Hi Everyone... Again, I want to say that this is my first Fan Fiction. And it's so much fun to create a new storyline for Bella and Edward. Stephenie Meyer is the owner of her Twilight. I'm just having some fun.

Thanks to am13er, she introduced me to Fan Fiction... Yay, am13er... And thanks to my daughter, who's making sure I dot my i's and cross my t's.

Finding Home
Chapter 2 Requests

From previous chapter:
I quickly run to the pile of papers on the coffee table, grab the large envelope with my name on it, rip it open and start to read, "Oh my God!"

Her letter reads:
My Dear Sweet Bella,
I couldn't have asked for a better granddaughter. Since the day you were born, you were my shadow. I only hope my footsteps have brought you a good sense of self.

I know you are surprised that I have left everything to you. But my sweetie, you deserve everything and more. Your mother has been a great disappointment to me. You have been the adult in that relationship. And I tried to fill in her voids.

Jason Jenks has been my attorney for years. He's a great friend and I think of him as a son. When I asked him to make all the arrangements for my memorial, he sadly, but gladly welcomed the responsibility. He has taken care of all the legal issues. No one can challenge my last requests. As long as you abide by my one wish, then, I know you will have a chance at a loving, full life.

I would like for you to consider going back to Forks to live with Charlie. He is your father and loves you dearly. Yes, yes, I know, he has been miles away, but in all fairness, he agreed with the arrangement for you to live with Renee`, as long as I was nearby. With his long hours and crazy schedule, he felt a little girl should be with her mother. Please, think carefully, Bella. I know you will be alone in New York with Renee's new lifestyle with Phil. She will continue to follow him all over the globe, leaving you to fend for yourself. I know you can take care of yourself, but that kind of responsibility is still too mature for you to handle. I took the liberties of talking with Charlie, when I first became ill. Remember when I told you I was going to John Hopkins Cancer Centre, last May? Well, I also took a detour to Forks. Charlie knows everything and he knows that you have a decision to make. Jason, I'm sure called him, after my passing. Another wish I asked that dear man to make for me.

I have always taught you to think with a clear mind and not jump to conclusions... always see the total picture. Sometimes, things aren't what they seem. "Don't judge a book by it's cover"? Let it be a rule, don't judge... just watch.

I know you will do the right thing, just do it for yourself. Charlie will welcome you with open arms. He hopes you will choose him. Yes, my precious girl, I do, too.

Please, don't mourn me for too long. I want you to have a full life. Don't forget my guitar... play it (for the both of us), sing my Beatles... "Love, Love, Love". When of age, live in my house. (It's in back of Charlie's. I think you know that.) ... redecorate or not... maybe give the outside a good painting... Build that Japanese garden with a pond, cook all my recipes, visit museums, go to concerts and find a good man to love with all of your heart.

I love you, dear child. You are a wonderful person. I am so very proud of who you are and who you will become.

I'll be watching over you,
Your Gran

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This little bit of my grandmother is not enough for me. I read and reread the letter over and over. I want to hear her voice, see her face and touch her hand. I miss her Grandma hugs. And the loss overwhelms me. I curl myself up into a ball in the corner of the sofa, clutching Gran's letter to my chest, sobbing with intermittent moans. Gran wants me to live with Charlie and leave Renee`. I rock back and forth, lulling myself to sleep.

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I dream of Gran. Her smiling face. They way she hugs me. The way she scolds me. All with great expression, with love. We play guitars together, singing, "Love Me Do". We bake cookies and set a dish towel on fire, laughing hysterically. Gran throws a pot of water on the towel and drenches everything, including me. I smile, looking like a drowned rat. Gran giggles so hard she falls on the floor, hooting in spurts. I join her and we hug, screaming in utter laughter. The dream progresses to Gran's backyard and we are in movement, Tai Chi Chuan, mirroring one another in concentration, side by side. I'm in pajama pants and a tank top, while Gran sports a weird looking robe, tied around her waist a few times. The music is sitar sounds by George Harrison. I think Gran lit some incense in the fire pit. I look over to Charlie's yard and he walks out the back door, towards us. His smile is huge and he opens his arms to me. I can't hear what he is saying, but I can read his lips. He asks me to come to him. I run to his arms and he hugs me deeply. I look back at Gran and she is gone.

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I awake with a start, run into the kitchen, grab a bottle of water from the fridge and chug that baby down, exhaling a long breath of air. Woah. And then, I smell it. Gran's perfume. Shalimar. Strong and pungent, like she is right in front of me. I get a chill and goose bumps run up my arms and legs. I look around. "Gran?"

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The memorial is quiet and simple. Although in the background, a soundtrack of The Beatles plays, "Dizzy, Miss Lizzy". Jason and I sit in a small room at a funeral parlor. There is a picture of Gran, hugging me under a tree. Next to a carved pedestal, sits a rectangle-shaped urn. On each side are portraits of John, Paul, George and Ringo. Her boys are here with her. She didn't want anyone to eulogize her...just Jason and myself, the two closest people in her life. We both share stories about Gran, getting to know one another through her. I understand completely why she trusted him. I feel I can, too. I ask him to remain as my attorney and he agrees.

Jason and I exhaust our memories and stand to finally leave. The door to the small sanctuary opens. I hear someone walk in. The music changes to "Let It Be". Jason moves to the side with a slight smile. I turn to see my father walking towards me. Still serious in his gaze, he looks the same, maybe a bit older, but the "mustache" brings the familiarity back to me. A bit apprehensive, he cautiously approaches me with his arms out and I leap into them, "Daddy".

Charlie holds me tightly, kissing the top of my head, "Bella". He squeezes me.

"I can't believe you are here, " I cry and don't let go.

"I couldn't stay away." He mumbles into my hair.

Charlie extends a hand to Jason and they shake, "Thank you, Jason. I, ah, truly can't thank you enough."

Jason smiles, "It was nothing, Charlie. I was happy to be here. Besides, Lizzy would want it this way."

I quietly giggle, "Ya, it was her way or the highway!"

"Well, I'm going to head out. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call." He says to me, looking into my eyes.
I let go of Charlie and hug Jason, "Thanks for everything."
"Oh, I almost forgot", he reaches into his coat pocket, "Here are the keys to Lizzy's house."

I look at Jason, then at Charlie, "But I haven't said..."

Jason smirks and happily scolds, "Ya, ya, Bella. Just don't move into the house, until you are 18!" He winks at me, "Call me." He pats Charlie on the shoulder and walks out the door.

I smile and grab Charlie, again. With my arms around his waist, "I'm so happy to see you, Dad."

"Me, too, Bells. I couldn't stay away. I mean, I'm not trying to influence you, but with Lizzy gone, I don't feel comfortable with you here alone."

I look at him, "Do you really mean that?"

"Bella, I don't have a fancy penthouse and I do work crazy hours, but you will be with me. You can make friends and do what kids do at your age. I maybe tough with the guys and dating, but I'll try to not take my guns out too much," He smiles. "But I love you, kiddo, and I want you to give "us" a chance".

"I'm worried about mom," I whisper.

"Don't worry about Renee`, I'll handle her." He stares down at me. "So, what do you say?"

I smile, "How good are you at packing?"

Charlie picks me up and twirls me around. He laughs, "But I'm not packing your underwear." We both laugh.

The ride to the condo is lighter than the ride to the funeral home. We get out of the taxi. I carry Gran's urn, while Charlie totes a duffel bag and Gran's picture. He looks at my building from bottom to top and whistles. "This is where you live?" He turns a bit pale.

"Ya, this is where Phil and mom live, Dad," I give him a reassuring grin.

Before we get to the door, we are met by Ralph, as he opens the door with concern . "How'd it go, Bella?"

I nod my head, "It was good, Ralph. Thanks. Oh, hey, this is my dad, Charlie."

Ralph reached out his hand to Charlie, "Nice to finally meet you, Charlie. You've got some girl there.".

"Nice to meet you, Ralph. Thanks, I know," Charlie answers with pride.

"It's good to see you are here for Bella."

Charlie proudly states, "I plan to do more than that, Ralph."

"Dad's taking me home, Ralph. I'm moving to Forks." I actually smile.

Ralph's face breaks out with a huge grin, "That's fantastic. Well, I'll miss you, but that's fantastic."

"Ya ah, I guess we'll see you later." I stutter.

Ralph nods and walks back to the front desk area, "Nice meeting you, Charlie."
"Same here," Charlie responds.

We head for the elevators. Marcus waves from the concierge desk to me and throws a kiss.

Charlie stares. "That old guy's throwing you a kiss?"

"That's Marcus, the concierge. He's cool."

We get into the elevator. I shrug, smiling, with my hands up. Charlie shakes his head and huffs.

When we enter the condo, we are both silent. I watch Charlie walk around. He is totally out of his element, but he takes in everything. He picks up a crystal vase, looks at the bottom, twirls it around, checking it's weight, up and down in his hands and whistles quietly. He knows it's expensive. Finally, he sees the open glass wall and looks out to the Central Park view. "My... tisk, tisk, tisk. That's quite a view."

Sarcastically, I say, "Ya a 7.5 million dollar view!"

His eyes widen, "He's that rich? Wow."

I look at my dad hang his head. I want to say something clever. I just know he feels inferior to Phil, which is the farthest thing from the truth. "Money doesn't make the man, Dad." I try to reassure.

"But …" He trails off.

"No, buts." I walk over and put my arms around his waist. "I'm so glad you're here with me." I cry. He holds me.

"I miss her, Dad," I whisper.
"I know, Bells."

"She was always there for me," I look up at him.

"I wished I could..." I trail off.

I interrupt, "Dad, I know why you backed off. Gran told me."

"You were so little, Bells. I couldn't take care of you by myself," He breaks. "But I thought I was doing the right thing. And when you stopped visiting, I thought you didn't want to see me"

"Oh, I wanted to see you. Mom felt I needed to be displayed in New York's high society. She dragged me to every event and show. And Gran chaperoned every overseas kid's trip."

He grins, "That woman had amazing energy."

"She liked you better than mom." I giggle.

"Don't be so hard on your mother, Bells. She's not a bad person," He defends.

"Just selfish," I mumble.

"Well, don't worry about the move. She'll agree to it." He hugs me hard. "So, how about a tour of this palace in the sky?"

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After our roam of the premises, I settle Charlie into the guest room. Jet lag put him into an easy nap. I can hear his bear snores, loud and clear, through the walls. It's a good feeling to know he's right next to my room.

A little after six, Charlie stands at my door, leaning with his arms across his chest. He looks calm and peaceful, rested. But my room looks as though a tornado hit it. Clothes are all over my bed, the bed posts and chairs. I have the takes, the stays and the give aways.

"Ok, I need a break. You hungry?" I blow hair out of my face.

"Ya, I could eat," He snorts.

I know Charlie is a simple eater, meat and potatoes kind of guy. I call down to Marcus to arrange for a cab and fifteen minutes later, we arrive at Ellen's Stardust Diner. Charlie will enjoy the singing waiters and the food. God, I love the food here.

We walk in, as the waiters sing "Happy Birthday" to one of the patrons. The place is like a 50's diner with two floors of memorabilia all over the walls. Charlie's eyesare all over the place, not knowing where to look first. Right away, a waitress offers up the specials and hands us menus. Our waitress comes back with water, ready to take our order. Charlie tells me to order first. I get an awesome Veggie Focaccia with grilled veggies and Charlie orders a well-done, NY sirloin steak with mashed potatoes and gravy. I don't know how he can eat a steak cooked like a shoe. The restaurant gets wild with the waiters dancing on the counters, tables and floor. I look at Charlie, smiling and swaying. He turns and looks at me. I grab his hand and he kisses my knuckles. We smile and I smell Shalimar. Ya, Gran, I hear you. This is how it should be.

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I'm nervous, while Charlie dials Renee`. He basically says he's taking me and she agrees. No arguments. No nastiness. Dad points out that she and her husband will not be home very much and, now, with Lizzy gone, I shouldn't be alone. Charlie really pours the charm on and mom buys it all. "There's always holidays, if you are home," he bargains. He doesn't let up. Until I am eighteen, I live with him, no ifs ands or buts. My no frill father, plain and simple. And that's all fine with me.

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The next day, I pack the necessary clothing, shoes, and essentials into my five-piece luggage set. It's kind of wild with a purple and hot pink fireworks print. All I care about is that it stands out on a conveyor belt and I can find it easily.

Charlie and I stack all the things I want to be shipped in the corner of my room for Marcus to send out to me.

Jason wishes me all the best and tells me to keep in touch. All my accounts are with a bank in Forks, so that is all set up. Now, I have to figure out how to get Charlie to allow me to help with bills. This is going to be tough. But I want to pay my way.

Charlie and Marcus take the bags to the lobby, while I look around. I remember to take the print out of our tickets. Charlie's going to freak out, when he sees they are first class. Once I get a steak into him, he'll be fine.

Slowly, I make my way to Gran's room. I flip on the light, take a look around and sit on the edge of her bed.

"Ok, Gran," I sigh. "I just want you to know that I love you. Miss you. And I will cook your recipes for Charlie. Someone has to teach him to eat a steak right. I will play your guitar, singing your Fab Four. I will paint your... my house. I will dig that Japanese garden with a pond and fish and a bridge. Yes, I will go to concerts and museums with all new friends. And I will try to find a guy to love with all of my heart, just point me in the right direction, ok?" I get up, walk to the door and turn around. Something falls in her closet. After opening the door, I find the weird robe with the ties on the floor. The dream robe! I crunch it to my face and smell Shalimar. Smiling, I walk out of the room with it in my arms.

Ok, Bella is off to Forks for a new life with her dad, Charlie. And who else will she meet? Hang in there with me, guys... The plot thickens!