Chapter One-
I can't believe we are actually doing this. We're really moving all the way to Washington- for a job. My dad thinks it's okay to just pick up the family and move us to a whole different world, for what? A Job! A Police Chief Job in a town of maybe five thousand people! In what world is he justifying this? Why trade a job as a head detective in a huge city, to a lowly Chief? There are absolutely no perks- I would know, I did the 'Pros and Cons'. He makes way less money, it rains constantly in Forks, Washington, we're leaving all of our friends, and we spent our whole lives here- he's throwing it all away for what? A new title, smaller house and a safe, small town life? Again I ask, why?
How did he even find this job? That was the biggest question of them all. There are plenty of jobs here in Phoenix- not that he needs a new one- how did he find out about Washington? Whoever told him, is going to get a mouth full from me! How dare they turn my whole life upside down!
"Ready to go, sweetie?" My mother broke me from my inner complaints.
After throwing a few more things into my duffle for the insufferable road trip, I nodded at her. I was the only person in the family not okay with this move. Both of my parents are excited; even my older brother, Emmett, is happy about it. I didn't see the appeal of moving to a new place and 'making a new me'. Like really? What's wrong with the me now? I'm just fine. Sure, I don't have near as many friends as Emmett, but I have plenty and I like them- I don't want to leave them. I suck at making friends- I'm way to shy and have a tendency to make everything feel awkward. Or maybe that's just me. Is it a crime to rather read a book then go out and party on a Friday night? I think not.
I slowly, but reluctantly walked from my room I had found comfort in since I was a baby. My room was my safe haven; leaving it is the hardest for me. How pathetic. It is going to be so hard to get used to a new place and adjust to new surroundings. It will be even harder to make friends- the ones I have now are mostly out of similarity and comfort, really. I am a black sheep surrounded by white, and that's how it will always be. I don't deny it- denial isn't a good trait. I'd rather be straight up and honest with myself than anything else.
"Ready to go Bella-Bear?" My big brother boomed as he rushed down the stairs almost knocking me from my feet. For the second time in the last five minutes I was brought out of my inner thinking, and completely oblivious to my surroundings. I gripped the railing to keep myself from tumbling down and breaking bones. Even though it's not a bad idea- we wouldn't move right away.
"Emmett, watch it! I almost fell to my death!" I screamed at his retreating back, his booming laughter came back to me.
We could really get no more different than we are now. The only way you could slightly tell that we are related is our hair and eyes; other than that, no similarities. He was towering height of six foot two, the size of a body builder, graceful on his feet, and the biggest difference- he is a social butterfly. He has no problem talking to complete strangers and making friends. His infectious, happy attitude attracts everyone near him. He's very easy to be friends with- he seems to relate with any and everybody he comes in contact with. Emmett is a kid in a giant's body; he is constantly joking around and playing pranks. Don't get me wrong though, he may act like a big dummy most of the time, but my brother is smart- too smart. He wasn't your typical jock- he's a secret nerd. He is as smart as I am- maybe. On the polar opposite, I am petite and five foot five, I trip over air, and in no way am I social. I am very introverted most of the time. Don't get me wrong, I like to talk to others, I'm just not good at starting a conversation with others. I can participate if I'm drawn in and I have to be completely comfortable with you; since that rarely happens- I stick to myself. Emmett is and always be my very best friend. He has always been there for me when I needed someone to vent to, someone to open up to. He's incredibly easy to talk to, never judges, and gives the best advice a girl could ask for.
When I safely made it down the stairs without falling to my death, I made the short, sad walk to the car. I couldn't bear leaving this house; the house I grew up in. Tears escaped my eyes as I walked out the door on to the porch. I passed the swing I had spent so many days absorbing books upon books. The stairs me and my brother had so many heart to hearts, the front yard where we played in the sprinklers as kids. We're leaving a huge part of our lives behind- it is so hard. I know I'm not the only on affected but I sure do feel like it.
"I'm going to miss it to, Bells- this has been home for us, forever." My dad said coming from behind me and throwing an arm over my shoulders. "But it will be good for us to move and experience other things. Who knows, maybe you'll like small town life." He beamed down at me, and I returned with a small smile. Who knows, he could be right, but he could be wrong. We have to see.
"You have a chance to turn your life around, Bella. It'll be so exciting. I know I would have loved that chance at your age." Mom clapped her hands together as we gathered in the car. "Just imagine who you can change yourself to! You have the opportunity to be anything you ever wanted."
I had to agree with her, with moving I did have the chance to be whoever I pleased. I could be the girl who isn't too quiet to engage with her peers. Heck, I could make an effort to make friends. Maybe even a boyfriend. I really do have a chance to transform myself form introverted Bella, to a more outgoing one. I could be the person I'm with my family with everyone. I could share my quick wit and humor with more than a few people. The possibility of changing my life now is greater than it ever will be, so why not?