All Characters belong to Stephenie Meyers
This features a Olderward/Docward & Younger Bella/Artella.
Thanks for reading :)
Chapter 1
"Bella, I'm just heading out for the night. Phil wants me to meet some of his Uni buddies, don't wait up!"
It's like I'm living with a room-mate who's my age and not my Mom. It's not really like it bothers me she's always been a free spirit that needs to surround herself with people. Me on the other hand, well I would rather stay at home and curl up with a good book, riveting I know.
Growing up I always loved the times I spent with my Dad. We're quite alike, we both are quite happy to just relax and enjoy the quiet and we never felt like we have to entertain one another. I miss him, it's been nearly 2 years since I saw him last. Living in Australia with my Mom and finishing my masters in arts has kept me rather busy. He's chief of Police in my hometown of Forks Washington. Crime isn't really an issue there just the occasional rascal with fireworks on the school breaks but maybe that's a sign of a great Police Chief keeping the town of Forks as safer place.
We tend to call one another now and then just to touch base. It usually ends with his signature awkward 'Are you interested in any of the boys there?' I don't have it in my heart to tell him that nearly all the 'boys' my age only have 2 things on their mind. Sex & Partying. Instead it's always answer 'No Dad don't worry, Mom will be the first to tell you if a boy even happened to look in my general vicinity ' queue awkward forced laugh.
My closest friend is Angela. We met on the first day of our Art History class and have been great friends ever since. She usually calls me on a Friday night to see if I want to partake in our weekly art seminar which just so happens to be taught by Angela's' mother. Art has always been my outlet whether it be drawing, painting or sculpting it seems like the only way which truly shows my thoughts and emotions. My dream is to eventually be able to make and honest living off of it instead of the odd commission through my Mom's friends.
Angela must be busy with her new boyfriend Ben. If you think I'm a shut in wait till you meet Ben, even I think he's too quiet. Angela must have been able to at least get more than a 'Hi' from him because I have never seen her so happy and willing to pass up her weekly Friday night ritual.
I might as well read my old faithful Pride & Prejudice. No matter how many times I've read this book it still feels like I'm reading it for the first time. Grabbing my favourite red throw blanket I crawl up into my chair and begin to read..
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must want for a wife...
Suddenly my cell comes to life on the coffee table to R.E.M's Its the end of the world as we know it, giving me the heads up that it indeed is my mother gracing me with her call. I toss-up the idea of playing oblivious and letting it go to voice-mail, It's nine times out of ten a call to ask me if she can borrow $50 until next week with a weak promise that she will pay me back. Like the good daughter I am I decide to answer.
"Hi Mom, I'm just transferring it over now it should show up in a few seconds.."
Instead of a response all I hear is heartbreaking sobbing.
"Mom?"
Oh no her & Phil must have broken up.
"Mom, where are you? I'm coming to get you."
"Bella wait." She says as she tries to settle herself down. A minute passes when she finally says
"Bella... Char...is...really...I...know...how...say...this.."
"What?" I exclaim "Mom I can't understand a word your saying, take a deep breath and say that again."
"It's your Dad Bella.. There's been an accident.."
"Oh my god..." I whisper. I can't think straight. Is he ok? Is he dead?! Oh god don't let him be dead. I promise to make more of an effort to see him.
"He's in a coma. Sue just called me she said that he was on his way to pick up Leah and Seth from school and the hospital called and told her he was in t-boned by a Truck. The truck didn't notice the red light." she tries to get her breathing under control again "I don't know anything else except he is at Forks General Hospital.. Oh my god Bella.. I don't know what to do!"
My head is pounding trying to take in all of this new information. I've got to do something, think quickly Bella.
"Mom, can you stay with Phil tonight?"
"What? Why? Bella you need someone with you, we need to do something.." she sounds so exasperated.
"Mom, I need you to put Phil on the phone for me. Can you do that for me?" I'm trying to keep myself calm as I wait for her response. I can hear some whispering.
"She wants to speak to you" pause "I haven't got a clue."
Some shuffling and static and finally I hear his voice.
"Bella, I'm so sorry honey is there anything I can do to help?"
"Yes actually. I need you to take Mom to yours tonight I'm going to catch the next flight out to Seattle and I'm going to stay there a while. I'm better off doing this alone. We know that she can't handle stress at the best of times let alone Forks. Just try to keep her distracted, I'll make sure to keep her up to date. It will be better this way."
Some more whispering in the background and I think I hear something like 'Bad reception'
"Bella, are you sure this is a lot to take on so suddenly. Have you got enough money? What about your life here? Your Mom will miss you so much.." he sounds torn. I guess I have put him in a hard spot.
"I'll be fine Phil. I just want to be there for Charlie. He needs some support and I can't just wait here to find out if he will be ok. I'll help Sue out with the kids too. I've got enough savings and I can find another temporary job there. I'll Facebook message you with my flight details and I'll make sure I leave a note for Mom so she knows it was my decision" I can feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I talk so fast and am already thinking of what I need to organize before I leave.
"Ok Bella, just know that we love you and just make sure you don't forget to take care of yourself as well while your there. I'll put your mother back on.."
"Bella? Is everything ok?" She's so concerned.
"Yes Mom, Phil's going to have you over at his place tonight, I'm going to spend the night with Angela and just wait to hear more from Sue. Don't worry I'll figure something out and we will talk about it tomorrow. There's not much we can do now, he's a strong guy Mom he will pull though" I'm not even convinced by what I'm saying but like a moth to the flame she believes me.
"Ok Bella, if your sure honey. Your father is strong he will be ok. Strong just like his daughter" she half laughs "Ring me straight away if you need me ok I love you."
"I love you too Mom, I'll talk to you soon" I end the call and go straight to my laptop, The next flight is in 4 hours. That gives me plenty of time to get a few basics packed, organize a few things for Mom while I'm away.
Thanks for taking the time to read my fan fic, Its my first time writing, go easy on me :)
