I've never liked flying. Up in the air amongst the clouds, in a stuffy metal coffin encased with hundreds of other individuals, loud, messy, music playing obnoxiously, yelling, chewing. I shudder, the man sitting behind me is the worlds loudest chewer. Looks the mid-40s, chubby, his stomach poking out through his black T. Grease stains dirtying it. He managed to bring on a McDonald's meal before we took off and he's now digging in. Every slurp of his drink and mouthful of burger and fries I'm close to turning around and slapping it out of his hand. The stench is enough to bring bile up my throat.
With my headphones already in I put on Lauv and turn it all the way up. His music has always calmed me, his general soothing tone in his voice manages to shut out everything on this plane. Blocking out the chewing and a mother the other side intent on telling her son off for kicking the back of the chair in front of him with his scrawny little legs. Bruised knees it looks like from play with friends.
I peer out the window, the clouds slowly getting more and thicker and less bright as the minutes pass. I rest my head against my palm, my many bracelets clinking and close the shutter, my eyes as well, trying to get some rest.
I remain this way, rigid in my seat until we land several hours later. The weather turning from a beautiful sunny morning to a rainy afternoon upon arriving in Washington. I leave my headphones in until I'm off the coffin and grabbed my bags, pulling them slowly out my ears and winding them around my phone when I see Charlie.
I flush when I see the police car. Always knows how to make an Entrance.
"Bells," he greets. With open arms, pulling me in for a tight hug.
It's like I've never been away.
He looks the same, out of uniform, scruffy hair, moustache and growing a beard. I've never liked them. It ages him.
But truthfully, I haven't seen him in years.
/
"You'll be fine baby."
I grimace, pulling my cap over my head and ruffling my ponytail out of my hoody. Highly unlikely, I haven't seen him for years. I used to spend every summer in Forks, for two weeks. I hated it.
"I don't know, mom."
"It'll be fun, you'll get to see your friends. Now come on, let's get your stuff in the car." Rene, my mother strokes my cheek lovingly, comfort in her eyes that I've never experienced from Charlie. Phil comes out of our house. He's tall, a very muscular body, and I wonder how many women can find that attractive, clean shaved and handsome. My mom's type to the t.
I hate the look of muscles poking out. He's the poster man for baseball I'll give him that. He's also got my bags in hands and loads them into the back of the car giving me a warm smile When he's done.
"Won't be so bad, Bell." A nickname he's called me since forever.
"You'll enjoy it." My mum says, backing him up. He closes the boot and sweeps Rene up in a hug, kissing her cheek. "Just like we'll enjoy our 'romantic' getaway." Hardly romantic.
Phil laughs, "I don't know if I'd call it that, plenty of crappy motels and backwater towns, early mornings and crappy food." He raises an eyebrow at me with a wink, "Yeah, romantic." Rene giggles.
They're so in love.
/
He smells like smoke and beer. The stench on his jacket anyway.
I hug him back just as tight, dropping my bags to the floor. They were hurting my arms anyway.
"It's good to see you dad." He smiles, pecking the top of my head and reluctantly let's go. He grabs my baggage and puts them in the car as well as my carry-on and laptop case as I climb in the front seat. There's litter on the floor, I kick it out the way and put my belt on.
"Your rooms all set Bells. Purple. Just the way you like it." I grimace behind my hand and roll down the windows, the rains calming now as we slowly edge out of the airport.
I did like that, but it's been years. I'm not a child anymore.
"Thanks, dad." He smiles.
Then more awkward silence ensues.
I spy a packet of cigarettes in the side door and pluck a couple out the box while he's focusing on the road, sliding them into my pocket. I've been meaning to quit, but since summer I just haven't managed to do it.
I tap my fingers on my leg, listening to the radio sharing small talk. He's been hunting a lot, with Billy, a long time friend. He lives out on the reservation at La Push. A small little beach, surfers tend to go there in the offseason, harsher waves and it tends to be cold all year so not much difference when you go. He's a lovely man from what I remember, a little strict but all parents are when you father a group of rambunctious boys. Always up to some sort of mischief and pranks. I sigh. I have missed them. Hopefully, I'll meet up with Jake soon. He's the boy I miss the most.
Truthfully I had a bit of a crush on him growing up.
"Also Bells, you're going to have to have a curfew. A lot of people goin' missin' out here. I won't have that with my girl." I roll my eyes but the genuine worry in his voice does have me concerned. I don't tell him that though.
"I'm seventeen." I retort.
"So?" He raises an eyebrow. "I wouldn't say it If I wasn't serious."
I groan. He can't be serious.
"You'll be back before it's dark."
Doesn't mean I can't sneak out when he's asleep.
"Fine fine." I relent, mentally plotting escape routes.
I often snuck out when I was a kid. I'd hop out the window and climb down the shingling and vines to the side of the house then run to grab my bike to go out with Jake and the boys. We went camping in the woods, a little hideout not far from Billys, a small fire would be lit and we'd share ghost stories and we'd talk about everything.
Good times.
We get to Forks. Dreary 'ol Forks with a good amount of light left. It hasn't changed. Still the same shops, people houses, town halls the same, police station hasn't aged either. Nothing has changed. And finally Charlie's house. A small two story, small shed built on the other side, filled with firewood. it probably still has my push-bike in, and his truck out on the lawn next to an old motorbike. Maybe it's Jakes? It looks like something he'd own. We trudge the cruiser up the path to the curb. There's a boat in the garage, fishing gear and old buoy poking it's head out behind the engine. Same old Charlie. I grimace. He's never going to change. The rumbling of the engine dies down and I climb out the vehicle, going to the boot to grab my bags but he's' already beat me to it. Three massive carry-ons sure strains his arms, they're nothing like Phils.
"I've got this just grab the door for me will ya." I smile and jog up the path to the door and pushing it open. Not locked? Weird. It looks the same. Same sofa, blankets, same key bowl same curtains, pizza boxes and empty beer cans on the table in front of the sofa, pictures on the walls. I spy pictures of me on the fireplace, ugh. Ballet. I took classes when I was seven.
Something for my mom to be proud of. I move in further. It's exactly identical. You'da think he'd move on a little and have an upgrade. I spot the flat screen TV. Okay, maybe he's not a dinosaur with the chunky telly he used to have.
I walk up the stairs to the second floor and to the end of the hall, past the bathroom, laundry room, Charlies room then finally to mine.
Charlie chugging along behind.
"I cleaned up a bit," He says. "I've made some room in the
bathroom."
I open my door.
Still the same. Filled with things from my childhood.
He drops the bags in my room, rubbing the back of his head nervously, almost wanting to say something. I get to undoing my first back when he finally speaks.
"It's uh, good to have you back Bells." He smiles. "I've missed having you around here, hasn't been the same." Really? Sure looks it.
"It's good to be back, dad" I smile back at him.
Loud honking grabs my attention, I frown, pacing over to the window. A red truck pulling in the driveway.
"I figured you'd want to see him."
Jake.
It's jake.
I'm running downstairs and out the front door, ecstatic to see him. It's the first source of happiness I've had. I wait on the porch for him to approach, and when he gets out I'm a little shook by how much he's grown. He's so much taller than me now. He used to be this lanky boy, but damn he's filled in. He smiles so wide when he sees me.
I'm wrapped up in his arms in seconds.
He's warm.
"Good to see you, Bella. Charlie hadn't shut up about it for weeks. " I pull away from him to look over at Billy Black. My dad helping him into a wheelchair.
"It's good to be home," I say, Jake, smiling by my side.
He taps the hood of the truck, "What do you think of your homecoming present?"
The truck? It's mine?
Cool.
"No way?!"
"All yours Bells. Thanks to old Billy here." He laughs.
"Thank you," I say gratefully, moving around the vehicle to get a better look at it. It's little faded but perfect. It's perfect. My old car in Arizona mom and Phil got for me never matched up to this. This is more my style. Jake taps me on the back and rubs my shoulder.
"It's a little old, but runs pretty good." Charlie and Billy mock arguing, some threats are thrown around before they decide to get dinner. Pizza. No surprise there.
By the time I'm climbing into bed I'm so full I can barely move.
Maybe it's good to be back here.
Seeing Jake and Billy sure has lifted my spirits, but the thought of going to school Monday fills me with dread.
And I was right to be scared. The weekend flew by. A phone to call to mom and Phil last night was the only reason I'm able to do this. The truck pulls into the car park and everyone's eyes go to me. I find a place near the gate and climb out, my headphones in and my bag over my shoulders.
I walk past throngs of people to get into the building. Mumbles about me being the new girl I can barely hear over my music. It's a good school from what I've heard, no bullying, mistreatment, good grades, nice teachers. But all the remains to be seen. I get my schedule from the office and I wander around looking for my room.
I'm stuck. I pause outside of the tallest building, schedule in my hand and map in the other.
"Lost?" Huh?
I spin around and come face to face with a flash.
"I'm Eric." I'm blinded for a few seconds before seeing this dorky kid standing in front of me, camera in his hand strapped around his neck. "And you must be the new kid, Isabella."
"Just Bella."
"Well just Bella, how can I help?" I smile. Not a bad kid.
"I can't find my class." I jut my schedule ou to him, hoping he can help.
"Ahhhh." He hums. "Biology. Mrs Adcock." He grins.
"You know where it is?"
"I do. But I'll do you one better than directions. I'll take you there."
By lunchtime, I'm already tired. I've met some nice people though. There's Lauren, a blonde, smarter than she looks it would seem with a very sarcastic attitude. Slim build and a little taller than me but not by much. She's quick to shut people down, and has a boyfriend just the same. He's taller than her, wears a football jersey, a typical guys guy. He's Alex. I met one of his friends, Ben. He reminds me of Eric. Then there's Jessica, Brunette, pretty, all eyes for this guy Mike, who doesn't even know she exists. I also found out, during our music lesson, that she has an amazing voice. I wouldn't have guessed. And lastly, Angela. She's a shy girl, seems to want to keep to herself, but she's polite and will smile at me. She seems to be calm and doesn't contribute to conversations much, but I bet if you get her talking about one of her passions it would be difficult to get her to stop.
Jessica laughs cutting me from my thoughts. "No way." She bats her arm at Mike, the blonde guy she likes who clearly isn't interested. He gives me a look but his eyes dart away quickly. I notice everyone subtly taking a look so I turn around and freeze.
.
Who are they?
"They're the Cullens." I hadn't realised I said it out loud.
"Freaks if you ask me." Retorts Lauren who's leaning against her boyfriend with a loving arm around his waist, claiming him.
"You're just saying that because of the rumours." Says Mike.
I zone out of the conversation and watch the mysterious Cullens.
It's a stunning blonde I notice first. Abnormally golden eyes, pale skin, and a body that makes me tremble. She looks incredible, she's got legs that go on for miles and a bearish man following behind her who's obviously admiring. He looks sweet with his curly black hair and a little bit of a grin.
Next is a golden-haired boy, arm around a short little blonde guy, they're cute. A couple? He has a tight grip on his shoulder as they walk, he looks in pain. It's kinda weird. And trailing behind them...
My heart stops.
Who is this?
I'm stunned into silence.
Her eyes catch mine, but only for an instant, she's tall, short black hair, bright golden eyes. A pale complexion and a pretty heart-shaped face. A figure of a goddess and she walks with her head held high, but with those heels, I don't see how.
Wow.
"Emmett, Rosalie, Edward, Jasper and Alice. They're a family, they all live together, but they're dating. It's gross" I blink a couple times, tearing my eyes away from her as her and her group take a seat near the window. Odd that none of them has any food.
"What?" I ask.
"They're all, together together," Jessica explains which doesn't help my confusion.
I take another peak to find her staring right at me. I blush. She doesn't seem to have a partner. The couples around her include in her conversation but she stays focused on me.
"Don't take it to heart. She's just looking because it's new." It?
I glare at the person approaching the table. Ginger, freckles, obviously stuck up by her crew behind her. Chanel bag over her arm, and a shiny new phone.
"Fuck off, Paisley." Lauren gets to her feet, along with Jessica.
"Oh. You're her little bodyguards." She smirks at me. "How cute." Her crew laugh.
I roll my eyes and continue to eat my lunch. She's annoying me already, doesn't deserve my attention.
"I wouldn't get too comfortable new girl."
I sigh, rubbing my temples and finally looking into her cold green eyes.
"You are?" I ask with a raised eyebrow, tired of her shit. And she genuinely looks offended that I have no idea who she is.
"Paisley Rhodes." She says bitchily.
I can tell already she's going to be a problem.
I feel around in my pocket and find a fag, fingering it and I'm tempted to smoke in here but I grab my bag and leave. It's getting hot, I need some are. I hear the Paisley girl call after me, but I ignore her and I'm surprised to see Angela come with me, she hadn't said a word. She opens the door to let us out.
I have an odd feeling of eyes on my back as we descend down some brick stairs to the car park.
"Lauren looked like she was going to hit her back there." I pause a near a wall and pull out my fag and lighter.
"You think she would?" I ask, sparking it up.
"Probably. Wouldn't be the first girl she's hit... Or the first time she's hit Paisley," I smirk.
"Good to know." I offer a cig to her, she kindly declines, "Suit yourself." It's not the best habit to get into.
"How are you finding your first day?"
"Honestly?"
She nods.
"I've had worse. Had a few lessons, met some nice people." I smile at her. " And then had lunch. Haven't had anything poured on me, been tripped up, swore at, shouted at, and I haven't hurt anyone... It's not a bad start. I'm guessing this girl is important?"
"Well, she likes to think she is, but not really. She thinks because her dad's rich she can get away with everything."
I was right, getting her to talk is easy, but making her stop is difficult. Not that I mind, I quite enjoy her voice.
"People from that side of life tend to have that outlook. What about you? What's your life like?"
She shrugs and joins me on leaning against the wall, it's a little damp but okay.
"It's alright, I live with my mom dad and brother, so home's quiet. I work weekends at the library in town." Interesting. "I like to read" I knew it. "I'm more of an indoor girl to be honest." She snickers. "Surfing, going out, shopping and movies aren't really my thing." I couldn't agree more.
"You know what, I'm the same."
It's silent for a little while, not the awkward silence but the peaceful kind that you're glad when it happens.
"We were going to go to La Push this weekend if you want to come. It'll just be us girls, maybe Mike and Alex."
"I'll have to ask my dad. He's as overprotective as a parent can get and I'll let you know."
A bell rings and we head back inside, she's nice and walks me to my last class before going on to hers. She's a sweet girl. At least I have one friend here. I was surprised when Jake told me he doesn't go here, it's the only school for this place, but I guess he's more comfortable learning on the res like the rest of the boys. They've always stuck together.
The class is full when I get there, people shuffling around and putting bags in their desks or hanging them off their chairs. I introduce myself to my teacher and she tells me to take a seat. I look around a little dazed and blush when I realise the only seat available is the one at the back of the room... Right next to her.
She smiles gently at me when I walk up the desk and sit down.
"Hi!" She greets cheerfully.
"U-Uhm hello." What?
"I'm Alice. You're Bella aren't you?" I nod and try and concentrate on what he's writing on the board and getting my book out, and not the sweet aroma coming from this girl. Seriously what is this? It's intoxicating. I have to cover my nose in the end when I'm writing, she tries to talk but I blush every time and stutter so I'm giving up.
She's a very beautiful girl, even more so this close. She must think I'm a weirdo.
"So why the change?" She asks, her voice is making my insides fluttre. "From what I hear you're from sunny Arizona. So why Forks?" Being a new student is taxing, nothing stays a secret for long.
"Uh, I moved her to be with my dad."
She chuckles.
"That's sweet of you."
I'm not sure if I'd class it as sweet but sure.
"So are you from what I've heard." She raises a curious eyebrow at me.
"Is that so?"
"Mhmm. My friends haven't shut up about you, to say the least. You all just look like average high school students." I snort inwardly, apart from her. She's not at al normal.
Her pink lip quirks up a fraction, but I blink and it's gone. To be honest I'm not even sure I saw it.
"You best pay attention to her, Bella, she doesn't go lightly on homework. Even if you are new." I blush and look back to my nearly empty second page of notes. I've been too intoxicated by her presence to even jot anything remotely interesting down.
Fuck.
I need a cigarette.
"You can borrow my notes." I chuckle quietly, her request seems nice enough.
"Won't you need them."
"Well, Bella, I'll get them off you when I do. Hm?" I roll my eyes.
We stay mostly silent for the rest of the school day, I find out very little about her. She likes fashion and fast cars, and also has a fondness for butterflies. I'm sure she's the type of girl to get a butterfly tattoo on the small of her back.
We stand when the bell rings and she gladly gives me her notebook, and I promise to give it back in a couple of days.
"There's no rush new girl, I'll see you around." She leaves the room with a dancers grace and I'm left dumbfounded. With a tired sigh, I flick open her book, to my surprise, a slip of paper falls out, I bend down to pick it up and blush.
She's given me her phone number.
Thank you for reading!