Bella

My mother is making me spend the summer with my dad, Charlie. Don't get me wrong; I love Charlie. I mean, I have to. He's the reason I'm alive.

Charlie doesn't do much. He recently lost his job as chief. He's been looking for a new job, but no one seems to be hiring.

Charlie doesn't get out much. Most nights he goes down to the diner for steak and cobbler and to watch whatever game is on with his buddies from the station, but other than that he's home, rolling around in his own filth.

I haven't spent a summer with Charlie since I was 13. That was 4 years ago. A lot has changed.

The plane ride was okay. I had to take a 4 hour plane ride to Seattle and then an hour plane ride to Port Angles and then an hour car ride to a small town called Forks. It's always gloomy in Forks. The sun is hidden behind I thick blanket of clouds. If you get a sunny day in Forks you better use every second of that day.

When we landed in Port Angles, Charlie was waiting for me. His dark brown hair was longer than it was 3 years ago. He's also growing a mustache. It suits him.

"Hey kiddo," he says squeezing my shoulder.

"Hey dad," I say faking a small smile for him. I'd rather be home, in Arizona, soaking in the dry desert sun, than here in Forks.

We stand in the parking lot for a couple seconds; staring everywhere but at each other.

"So, uh, I guess we should start heading home. It'll be getting dark soon." I nod and follow my dad to his car.

"So, uh, as you know, I recently lost my job. I'm sure your Mama probably told you. So, uh, there won't be any more cruising in the cruiser." He says chucking at his own joke. I roll my eyes at the back of his head.

After a couple of minutes of walking aimlessly, Charlie stops abruptly. "I keep forgetting what car I'm driving in. Sometimes I'll walk right by it, not noticing." He reaches into his pocket and withdraws a clunk of keys. He clicks a button and unlocks the doors of an orange Chevy truck. It's all beat up and rusted but I can't help loving it.

"You like it?" he asks. I nod vigorously.

"Well good, because it's yours." I snap my head up at him.

"Seriously?"

"You're mama told me you got your licenses in April, so I had Jacob Black fix her up for you. You remember Jake right? Billy's boy. You two use to make mud cakes in the backyard when you was little."

I nod, still in awe at the fact of owning a truck. "Course I do." Charlie threw the keys at me. "Drive home, will ya?"

I smile and open the door. It creaks a bit and I slam it shut. Charlie slams his door too and clicks his seatbelt in. I do the same.

"You gotta jiggle the key to get started. She's seen better days, but should get us home without a problem."

"I love it." I say jiggling the key.

"You sure, 'cause we can always just go down to the dealer and get you a better, newer car." Charlie says.

I shake my head. "No way. I love it. It's perfect."
We get home without a problem. The drive was long but the truck does the job. When we get to the house, Charlie opens the door and leads my upstairs to my room.

"You decorated." I say when he opens the door. The bed is in the middle of the room with a purple comforter. The walls are green.

"Mike Newton's mama came over to help. I would've picked out all the wrong things."

"It's nice." I set my suitcase on the bed and stand by the window. The sky is grey. I sigh and look back over to my dad. He averts his eyes and sighs. "So, uh, I'll just let you unpack. Settle in." he walks out without saying another word.

I sigh again and walk over to my bed. I run my hands over the soft comforter.

My phone vibrates in my pocket.

Mom: Hey, honey! How was your trip? Was daddy there to pick you up?

Me: It was good. Yeah he was there. I'm exhausted now."

Mom: I bet! That trip is always hard on you. You know you could've gone with Phil and me to Florida.

Me: No it's fine. I wanted to come. I haven't seen dad in a while. I'm gonna go mom, I'm tired.

Mom: Alrighty honey! Call me if you need me!

I sigh and turn my phone off. Lying back on my bed, I think about the Arizona sun. I close my eyes and try to picture my house. The sun hitting it.

I must've dosed of for a while because when I woke up, it was dark outside. I get up and open the door.

"Oh come on! He was wide open! Wasn't he wide open?! He was!" I hear Charlie yelling.

Quietly, I tiptoe down the stairs.

Once I realize Charlie isn't alone, it's too late. A man in a wheelchair notices me frozen on the stairs. He smiles. "Well, this must me the infamous Isabella!" he booms. I slowly continue walking down the stairs. "You're daddy's been talking about your arrival for a week now. It's so good to see you." He says beaming at me. I look over at my dad and then at a guy on the couch who looks about my age-with long brown hair. He smiles shyly at me. I smile back.

"Billy Black. You 'member my boy Jacob, right?"

I nod. "Of course I do. We use to make mud cakes together. Thanks for the truck by the way. She runs beautifully." He beams at me; just like his dad did earlier.

"Sure, no biggie. Cars are kinda my thing." I nod.

"Cool" I stand awkwardly, looking at my bare fingernails.

"So, Bells, there's pizza in the kitchen if you're hungry." Charlie says.

I nod and leave the men to watch their game. I walk into the kitchen to find one slice. I sigh and pick it up.

Behind me, someone clears their throat. I quickly turn around and see Jacob standing by the doorway.

"Oh, hi." I say biting the corner of my pizza.

"You've gotten taller." He says walking closer to me.

"Growth spurt."

He stands right in front of me and moves a piece of hair out of my eyes. "You're also a lot prettier than the last time I saw you."
I smack his hand away. "Perv," I scuff at him and walk out the kitchen and up the stairs. I close my door behind me and walk over and place my pizza on the dresser.

"I wasn't done with you?" I hear Jacob say as he opens the door.

I spin around. "What are you doing in here?" he walks in and closes the door. I back up to the window. "You know it's rude to call people names. You can hurt their feelings." My heart is pounding like a drum in my chest. Jacob walks towards me slowly.

"Get out," I say looking around my room for a quick way out. "I-I'll scream. Charlie will hurt you. Please, get out." When he's right in front of me he leans in close to my ear and whispers,"Gotcha," I push him away. "You're an ass!" I yell at him. He lies on my bed and laughs; tears rolling down his cheeks. "You should've seen your face! Priceless! You looked genuinely scared." He says wiping his face.

I sit on my desk chair. "Maybe, 'cause I was? You're a creep!"

"I'm guessing you don't remember the pranks we use to pull on each other."

"Obviously not!" I yell throwing a pillow at him. He chuckles.

"So, anyway, how's life, Bells? You said you would keep in touch-"I smile down at my hands.

"Would you believe me if I said I lost your number?" he shook his.

"Didn't think so. But, uh, everything's good. Same old Bella."

"Only taller and prettier."

"Perv," I say under my breath.

"Heard that!"

"Good! You were supposed to." I say dodging a pillow.

I giggle and make a face at him. He laughs and closes his eyes. He looks really peaceful. I'm not gonna lie. Jacob has aged nicely. He's not the same quirky looking boy he was 3 years ago. He's muscular and quite handsome.

After the football game, Billy and Jacob left. But, not before Jacob and I made plans to go out tomorrow. And I can honestly say; I'm a little excited to be able to spend more time with him.

Why didn't I ever contact him back? Was I just scared? He must've called millions of times that summer and I never called him back. He sent texts, letters; he left messages with my mom.

13 year old Bella might've been scared of everything that had to do with other people but, 16 year old Bella is ready for whatever life has to throw at her.