Author's Note: This story is an AU story about what would have happened had Bella been raised by a different family. For the sake of the story I've made slight changes such as Bella's birthdate and possibly other changes down the line, when you read you'll understand why.

I've had this story in my head for nearly a year and it's one that I haven't seemed to let go of so I figured I might as well do something with it since it was driving me mad not sharing it.

I don't know how long this story will be but I ask that you be patient in regards to chapter updates. I do plan to complete this one that is for sure.

Ch. 1 Charlie & Renee

Renee Higginbotham sat uncomfortable in Charlie's living room. It had been four months since she had seen Charlie and seeing him now brought back the summer they had spent together.

Renee and some friends had been spending their summer on a road trip when they landed in Forks, Washington. There was no direct plan so when they came to First Beach on the La Push Reservation they decided to camp. Once the set up was complete Renee and her two girlfriends took a walk.

"Don't look now Nay," said Amy, "but there are two yummy guys up ahead and I think one of them is checking you out."

"He is not," Renee had said.

Shelby smiled, "He totally is."

Renee shook her head though she knew her friends were right since she had been checking one of them out as well.

When the five of them finally crossed paths they all smiled.

"Hi, I'm Charlie," he said sticking out his hand.

"Renee."

And for the next few days they were inseparable.

"Say something," Renee said breaking the silence as Charlie continued to pace.

"It was just that one night."

Renee shrugged. "Condoms break."

"Why am I just finding out about this now? You could have called, you could have come sooner."

"Would it have made any difference?"

"Maybe."

"Oh be realistic Charlie, we both know we don't want this."

Charlie took a seat across from Renee knowing she was right. Charlie had a hard enough time taking care of his ailing parents and working his way to becoming a deputy. As great a time as he and Renee had that summer and as much as he cared for her and wanted her to be in his life, he just wasn't ready for a full time commitment of being a father and from what he could tell she wasn't ready to be a mother either. She was flighty and always one to be on the move, never really settling down.

"What do you want from me," Charlie asked.

"Nothing, I just thought you should know and I thought it was better doing this in person."

Charlie nodded. "I'm sorry Renee, for everything but I can't be a father, not yet. There's just too much going on."

"And I can't be a mom. I've never wanted that life."

Charlie looked at her. "So now what?"

"I don't know," Renee answered.