Chapter 2 "Happy Now"

At my mother's insistence I didn't bring a lot with me to Georgia. Renee said I would still need some warmer for the clothes for the winter but overall, I would need a new wardrobe. Apparently, Georgia's weather was extremely "bipolar" and would go from 30's to 80's even during the winter. She blamed the weather, but I guessed she really just wanted to change my clothing style. My theory was proven when she slipped and said, "Bella, let go shopping and get you dressed like your age and not like a denim clad librarian." Trying to refrain from rolling my eyes, I reluctantly agreed. My regret was instant when Renee's wild driving met the insane Atlanta driving and traffic.

"Mom, if you ever expect me to ever travel with you again, I WILL DRIVE."

"Oh honey, you are such a worrier!"

"Mom, we barely made the exit! You aren't supposed to cross four lanes to the exit in less than fourth a mile!"

"Bella, Bella, Bella, we made it here in one piece. Let's celebrate by hitting all these shops! Lenox Square has so many options."

"Grrreat." I tried but failed to keep the disdain out of my voice.

Several torturous hours later, we left shopping to head back to Renee and Phil's townhome. I'm not sure what was scarier Renee's driving or being the driver in Atlanta. Sighing my relief when we pulled into the garage, I quickly dashed inside with my bags before my mom could rope me into another adventure. I flew into my room, only tripping once, and deposited all my bags into the walk-in closet. Thanks to the lower cost of living and Phil's salary, my new home was a three bed and three bath townhome. I, for once in my life, had my very own bathroom. Pure Luxury. Another bonus was no one could hear me cry in the shower. I tried to stay strong and truly start over for Charlie but the gaping hole in my chest burned with the effort. I'm not sure if it was the lost first love, the broken promise of eternity, or the utter betrayal He had committed against me, but I was broken. It was easier to hide my pain with Renee around, she was such a bright light and her child-like personality was refreshing. She was really trying to be more of a mother, but she always fell more to the side of a friend. She had grown and matured, somewhat, in my absence, but still maintained her zest for life.

My room was in the basement which had ground access to the tiny fenced-in yard. It was like having my own separate home. No one could hear my screams at night begging for Him to come back for me. Renee had decorated it in a neutral gray and had put large-scale floral wallpaper on the wall my bed was against. The full platform bed was covered in down comforter that was white with black splotches. A large desk against the opposite wall of the bed and one corner of the room had black built-in bookshelves with a large comfortable chair facing the windows. The room was beautiful although not necessarily my style; it was the payoff of Renee taking a modern design class or maybe just too many hours on Pinterest. "Esme would be proud," I said quietly to myself, the hole in my chest aching. I decided now would be a perfect time to take a shower, because tomorrow would be my first day at my new school and my last semester in high school. Before I could make it to the bathroom, my phone rang. Looking at the caller I.D. I saw it was my dad and answered.

"Bella?"

"Hey dad. What's up?"

"Oh, just calling before you last first day of high school! I am so proud of you. How is Georgia treating you?" He was trying. Charlie never was really a talker.

"Well, it was cold at the beginning of this week and now it's in the 60's. I can't complain too much," I replied reservedly. Even though I knew he meant the best, I still felt hurt that he shipped me away.

"Bella, truthfully, how are you holding up?" I was surprised at his question. He always kept everything very safe and extremely surface level.

"Uh, you know just holding on. I'm trying to make it through this last semester," I replied trying to steer the conversation back to neutral territory.

"Bella, when Renee left with you, I felt like my entire being was shattered. I know you hurt. I just want you to really try this last semester. Break out of your shell and make some friends. Hell, maybe even go a party. I don't want Edward to define you. You are too smart, beautiful, and compassionate to give your loyalty to someone who doesn't deserve you."

"Thanks, Ch-Dad. I have to go, big day tomorrow." I hung up quickly.

The tears started falling before I even noticed. Charlie was trying so hard to fill that hole that He had left. Charlies words were only a band-aid, I knew I would never have the capacity to love someone romantically again. Edward had ruined me. I knew the truth, I was the one unworthy of His love, But the pep-talk had sent a little spark into my body. The warmth from the spark made me hope that maybe in the last semester I could make friends. Maybe I could come out of the bubble I had created. It was hard to make everlasting friendships when you were constantly moving and changing schools. Maybe, just maybe, I could start pouring a foundation to better me that one day help someone else and give back to my world. Hell, maybe I'll be my age for once and go to a party.