Chapter Two: Different

Bella POV

"Alright honey, I'll miss you." Renee said as she hugged me goodbye. She had driven me to the Phoenix International Airport so I could catch my flight to Forks. I was so sick of this place. I never thought there would come a time when I would be anticipating landing in Washington, but I couldn't wait to just be back in Forks with Charlie.

"Yeah, ok." I replied as I loosely hugged her back. 'She is so full of it.' I thought as I pulled away. I knew she was putting on a show for the people around us. She always played the "loving mother" role so well. She gave me a look as she glanced at her cell. It went off as Phil texted her, no doubt filling her in on the play by play of my new baby sister Vicki's latest movements. They were sickening. Vicki is adorable, and I love my half- sister a lot, but I can't take Phil and Rene anymore. As she was cooing over her cell I grabbed my luggage off the floor beside me.

"Ok, talk to you whenever. Bye." I told her as she mumbled what sounded like "Yeah...see ya..." before she was giggling over Phil's next message. I turned on my heel and boarded the plane. Once I found my seat I buckled in and tried to ignore my seat buddy staring. He had to be about twenty-four years old, not bad looking, but I was not in the mood. I knew why he was staring, I wasn't at all what you see everyday. I had matured well over the last eighteen years, growing into a pretty young woman I suppose. I had long, chestnut brown hair, and chocolate eyes. I was about 5'1" tall, 90lbs. I personally thought I was too skinny, I wouldn't mind gaining another twenty pounds. I wasn't the girl that stood in front of the mirror for an hour, or counted calories. I wasn't the shopping type, and I didn't feel the need to impress anyone. I never have been that girl. I am me. Bella. I have also learned quickly that people will think whatever they want anyway.

Though I have lived in Phoenix for the last fifteen years of my life, I was surprisingly pale. Mostly because I preferred to stay in my room, away from Phil. I don't eat much anymore and with all the stress I have been under lately, I get exhausted quickly. I usually get in one small meal a day, which is burned off fast by all of my anxiety. I spend most of my time reading, listening to music, and sketching and painting. Many people have no idea how artistic I am, mostly due to the fact that I am so clumsy. Even I have to admit though, my artistic and musical talent is my favourite quality.

The guy beside me finally turned away to listen to the standard pre-flight instructions about emergency landings and seatbelts. I didn't care to listen, as I have heard it many times. Instead I thought about what would be waiting for me in Washington.

Charlie was a pretty good guy, though we have lost touch over the last while. Phil finally decided seeing my dad wasn't somewhere his money needed to go, so I haven't been to Forks in years. Charlie isn't one for new technology and is usually pretty busy, seeing as he is the chief of police. I usually only get to talk to him on holidays and birthdays. When he called me for my birthday in June I was a mess.

"Isabella! I don't have time alright?! Vicki is about to wake up from her nap, get your mom to sign it." Phil told me in a rushed voice. I wasn't surprised that he wasn't listening to me though. I had suggested we order in for dinner instead of having me cook. Again. Even I deserve a day off on my birthday don't I? I just didn't have it in me to fight today. As I stalked away, tears threatening to fall, the phone rang and Phil quickly answered.

"Bella! Phone!...Awe Vicki baby you're awake! Bella! Take the phone already." I quickly took the phone before the person on the other end heard our "loving family antics".

"Hello?" I mumbled as I left the cooing coming my sister's room.

"Bells! Happy birthday, did you get a package in the mail yet?" How I missed that voice. Charlie, though dry and shy, has always cared about me. I hurried up to my room so I could have some privacy.

"Thanks dad, no not yet, you didn't need to get me anything ya know." I told him a tad more cheerfully as I plopped onto my bed. I heard him chuckle through the phone and could hear the faint cheering of a football game in the background. Yet, I knew I had his full attention.

"Bella, it's your eighteenth birthday. That is a big deal! You get one birthday a year, today is for you." I was trying hard to not let the tears fall as that reply hit a nerve. He was the only one anymore that made me feel somewhat important. I took a deep breath before replying.

"Dad, you spoil me."

"Don't be ridiculous Bella. So what did you get from your mom and Phil?" he asked making conversation. I could barely stifle the low sob that escaped my throat.

"Um... well... they have been pretty busy lately... what with Vicki and everything..." I knew I was making excuses, but I was so embarrassed. My own mom didn't even make any attempt at making my eighteenth known around the house. I hadn't even received a "happy birthday" yet, besides Charlie and my grandparents.

"Bells...what's wrong? They got you something didn't they?" he asked sounding concerned. I knew I couldn't lie to him, he'd see right through it.

"Uh...no... Like I said though, they have been busy. I'm sure it slipped their mind is all..." I was starting to silently wipe the tears rolling down my cheeks.

"Isabella, are you telling me they forgot your birthday? They couldn't have, they wouldn't have wished you a happy birthday if they forgot hun."

"Well... they haven't yet." I sighed. I heard him huff and start to get irritated.

"That is inexcusable Bella! How could Renee forget her own daughter's eighteenth birthday. Bella ,I- ...Bells. Baby why are you crying, what's the matter? Talk to me..." he immediately sounded worried. That was it, I was done covering for them. I had been thinking about making a change lately, I was always just too ashamed to do it. 'Now or never Bella.'

"Dad," I choked. "Please, can I just come to Forks. I can't take it here anymore I need out. Please just take me back at your house. I want to live with you." I was full out crying now. His breath hitched. I knew there would be questions to answer, some I wasn't looking forward to answering. Some answers, no one knew. I knew Charlie wouldn't question me yet though. I waited, anxious for his reply. 'What if he didn't want me either?' I thought sadly.

"Bells...baby...yes. Yes of course. I'll arrange your flight. I will get you out of there as soon as I can." I let out a long breath I didn't realize I was holding.

"I won't be any trouble I promise... thank you dad. Thank you so much."

Telling Rene and Phil was easy. They really didn't care much. More room for their perfect new family this way. Charlie did as he said and booked my flight the very next morning. May 30th, May 31st, June 1st...longest three days of my life. I knew I was in for it when I got settled in at Charlie's with questions. He would question my appearance at once. I was forty pounds lighter than I was when I saw him last. I used to be a tad plump for my height, but I was happy in my own skin. Now though, I couldn't be more upset with myself for allowing forty pounds to fall off me. I couldn't blame Phil and Renee completely though, there was also Aaron. My crazy ex-boyfriend. We broke up two months ago and I was replaced by a tall blonde. She had all the right curves...he never called her fat. That was a different story entirely though. Right now I had Charlie to think about. 'I'll have to tell Charl-' but I cut my thought off. Charlie wasn't JUST Charlie. He was my dad. He deserved the title. It was Renee that didn't deserve the title of "mom". I took the role of taking care of her all my life. She wasn't a mom. She was Renee. I focused my train of thought again. 'I will need to tell my dad the truth. I can't keep lying about it all. I know I need to get better mentally and physically, no point in denying it anymore. Time to face it all Swan.' I told myself. It was then that I noticed the eyes of my seat buddy on me again. I realized we had already taken off.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked me lightly. I turned my head to him. It was obvious I had been in deep thought.

"Um, yeah. I'm alright just daydreaming I guess." I replied. He eyed me curiously but seemed to let it go. He held out his hand with a smile.

"I'm Will. It's nice to meet you..."

"Bella." I inserted for him as I slowly stuck my hand out to shake his. He gently shook my hand, which I knew appeared extremely fragile. 'Stupid, skinny, breakable, Isabella.' I growled in my mind. He shook me from my thoughts with a chuckle.

"Mean handshake you have their Bella. So what's taking you to Washington?" He chuckled and I half smiled at his sarcastic humour. At least he isn't a jerk. Could have gotten a worse seat buddy.

"My dad lives in Washington...visiting him for a while." I decided to keep it simple. He smiled and after I asked him, I discovered he was actually an NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals. He seemed hesitant to say this, and kept his voice a whisper. I had to chuckle a little.

"Don't worry Will, I'll keep that hush hush." He smiled at this and we held a steady conversation through the whole flight. It was nice talking to someone that didn't know I was troubled. It conveniently took my mind off what I would tell Charlie when it came time to answer his questions. Before I knew it, the plane was descending and we had landed. We talked as we accompanied each other to baggage claim and kept our heads low peeking for cameras. We had a good laugh picking fun at people that had nothing better to do than wait in an airport to catch a glimpse of someone picking up a suitcase.

"OH! There it is! That blue suitcase is SO going to look fabulous in US Weekly." Will imitated a gossip queen in a whisper. I had to laugh. We decided to exchange cell numbers. He was a nice guy. Very, big brother-ish. We hugged goodbye as I set off to find Charlie. I soon found him jogging towards me.

"Bells!" he wrapped me in a hug and took my luggage from me.

"I'm so sorry, I got held up at the station and I meant to meet you at the gate!" He panted. I just smiled at him as he pulled away. He did not mirror that smile as he took in my tiny frame.

"Isabella. Marie. Swan. What have you done to yourself." He stood there in shock. 'Uh oh.'

"No dad...it isn't what you think I promise. Please can we save questions for later? I have been on a three hour flight since 6am…I feel like I have been up forever. We have that dinner tonight. I would love a shower and to just to hang out with you...I've missed you." I said looking down. He sighed.

"I missed you too Bells. Okay, but you owe me an explanation. And I will be keeping an eye on you." He was stern, but said it with a smile and another hug. Soon, we were in his cruiser, leaving Seattle and headed to the small town of Forks.

Charlie POV

I knew something was seriously wrong when I wrapped my arms around my tiny little girl. It almost made me cringe feeling her shoulder blades poking out of her back. I took her answer for now, but she would explain later. I would insist. We drove the three hours back to Forks in light conversation about school and how her exams had gone and other small talk. I liked catching up, though I knew there was much more we needed to catch up on. Once back at the house, I took her luggage up to her room. I had tried to spruce it up for her a bit. I knew she had her own style though...I was planning on letting her redecorate after she and I worked through these serious details of her life in Phoenix.

"I cleared off some shelves for you in the bathroom, sorry you don't get your own..." I said clearing my throat. She just smiled at me softly.

"Char-Dad...I am just happy to be here. The bathroom doesn't bother me in the slightest." I gave her some alone time to shower and get settled in. I took this chance to sit on the couch and think. 'What is wrong with my Bella...' I thought confused.

She was so different. Yes, years ago she was a tad plump, but she was healthy. Now she just looked sickly. Her clothes didn't fit well. They hung off her bones and she looked even more pale than normal. Her smile no longer reached her eyes and she looked distracted. I needed advice. I heard the shower turn on and knew I had time for a quick phone call.

"Charlie! I hope you aren't calling to cancel on us. I want to see my niece!" I heard Kerri answer as the phone rang. I sighed.

"No, no, Kerri of course not. I actually needed a little advice and had to give you a heads up for later..." I trailed off and she hesitated as she replied.

"...O-okay. What's the matter Charlie?"

"I'm not sure. Bella is so different. She is hurting...have you spoken to your sister lately? Is everything normal there? I don't know how to approach Bella's issues with Phoenix." I could hear her drumming her fingers on the phone in thought. I didn't feel it my place to mention them forgetting Bella's birthday just yet.

"No, she has been pretty busy lately what with the baby and all. As for Bella, just be straight forward. She is your daughter, Charlie. She is exactly like you. No b.s. type. Just remember to be understanding and sincere. You should be alright that way." I thought about this for a moment. Bella is a lot like me. I could feel pride swelling inside me as I thought about my wonderful daughter having my traits. It truly made me proud.

"You're right Kerri. I'm making it too difficult. Thanks, I'll see you around five?"

"Sounds wonderful Charlie. Oh! Wait, what did you want to give me a heads up for?" I had almost forgotten! That wouldn't have gone over well later on.

" Oh right, look. Bells is...different. She is distant, her eyes look so sad. And her weight, oh God Kerri. She must have lost forty pounds at least. Just, pass it on to the family. Do not treat her different. Don't ask too many prying questions. She isn't in the mood at the moment and I don't want to scare her into hiding." I asked softly. I could hear her breathing pick up over the phone. She quietly agreed though and we said our goodbyes. I heard the water shut off and decided to wait here for Bella to come down. I flipped on a game that was replaying and sat in thought, not paying much attention.

Bella POV

The water felt amazing. It's crazy how tiring a simple flight could be. I slowly showered, just enjoying the hot water soothing my body and nerves. My mind drifted to the night I had ahead of me. I was partially excited, but I was really shook up about it.

I had contacted Jasper the night I spoke to Charlie. He had emailed me a birthday card and I emailed him back letting him know I was coming to Forks. He seemed thrilled. We have been emailing back and forth over the last few days and I couldn't believe I had allowed so much space to come between us. He was not only my cousin, but one of my best friends growing up. We lost touch when I started dating that loser Aaron. He had no idea about him though, just knew I had a boyfriend. I had hoped he didn't feel neglected, though he seemed happy enough that I was "coming back home" as he put it. Thinking about it made me smile. I finished in the shower and decided to throw on some clothes. I wrapped my towel around me as I mulled my wardrobe over in my head. Though I hated to admit it, I needed new clothes. Nothing I had fit right anymore. I refused to replace my clothes though. I vowed to put weight back on. I just needed something temporary.

I decided to wear the jeans I bought last week. Even though Rene forgot, my grandma Whitlock didn't forget my birthday. I got a hundred dollar gift certificate so I decided I was really in need of at least ONE pair of jeans and a shirt that fit somewhat decently. I threw on the faded blue skinny jeans, that were a tad loose in the ass, and my new strapless deep green shirt. It hugged my non-boobs and gently flowed down to the button on my jeans. I decided to just let my hair naturally curl loosely, and put on some mascara not bothering with foundation or eyeliner. I preferred the natural look. Not bothering to check myself in the mirror I grabbed my yellow Fossil purse that had come in the mail the day after my birthday from Charlie and headed downstairs.

One thing girly I did enjoy, was purses. I hated it, but it was one of those large purses that you could probably throw your whole life in, and it was gorgeous. I went into the living room and let dad know I was ready to head out. He said he wanted to be at aunt Kerri's around five and it was almost twenty to. He stood up and smiled at me. I knew that he was thinking of other things though. I threw my black ballet flats on and we were on our way. Off to see Jasper. I had met Rosalie and Ben before, Dylan I saw once when he was quite little. This will be an interesting reunion to say the least.

Ahah wow! I received emails like crazy after just that first small chapter so I had to give you guys something else to read. I hope to update frequently. I'm glad you guys are so positive about this story. Thanks! R&R