Dream Come True

"Bells? Bella?" The familiar voice of my father pulled me back into consciousness.

"Bella honey, wake up. You're late." My eyes snapped open to the sound of Charlie's gruff voice. I let my eyes wander the room as I regained my senses, my mind a complete blank. As I met Charlie's chocolate eyes, so much like mine, it all came back to me. One single tear streamed down my frozen face.

"Bells? What is it?" I could see him growing uncomfortable. Crying women were not his forte.

"What happened? Where are they?" I began frantically searching around me.

"Everything's okay Bella, you just had a bad dream-"

"No! It wasn't a dream!" I refused to believe that it was all just in my head, that was impossible. I had to believe it was real, that he was real. I tried to control my sobs as Charlie edged uncomfortably out of the room, mumbling as he went. I sat on my bed a while longer before forcing my limbs to respond. I went through the motions of getting dressed, my mind in a fog. Without even glancing in the mirror I slowly trotted downstairs into the dismal light of another rainy day in Forks. My body felt strange, slower somehow. I tried to shake off the feeling, but quickly gave up.

To my relief, Charlie was gone by the time I made it downstairs. I didn't have the emotional capacity to pretend I was fine. I wasn't. Realizing begrudgingly that it was still fairly early, I walked carefully to my truck and climbed into the familiar cab. My new truck. Well, new again. I was all to familiar with the rusty old Chevy.

I parked in the student lot closest to the office. As I stepped out into the cold rain, I scanned the parking lot. I knew what I was looking for, and I felt my heart breaking as my search came up empty. I sloshed into the warm office and approached the front desk. As memory served, Ms. Cope would turn and greet me warmly. Her eyes would spark with recognition when she learned my name. She would pull out a map to aid me in finding my classes, but this time, I would refuse. I knew the layout of Forks High School all to well.

The day went on much as I remembered, false greetings, fake smiles, curious whispers. It wasn't until the bell rang to release us to lunch that my mind became responsive.

"This is it." I thought numbly to myself. I couldn't afford to let myself hope. This time I walked into the lunchroom alone, something in my face stopped Jessica Stanley from approaching me. And that was fine with me. I walked through the doors and my eyes impulsively flicked around the room. I felt as if I had been kicked in the chest as the realization set in. He isn't here. He wasn't real. I closed my eyes and continued to walk through the crowded cafeteria. The toe of my boot caught the leg of a chair and sent me hurling to the ground. A hand shot out and grabbed me before I could crash into the linoleum.

My heart began to beat out of my chest, I righted myself and lifted my head. Disappointment hit me like a brick as my eyes met a pair of baby blue's.

"Hey, I'm Mike" He greeted me with a warm smile.

"You must be Isabella?" I tried to return his enthusiasm, but failed horribly.

"Just Bella," I managed to squeeze out a sheepish smile. He lead me to his table, obviously a bit to enthusiastic.

"Here we go again." I though dismally. He spoke all through lunch, speaking of his life in California, his parents store, things I already knew. I nodded when called for, gave a weak chuckle when necessary, but my mind was elsewhere.

I hated the jump in my chest every time the cafeteria doors swung open. It was a fool's hope. As the bell rang I stood and grabbed my bag. Mike was by my side in a second.

"What's your next class? I'll walk you."

"Biology II, Mr. Banner"

"Hey! That's where I'm headed!" I chuckled darkly. As we neared the door, my heart began to pick up the pace. I turned the corner and automatically scanned the back of the room. Empty. I walked dejectedly to Mr. Banner and held out my slip for him to sign. He signed it, and handed me a book. He sent me to the back, the only empty desk in the class.

I walked slowly, in a daze. So that's it? It was nothing but an elaborate dream. A cruel trick my mind conjured up to torment me further. I dropped my backpack carelessly and slumped into my seat.

"He wasn't real." my subconscious nagged at me.

"It was all just a dream." I felt the tears begin to pool in the corners of my eyes. I put my head down and let myself go. Just a dream, just a dream, just a dream.. My mind was on repeat. I was so unaware of my own surroundings I didn't notice the thump of steps coming my way. I didn't notice the chair next to me scoot out, and the drop of a binder on the desk.

"Bella?" The sound of his voice snapped me out of my trance. I lifted my damp face and stared into the most beautiful pair of green eyes I'd ever seen. I gazed dumbly at his face. Examining every line, every pore, every movement. Then I began to cry again. I dropped my head into my hands and sobbed.

"Not again!" I said a little to loudly. I felt a warm hand on my cheek, wiping at a tear. I looked over once more, and saw a compassionate smile across his lips.

"Bella, it is me." I stared at him a moment longer.

"How..?" I couldn't speak anymore, another sob ripped up my chest. A dazzling smile lit up his angel's face.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you. But-" He paused for a moment then grew serious.

"You were right. All along, you were right about me." My hand reached up and met his. His touch was considerably different. It was still smooth as marble, warm, softer somehow. I held it to my face once more and shut my eyes. I knew people were staring, but I didn't care. Nothing else mattered right now but him. All of my questions could wait, he was here with me.