Summary

Bella is returning to Forks to live with her Dad and brother after her mother goes travelling with her new husband but Bella is scared of moving back. She's scared of the possessive best friend that she left behind.

Chapter 1

Bella POV

Closing my eyes, I lent back, preparing myself for the bumpy landing that I knew was coming. I was going back to the place that I had been so overjoyed at leaving. The plane landed and I jolted in my seat. For me, the worst thing about flying was the landing. Thank god this was an evening flight otherwise looking at the ground getting very close, very fast would make my stomach churn. I glanced at my watch, seeing that my flight was arriving right on time at 7.05pm.

My Mom had got re-married to a younger guy and they were travelling all over the USA and as much as my mother wanted to take me with her, I knew it wasn't ideal if I ever wanted to get a decent education and go to college. I needed to be in a permanent place where I could have one set of friends. My Mom tried to stay in Phoenix with me, but I knew she missed Phil. Also, I had been having a bit of trouble in my High School…it wasn't my fault that slut Jessica's face had ended up connecting with my fist…she just fell…honestly. It was then that Renee had suggested that I move to Washington to live with my Dad and brother until I graduated High School. At first, I was determined not to leave Phoenix, fearing what would be waiting for me when I got back but then I realised that if I stayed here…then my Mom would be unhappy that she wasn't with Phil.

In Phoenix, I could blend in…nearly. Apart from my pale complexion, I looked as if I came from there. There had been no boys though; I was too scared of what Edward would do if news ever reached him that I had a boyfriend. There had been boys that we my friends, but no boyfriend. Although my mother had left 11 years ago, I was still slightly afraid of him but I had learnt to stand up for myself and not take anybody's crap. I hardly recognised myself anymore. I kept my brown curls, but then ended just after my shoulders. I was wearing a 'Dirty Sanchez' t-shirt paired with skinny jeans and my old Vans. I had stolen my best boy friend's jumper. Note the space between the boy and friend. I knew he liked me like that but I wasn't interested, he tried and tried but I learnt to stick up for myself. I remember the day I told him I was leaving and I hated being so…weak and vulnerable.

I found myself hiding underneath a thick bush in the middle of the forest, hiding from the person that I cared about the most…well the most a six year old could care about someone. I was hiding from having to tell my best friend the truth. I was scared of telling him the truth.

Edward Cullen was my best friend, has had been ever since I could remember. Our parents thought we were destined to be together but I hid the truth deep inside. Edward was possessive of me and being smaller and weaker than him, I was scared although I loved him. Edward was 8 years old and he was friends with my older brother Emmett. He protected me from the boys that bullied me at school and the girls that would pull my brown, curly hair in the park. He would save me just to remind me that I belonged to him.

"Bella!" I heard him call. "Bella where are you?" I shrank deeper into the undergrowth as his voice became louder and closer. I moved my foot and then mentally hit myself when I heard a branch snap behind me. The bushes moved as Edward discovered my hiding place.

"Why are you hiding from me?" He asked, grabbing my arm and pulling me up.

"Ow Edward, you're hurting me" I said, trying to pull my arm back, he just made his grip tighter. "Edward let go" I whimpered. I knew that there was going to be a bruise there soon enough…another lie I'd have to tell.

"Bella, I have to know where you are always. You are mine and nobody else's" Edward said. "Why are you hiding?" he asked again.

"I have to tell you something Edward" I whispered. "My Mommy is leaving my Daddy and I'm going with her" I looked down, hoping that he wouldn't hurt me. Instead he exploded with rage.

"What? Bella! You cannot leave! You belong to me!" He shouted, pulling me closer. "Please don't leave me Bella" he whispered. "You're probably only moving out of the house. I don't know why you're scared. I'll always be here Bella. You'll never have to be alone" I gulped. I knew I had to do this; I had to leave him behind if I ever wanted to be free.

I felt my tears streaming down my face. "She's moving to a place called Phoenix and I have to go on a plane. I'm sorry Edward. I want to go" I pulled my arm from his grip forcefully and ran. I ran like my life depended on it. I knew those words would anger him more than anything had before. I could hear his footfalls behind me but this spurred me on to run faster. I saw my house come into view and my Mom, Dad and Emmett standing outside. I ran over to my father and I collapsed into his embrace, letting the tears fall, he scooped my up into his arms and I turned my head round, looking towards the pathway I had just run out of. I saw a very angry Edward standing in the entrance. I clung to my dad as I said goodbye to him and Emmett and he handed me to my Mom and she buckled me into the car. She reversed out of the driving and I watched as we drove past Edward. I watched as the glared at me and I shrunk back in my car seat, thankful that I was being taken away from him but I knew in my heart that I would miss him every single day.

I collected my bags off the luggage conveyer belt and glanced around in the arrivals lounge, looking for Emmett and my Dad. I stood there looking helpless, glancing around at the couples hugging each other, the little children hugging their parents. Where were my hugs? God I sounded like a little child and as if on cue, my huge, childish brother made an appearance.

"BELLA!" I heard my bear of a brother scream across the crowd. Soon enough, people were being pushed out of the way as Emmett bounded his way over to me. I dropped my bags just in time for Emmett to sweep me off my feet and spin me in circles. I hugged him back just as fiercely. I had always seen my brother over the years but him and Charlie always travelled to Phoenix. I had lied saying that it was because I had a fear of flying and only went on a plane when it was necessary. I had become good at lying when it involved Forks. I lied about why I was upset sometimes…to protect the people that hurt me from Edward. I lied about flying because I knew if I came back, then Edward would find me and I wasn't strong enough to face him…yet. But I was ready now.

"Emmett! I missed you so much" I said as he placed me back on the ground. I looked around his frame and saw my Dad hanging back. I walked over to him and hugged him lightly.

"It's good to have you back Bells" he said gruffly, he was never a person to show his emotions so I knew that this meant a lot.

"Thanks" I said. Emmett grabbed my bags and we headed towards the car. Emmett was chatting excitedly about everything and anything. He said that he couldn't wait for him to meet everyone…which consisted of two new people. Apart from Alice and Edward (Alice is Edward's little sister), nobody had really been my friend…Edward wouldn't allow me to get really close to anyone. The new additions were Rosalie, who was Emmett's girlfriend and Jasper, who was also a senior like Alice and me. We climbed into the cruiser, Emmett joining me in the back so we could continue chatting.

"Speaking of Edward…he's been asking about you. Ever since I mentioned you were moving back, he hasn't stopped" I gulped and Emmett laughed, oblivious to the scared look in my eyes. "Actually, ever since you left, he has always asked about you. I think someone has a little crush on my baby sister" he winked.

"Get real Emmett. I haven't spoken to him for nearly 11 years. So where does he work? I mean…he's the same age as you so he's finished High School" I hoped that he didn't work close to Emmett, meaning that I could avoid him as much as possible. I hoped to avoid him altogether, but I knew that wasn't possible. I don't think I'd even recognise him anymore…I mean…he was 8 the last time I saw him!

"We both own the local garage in Forks and he's always round the house." He mused. Oh shit, things couldn't get any worse could they? "Alice has been dying to get to know you, she's already planned about a million shopping trips and she nearly died when I said she couldn't redecorate your room." I groaned. Maybe it could get worse. "By the way…I changed your room abit. We got you a new bed because I didn't think you'd want a small bed and a few other things but I'll let it surprise you. We can always change it if you don't like it" He added with a rush.

"Emmett" I said. "Shut up. I'm sure I'll love it" Emmett and I laughed and joked with my Dad all the way home. "How is Alice by the way?" I hadn't spoken to her in a long time.

"Oh she's good although I think she thinks that she's going to get a new shopping buddy but I doubt it" He laughed.

We pulled up to the little, two storey house that I scarcely remember leaving 11 years ago. We climbed out the car and Emmett and Dad grabbed my bags from the trunk, carrying them into the house. I glanced around, seeing the little pathway that led to mine and Edward's little hideaway. I tore my eyes from it, pushing back the memories that were trying to flood into my brain. I closed the door behind me as I walked into the house. The old familiar smell hitting me immediately. A calm atmosphere washed over me. I finally felt home. My bags were placed into my room and I stepped inside, looking over the changes that had been made. The bright pink walls had turned into a nice, fluffy light blue. My old, rickety bed had been replaced with a gorgeous double bed which had one side pushed up against the wall with a thick blue quilt and blanket. My desk had been replaced with a new one and my chest of drawers had been cleaned. My bookshelf currently stood empty, waiting for the millions of books I had to unpack and also buy new ones. A few pictures littered the room that had been placed by Emmett and Charlie. There were ones of when they came to visit in Phoenix and ones from before I left.

"It's…amazing" I whispered. I turned around and pulled them into a hug. They graciously left me to unpack and I pulled out my laptop, placing it on the desk, turning it on and playing music from iTunes until I could set up my speakers. Sorting out my room I danced my way around, placing my clothes into my wardrobe, folding them into my chest of drawers. Sorting out my desk and making it feel homey. I pulled out my cell-phone as called my Mom as promised when I had reached the house.

"Hey Mom, it's me" I said, waiting for Renee to reply.

"Oh Bella, How was your flight? I was getting worried that you'd forgotten me" she joked.

"Mom, I could never forget you silly and my flight was as expected" I informed her.

"Good. How are your Father and Brother?" She asked.

"Their fine, they redecorated my room for me and it's surprising that I actually like it" I laughed.

"Blimey Bella, what has gotten into you?" She joked. "You normally never like surprises" she said.

"I know…anyway, how are you and Phil? Anymore games?" I asked, wondering how long I'd have to stay in Forks for.

"Well at the moment we're in Denver and he's playing really well…well I think that he is but you know me, I can barely run" I laughed, this is where I had gotten my clumsiness from. "But were okay at the moment, we're moving on to Texas soon so we'll see how he is playing there too but you never know, we may be back home in Phoenix soon enough and then you can move home again"

"Mom, I'd like to stay in Forks until I can get my own opinion. I mean I've only been here for about two hours and I haven't really seen anything" I said

"Oh I know that silly, anyway I better go but Bella remember, you ever want to come back then you only have to call and we'll have you on the next flight out of there" she said.

"I know. Thanks Mom. Love you" I said and ended the call,

"Bella! Come down. I want you to meet some people" Emmett called from downstairs. I gulped… please don't let it be Edward. I repeated multiple times over and over again.

"One minute" I called back. I pulled off my shoes, thankful for them finally being off so I could relax a little bit. I walked downstairs and turned into the living room and found my Dad watching the Football game on the TV…Some things never change I thought. Walking into the kitchen I saw Emmett and the back of a blonde headed girl and a taller blonde headed boy.

"Bells, I want you to meet my girlfriend Rosalie and her brother Jasper" Emmett introduced. The two siblings turned around and I gasped at their beauty. I knew that Jasper was also 17, like myself because I was going to start going to Forks High with him but he really didn't look 17. His wavy blonde hair made his features stick out even more. Rosalie was…Wow. Any girl standing next to her would seem ugly. God, I was immediately jealous.

"Um Hi" I said shyly. I bit on my bottom lip and pushed my hands into my back pockets, trying to make myself as small as possible.

"Well it's nice to meet the sister that Emmett has been talking about non-stop since you said you were moving here" Rosalie said. She stepped forward and pulled me into a hug which I awkwardly returned. "Honestly, you have any problems Bella come to me although I'm sure you can take care of yourself from what I've heard" She winked at me as she released me.

"It's nice to meet you Bella. I'm sure you'll appreciate a familiar face on Monday morning" Jasper joked.

"Your Alice's boyfriend right?" I asked, trying to remember if I got my facts right or not. I did not want to embarrass myself ridiculously if I got this information wrong.

"Yeah I am. Trust me though…Once you get past the initial hyper-ness and stuff, she's an amazing girl" I laughed at his joke.

"Well I can't wait to meet here and yeah, I'm gonna be glad for a familiar face on Monday. The only people that I remember from Forks are Emmett, Edward and Alice…but I barely remember her" I said.

"So what did Rosalie mean when she was sure that you could handle yourself?" Jasper said. I realised that Emmett and Rosalie had joined my Dad in the living room watching the game…which surprised me about Rose. I thought that she was more of a…bitchy type. Maybe I had her wrong? Was she one of those real girls in a supermodels body? I knew it was a long shot but it might be true. I'd just have to get to know her abit better.

"Well I may have got in a bit of trouble…This girl was saying shit and I finally got fed up and she may have accidently, on purpose fell on my fist and got a broken nose" I said innocently. "But I mean…wouldn't you smack someone if they were saying stuff like 'you're the ugly Swan' and 'Go back to Alaska Albino'…I know, a few of the kids were abit dumb and couldn't think of any good insults' I laughed. "But eventually something just clicked in my head and I went" I admitted.

"Shit Bella, remind me not to get on your bad side" he laughed. We joined the others in the living room, I sat next to Rosalie and we eventually ordered Pizza because none of us could be bothered to get up and prepare something, which I was thankful for.

"So Bella, what are you plans for tomorrow?" Rosalie asked while the boys were shouting about the game which apparently, whatever team they were supporting had lost.

"I'm not sure. It's Sunday so I might treat myself to a lie in and maybe take a trip to town if anyone is available to drive me" I said, hoping there was because I needed to buy a few things that I couldn't bring with me.

"I was going to show you this tomorrow if you had no plans but apparently you need our present for your plans" Emmett said. I glanced between Emmet and Charlie, wondering what the hell they had got me.

"Guys, you've already done too much. I don't need anything else" I said.

"Nonsense, we got you a car since we didn't think you'd want your old man driving you round in the cruiser." Charlie said and I smirked. I really didn't want that. "And plus, Emmett won't always be around and the fact that you'll have to get yourself to school and back" he said. I sighed, knowing he was right.

"Fine, but this is also my Birthday present so no presents for my birthday. Understand?" I spoke clearly. I hated my Birthday and the stupid song which everyone sings while you're sitting there not knowing what the hell do.

"As you wish Bells" My silly brother said. "Get Dad to drop you off at the Garage tomorrow because it's stored there at the moment and I got some things to do" I gulped…the garage meant the possibility of seeing Edward. "But it's Sunday…why are you working on a Sunday?" I questioned.

"I've got this car, it's an old Mustang and the owner is paying double to get it finished by Monday evening and I can only do that if I work Sunday but it's no problem. It's not like I have anything to do and it shouldn't take long so it's only gonna be me at the garage." I let out a low breath, quickly calming myself. Another day where I would be avoiding interaction with Edward. It's not like Edward was determining where I would be going…I just had to make sure that I was ready mentally before I saw him. He wouldn't be stopping where I was going, who I was going with or anything like before.

"Okay then" I agreed. "But I mean it. No Birthday presents. You've already done more than enough." I said sternly. "But I'm going to head to bed because I'm pooped after my flight and it's already 10 o' clock and I actually want to wake up at a reasonable hour tomorrow." I laughed. I said goodnight and made my way upstairs. I heard the door slam shut and I figured that Rosalie and Jasper had left because the sound of the game had increased and I could hear Charlie and Emmett discussing it animatedly.

Grabbing some old sweats, I made my way into the bathroom and turned on the shower. After stripping out of my clothes and stepping into the hot sprays. I let the water relax my muscles and I felt my eyes starting to droop and I dried myself off, pulling on my sweats and making my way to my bedroom. I turned off the light and walked over to my bed, pulling back the covers, I sat leaning against the headboard, staring out of the window at the night sky and trees. It was weird seeing the stars at night…I was so used to the cover of cloud in Phoenix that I had forgotten how beautiful they were.

I glanced down at the road and saw a Silver Volvo parked the other side of the street. I looked closer and saw a figure sitting in the drivers' side…I had absolutely no idea who this car belonged to so I didn't think it was of any importance. Pulling down the blind, plunging my room into darkness, I snuggled deeper into the new, never used sheets, inhaling the fresh smell and drifted into a world of darkness.