Disclaimer: My name is not Stephenie Meyer. The name on my birth certificate is Durrani. So not give me heck for that.
I sprinted through the pouring rain that was getting heavier every minute. I wasn't heading back home; I didn't have the guts to face Renée knowing that I was headed for Arizona in a matter of minutes. I ran around in aimless circles, first headed for La Push, then to the Makah reservation, then to the high school I would never attend.
Finally the freezing cold drove me home. I walked back slowly, a feeling not unlike stage fright building in the pit of my stomach. I remembered Renée's words once, a couple of months ago when I came home blubbering because I had gotten into a fight with Edward-They aren't true friends. You shouldn't get too attached.
They aren't true friends.
But she was wrong that time. I had patched it up with Edward, settling on a compromise. We were best friends. He had stuck for me all those years, stayed with me through thick or thin. He had stood up for me when I was getting yelled at by Renée for staying out late, encouraged me to eat vegetables, helped me when I had fallen from the tree and skinned my knees.
So why did he abandon me now?
I shook my head, resigned as I stepped into the house shivering. Renée jumped up from the sofa when I walked in, her face a mask of anger and worry. But how could I know if that was real?
"Where have you been?" she growled furiously. I thought she was concerned about why I was wet. "Phil's arriving in ten minutes and look at you! All wet and blubbing. Get to it. Go and change."
So she wasn't concerned about me after all. She was just worried that Phil would see me in this state. I shook my head in disbelief. She was seriously sick.
I stepped into my room, realizing with a pang that she had packed for me already. Somehow, seeing the neatly arranged clothes in the suitcase made my moving away seem so final. I gulped. I shouldn't be facing this kind of dilemma. I was seven, for Christ's sake!
I pulled out an old collared polo tee and holey jeans, pulling a jacket over me since I suddenly felt too cold. I rumpled my hair, smiling grimly. Phil was going to love the girl who looked like she just came from the ghetto.
Renée's impatient shout echoed up from downstairs. I gave one final glance around the room that had always been my home. I noticed a few things Renée had not bothered to pack-I stuffed them into the haversack. Charlie was sure to burn everything in this room.
I grabbed my stuff and spared another look. A sob was wrenched from me-I ran downstairs before I could really turn on the waterworks.
Renée was tapping her feet at the door. When she saw me she sighed in relief and dashed for the maroon Chevy outside. I saw a man linger outside, giving Renée a deep kiss. I turned away and saw Charlie on the sofa, his head in his hands.
"Bye, Dad. I love you," I whispered, hugging him and kissing his head. He didn't budge, although I could see tears slipping between his fingers.
I walked to the door, turning to gaze at Charlie and the house sadly. Two loud honks resounded from the driveway. I turned to leave.
"Love you, Bells," I heard Charlie say. I smiled sadly and slid into the car. It started and drove off.
The tears began slipping from my eyes.
Ooh, sorry it's so short!! But c'mon, I really don't want to add Phoenix into this chapter since it's kind of a "goodbye" chapter for Forks. Review and tell me if my English is good 'coz I'm kinda rusty, here!
RoGueSurfer: Thanks! It was sort of random, really.
Chrissienuil: To be honest…I was kind of thinking about that, but Bella was seven, and I can't really see a seven-year-old kicking someone's butt, can you?
paranoia'splash