A/N: Hello! I was in the middle of a Harry Potter fic but FF took it down. I'll rate this M for the future ;-) This story takes place at the beginning of the series when Bella first moves to Forks, but she ends up with someone different than Stephanie Meyer had her end up with. I kept the characters the same for the most part but may have changed a couple little quirks. Review with thoughts/ideas/what you want to see. I already have the next chapter written but anything could change. Enjoy!
We Didn't Even Know
Chapter 1
I couldn't believe I was back in Forks. This is what Renee and I both needed. She desperately needed to be free and was traveling with Phil. I honestly didn't know what I needed, but I was definitely not complaining about being in one place for my senior year of high school. I've talked to Charlie every week or so to keep in touch, but we are so alike and weren't exactly great at starting conversations.
Renee dropped me off at the airport that morning. It wasn't a long flight from Phoenix, thankfully. Charlie apparently took off the whole day from work and was waiting for me as I walked out of the terminal with my suitcases. I mailed some boxes of my things to Charlie's house yesterday from Renee's. Hopefully they would be there soon.
Charlie and I saw each other at the same moment and both of us smiled the same way at the same time. I walked over to him and landed in his arms. We were never huggers, but compared to Renee's craziness, this just felt right.
"Welcome back, Bells," Charlie said as he kissed my hair.
"Thanks Dad."
"Wanna stop by the diner for dinner or pick something up and take it home? I can't say I have much to cook with," Charlie said kind of embarrassed but knew I was expecting that.
"Dad the diner is fine. I'll go to the grocery store tomorrow. I'm not worried, just plan on some home cooked meals," I looked at him smiling.
"Bells you know I'd never complain about that," we both chuckled softly.
The ride to the diner was quiet for the most part. We talked about his work and who is still at the station that I remembered. I only remembered a few, but thanks to the picture of me on his desk, everyone remembered me.
We talked about Forks High School that I would be attending. There is a week before school starts so I'm guessing I'll be unpacking and cleaning a lot since Charlie has been living the bachelor life.
"I know a lot of parents of the kids who will be in some of your classes this year. You'll make some friends pretty easily."
"Dad you know how outgoing we are. I'll just do my thing and if I meet people, cool. If I don't, no problem." I really didn't mind if I wasn't in a huge group. I was clearly never the center of attention. I just needed to get organized this week and deal with one thing at a time.
We got to the diner and as we walked in, almost everyone waved and acknowledged Charlie then smiled at me. The waitress sat us, asked for our drink orders, and walked away to deal with a few other tables. It felt weird with a bunch of people glancing over at us. A few people looked familiar but I don't remember any names.
"Dad how often do you actually come here?" I asked smiling.
"I plead the fifth," he smiled, looking down at his glass of water. All I knew is that this man needs a couple good home cooked meals.
We ate quietly, for the most part. Dad filled me in on people in the diner, and some of the puzzle pieces started fitting together. I knew I wouldn't remember a lot of what he told me, but the familiarity was comforting.
When we got back to the house, it was almost exactly how I remembered it, except a little more aged. Just like reading a favorite book over again, you remember things about it as you get further through the book. Memories of my childhood came flooding back to me. I played with a couple of neighborhood kids. I remembered Dad's friends Billy and Harry coming over and I would play with Billy's kids Jacob, Rachel, and Rebecca. Of course we fought every now and then, I mean hey, we were kids. We would always have those memories from when we were little.
Charlie grabbed my suitcases and began walking up the stairs to put them in my room. As I followed him in even more memories came flooding back. The walls were the same lavender they always were and my bed was in the same place in the middle of the wall near the door. Another corner of my room had a simple wooden desk in it. I could see hours of homework and reading being done at that desk. Across from my bed was still the window that I loved opening on warm summer days. I had always wondered what I would do if I ever climbed down the tree right outside the window. Where would I go? What would I do? Would I go see anybody? Well I know my daydreams as a little kid are super different than any day dreams I have now.
"Well Bells, I'll let you unpack. You look tired, probably from traveling all day," Charlie started.
"Yeah I'm exhausted. I'm just going to take a shower and go to bed," I said as I yawned.
"I work in the morning so just call if you need anything," Charlie said as he started turning around and walking back into the hallway.
"Thanks Dad. Goodnight."
"I, Bells I," Dad stuttered, looking at me. "I'm really glad you're here Bells," he said hesitantly.
"I am too Dad. Thank you for letting me come back," I said walking to hug him.
The next morning I woke up and forgot where I was at first. I would miss Renee, but I would have a much more 'teenage' life this year since Charlie was fairly independent. Yeah I'd have to cook and clean but at least Charlie can keep on a schedule.
I smiled to myself, thinking about yesterday when I arrived at the airport. I had a whole year that would act as a fresh start. Today is Tuesday and I have until Monday to do, well, anything. It was already 10:00. I usually wake up fairly early but I guess yesterday really wore me out.
I finally got out of bed, ate some breakfast which consisted of some toast and jelly. I got straight to unpacking and cleaning. Unpacking was just tedious but I'm glad I figured out where everything would go. I cleaned what I could since Charlie only owned so many cleaning products. If he had more, I can guarantee they would never have gotten used. Around 2:00 when I was sweaty, gross, and the bathroom and kitchen were both finally cleaner than me, there was a knock on my door.
I opened it, not even thinking about the gym shorts and tank top I was wearing, and saw a tall, darker skinned guy with long black hair standing on my front steps.
"Hey Bella," the guy said. I looked at his face and realization made my whole face light up.
"Jake? Oh my gosh how are you?" I practically jumped into his arms. He hugged me back and I could feel the smile on his face. I definitely didn't think I would have something to look forward to like this my first full day here. "Oh my gosh I'm so sorry, I absolutely stink since I've been cleaning all day," I said hurriedly.
"Bella it's fine, you look great," he said as his eyes looked up and down my body. I definitely noticed his eyes move more slowly over certain areas.
We stood there for a moment just looking at each other.
"Come in, I'm so sorry. How have you been?" I closed the door behind him.
"I'm great, just going through the motions, waiting to graduate. How was Arizona?"
"Sunny and warm. It isn't bad here today but I'm dreading the rain I've heard so much about."
"You'll get used to it, I promise," he said with a smile. "So what are you up to the rest of the day?"
"I was gonna finish cleaning the house, but I wouldn't complain about a break. What were you thinking?"
"Well I don't have the truck with me and I don't see a vehicle out front for you to drive. We could walk around and I'll show you around and see how much you remember," Jake said a bit shyly.
"Yeah that's great. Let me um, throw some clean clothes on. I'm guessing you've been here more than me recently so make yourself at home, I'll be quick!" I finished as I started running up the stairs. I found some jeans and a t-shirt to change into, thankfully found my deodorant that I unpacked, and found some body spray. I brushed my hair and redid my ponytail, and brushed my teeth all in record time. I dashed back down the stairs to see Jake sitting on the couch channel surfing. He looked more at home than I felt for now. I knew it would come with time.
As I hit the bottom step he looks up at me with a smile. He turns the TV off and stands up looking at me as if he's scored the winning points.
"So where are we going?" I asked as I grabbed the extra house key Charlie made me and left him a note.
"We can go through a path in the woods behind your house, we can walk to the corner store that's a little farther, or we could just walk up and down the street, doesn't matter to me."
"Let's go in the woods, as long as you know the way."
"It's your lucky day, your tour guide is very knowledgeable," he smiled his million dollar smile that I remembered so well. We started into the woods on the path and I really had no clue where I was going. I tried to watch Jake's body language to see which way he was going. Watching his body in any way was not something I would complain about. Jake really started growing up. He still acted like the best friend I always played on the beach with, but boy did he look different. His t-shirt was tight around his biceps and anyone could tell he worked out.
We walked in the woods for about an hour, Jake and I usually walking next to each other unless the path thinned out. We talked about anything and everything; our dads and what they have been doing. He told me about people on the rez, some I remembered and some I didn't. We talked about Phoenix. I really didn't have an interesting life.
"So Bella, any boyfriends?" Jake asked, looking down and smirking.
"Yeah right. My clumsy self couldn't attract anyone but I was pretty busy taking care of myself and Renee."
"Bella you could get any guy you wanted to if you tried," I looked at him with my eyebrows up like was crazy. "I'm serious. You're cute, nice, so caring, you've got the whole package."
"Oh stop flattering me. You've only really known me an hour so far," I looked back at him smirking. I was blushing so much. Did Jake really think all of those things or was he just being nice?
"Bella-"he started, but I interrupted before he could say anything else.
"So how about you? Any girls?" Why was I anxious about his answer?
"Nah. I've had opportunities but none seemed like girlfriend material for me. If someone comes along, we'll see what happens, but no one right now," Jake responded.
What was he implying? That I could be girlfriend material for him? Of all of the girls that he probably has throwing themselves at him, he might be thinking about me? That's just crazy. As I thought, I realized I should probably be home when Charlie gets home. I know I left him a note, but I didn't need him worrying my first actual day here. Jake and I turned around and started heading back. Charlie could have been home at any time since he went in so early. Until then, Jake and I hung out and just watched TV and talked more. We sat fairly close together, just our arms were touching. He was warm, and being with him calmed me. It was relaxing to just sit around and talk with someone, even if there was some pressure since he likes me.
Charlie walked in the door after episode of CSI. He was surprised, but happy to see Jake, but I don't know about how he felt since we were sitting so close together on the couch.
"Jake, good to see you! How's Billy?" Charlie asked.
"Same as always, you saw him yesterday, Charlie," Jake responded with his signature smirk.
"I'm assuming I'll be seeing him again today if you need a ride home?"
"Sure, if that's alright with you."
"Bella is it ok if we pick up dinner and eat with Billy and Jake?" Charlie looked up at me tentatively.
"Of course. I haven't seen your dad yet so this is as good a time as ever," I said looking at Jake. I had a thought and gave Charlie a stern look. "We can't stay late though because you and I are stopping at the store on the way home for real food and a few other necessities."
"Yes ma'am," Charlie retorted happily.
I knew there would be a lot more 'new' experiences as I spent more time in my newer home. For now, one step at a time.
