Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. It belongs to Stephanie Meyer. This is a FANFIC.
Title: Secret Place
Chapter 1
Impressions
This past summer, my mom remarried. Phil. A nice guy, but maybe too young. But as long as my mom is happy, I'm ok with that. She is like a child, like I said before, she never listens to her won advice. Phil, was a football player from Canada. That's where they met. He played pretty well and was well know. Because of that, he moved around a lot. During his career, he has already visited many countries such as Italy, Hungary, and Chile. I saw how my mother yearned to travel with him, so I suggested that I move to Forks, Washington with my dad, Charlie. My mom was stunned. After my visits there, I never said that I liked it there. Of course, that was all a cover up. Though my heart was warm for my mom, I kept it cold all the other times.
It took me half the school year to finally convince her that I really wanted to go live with Charlie. Finally, she relented. I could see in her eyes concern and excitement playing at the same time. She wanted to make sure I was ok. But at the same time, she was excited to be able to travel with Phil.
"Mom, don't worry. I'll be fine. I'm already 17." I tried to calm my mom. She looked like she was on the verge of a tear shower. I never liked when she cried, so I tried to make sure she never did. The result? Her carefree child like life.
"Make sure to write or call me everyday. I will expect one or the other." she prompted.
"I know mom, I remember." I said.
Phil loaded my bags into the trunk of the cab. I told them not to worry about taking me since they had to get ready for their trip to Spain later that night. I walked to the cab and stood by the open door for a second. What would this new place bring me? Would my life change drastically again? I sat down and closed the door. After rolling down the window, I waved to my mom as the cab moved with a jolt.
I landed in Seattle, 4 hours later. It was drizzling. I didn't mind. I actually liked it, though I wouldn't admit it aloud. Not yet at least. The air was cool which instantly brought back those beautiful memories from Canada. I got my bags from the baggage claim and went out to wait for Charlie. I didn't have to wait long, in fact, I didn't have to wait at all. Charlie was waiting in his cruiser. It was awkward. We both hugged quickly and I helped him load my bags in the trunk. It wasn't much, just 2 bags, so they fit perfectly well. It was a two hour ride to Forks.
My dad, Charlie, looked elated that I decided to choose Forks. I didn't exactly show any positive reactions whenever I visited, so he didn't know how much I liked it. I was mildly happy that I wouldn't have to deal with the scorching heat anymore. Though I have come to some degree like it. Though the temperature was perfect, the rain wasn't that high on my list. Not that I minded it. No. I t made everything so beautiful and green. It's just, who can handle SO much rain. Maybe I'll get used to it. Like I did the sun.
Charlie broke the silence.
"So Bells, how's Phoenix?" he asked.
I knew he didn't want to know about Phoenix. He was asking about mom. But I decided to make that one slip.
"Good." I stated flatly.
There was some silence. Charlie and I weren't much of talkers. I inherited that trait from him.
"I found a good car for you really cheap." he said braking the silence again.
"What kind of car?" I asked a little suspicious of how he said for you instead of just a car.
"Well, it's not new of course." he put in. "A Mustang."
"Where did you find it?" I pressed on.
"Do you remember Billy Black from the LaPush Indian reservation?
"Not really." I didn't really remember people that easily since I didn't get close to them.
"Well, he's in a wheelchair now, so he can't drive it anymore, and he offered to sell it pretty cheap."
"What year is it?" I wondered.
"Well, Billy did a lot of work on it, so it runs really well. It's not that old."
I sighed. He was trying to weasel his way out of the question. So I asked the question he definitely didn't want me to ask.
"When did he buy it?"
"I think 1984."
"Did he buy it new?"
Now it was Charlie's turn to sigh.
"Well, not exactly. It was probably new in 1967." He finally admitted sheepishly.
"Ch-Dad. I don't know anything about cars. If something went wrong with it, how will I fix it? If it's that old, I won't be able to afford a mechanic." I sort of whined.
"Really, Bella. The thing runs great. They don't build them like that anymore."
The Thing? Nice.
"How cheap is cheap?" I finally asked.
"Well, I kind of, sort of, already bought it for you, as a homecoming present." he said blushing a little.
Dang. Free. Nobody can go against that kind of offer.
"Thanks dad. You didn't have to. I was going to by one myself."
"I don't mind. I want you to be happy." he said looking at the road.
Happy. Happy is not the word to describe how I was feeling. He would never know the extent my "happiness" went to. He would probably never know how much I loved the weather aside from the constant rain.
"That's really nice of you Dad. Thanks."
"Your
welcome Bells."
The rest of the way, was mostly silent, aside
from the soft roaring of the engine.
When we finally arrived at the house, the rain somewhat stopped. At least I was able to make it to the house dry. I didn't really feel like changing. The house was white with some red brick on the bottom. This was the house that my parents lived in, in the early stages of their marriage, before she took me and left to Canada. I was two stories. In from of the house stood a red 1967 mustang. Even in the rain it looked really shiny. Perhaps because the rain gave it a nice wash. To my surprise. I loved it. I wasn't sure of Charlie's taste in cars for teenagers exactly, but apparently it was on the dot with me.
"Wow dad, it awesome. I love it." I exclaimed a little over excited for him.
"I'm glad you like it." he answered blushing like he did earlier today.
We took my bags to the second floor. My room came out to the front of the house with a view out. Apparently Charlie was really excited that I was coming because he redid the whole bedroom. From what used to be a pink room that I always came to, it was now green. As if there wasn't enough green outside. It was nicely done, he might have asked somewhere else in town to help. He set my bags on my bed and left me to unpack. I liked that about Charlie. He didn't hover over you. My mom on the other hand would sit and talk on and on.
There were two bathrooms side by side on the second floor. The one closest to my room was mine. I went to take my toiletries there and to make myself more presentable. As I stepped into the bathroom, I almost had a slight heart attack. The bathroom was also green. I guess Charlie went out of his way to make sure I liked it here.
After cleaning myself up from the trip, I went to my room and sat by the window. It started to rain harder again. I started to wonder to myself. What is this place going to bring? Will the ice around my heart melt? Am I going to be warm to people again? Will I actually make friends? Questions ran in my mind over and over again. I suddenly felt something wet run down my cheek. I quickly brought up my hand and wiped it. I didn't cry. No. I hated tears. Tears weren't for carefree of cold people. My thoughts were interrupted by Charlie's voice booming from downstairs.
"Bella. I'm going to the station. I'll be back for dinner." he yelled.
"Ok dad, I'll have dinner ready." I yelled back and sighed. I'd have the house to myself then.
Morning came too soon. I wasn't a morning person. I liked staying up at night. I was what I called a Night Owl. If I lived in a big city, and I was more open and old enough, I'd probably go clubbing. But obviously that wasn't the case. I reluctantly opened my eyes and reached to turn off the annoying buzzing alarm clock by my head. I stretched and looked out the window. If was raining, of course. I sighed and went to take a shower. When I got out, Charlie was leaving.
"By Bells, have fun in school." he encouraged.
"Thanks dad." I mumbled, too tired to put any enthusiasm in my voice.
I went to my room and pulled out some clothes. My wardrobe needed to be updated. When we moved to Phoenix, I got rid of my winter clothes. Now I needed to get rid of the summery clothes. I pulled on a pair of jeans and an orange turtleneck sweater. I grabbed my boots, jacket and bag and jogged downstairs to eat some cereal. I finished my breakfast too quickly. Though I didn't want to be in school early and linger around, I didn't want to stay in the house either. I put on my boots and jacket, grabbed the keys to my mustang and locked the door.
The cold air was refreshing. I was finally able to breath freely without suffocation. I didn't want to get soaked so I ran over to the car and hopped in. I sat in their for a while just staring pointlessly at the rain and the house in front of me. I pulled out my iPod from my bag and put the headphones in. I put on my favorite song Crush by David Archuleta and backed out of the drive way.
I hung up the phone tonight
Something happened for the first time
Deep inside it was a rush, what a rush
'Cause the possibility
That you would ever feel the same way
About me, just too much, just too much
I drove down the rode as the song rang in my ears. The forest was around me on both sides. It was all green and mysterious. Just like a person's heart. It was dark but inviting.
Why do I keep running from the truth?
All I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized
And I just got to know
Do you ever think when you're all alone
All that we can be, where this thing can go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it really just another crush?
Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
?Cause I've tried and tried to walk away
But I know this crush ain't going away-ay-ay
Going away-ay-ay
Again my mind drifted. It's never a good sign when you're on the road. What are the students like here? Will I be able to make friends here? Charlie would definitely want that. Can I go back to the cheerful person I used to be? My mind was a mess. I wanted to change. I loved my life before. Maybe if I wrote a song. But nothing jumped out at me anymore. I hadn't picked up my guitar since I wrote Ice Queen several years ago.
Has it ever crossed your mind
When we're hanging, spending time girl?
Are we just friends? Is there more? Is there more?
See it's a chance we've gotta take
'Cause I believe that we can make this into
Something that will last, last forever, forever!
I almost passed the school because I was so lost in thought. Also because it didn't even look like a school. If the sign didn't say Forks High School, I would have passed it. I turned onto the school driveway. There was barely anyone there. Cars scattered here and there. It was obvious, I was way too early. I wasn't sure where to park. There weren't any signs that said Student Parking. I drove around toward the office and parked. I'd get some information inside.
Do you ever think when you're all alone
All that we could be, where this thing could go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it really just another crush?
Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
'Cause I've tried and tried to walk away
But I know this crush ain't going away-ay-ay
Going away-ay-ay
I hopped out of the car into the rain. I was in such a rush to get out of the house, I forgot my umbrella. I jogged over to the building and stood by the door looking out into the rain for a moment. The school was next to a forest. A trail went inside it. I would have to explore it at some point.
Why do I keep running from the truth?
All I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized
And I just got to know
Do you ever think when you're all alone
All that we could be, where this thing could go?
Am I crazy or falling in love?
Is it really just another crush?
Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
?Cause I've tried and tried to walk away
But I know this crush ain?t going away-ay-ay
This crush ain't going away-ay-ay
Going away
Going away-ay-ay
Going away-ay-ay
The song ended. I put my iPod in my bag and stepped inside. The room wasn't very big, but it had enough space. It was too warm for me. Not because it was warm, but it was stuffy. An elderly woman sat at the desk. She looked up as soon as I came in.
"Can I help you dear?"
God she sounds like my grandma.
"Yes, I'm Bella Swan." I stated, knowing Charlie had informed everyone of my coming here and they would be expecting me.
"Oh yes, I have you schedule right here." she pulled out a folder and gave it to me. "There is a map with the best routes highlighted."
"Thank you." I took the folder and turned to leave.
"Have a good time." she said.
A good time? What is this, a circus? I stepped out into the rain and ran to my car. Students were arriving already and I was glad. I followed the cars to the parking lot. I was glad I didn't stand out much. There were many old cars, though not as old as mine. I quickly parked and shut off my engine. I didn't want to lag behind. I took out my schedule and map and studied it for a minute. I wanted to go in there knowingly, not like some dumb new student that needed help every step of the way. I put the papers in my bag and stepped out of my car. A silver Volvo, caught my eye. It was parked next to me. This was the only car that stood out as new. I wondered who in this town could afford something like this. Even Charlie, with the house we lived in, and the make over in my room and bathroom, wouldn't be able to afford something like that.
I was glad that my clothes didn't stand out. Everyone was dressed about the same. I walked briskly toward the building I had my class in, keeping my head low. I didn't want to be the center of attention. Seriously, the last time I was the center of attention, it didn't end well. My classes went slowly. Everything they were talking about, I already studied. What's wrong with this school? Are they behind or something? Though I sat in the back of the room, I could feel people's gazes on me. It was ridiculous. Have they not seen a human before? At the end of my Spanish class, the girl that sat next to me, Jessica, turned to me.
"Hi, do you want to eat lunch with me?" she asked enthusiastically.
"Sure." I nodded trying to sound as enthusiastic.
People never talked to me. Is the world coming to and end? Maybe Forks will change me. I thought to myself as I followed her to the cafeteria. When we got our food, we sat at a table full of people. They were her friends I assumed. I recognized some of the faces from some of my classes. They asked me questions and I tried to answer them without being rigid. This type of attention was shocking and new to me. Was this normal behavior here?
"So, Bella, you're from Phoenix." said a boy named Mike.
I nodded.
"Aren't you supposed to be tan or something?"
I stared at him for a moment.
"Maybe that's why they kicked me out." I joked.
The whole table boomed in laughter. I was somewhat glad I came here. This place could do me some good.
I was interrupted from my question answer session with my lunch mates, when 5 gorgeous people walked in. No they didn't even walk in, they appeared to be floating. They were the most beautiful people. When I thought that nobody was more beautiful than the black haired beauty back in Toronto, I was wrong. These 5 were more beautiful. I was sure there was nobody more beautiful than them. Their skin was pale. And they all looked angelic. All wearing designer clothes. Even the big guy that would normally look like some gangster. They walked into the lunchroom in pairs. The first two came in holding hands walking side by side. The female had long blond hair going down just below her shoulders in wave. she wore skinny jeans and black stiletto boots. She wore a tight white v-neck sweater and a black coat over the outfit. She wore a necklace that seemed like an emblem for something, and a long white scarf hung loosely over her shoulders. The big guy was holding her hand and walking gracefully next to her. He wore some tennis shoes, kaki pants, a black button up shirt, and a white jacket. His hair kind of had a buzz cut. They got their food and sat at a far table where nobody sat. From the looks of things, its seemed as if that was their table. Everyone else was crowding on this side of the cafeteria. The next two came in also holding hands but they weren't exactly walking side by side. The female was short and pixie like. Her hair was brown and stuck in all directions, like a pixie. She wore jeans and brown furry boots. She wore a purple sweater and her necklace was like a ribbon around her neck held by a pin. She was dancing around twirling while holding the guys hand. He walked calmly gently smiling at her. His hair was blondish. He wore tennis shoes, blue jeans, and a black jacket that was mostly zipped up. They also grabbed their food and joined the others. The last to come in was him. He was alone, yet also graceful. He had a serene look on his face. His hair was bronze-like and fashionably untidy. He wore jeans, a green button up shirt with a black leather jacket. He too joined the others in the same manner after getting his food. They all sat motionless, and picked at their food from time to time. They stared in different directions pointlessly like porcelain dolls.
"Who are they?" I asked Jessica not leaving my gaze.
She followed my gaze.
"The Cullens. The blonde is Rosalie Hale and the big guy is Emmett Cullen. They are together. The blonde guy is Jasper Hale and the pixie like girl is Alice Cullen. They're also together. Rosalie and Jasper are twins. And the bronze haired guy is Edward Cullen. They are all adopted by Dr. Cullen and his wife. Jasper and Rosalie have been with them since they were little. Mrs. Cullen is like their aunt of something."
I nodded. Just then, Edward, turned and looked in our direction. I stared for a second. His gaze was amused, confused, and strained. I looked away but I could still feel his gaze on me. "So have they always lived in Forks?" I wondered. Their designer clothes made it seem otherwise.
"No, they moved down her about two years ago from somewhere in Europe or something." Jessica explained.
After a few minutes the bell rang, and we all left. I headed to my Biology class, where Mike and I had together. I walked into the classroom and froze for a second. Next to the only open seat, sat Edward Cullen. He sat rigidly and had his hand to close his nose or something. Did I smell bad or something? His gaze was hostile. What did I do to offend him? I haven't even talked to him.
While we sat listening to the lecture, I noticed from the corner of my eyes that his hands were balled up in fists on this knees, and he looked like he was trying to hold his breath. I took a shower this morning and I washed well with my favorite coconut scents. It couldn't be that I smelled. I thought to myself. A second before the bell rang he already had his stuff and was out of his seat heading for the door. It gave me shock from the sudden jump he made and I watched as his seat rocked back and forth until it stood up right again. Mike bounced over to me. He could seriously be called a Bunny.
"So what's with you and Cullen? Did you run over his dog or something?" Mike asked jokingly.
"Not that I know of. I haven't even talked to him." I remarked.
"Where you headed next?"
"Gym." I silently groaned and thought. What would gym be like here?
As we walked, Mike chatted on and on about meaningless things, to me at least. When we reached the Gym, we separated to go to our locker rooms. Everyone was playing volleyball. The one sport, I genuinely hated, even when I liked sports. When I liked sports, I loved to play tennis. Though I injured my ankle pretty badly when playing. A seriously had Big Flying Ball Phobia, as I called it.
When the final bell rang, I was relieved. Not because I didn't like school. I surprisingly liked it. I made friends for the first time in my life. That was a good thing right? I wanted to get away from here to think. I needed to organize my thoughts and evaluate the day to understand what was happening and might happen, better. I walked to the office to turn in my paper work, and wished I didn't go in there at that moment. There, stood the angel. He spoke in a soothing voice, asking to get his schedule change to a different Biology hour. I glared. This is going over board. But then why did it bother me? Usually I was used to people ignoring me or doing things they wanted, even if it was because of me, as their excuse would be. What was so different about this time? I noticed he tensed as soon as I came in and glanced over to glare at me for a second. I quickly placed my paperwork on the desk and rushed out of the office. What the hell! Why was I supposed to be scared to offend him even more! This was infuriating!!.
I half ran to my car, ignoring the stares and calls from the other students. I sped out of the school yard onto the highway and headed in a different direction. A direction that was not home.
Links to pics.
Bella's car
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Bella's house
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Bella's bedroom
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Bella's bathroom
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Bella's sweater
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Bella's Boots
Bella's Jacket
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Rosalie's Boots
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Rosalie's sweater
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Rosalie's coat
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Rosalie's necklace
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Rosalie's scarf
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Emmet's Jacket
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Alice's Boots
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Alice's sweater
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Alice's necklace
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Jasper's jacket
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Edward's jacket
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