form some words that would ease the angel's voice but my throat was still uncooperative. I wiped away the last of my tears and tried to smile.
"I…I'm fine." I managed to croak out. I guess endless crying will do that to you.
"Are you sure?" The man continued to question me and ask if I was all right. And I nodded slowly, my head spinning slightly. I started to get up and he grabbed my arms, helping me get up. I thanked him quietly and started to turn to open the door to the café.
I felt a gentle hand on my arm. "Wait!"…
Cliffhanger! I know, bad writer. Sorry. I am hoping to have the next chapter up by the end of the week. This story is going to be a bit slow folks, terribly sorry. I am about to leave for 4 months for school, however I will try to finish the story before I leave next week. I am also hoping to post the first chapter of my sequel to Angels and Dreams. Check it out! I hope you enjoyed. Reviews are loved and I love feedback, good or bad. Thanks for reading!