A/N: Will post twice today since I didn't get to post yesterday because of work and a family thing. Remember to check out the tumblr for this story so you can see the images, the link is on my bio. Will keep it updated as we go along. Enjoy and leave feedback if you'd like.
Lyrics: Moving Forward by Hoobastank.
Chapter Two
EPOV
2012
I step off the train, taking in a deep breath before loosing myself in the crowd going up.
Reverting back to the push, shove, and breathe mantra.
Push, shove, and breathe.
Saying it again and again in my head, until I finally break free of the crowd and reach the warm air of the city.
Columbia loomed ahead and I felt a smile grace my face.
This was it, I was finally getting rid of the past and I was stepping forward.
Following the line of people who were all walking towards the large building.
Pulling out my second vice and the lighter.
Shaking the pack, I pulled out a Malbro and stick it in my mouth before lighting it.
It was just one of my addictions that I replaced the others with.
Ink was another.
Ink and smokes.
Dr. Platt said it was better than the coke and booze like it was before.
My mother disagreed.
My father didn't care.
Inhale, exhale, and step.
Inhale, exhale, and step.
Columbia was waiting.
Classes.
People.
It was all waiting for me.
2004
I had no idea how long I'd been out.
An hour?
A day?
I wasn't sure.
My bladder was though and I jerked up only to be pushed down, something jerking me back into place.
My wrist was cuffed and it all flooded back.
I had walked home from my dad's office after dropping off a report.
Voices behind me.
The cloth.
The struggle.
Panic flooded me and I started to pull at the cuff, I had to get the fuck out of here.
"It won't work man, when Aro does something, he really does."
I turn my head towards the face, a big guy in the chair, watching me.
"Look whoever the hell is Aro doesn't know who I am."
"Oh he does pretty boy, why do you think you're here."
Inhale, exhale, and step.
I stopped once I reached the steps of the big stone building and threw down the cigarette, snubbing it out with my converse.
Here I was.
My future was in front of me.
My mom was sure I could never handle the people.
The voices behind me.
But I was. Everyday since last June, I had.
I was dealing.
Finally I was another step closer.
Hitching my backpack on my shoulder, I took the steps two at a time.
One, two, and closer.
One, two, and closer.
Over and over until I reached the doors.
Other students were milling around, looking around for their classroom.
Or moving towards the administrators offices.
I?
I had studied and prepared for the moment since I stepped off the plane and entered my small apartment off campus.
I was ready.
Sliding off my raybans, I tucked them into the neck of my shirt and walked at a brisk pace.
Hitch bag, step forward, and smirk.
Though I didn't notice the people around me, but I kept the smirk in place.
I wanted to be normal.
I needed to be normal.
I remembered smirking before Aro.
Even heard the girls mention "panty ruiner" about it.
This was about getting back what he stole.
Hitch bag, step forward, and smirk.
Hitch bag, step forward, and smirk.
BPOV
2012
I was doing this.
My dad was fingering the small pistol I knew he wanted me to take.
My mom was crying and ready to beg me to stay.
I was packing.
Shoving the bulky clothing into the suitcase, three pieces at a time.
"You'll..." my mom stopped and I turned my head, giving her a small smile.
Lyrics playing, nearly covering her words but I knew she meant well.
"And I take, the first step of a million more...And I'll make mistakes I've never made before."
"I'll be okay," I get out.
And I would. I'd be away from this place.
From my dad who still had a hard time looking at me without pain.
From my mom who still cried for me.
From Jake who wouldn't speak to me or look at me.
From a town who whispered words of pity behind my back.
I loved everyone here.
Without everyone, I'd be dead.
I'd do what my mind taunted me with for so long.
I'd sliced the blue veins on my wrist and fell into the blackness that had been my friend.
But they saved me and now I was saving them.
I was leaving.
I was getting on with my life so they could do the same.
"But at least I'm moving forward, at least I'm moving forward."
2004
"Where are we?" I asked as I looked at the house we parked in front of.
It was a dump. An absolute dump.
The panic was reaching a fever pitch and I had to clasp Jake's hand to keep mine from shaking.
"A party," James spoke from the front seat and hopped out of the car.
"It'll be fun babe," Jake whispered before opening the door and pulling me out with him.
I followed, I'd follow Jake anywhere and I swallowed down the panic.
I was safe, I had Jake.
Mike tagged behind me and I wanted to pause and let him lead with James, but I refused to give into that fear.
Until I saw something concrete to be scared of, I'd try my best to enjoy this.
Jake wanted to experience life and so did I.
Sheltered didn't begin to describe our lives before High School.
Now we were branching out.
I refused to lose Jake because I was a chicken shit.
James reached the door and pushed it back, letting us in first before stepping in and locking the door as we walked ahead.
If I thought this place was a dump on the outside, it was just as crappy on the inside.
Shaking my head, I turned to ask James where everyone was but before I could speak, a tug made me tip sideways.
Jake was laid out and I was nearly on top of him now.
Looking up with a scream, I saw James and Mike smile.
"Sorry Isabella, he was in the way."
"I'm through feeling scared, I'm leaving that behind...so, now it's time go."
The lyrics pushed it away, the memories, and I finished packing.
Turning to look at them, my parents who loved me, I reached forward, pulling them into a hug.
"Thank you," I whisper between them.
"Be careful Is...Bella. Please."
"I will mom."
"I love you Bells," my dad whispered and I nodded.
"I love you both."
A honk broke up the emotion fest.
"You sure you don't want me take you Bells?"
I did, I really wanted to be with my dad one more time before I left but it would be hard.
He, though he had a hard time looking at me, was my safe haven.
He killed James.
He saved me.
But I needed to walk on my own now, no more hiding behind Chief Swan's gun.
"I'll be back home for Thanksgiving."
I tell them and they nod.