Folliage Chapter one

I pulled open the sheer curtains over the kitchen sink and let the sunrise shine throughout the kitchen. I cracked the window open and heard birds chirping, crickets chirping and frogs croaking. I could also smell it, it was time for my favorite season...Fall. I had gotten into a routine here, one that made me an entirely different person almost. I felt more responsible, older and wiser about everything and dare I say more of an 'adult'?

I've been living on my own now for 6 months and I had a nice balance going on between working my two jobs and seeing Jake. I got in touch with Phoebe after a month or so and her friend came through for me, I actually loved working on the newspaper. I was currently just running errands and doing gopher work but I was loving it and knew it could lead to bigger things. I was still at the diner at night which was after Jake and I had time after he got out of school and my weekends were free so we spent weekends together. I made a lot of money so I was able to afford everything easier than I had imagined and was making new friends at work and had actually been out to Seattle with the crew from the newspaper on a girls excursion. I could feel myself opening up and blossoming into the woman I was supposed to be and I was really enjoying it.

Charlie and I, however, were a different story. He was none too thrilled to discover I had moved out of the house without his knowledge and the confrontation nearly cost me my job at the diner.

Tonight was my shift at the diner and Charlie hadn't been in touch with me today, perhaps he didn't realize I'd moved out yet. I breathed a sigh of relief as I pulled in to the parking lot and it was void of any cruiser. Though that relief was short lived when I turned around and saw him seated in my section, glaring at me over clasped fists. I glanced around for help, but knew I had to cover the table and slowly walked towards him.

"You want the usual?" I tried, casually.

"Did you move out?" Okay, I failed that attempt.

"I did. Is there an order you want placed, I have other tables."

"Ususal. Why?"

"Why? You told me to." I turned on my heel and put his order in and tended to my other tables briefly before putting my hand out to take his un-opened menu.

"We didn't talk about it." He handed me the menu and grimaced.

"You, talk? Was I supposed to wait around for that?" I snapped, eying the serving line for orders.

"Damnit Bella; what has gotten into you? Lying to me, talking back to me, you move out without asking..."

"I don't have to ask your permission to do anything, I'm 18. You wanted me to move out of your house and I did. As for talking back to you, my apologies I can find you another waitress."

"Don't be daft Bella!" He yelled, slamming his fists on the table.

I heard forks hitting plates and knew people were staring at us now and I took a deep breath, "This isn't the place for this discussion, I get off at 10." I walked away and had another waitress deliver his food. Around 10 his cruiser was parked outside and I knew he was waiting to talk to me and dreaded this conversation. I pulled out my phone and texted Jake.

"Hold off on calling me, Charlie wants to talk. Will call you."

I locked the door behind me and leaned against the truck as he rolled his window down, "Where are you staying? Can I at least know that much?" He was staring out his windshield.

"I am renting a cottage on a private property."

"Where?"

"Here in town; I have more than enough money to pay rent and the owner is really sweet. Any more questions?"

"Bella, I am disappointed in you. I thought Jacob would be good for you but ever since you got with him...you've been..."

I cut him off by slamming my fist into the car behind me, "Yeah, blame someone else for your problems it's what you do."

"Excuse me?" He asked, finally looking at me, puzzled.

"You heard me! Every time something goes a different way you point blame at everyone else. Jacob has no influence on me moving out or even talking to you like this YOU do! I was honest with you about everything and instead of seeing it from my standpoint you yell at me and tell me to move out of my home. I made the best of it and sought out a safe place and did what you asked me to do! You want to give up on me, fine but take credit for it and don't drag Jake into it."

"I take responsibility for my actions all the time! I don't know why you've changed, why you've lied to me so long about Edward and Jacob. How would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot?"

"I have never been a parent; but I don't feel that I could be as cold as you have been. I'd want to understand, maybe accept it but move on from it and not sabotage my relationship with my only child."

"Oh, I'm cold now?"

"You've always been cold."

I got a glare and if looks could kill this scenario would turn ugly real quick, but I shot one right back at him.

"OK. Then take care." He backed out and headed back towards the station without another glance and I rolled my eyes.

He had never truly been there as a father, I'd taken care of him for a majority of my years there. I would be just fine, I flipped open my phone and dialed Jake.

"That was fast, could mean two things. One, it went well. Two, you killed him."

I laughed, "We just don't see eye to eye about anything anymore. He got mad at me and left, but whatever. How'd your test go, I've been anxious to hear how you did!"

"Well I think one of us will be happy to hear I got a C."

I cringed, "That doesn't make me happy! We studied so hard."

"I didn't say it would make you happy, I said one of us. I'm used to failing that class, a C is a good grade in my eyes!" he laughed, lightening my mood.

"Ah, well I guess a congrats is in order then."

Silence.

"Jake?"

"I'm waiting for my congratulations."

I laughed out loud unlocking my front door, "Congratulations Jake, I'm glad you passed."

He laughed in return, "Thank you. I had a good tutor."

I threw my bag in the corner and flipped the light on, "Jake?"

"Bella."

"I miss you."

"Aw, I miss you too. Did you have a rough day?"

I began to feel tears well up in my eyes as the days events piled on top of me and I sank into the sofa. "I just...I wanted to be responsible and on my own. Why does it feel so rotten?"

"Because you wanted your Dad's approval and he won't give it to you. You didn't do anything wrong, he just didn't expect it. He'll come around Bells, he's your Dad."

I nodded as though he could see me, "I guess you could be right. Is it Friday yet?" Jake was planning on spending the weekend with me while our Dad's were camping which I didn't understand. He wouldn't talk to me or Jake but would still go out with Billy as though nothing happened.

I heard him sigh and I frowned, fearing I'd upset him with my mood. "No, it's Tuesday."

I nodded and jumped as something crashed on my porch, "Yeesh!" I yelled. "What the heck was that!" I opened my front door and saw a timid looking Jake, phone still open in his hand.

"I didn't mean to scare you." He laughed, flipping his phone shut.

"How the heck..."

He laughed and stepped inside, hugging me tightly. "I was already headed over here when you asked if it was Tuesday yet. I missed you too much and you live too close for me to not pop over when I feel the urge."

He kissed me and I smiled into it; forgotten was the crappy end to my day and the stress of not pleasing my father.