Chapter One

The scent of alcohol wafted towards me. My nose scrunched up in distaste of the offending smell. I slowed my footsteps, keeping a wary eye of my father on the couch. He was still dressed in his uniform and had an alarming amount of empty beer cans scattered around his resting form. It was nights like these I knew better than to disturb him. He isn't a light sleeper, by any means, but if my clumsy nature would happen to make an appearance..let's just say nothing good would come out of it.

I slipped off my shoes and padded towards the kitchen. I didn't eat much these days, which made Charlie's anger flare each time he saw a trash can full of wasted food. I started to buy less groceries and made a show of eating sometimes for Charlie's sake. It appeased him and his threats of forcing me to live with Renee decreased. I carefully grabbed a pot and placed it under the faucet, I watched the water flow as my thoughts started to wander to them.

It has been four agonizing months since they left. No calls, emails, or texts. I didn't expect they would given the circumstances, but I assumed they would give some explanation for their abrupt departure. His departing words played in my mind, taunting my every thought. She wanted to say goodbye, but I convinced her a clean break would be better for you. At the time I was grateful they didn't say goodbye. It was hard enough going through his goodbye, but everyone else's? I wouldn't have been able to handle it. But after what I've been through these past few months, I think I would be able to take whatever life throws at me.

Cold water splashed on my arm, pulling me from my thoughts. I watched in horror as the water gushed out of the full pot and rained down on the metal sink. Normally this wouldn't bother me, but the house was eerily quiet and this noise could easily wake up Charlie. I hurriedly shut off the water. My breath caught in my throat as I waited for Charlie's snores to drift through the house.

For a few agonizing seconds there was not a sound. My eyes traced the gashes on my forearms from the last time I accidently woke him up from his drunken haze. I contemplated crawling throught the kitchen window to avoid a repeat performance, but he would know I was the one who caused the noise so he would wait until I came back home. Unless I didn't come back. Before I could ponder that idea, the faint sound of Charlie's snores whispered into the kitchen. I let out a sigh of relief and went back to preparing his dinner.

I carefully finished the spaghetti. There was one close call, when the boiling water started to become noisy, but everything else went off without a hitch. I gave Charlie a healthy portion and stored the rest for tomorrow's dinner. I grabbed my homework and quietly walked up the stairs. I chanced a glance behind me to find Charlie still in the same position as before. A small smile graced my lips. I liked Charlie the best when he was asleep. He looked content and peaceful, nothing like he is when he's awake.

I sighed and continued up the creaky staircase. Sometimes I just wish I could forget the past and start fresh. If I hadn't of met them then I wouldn't be such a mess. But I know that I should be grateful I even got the chance to experience love. Some people go through life searching for love, and others even think they have found it when they really just found someone they were fascinated by. I, however, don't fall under either category. I actually did experience true love, although it was one-sided. Even if I'm just the pathetic human to them, I still cherish every moment we spent with together.

I took in a shaky breath and tried to concentrate on the dodging the creaks in the stairs, but my mind kept conjuring up memories of him. His silky, bronze hair that always stuck out in every direction, his liquid gold eyes studying my facial expressions, his stone-like hold capturing my body when I tripped. His face was always occupying some part of my mind, whether I wanted it to or not. It haunted my every thought, causing the hole in my chest to flare and demand attention.

I stifled the sob bubbling in my throat and quickened my pace. Unfortunately, my mind could only concentrate on my memories and I forgot about the creaky staircase until I hit one of the noisy steps. The wood groaned loudly underneath my foot, penetrating the deafening silence. I held my breath and hoped my luck from earlier was still with me. I waited for the snores to fill the room, but I was met with silence. I slowly turned around and saw my father's brown, blood shot eyes staring at me. His jaw was clenched and his hands were balled into fists.

"Can't a guy get any sleep around here?" he grumbled. Charlie stood up and stretched, a yawn flowing from his chapped lips. He turned in my direction and stomped up the stairs. My heart pounded faster each step he took that shortened the distance between us. I moved ot the far side of the stairs to make room for him to get by. He pushed me aside anyways, and stormed into his room. I crawled towards the bathroom to treat any injuries. My nose was bleeding profusely since I fell face-first. An angry, red mark was starting to surround it. I tilted my head towards the ceiling and quickly shoved a piece of toilet paper up my nose.

The blood was making my head pound and my surroundings start to spin. I grabbed the counter and held on tightly, desperate not to pass out again. The blood flow started to decrease and my headache gradually lessened until it was just a dull ache. I sighed in relief and disposed of the bloody tissue paper.

I glanced at the stairs and noticed a white heap of papers crumpled together. I hesitantly stepped closer to the object and discover the faint line of blood trickling down the side of it. Black ink swirled down the page with my name scrawled at the top. My homework. I heaved a sigh frustration and grapped the papers. I gripped the ruined pages harshly and tossed them in the bathrooom trash can.

It was only extra credit, but it still infuriated me that Charlie didn't have the decency to notice I had something in my hands. I didn't blame him for being angry with me, I just wish he was more careful sometimes. I chanced a small glimpse in the mirror and had to do a double-take. The red marks were already starting to turn purple and a decent shiner formed under my eye. I knew from experience that they would be much worse in the morning.

I had to buy more concealer every few weeks for the bruises. I couldn't chance going to the doctor since there are too many scars that would occupy their curiosity. Sometimes I wish he was here to protect me, or for a certain pixie to see what was happening behind closed doors. I chastised myself for thinking like that, for having hope. Hope was a pitiful concept that would only hurt me more than any of Charlie's most powerful blows.

I stepped out of the house, the fresh air always helped me when I thought of the Cullens. My heart lurched and beads of sweat cascaded down my forehead. I quickly wrapped my arms around my torso, the hole in my chest flaring with such a great intensity it robbed me of breath. Glimpses of bronze hair and loving caresses brough me to my knees. I took in large gulps of air, silently reminding myself to not even think of their names.

Names held meaning, once spoken, whether in my mind or out loud, a barrier broke and painful memories flowed out. Memories that I struggled to keep locked in the dark corner of my mind. I had many slip-ups, some worse than others, but it always ended in the same outcome. Heartbreak.

When my heartbeat gradually slowed and my breathing evened out, I turned back towards the door. I noticed it was already cracked open, but assumed that I didn't close it thoroughly in my haste to get outside. Before I could open the door, a pale hand shot out and halted my movement. My eyes shot up and found a pair of cautious, golden eyes staring back at me. Short, black hair flowed around her immortal face. Alice.

"We've got to get you out of here," she whispered. She effortlessly pulled me into her arms and darted through the forest.