"Lolito"

Chapter 1 – "Nude Beginnings"

I wake up to the Evanescence ringtone I set as my alarm the previous night.

I groan, and shove my face into the pillow. I am so exhausted! The new move had not only been physically taxing but emotionally also. Although I would never admit this to Renee, as it would break her flighty little heart, I was already homesick.

I already missed the late night chats with my mom over Ben's and Jerry's ice cream. Sometimes we would laugh so hard we'd wake Phil out of a sound sleep. But he never complained being the sweet guy that he is. He would simply grin groggily and shake his head indulgently at "his girls". I know some teenagers make it a mission to give their step parental hell,

but I genuinely like Phil and I believe the feeling is mutual.

I sigh deeply, feeling a little depressed. I missed Phoenix; I missed the sun making an actual appearance. In Forks the only rays you see are Bobby Rays. I smile at my errant thought and remind myself to keep an open mind. Yes, it's always gloomy here and yes it's so much precipitation you're tempted to build an ark some days, but the people are genuine.

Sound of heavy footsteps coming up the steps breaks me out of my reverie. I guess Charlie thought I might need an extra push to get up this morning.

I hear a few quick knocks on the door. "Bells, you decent in there," I bite back a smile. "Sure Char-Dad, come on in." He clears his throat, and rubs his neck awkwardly.

"Um, well Bells, I just want you to know that although I may not show it all the time, I'm glad you're here. And I know your mom and Phil wish they could work around his job so you all could be together without incident but…I'm almost glad it didn't work out. If it had, I would've never gotten my long overdue time with my baby girl."

His voice catches on the last word. I sit there stunned. Charlie is just like me, he rarely makes major displays of emotion. But for some reason I find myself fighting a lump in my throat.

"Gee dad, I admit I wasn't certain about this at first, but I think it may just turn out alright after all. At that he gives a wide grin and lets out a small sigh of relief. I guess he was worried I wouldn't acclimate to my new life.

"Alright, up and at em'. You have school young lady, don't want to be late your first day," Charlie says.

"Yes, can't keep the gossipers waiting", I say with fake enthusiasm. Charlie chuckles and heads down to get ready for work. I pick out my ensemble for the day, and head to take a shower.

As I get out I realize I left my dry towel on my bed. This is great. Just as I go for the knob, Charlie bursts through the door. Holy Crap! My face color must be identical to Charlie's, who's jumped back as if bitten by a snake. Deeply embarrassed with his hand over his eyes and back now turned, he stutters an apology.

"Oh-oh-my-my-I mean-God-I-I'm sorry Bells. I guess I'm not used to living with anyone, especially a young lady." He says in his gruff voice. He's traumatized, that much is clear.

Yeah, join the club Dad. "Uh, it's alright Dad, let's just pretend that didn't just happen."

I say quickly. "Excellent idea! Carry on!" he says, as he hightails it out of there.

Once I'm sure the coast is clear, I grab my towel and begin to get ready for school. After trying and failing to manage my chestnut locks, I decide to wear a ponytail. I wear a really cute fitted blouse with a pair of blue rinse jeans and gold sequins flats.

After I finish my makeup, I'm pleased with the final result. I head downstairs and see Charlie who's looking nervous, and a bit excited. "What's up Dad?" I ask dubiously.

"I got you something, a welcome home present of sorts," he explains with a grin.

Surprised, but curious, I follow him to the driveway where I see the most adorable red Beetle.

"I got a bargain, I was thinking a truck initially, but this seemed more your taste," he says, sounding a bit smug I might add. "Dad, I adore it!," I said honestly.

"But you shouldn't have went through any trouble for me" I insist.

"Nonsense, it's my right as a father. Now get going kiddo."

He says as he climbs in his cruiser. After further inspecting my new car, I head towards my destination.

As I drive I notice La Push and instantly think of my childhood friend Jacob Black. I admit I had a bit of a crush on him when we were younger.

We would play and climb trees when I would come to visit Charlie during the summer.

We'd lay out and watch the sky while he told me Quileute bedtime stories.

Giggling and shoving each other into the grass until Charlie called us in for supper.

I smile as I reminisce of happier, simpler times. I finally make it into the student parking lot and I'm relieved to see it's fairly empty.

I know gossip is hot commodity in this town and I'm not sure I want the attention.

I fish my backpack from the back seat, toss my keys into my pocket and head towards the entrance. But before I can enter a nice looking blond boy with a very boyish, round face, opens it for me. Before I can thank him properly, he grabs my hand and raises it to his lips.

He looks at me expectantly as if saying "Okay, this is the part where you swoon."

It takes everything in me not to laugh. "Hi, Isabella I presume?" he asks in a surprisingly light voice. "Um…yeah, it's Bella actually", I say blushing.

I hate when people use my full name, it's so….formal. And my life is anything but. He takes this quick exchange as encouragement. "Well, Bella", he says placing emphasis on my name.

"I was wondering if you needed a tour guide, we wouldn't want you getting lost your first day now would we? He asks flashing a picture perfect smile. Although, it's my first nature to politely decline, I get the distinct feeling he's not the type to be dissuaded easily.

"Sure, I guess it couldn't hurt right?", I respond with a weak smile. But he's grinning from ear to ear. "Great! Let's get started."